Overview

Embark on a captivating 22-day journey through South India, starting in Chennai and ending in Bangalore. This extensive itinerary covers the region's spiritual, cultural, and natural wonders, including iconic temples, serene beaches, historical landmarks, and lush hill stations. Highlights include the architectural marvels of Mahabalipuram, the spiritual tranquility of Pondicherry's Auroville, the wildlife of Thekkady, and the backwaters of Alleppey. Explore the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore, the scenic beauty of Munnar and Ooty, the historical richness of Mysore, and the heritage sites of Hampi. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of spirituality, nature, and history, making it an unforgettable South Indian adventure


Covered Destination:


Chennai : Kapaleeswara Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Astalakshmi Temple & Marina Beach.


Kanchipuram : Kamakshi Amman Teemple, Ekambareshwara Temple & Varadaraja Perumal Temple.


Mahabalipuram : Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Krishnan’s Butter Ball, Varaha Cave temple & Indian Sea Shell Temple.


Pondicherry : Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, French War Memorial, French Colony, Bharathiyar Park, Manakula Vinayagar Temple & Rock Beach etc.


Chidambaram : Nataraja Temple, Gangaikonda Chozhapuram Brihadeeswarar Temple.


Kumbakonam : Aadi Kumbeswara Temple, Airavateeswara Temple, Swamimalai Murugan Temple.


Tanjore : Big Temple (Brihadeeswarar Temple)


Madurai : Meenakshi Temple, Kudal Azhagar Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace & Gandhi Museum etc.


Thekkady : Periyar Wild life Sanctuary.


Alleppey : if hotel stay, Sree Mullakkal Rajeshwari temple, Shree Krishna Sway Temple, Lighthouse, Karunakaran Memorial Museum & Shikara boat Ride.


If Houseboat stay: 4 hours backwaters cruise along with beautiful views of Kerala Village. Night stay in Houseboat.


Cochin : Santa Cruz Church, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing net, Dutch Cemetery, Dutch palace museum and Jewish synagogue.


Munnar : Valera and Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park,Mattupetty dam, Echo point, Tea museum.


Ooty : Sim's Park, Lamb's Rock, Dolphin’s Nose, Rose Garden, Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, Tea Factory, Tea Museum, Thread Garden, Wax World and Glass House, Pykara falls & lake & Ooty Lake.


Wayanad : Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake, Tea Museum, Soochipara Waterfalls, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Cave, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Arattupara View Point.


Coorg : Golden Temple, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Omkareshwar Temple Raja's Seat, Tala kaveri, Bhagamanda Temple, Abbey Falls.


Mysore : Royal Palace, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery, Brindavan Garden & Chamundi Hill.


Hassan : Belur Chennakesava Temple & Halibeedu group of Monumnets.


Hampi : Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Elephant Stable, Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath House, Achutharaya Temple etc.


Detailed Itineary

Day 1: Chennai Arrival and Sightseeing

On arrival at Chennai airport/railway station, meet, greet, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. After a brief rest, visit Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Vadapalani Murugan Temple. In the evening, visit Ashtalakshmi Temple and enjoy the serene Besant Nagar Beach or Marina Beach. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram and check in at the hotel. Later, visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambaranatha Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), and Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Proceed to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, Varaha Cave, Mahishasuramarthini Cave, and the Lighthouse. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry and visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community in Pondicherry. Explore the French Colony, Pondicherry Museum, Botanical Garden, French War Memorial, Bharathi Park, and Manakula Vinayagar Temple (dedicated to Lord Ganesha). In the evening, relax at Promenade Beach. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry

After breakfast, visit Auroville, a universal town for peaceful and progressive harmony, open to the public by appointment. Explore the Varadharaja Perumal Temple and Panchamukha Sri Anjaneya Temple. In the evening, relax at Rock Beach. Have dinner at your preferred hotel and return for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 5: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam – Tanjore

Post breakfast, check out and drive to Chidambaram. Visit the Natarajar Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), where Shiva is depicted in a dancing posture, representing the element of sky. Afterward, drive to Gangaikonda Chozhpuram to see the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Chola Emperor Rajendra I. Later, visit Aadi Kumbeswarar Temple (dedicated to Shiva) in Kumbakonam, one of the prominent Saivite temples and the center for the Mahamaham festival. Visit Airavateeswarar Temple in Darasuram, another UNESCO monument showcasing splendid architecture. End the day with a visit to Swamimalai Murugan Temple, the fourth of the six Arupadai Veedu temples, and then drive to Tanjore for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Tanjore – Madurai

After breakfast, check out and visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple (also known as Big Temple), a 1000-year-old architectural marvel built by King Raja Raja Chola. Later, drive to Madurai, visiting Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple on the way. This temple is one of the Six Holy Abodes of Lord Muruga. Upon arrival in Madurai, check in to your hotel. In the evening, visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum, Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, and Kudal Azhagar Temple. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 7: Madurai – Periyar

After breakfast, check out and drive to Thekkady (Periyar). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across 777 sq. km of lush evergreen forest. Activities such as boating on Periyar Lake, Kathakali dance performances, Kalari martial art shows, and Spice Plantation tours (on a direct payment basis) can be enjoyed. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 8: Thekkady – Alleppey

After breakfast, check out and drive to Alleppey (approx. 4 hrs). Known for its picturesque backwaters, enjoy a houseboat cruise or stay in a hotel and relax. You can visit Sree Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple, the lighthouse, and the beach. Optionally, if you prefer a houseboat stay, enjoy a peaceful day cruising through Kerala’s backwaters, complete with traditional Kerala meals, tea, and snacks. In the evening, explore local markets and village life. Overnight stay on the houseboat or hotel.

Day 9: Alleppey – Cochin

After breakfast, check out and drive to Cochin. Visit the Dutch Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the St. Francis Church, one of India's earliest European churches. Explore the Chinese fishing nets, which operate on a unique balancing system, and visit the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry. End the day with a visit to Fort Kochi Beach. Enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep at a hotel in Cochin.

Day 10: Cochin – Munnar

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the journey to Munnar. Enroute, visit Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls, located close to each other on the Cochin-Munnar highway. These beautiful waterfalls cascade down in seven steps, creating an awe-inspiring sight as they meet. Continue the drive to Munnar, a popular hill station at an elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Munnar features vast expanses of tea plantations, waterfalls, picturesque valleys, and dense forests. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

Day 11: Munnar

After breakfast, enjoy local sightseeing in Munnar. Visit the famous Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Photo Point. In the afternoon, head to Rajamalai (Eravikulam National Park), home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr mountain goats. Take a walk through the park and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 12: Munnar – Ooty

Post breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Ooty. Enroute, visit Lakkam Waterfalls and Coonoor. Coonoor, located 20 km from Ooty, is a charming hill station at 1,850 meters above sea level, offering trekking opportunities and beautiful landscapes. Visit Sim's Park, a botanical garden with over 1,000 species of flora, and Lamb's Rock, known for its panoramic views of Coimbatore Plains. Upon arrival in Ooty, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Ooty

After breakfast, explore Ooty's most famous attractions. Visit the Rose Garden, renowned for its vibrant and fragrant roses, and the Tea Garden in Coonoor, where you can enjoy a walk through lush green tea plantations. Visit the Botanical Garden, covering 55 acres, offering beautiful landscapes and a rich botanical experience. Explore the Tea Factory and Tea Museum to learn about tea production and purchase organic tea. Next, visit Thread Garden, famous for its exquisite thread-made flowers and plants, along with Wax World and Glass House. Spend your evening shopping in the local markets before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Ooty – Wayanad

After breakfast, embark on a journey to Wayanad. Enroute, visit Pykara Falls and Pykara Lake. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, visit Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India and the second-largest in Asia. Explore Pookode Lake, Tea Museum, and Soochipara Waterfalls. In the evening, enjoy some local shopping and indulge in Kerala's flavorful cuisine. Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 15: Wayanad

Today start the day very early as possible Venture into the wild at the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. If you wish, you can opt for a jeep ride inside the forest (Direct Payment Basis). History fascinates you at the Edakkal Cave. Believed to date back to 6000BC, this prehistoric natural cave is a well-known UNESCO certified monument, famous for its painting. It is among the oldest human settlement ever discovered. After lunch, drive to Wayanad Heritage Museum. Dating back to the second century, it has one of Kerala's largest collections of remnants which cannot be seen anywhere else in Kerala. Later drive to Arattupara View Point for breath-taking views. Head back to your hotel for an overnight stay after having a delicious dinner at your preferred hotel in Wayanad.

Day 16: Wayanad – Mysore

Post breakfast, drive to Mysore and upon arrival check in to hotel. After some fresh up begin your tour with Mysore sightseeing. Visit the Royal Palace of Mysore which takes you on a journey through the royal lifestyles of Mysore kings. You can't miss the famous Bull Temple or Nandi Temple and Chamundi Hills on your Mysore tour. Later, pay a visit to St. Philomena’s Cathedral. A renowned Catholic church in Mysore, it is said to be one of the tallest churches in Asia as well as the second-largest on the continent. You will also explore, Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery which has one of the largest collections of artefacts in South India. In the evening, treat yourself to an unforgettable and spectacular sound and light show at Brindavan Garden. Later, have your dinner at your preferred hotel and don't forget to try some traditional Mysore dishes and sweets. Then, head back to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 17: Mysore – Coorg

After breakfast, drive to Coorg, known for its stunning landscapes, mist-covered hills, and lush green valleys, also it is famous for its coffee and spice plantations, offering a refreshing retreat for nature lovers. The region boasts beautiful waterfalls and it is home to diverse wildlife in its protected areas. Coorg has a distinct culture, with the local Kodava community celebrating their traditions through festivals and dance forms. Coorg is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, adventure sports, and mouth-watering cuisine. Enroute visit Golden Temple, one of the largest teaching centres of Tibetan Buddhism. The Monastery has one of the finest quality architecture and attractive artworks on the walls. Cauvery Nisargadhama is an ideal destination for nature lovers, families, and adventure enthusiasts. On arrival, check in at Hotel, then in the evening visit Omkareshwar Temple, a serene and ancient place of worship. Later visit Raja's Seat, a favourite spot of the Kodagu kings, known for its beautiful views. Overnight stay in Coorg.

Day 18: Coorg

Post breakfast, drive for an excursion to Talakaveri, considered the origin of the River Kaveri. It is said that the river emerges as a spring from the Brahmagiri Hills, which are part of the Western Ghats. At Talakaveri, there is a small temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveri, believed to be the presiding deity of the River Kaveri. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings at this temple. Then visit Abbey Falls, offering a picturesque setting, followed by a visit to Mandalpatti, where the view of mist-covered mountains, lush green valleys, and dense forests is breathtaking. You can trek or hire a jeep (Direct payment basis) to reach this viewpoint. Overnight stay in Coorg.

Day 19: Coorg – Belur – Hassan

After breakfast, check out and drive to Hassan. After checking in at the hotel, visit Belur Chennakesava Temple and Halibeedu, which are protected monument sites. Visit the Hoysaleeswara Temple and Jain Temple complex. Later, return to Hassan for an overnight stay.

Day 20: Hassan – Hospet

Post breakfast, drive to Hospet and upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Overnight stay in Hospet.

Day 21: Hospet – Hampi - Hospet

After breakfast, proceed to visit Hampi – one of the biggest monument sites of Karnataka and India. Visit Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Elephant Stable, Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath House, Achutharaya Temple, etc. Later, return back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Hospet.

Day 22: Hospet – Bangalore drop

After breakfast, check out and drive to Bangalore. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. With memories of the great South India Trip.

Day 22: Hospet – Bangalore

Check out from the hotel and start your drive to Bangalore. Check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the beauty of the Garden City. Overnight stay in Bangalore.

FAQs

Key temples include Kapaleeswara Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple, and the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram.

Thekkady offers wildlife safaris in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, boating on Periyar Lake, and visits to spice plantations.

Yes, Alleppey offers houseboat stays with backwater cruises, traditional Kerala meals, and views of village life.

Munnar's highlights include the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and the Tea Museum.

In Hampi, visit the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Elephant Stable, Lotus Mahal, and Queen’s Bath House.
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