Arrive in Bengaluru (Bangalore) on a morning international flight, where the energy of South India greets you from the very first moment—cooler air than you might expect, tree-lined boulevards, and the gentle bustle of a city that blends modern India with a deep cultural pulse. After completing immigration, collecting your luggage, and clearing customs, you’ll be met by our local representative and assisted to your transfer.

You’ll then be driven to your hotel for check-in (standard check-in times apply). Depending on your arrival time and room readiness, you may have an opportunity to freshen up and reset after the flight—perfect for easing into the time zone and setting a relaxed pace for the days ahead.

The afternoon is at leisure, giving you the freedom to unwind at the hotel, take a gentle stroll nearby, or simply enjoy a calm start to your South India adventure. If you’d like to venture out, keep it light and easy—perhaps a relaxed café stop or an unhurried walk to get your bearings—saving bigger sightseeing for when you’re fully refreshed.

Dinner is included this evening—an ideal way to settle in, enjoy your first flavours of the region, and ease into the rhythm of your journey.

Overnight in Bengaluru.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you begin your day with a revealing introduction to Bengaluru—a city where sacred tradition and modern India sit side by side. This morning’s sightseeing brings you to some of the capital’s most meaningful and memorable landmarks before you travel onwards to the royal heritage city of Mysuru.

Your first highlight is the historic Bull Temple, a 16th-century shrine dedicated to Nandi, Shiva’s revered bull. The atmosphere here feels distinctly local—incense drifting through the air, soft chants, and devotees arriving with offerings—offering a calm, authentic glimpse into everyday spiritual life in Karnataka.

You’ll then visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an evocative reminder of South India’s layered past. With its distinctive Indo-Islamic style and teakwood detailing, the palace carries stories of resistance and strategy from an era when regional kingdoms faced the expanding forces of colonial power. En route, you’ll also drive past the impressive Vidhana Soudha, one of India’s grandest legislative buildings—an architectural statement of modern governance with a distinctly Indian scale and flourish.

After your city tour, continue by road towards Mysuru. Along the way, you stop at the remarkable island town of Srirangapatna, set within the waters of the Cauvery River and steeped in history. Here you’ll visit the sacred Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a revered Vaishnavite temple known for its spiritual energy and intricate South Indian design. You’ll also explore significant sites linked to Tipu Sultan’s legacy, including Tipu’s Death Place, Daria Daulat Bagh, and the elegant Gumbaz mausoleum—each offering a deeper understanding of this region’s dramatic past and enduring pride.

On arrival in Mysuru, you’ll transfer to your hotel for check-in. The evening is a chance to slow the pace and enjoy the city’s more relaxed rhythm—Mysuru is famed for its royal elegance, broad boulevards, and cultural charm.

Dinner is included this evening, rounding off a day rich in temples, heritage, and stories that bring Karnataka’s past and present vividly to life.

Overnight in Mysuru.

Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel before stepping into the cultural heart of Mysuru—a city celebrated for its royal heritage, living traditions, and wonderfully sensory markets. Today blends local colour with grand architecture, finishing with a remarkable temple visit beyond the city.

Your morning begins at the lively Devaraja Market, one of Mysuru’s most authentic everyday experiences. Wander through a maze of stalls piled high with fresh fruits, vegetables, and vivid mounds of flowers—jasmine, marigolds, and roses—while the air carries hints of incense and spices. It’s a brilliant place to absorb local rhythm: shopkeepers calling out prices, garlands being threaded by hand, and the city going about its morning with effortless charm.

Next, travel up to Chamundi Hills, rising above the city with sweeping views and a deep spiritual presence. The hilltop is revered in local tradition and offers a powerful sense of place—cooler air, panoramic outlooks, and an atmosphere that feels distinctly removed from the bustle below.

Back in the city, the day turns regal as you visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of South India’s most iconic landmarks. Even from the outside, its scale and symmetry are striking; inside, you’ll encounter richly decorated halls, ornate details, and a vivid sense of Mysuru’s royal legacy. You then continue to the Jaganmohan Art Palace, a cultural treasure known for its art collections and heritage interiors—an ideal complement to the grandeur of the palace, offering a more curated, museum-like lens on the region’s artistic past.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short drive to Somnathpur to visit the extraordinary 13th-century Chennakesava Temple. This Hoysala-era masterpiece is famed for its intricate stonework—rows of finely carved friezes, detailed pillars, and sculpted figures that reveal their beauty the longer you look. It’s the perfect final stop today: quieter, more contemplative, and deeply atmospheric.

Return to Mysuru in the evening. Dinner is included, giving you a relaxed close to a day filled with colour, culture, and some of Karnataka’s most impressive architectural treasures.

Overnight in Mysuru.

After breakfast at the hotel, set off on a wonderfully scenic drive from royal Mysuru into the cool, misty hills of Ooty—the “Queen of the Nilgiris”. Today is a classic South India transition day, where the landscape slowly shifts from city edges and farmland into dense forest corridors and highland greenery.

A highlight of the journey is passing along the forested routes near Bandipur National Park and the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. These protected landscapes are known for their rich biodiversity, and even from the road you may catch memorable glimpses of nature—perhaps elephants, deer, or even peacocks moving through the greenery or appearing at the roadside (wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the possibility adds an exciting edge to the drive).

As you ascend into the Nilgiri hills, expect cooler air, rolling slopes, and a softer pace—Ooty feels refreshingly different, with its colonial-era charm, tea-country ambience, and mountain views. On arrival, check in to your hotel and take the rest of the day at leisure. This is a perfect evening to slow down: enjoy a gentle stroll, sip a warming cup of tea, or simply relax and breathe in the crisp hill-station air.

Dinner is included this evening, rounding off a day of changing scenery—from wildlife corridors and forest landscapes to the calm, elevated beauty of the Nilgiris.

Overnight in Ooty.

Enjoy a relaxed hill-station morning with breakfast at the hotel before one of the Nilgiris’ most nostalgic highlights—an iconic toy train ride through misty slopes and tea-country scenery. You’ll board the charming mountain railway for the short but beautiful journey from Ooty to Coonoor (09:15–10:25), passing eucalyptus groves, rolling green valleys, and postcard-perfect viewpoints as the train gently winds through the hills.

On arrival in Coonoor, visit a local tea plantation for a closer look at the region’s famous tea-growing culture. Learn how tea moves from leaf to cup, and if conditions allow, you may see tea plucking in action (tea plucking typically happens throughout the year, but can be affected by heavy rainfall or other local disruptions beyond control).

Lunch will be at a local restaurant on a direct payment basis, giving you the freedom to choose what appeals—this is a lovely moment to try comforting hill-station flavours and a fresh cup of Nilgiri tea.

In the afternoon, return to Ooty for a gentle sightseeing experience. Visit the beautifully maintained Botanical Gardens, a refreshing oasis of flowers, shaded paths, and towering trees—ideal for a slow stroll and crisp mountain air. Continue to a local church for a glimpse into Ooty’s heritage, then enjoy time in the local market, where you can browse handmade goods, local produce, and small souvenirs—perfect for picking up something light and meaningful to remember your Nilgiris stay.

Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening, with dinner included—an ideal way to end a day of slow travel, tea-country charm, and cool mountain ambience.

Overnight in Ooty.

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to leave the cool Nilgiri hills behind and begin your transition from tea-country air to the warmer, tropical rhythm of Kerala. This morning you travel by road to Coimbatore, enjoying changing landscapes as hill forests give way to plains, villages, and palm-lined scenery.

On arrival in Coimbatore, you’ll be transferred to the railway station in time to board your train to Cochin (13:10–16:55). Settle into your seat and watch the scenery unfold—fields, small towns, and waterways gradually hinting at the lush green beauty Kerala is famous for.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant on a direct payment basis, allowing you the freedom to choose what suits you best on a travel day.

On arrival in Cochin, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure—perfect for a slow settle-in after travel. Depending on your energy levels, you may wish to enjoy a relaxed walk nearby, take a refreshing break at the hotel, or simply unwind and let Kerala’s calm, coastal atmosphere work its magic.

Your day concludes with dinner included at the hotel.

Overnight in Cochin.

After breakfast at the hotel, step into the layered history of Cochin (Kochi)—a harbour city shaped by spice traders, seafarers, and centuries of cultural exchange. Today blends heritage landmarks with a wonderfully local experience, giving you a deeper feel for Kerala beyond the usual sightseeing.

Begin with a visit to Mattancherry Palace, famed for its beautifully preserved interiors and exquisite murals that tell stories from Indian epics. From here, continue into the historic Jewish Quarter to visit the Jewish Synagogue (subject to opening times), a quiet, atmospheric reminder of Cochin’s long-standing multicultural identity.

Next, explore Fort Cochin, where colonial-era streets, art cafés, and sea breezes create an easygoing rhythm. Visit St Francis Church—one of the oldest European churches in India—and the elegant Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, known for its calm interiors and striking heritage architecture. Along the shoreline, pause by the iconic Chinese fishing nets, best seen as they dip and rise against the backdrops of boats, birds, and the Arabian Sea.

This afternoon is a true highlight: enjoy an Anglo-Indian cooking lesson—a warm, hands-on introduction to Cochin’s home-style flavours—followed by a delicious lunch at a local family house. It’s not just about recipes; it’s about stories, heritage, and the small culinary details that define Kerala’s coastal culture.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance—a vivid, colourful spectacle where elaborate costumes, expressive make-up, and rhythmic movement bring mythology and folklore to life. Even if you’ve never seen Indian classical theatre before, the artistry and storytelling make it unforgettable.

Your day ends with dinner included at the hotel.

Overnight in Cochin.

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to leave coastal Cochin behind and journey into one of Kerala’s most iconic landscapes—the serene waterways of Alleppey (Alappuzha). The drive is short and scenic (approximately 70 km / 2 hours), shifting from city life to a calmer world of coconut palms, paddy fields, and village lanes.

On arrival, you’ll be taken to the jetty to board a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat—an elegant wooden craft that once carried rice and spices, now reimagined for comfort as it glides through the famous Kerala backwaters. Your day cruise begins around 11:00 and lasts approximately 4 hours, offering a beautifully slow pace and a front-row view of everyday life on the water.

As you cruise, settle into the rhythm of the water—this is Kerala at its most soothing. A freshly prepared lunch will be served on board, turning the experience into a true taste of the region while the scenery drifts by like a moving postcard.

After lunch, you’ll disembark and transfer to your hotel in Alleppey for check-in. The rest of the evening is at leisure—perfect for a relaxed walk, a quiet drink, or simply enjoying the slower coastal-backwater atmosphere.

Dinner is included at the hotel.

Overnight in Alleppey.

After breakfast at your hotel in Alleppey, you’ll leave the gentle backwaters behind and travel inland to the cool, forested highlands of Thekkady—gateway to the famed Periyar region. The drive (approximately 130 km / 4 hours) is a beautiful contrast to yesterday’s waterways, climbing through winding roads, misty viewpoints, and green hillsides that hint at Kerala’s spice-growing heart.

On arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to settle in. Thekkady has a fresh mountain feel—cooler air, fragrant plantations, and an unhurried pace that makes it ideal for a slower afternoon.

This evening, experience one of South India’s most impressive cultural traditions: Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art of Kerala. In a compact venue with stadium-style seating, you’ll watch a high-energy performance featuring powerful stances, rapid footwork, and athletic demonstrations that bring centuries of warrior heritage to life. It’s fast-paced, dramatic, and surprisingly elegant—an unforgettable window into Kerala’s living culture.

Dinner is included at the hotel this evening—perfect after a day of travelling and a vibrant cultural show.

Overnight in Thekkady (Periyar).

Wake up to the crisp, forest-scented air of Thekkady, where misty hills, spice plantations, and the wild edges of Periyar create one of Kerala’s most atmospheric landscapes. Today blends gentle nature time with cultural flavour—ideal for travellers who want a deeper connection to the region’s biodiversity and heritage.

Return to your hotel for a well-earned breakfast, then continue your Thekkady immersion with a visit to a local spice plantation. This is where Kerala’s global reputation for flavour comes to life—walk among pepper vines, cardamom plants, cinnamon, cloves, and other aromatic crops, while learning the stories, traditions, and uses behind the spices that shaped trade routes for centuries.

In the afternoon, unwind with a boat ride on Periyar Lake, drifting through tranquil waters framed by forested shores. It’s a relaxing, scenic experience—and on some days, the lake edges can reveal wildlife coming down to drink. Please note this boat ride is subject to water levels in the lake and operational conditions on the day.

Dinner is included this evening at your hotel—an ideal end to a day of forest air, spice scents, and slow, scenic waters.

Overnight in Thekkady.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Thekkady and travel by road to Madurai (approximately 160 km / 5 hours). As you leave Kerala’s spice-scented hills behind, the scenery gradually shifts into the warmer plains of Tamil Nadu—an unhurried journey that sets the tone for the cultural richness ahead.

On arrival in Madurai, check in to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This is a perfect chance to slow down after the drive—perhaps relax, recharge, or take a gentle first look at the city’s atmosphere. Madurai is one of India’s oldest living cities, and even a short stroll can reveal busy bazaars, incense-laced lanes, and the unmistakable energy of a place built around faith and tradition.

Dinner is included this evening at your hotel, offering a comfortable end to your travel day—whether you choose to keep the evening restful or step into the spiritual heartbeat of Madurai’s iconic temple rituals.

Overnight in Madurai.

Begin your morning with breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a guided exploration of Madurai—a city where living devotion, vibrant markets, and ancient Tamil civilisation meet in a truly unforgettable setting. Today’s sightseeing focuses on the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks, blending sacred architecture with royal history and archaeological discovery.

Your first highlight is the extraordinary Sri Meenakshi Temple, the spiritual heartbeat of Madurai. As you approach, the scale is instantly striking—towering gopurams (monumental gateways) rise above the old city, intricately covered with sculpted deities and mythic figures in a riot of colour and detail. Inside the temple enclosure, you’ll notice a continual rhythm of ceremonies and devotion, with chanting, bells, incense, and a gentle flow of pilgrims moving between shrines. The surrounding lanes and market activity add to the atmosphere, creating a place that feels less like a static monument and more like a living, breathing world of tradition.

Later, continue to the elegant Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a grand 17th-century palace celebrated for its Indo-Saracenic style. Walk through vast arched corridors and dramatic pillared halls that hint at a time when Madurai was a flourishing royal capital. The palace’s scale and symmetry create a striking contrast to the temple’s intricate detail, offering a different lens on the city’s layered past.

In the afternoon, step deeper into Tamil history with a visit to the Keeladi Heritage Museum. The Keeladi site dates back to the Sangam period—often regarded as the golden age of Tamil literature (approximately the 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE). Excavations here have revealed traces of a sophisticated urban settlement, including residential areas, organised streets, public spaces, and evidence of water management systems. The museum brings these discoveries to life, offering a fascinating perspective on how advanced and culturally rich this region was more than two thousand years ago.

Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and time to relax—reflecting on a day that reveals Madurai as both a sacred city of living rituals and a powerful window into the ancient story of South India.

Overnight in Madurai.

After breakfast at the hotel, set off on a scenic drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur)—the former heart of the mighty Chola empire and one of South India’s most rewarding cultural stops. As the landscapes shift to open plains and fertile countryside, you’ll begin to feel the rhythm of Tamil Nadu’s temple belt—where history is not only preserved, but still lived and celebrated.

On arrival, step into one of India’s true architectural masterpieces: the Brihadeeswara Temple (also known as the “Big Temple”). Dedicated to Lord Shiva, and built around 1010 AD by the Chola ruler Rajaraja Chola I, this extraordinary complex is famed for its monumental scale, precision stonework, and spiritual presence. The temple’s Shiva is represented by a vast lingam, and the entire site stands as a powerful statement of Chola artistry and devotion. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed “Great Living Chola Temples,” a designation that reflects both its historic importance and its continuing role as a place of worship.

As evening approaches, continue to the lively town of Kumbakonam, a place known for its temple-lined streets, traditional crafts, and unmistakably local pace of life. This is a wonderful chance to soak up the atmosphere—whether you browse small shops, watch daily rituals unfold, or simply enjoy the feel of a true South Indian temple town as the light softens and the day cools.

Return to your hotel for dinner and a restful evening, surrounded by the heritage-rich landscapes of Tamil Nadu.

Overnight in Tanjore.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey towards Pondicherry—a coastal enclave where Tamil soul meets a distinctly French-colonial past. Today is a longer drive (approximately 250 km / 6 hours), passing through changing landscapes and small towns that give a quiet glimpse into everyday South India beyond the tourist trail.

Arrive in Pondicherry and check in to your hotel. The atmosphere here feels immediately different—tree-lined boulevards, pastel facades, café culture, and a relaxed seaside rhythm that makes it a favourite for travellers seeking something both cultural and unhurried.

Your afternoon is at leisure, ideal for a gentle first taste of the city. If you wish, head to a local colourful market—a lively mosaic of fresh produce, fragrant spices, bright textiles, and everyday essentials. It’s a wonderful place to watch daily life unfold, practise your bargaining smile, and pick up small keepsakes that feel authentically local.

This evening, return to your hotel for dinner and a relaxed night—tomorrow brings more time to enjoy Pondicherry’s unique blend of seaside calm and old-world character.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast at your hotel, set out to discover the many layers of Pondicherry—a place where coastal India, French-colonial elegance, and a unique spiritual legacy blend into one of South India’s most distinctive atmospheres.

Begin with a visit to the Pondicherry Museum, where carefully curated collections offer insight into the region’s cultural and colonial past. From artefacts and sculptures to historic objects that reflect Pondicherry’s French connection, it’s an easy, fascinating introduction before stepping out into the city’s streets.

Continue into the iconic French Quarter, known for its mustard-yellow walls, bougainvillea-draped balconies, wide boulevards, and café-lined corners. The pace here is wonderfully unhurried—perfect for absorbing the city’s old-world charm, pausing for photographs, and noticing the small details that make Pondicherry feel so different from anywhere else in India.

Later, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a globally renowned centre associated with spiritual practice and an experiment in communal living. The atmosphere is calm and contemplative, attracting visitors from around the world who come to reflect, learn, and experience a quieter side of Pondicherry’s identity.

To experience the quarter in the most atmospheric way, enjoy a gentle cycle rickshaw ride through the French Quarter. With the sea breeze drifting in and the streets unfolding at a relaxed pace, it’s an effortless way to take in the architecture and everyday scenes without feeling rushed.

This afternoon is at leisure for independent activities—ideal for café time, browsing boutiques, a promenade stroll, or simply unwinding at the hotel before dinner.

Return to your hotel for dinner and a restful evening in Pondicherry.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 17: Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram | UNESCO Temples, Rock-Cut Wonders & Bay of Bengal Breezes

After breakfast at your hotel, leave the French-colonial charm of Pondicherry behind and set out by road to Mahabalipuram (approximately 100 km / 3 hours). The journey follows the coastline into Tamil Nadu’s temple heartland—where the sea breeze, palm-lined roads, and changing landscapes gently signal a shift into ancient South India.

On arrival, begin your guided exploration of Mahabalipuram, a celebrated coastal heritage town known for its extraordinary Pallava-era stonework and UNESCO-listed monuments. Your first highlight is the iconic Shore Temple, built in the 7th century, standing proudly against the waves of the Bay of Bengal. With its weathered stone towers and sea-facing setting, it’s one of India’s most atmospheric temple sights—best appreciated slowly, taking in the details, symmetry, and sense of place.

Continue to the remarkable bas-relief of Arjuna’s Penance—a vast open-air stone carving alive with myth, movement, and intricate storytelling. Look closely and you’ll spot layers of figures and symbolism, from divine beings to animals, all carved with astonishing precision into a single monumental rock face.

Next, visit the legendary Five Rathas, a set of magnificent monolithic rock temples carved from single boulders—each shaped like a chariot-temple with distinct architectural styles and ornate details. This is one of the best places in South India to understand the evolution of Dravidian temple architecture in its earliest artistic forms.

You will also see Krishna Mandapam, a large cave-cut Hindu temple dating to the 7th century, featuring carvings that reflect pastoral life and mythological scenes associated with Lord Krishna—an engaging contrast to the grandeur of the shoreline sanctuaries.

After your sightseeing, transfer to your hotel and check in. The evening is at leisure—perfect for a relaxed beach walk, a gentle coastal unwind, or simply enjoying the calm atmosphere of this historic seaside town.

Dinner and a comfortable night follow at your hotel.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and savour a full day at leisure in atmospheric Mahabalipuram. After yesterday’s UNESCO discoveries, today is designed to slow the pace—perfect for unwinding by the coast, lingering over a coffee, or simply enjoying the gentle rhythm of this seaside heritage town.

If you feel like stepping out, you may choose to explore independently at your own pace. Mahabalipuram is ideal for easy wandering—browse small artisan shops, watch local life unfold near the shore, or take a calm stroll with the sound of the waves in the background. Alternatively, stay close to your hotel and enjoy the facilities, a quiet read, or a refreshing rest before your journey continues.

This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel, then settle in for a restful night in this coastal setting.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to the Bay of Bengal coast and begin your journey home. Travel by road from Mahabalipuram to Chennai (approximately 60 km / 2 hours, traffic dependent), taking in your final glimpses of Tamil Nadu’s landscapes along the way.

On arrival in Chennai, you will be transferred to the airport in time to board your international flight home, bringing your South India journey to a close.

End of tour.