Southern India Heritage, Hills & Backwaters

Day 1 | Arrival Chennai by flight
Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your international flight. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Chennai

Day 2 | Chennai – Mahabalipuram (60 km | Approx. 1.5 Hours)
After breakfast, visit Chennai's highlights including Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome Basilica and Marina Beach. Later, drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage monuments including the Shore Temple, Five Rathas and Arjuna's Penance. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Mahabalipuram

Day 3 | Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (100 km | Approx. 2 Hours)
Explore the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, Five Rathas and Arjuna's Penance before continuing to the charming French colonial town of Pondicherry. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the French Quarter and the scenic Promenade. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Pondicherry

Day 4 | Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam (170 km | Approx. 4 Hours)
Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville before driving to Chidambaram to explore the sacred Nataraja Temple. Continue to Kumbakonam, one of South India's most important temple towns. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Kumbakonam

Day 5 | Kumbakonam – Thanjavur – Trichy (110 km | Approx. 3 Hours)
Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing to Trichy to explore the famous Rock Fort Temple. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Trichy

Day 6 | Trichy – Madurai (140 km | Approx. 3 Hours)
Drive to Madurai and visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of India's finest examples of Dravidian architecture. In the evening, witness the colourful temple ceremony. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Madurai

Day 7 | Madurai
Enjoy a full day exploring Madurai's cultural treasures including Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum and the vibrant local markets. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Madurai

Day 8 | Madurai – Thekkady (140 km | Approx. 4 Hours)
Drive through the scenic Western Ghats to Thekkady. Visit a fragrant spice plantation and experience Kerala's renowned spice-growing region. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Thekkady

Day 9 | Thekkady – Kumarakom (125 km | Approx. 3.5 Hours)
Continue to Kumarakom, beautifully situated along the tranquil shores of Vembanad Lake and surrounded by Kerala's famous backwaters. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Kumarakom

Day 10 | Kumarakom – Alleppey (35 km | Approx. 1 Hour)
Transfer to Alleppey and board a traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise through peaceful canals, lush paddy fields and charming villages while enjoying freshly prepared local cuisine onboard. Overnight Stay on Deluxe Houseboat – Alleppey

Day 11 | Alleppey – Cochin (55 km | Approx. 1.5 Hours)
Disembark after breakfast and drive to historic Cochin. Explore Fort Kochi including St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, the Chinese Fishing Nets and the Jewish Quarter. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Cochin

Day 12 | Cochin – Munnar (130 km | Approx. 4.5 Hours)
Drive through the picturesque Western Ghats into Kerala's famous tea-growing region. Arrive in Munnar and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Munnar

Day 13 | Munnar
Visit Eravikulam National Park (subject to seasonal opening), the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point while admiring the rolling tea plantations. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Munnar

Day 14 | Munnar – Ooty (240 km | Approx. 6.5 Hours)
Journey through one of South India's most scenic mountain routes to Ooty, affectionately known as the Queen of the Nilgiri Hills. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Ooty

Day 15 | Ooty
Explore the Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake and Doddabetta Peak while enjoying the cool climate and beautiful landscapes. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Ooty

Day 16 | Ooty – Toy Train Experience – Mysore (125 km | Approx. 3.5 Hours Drive)
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 check in at your hotel. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Mysore

Day 17 | Mysore – Shravanabelagola – Hassan (Approx. 135 km | 3–4 Hours)
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of the royal city of Mysore including the magnificent Mysore Palace, Devaraja Market and Chamundi Hill. Later, drive to Hassan via 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 18 | Hassan – Belur – Halebidu – Hampi (Approx. 360 km | 7–8 Hours)
Visit the magnificent Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu, celebrated for their intricate stone carvings and exceptional medieval architecture. Later, continue to Hampi, the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Hampi

Day 19 | Hampi
Spend the day exploring the remarkable ruins of Hampi including Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, the iconic Stone Chariot, Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Hampi

Day 20 | Hampi – Bengaluru (340 km | Approx. 6.5 Hours)
Drive to Bengaluru, India's vibrant Garden City and technology hub. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour including Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bull Temple and a drive past the impressive Vidhana Soudha. Overnight Stay at Hotel – Bengaluru

Day 21 | Bengaluru – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time depending on your flight schedule before transferring to Bengaluru International Airport for your onward journey. End of Tour