Houseboat Journey
Drift through the serene, palm-fringed backwaters of Alleppey in a traditional Kerala houseboat. Relish authentic local cuisine prepared fresh on board while observing gentle village life along the banks.
Vihaanga Journeys was founded with a clear vision—to present India in its most authentic, comfortable, and meaningful way for global travelers.
Discover the extraordinary diversity of South India on this unforgettable journey through the culturally rich states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Explore magnificent temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, colonial towns, misty hill stations, tranquil backwaters and royal cities while experiencing the region's rich heritage, spectacular landscapes and warm hospitality.
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Tour Routing: Chennai → Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry → Chidambaram → Kumbakonam → Thanjavur → Trichy → Madurai → Thekkady → Alleppey → Cochin → Munnar → Ooty → Mysore → Shravanabelagola → Hassan → Belur → Halebidu → Bengaluru
October to March offers cool and pleasant weather, making it the perfect time for long temple visits, backwater cruising, and enjoying the hill stations.
Top Feature Highlights
Drift through the serene, palm-fringed backwaters of Alleppey in a traditional Kerala houseboat. Relish authentic local cuisine prepared fresh on board while observing gentle village life along the banks.
Step back in time as you wander the towering gopurams of Madurai and Thanjavur, and admire the impossibly intricate soapstone carvings of the medieval temples in Belur and Halebidu.
Day 01 | Arrive Chennai by flight
Arrive at Chennai International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief city tour including Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Chennai
Day 02 | Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (Approx. 160 km | 4 Hours)
Drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram and explore its UNESCO World Heritage monuments, including the Shore Temple, Five Rathas and Arjuna's Penance. Continue to the charming French colonial town of Pondicherry. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Pondicherry
Day 03 | Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam (Approx. 170 km | 4 Hours)
Visit the picturesque French Quarter, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and then drive to Chidambaram to explore the famous Nataraja Temple. Continue to Kumbakonam, one of South India's most important temple towns. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Kumbakonam
Day 04 | Kumbakonam – Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai (Approx. 280 km | 6 Hours)
Visit the UNESCO-listed Airavatesvara Temple, the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur and the spectacular Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam before continuing to Madurai. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Madurai
Day 05 | Madurai
Enjoy a full day exploring Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum and Madurai's colourful local markets. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Madurai
Day 06 | Madurai – Thekkady (Approx. 140 km | 3.5 Hours)
Drive into Kerala's scenic Western Ghats to Thekkady. Visit a fragrant spice plantation and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Periyar Lake (subject to operation). Overnight Stay at Hotel – Thekkady
Day 07 | Thekkady – Alleppey (Approx. 160 km | 4 Hours)
Drive to Alleppey and board a traditional Deluxe Houseboat. Cruise through Kerala's tranquil backwaters, passing coconut groves, paddy fields and village life while enjoying authentic Kerala cuisine onboard. Overnight Stay on Deluxe Houseboat – Alleppey
Day 08 | Alleppey – Cochin (Approx. 60 km | 1.5 Hours)
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Cochin. Explore Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace and the historic Jew Town. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Cochin
Day 09 | Cochin – Munnar (Approx. 130 km | 4 Hours)
Drive through the picturesque Western Ghats to Munnar, Kerala's famous hill station surrounded by rolling tea plantations, waterfalls and mist-covered mountains. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Munnar
Day 10 | Munnar
Explore Eravikulam National Park (subject to seasonal opening), the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point while enjoying spectacular views across Munnar's tea estates. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Munnar
Day 11 | Munnar – Ooty (Approx. 240 km | 6–7 Hours)
Enjoy one of South India's most scenic drives through the Western Ghats to Ooty, the charming "Queen of Hill Stations." Overnight Stay at Hotel – Ooty
Day 12 | Ooty – Toy Train Experience – Mysore (Approx. 125 km | 3.5 Hours)
After breakfast, enjoy a memorable ride on the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) through the picturesque Nilgiri Hills (subject to availability). Later, drive to the royal city of Mysore and visit the magnificent Mysore Palace. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Mysore
Day 13 | Mysore – Shravanabelagola – Hassan (Approx. 135 km | 3–4 Hours)
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Mysore, including Chamundi Hill and the vibrant Devaraja Market. Later, drive to Hassan, stopping en route at Shravanabelagola, one of India's most important Jain pilgrimage centres, renowned for the colossal monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara (Bahubali). Overnight Stay at Hotel – Hassan
Day 14 | Hassan – Belur – Halebidu – Bengaluru (Approx. 220 km | 5–6 Hours)
Visit the magnificent Hoysala Temples of Belur and Halebidu, celebrated for their intricate stone carvings and exceptional medieval architecture, continue to Bengaluru, India's vibrant Garden City. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Bengaluru
Day 15 | Bengaluru Sightseeing & Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Bengaluru, visiting Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bull Temple, and drive past the impressive Vidhana Soudha. Later, transfer to Kempegowda International Airport for your onward flight. End of Services.
