In-Depth South India: Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Bangalore

On your arrival in Chennai, you will be met by our representative and transferred directly to Mamallapuram which is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. After checking into your hotel, you will have some free time to recover from your journey, and get ready to discover South India!

After breakfast, start your day at Mamallapuram with a visit to the 7th-century Shore Temple which is surrounded by lush gardens, followed by an exploration of the celebrated bas-relief at Arjuna's Penance and the Five Rathas. The afternoon is to relax on the beach.

Continue your journey down the coast to the former French colony of Pondicherry. First, visit Auroville (City of Dawn) and Aurobindo Ashram that promotes ideas to bring about a synthesis of yoga and modern science. Later, take a walk through the French Quarter of Pondicherry to soak up the French flavors and feel the city's leisurely approach to life when strolling past charming colonial architecture and street-side cafes. You may also take a bicycle if you prefer. 

Today is free at your own leisure in this lovely town. 

Travel further through the fertile region known as the 'rice bowl' of Tamil Nadu to Thanjavur. On your guided afternoon tour, you will discover the monumental granite Temple of Brihadeeshwara (Bull Temple) which is capped by a monolithic cupola and a symbol of power and might of the Cholas who ruled between 9th and 13th centuries. Enjoy a wonderful collection of royal remnants of the early 19th century at nearby Thanjavur Palace. Observe and learn about how the exquisite bronzes and handicrafts are produced by the hands of local craftsmen. Drive to Trichy for an overnight stay.

Today you will visit the Rock Fort. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple. The rest of day is free at leisure. The car is at your disposal all day.

Today you will drive to Madurai (approx. 3 hours), South India's greatest temple town and significant pilgrim site.

Madurai is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. Today you will visit the thousand-year-old Meenakshi Temple, one of India's largest pilgrim sites with 12 towering gopurams; it's going to be unforgettable to observe the rituals and celebrations during the evening puja ceremony inside the Meenakshi Temple.

Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - a gracious building revealing the power and wealth of the Nayakas who made Madurai their capital in the 16th and 17th centuries. Continue to the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. 

After breakfast drive through the Western Ghats to Periyar Tiger Reserve, India's earliest sanctuary and one of the best places to see the Asian Elephant. After checking into your hotel, you have time to stroll through one of the spice plantations this area famous for and learn about the many different uses of spices, both in medicine and food. Afternoon at leisure.

In the early morning (around 7 am), you'll enjoy a forest trek inside the National Park which takes 1-3 hours depending on your trek. After the trekking, take a late morning cruise on the picturesque Periyar Lake at the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Afternoon free at leisure.

Optional: Tonight you can choose to take in an optional martial art performance, the ancient Kalaripayattu that is said to be 3,000 years old.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey to embark on your houseboat and start an enchanting cruise along the reputed backwater of Kerala; just lie back and relax while you navigate slowly through the tranquil waterways. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover Kerala's rural lifestyle. You'll see that Kerala is known for its cashew nuts, coir trade, rice, pepper crops and coconuts. 

In the morning, drive to Kochi and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Kochi, the natural harbor created by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks whose quality ensures that the rougher the seas are outside the calmer the waters are within the harbour. Vasco-de-Gama placed Kochi on the world map. It has a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, mosques and Hindu temples. Watch the Chinese Fishing Nets. Enjoy the Kathakali Dance Performance in the evening. 

In the morning drive to Munnar and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Today's visit to the sights of Munnar will allow you to discover the breathtaking beauty of this idyllic destination in God's own country. The unending tea plantations, pristine valleys, mountains, and abundant species of flora and fauna in the forests show all Munnar has to offer.  

Drive to Ooty this morning. After checking in the hotel, you are free to explore Ooty by yourself.

Ooty is the right place for fans of nature. You will savor the "queen of all hill stations" as you experience its charming flowers, lofty mountains, and lush forests.

Drive to Mysore this morning and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

This morning you will pay a visit to the City Palace, and a Hindu Temple with a monolithic sculpture of the bull Nandi, which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Continue to the beautiful Brindavan Gardens where you can admire the amazing  topiary and the illuminated, cascading fountains. In the afternoon, visit the Srirangapatnam.

After breakfast, proceed to Hassan, visiting Belur and Halebidu en route. Halebidu is home to one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture in the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples.

Continue to discover the main attractions in Belur, including the Chennakeshava temple complex which contains the Chennakesava Temple as the centerpiece, surrounded by the Kappe Chennigraya temple built by Shantaladevi, queen of king Vishnuvardhana. 

Morning drive to Bengaluru visiting Shravanabelagola en route. The statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali at Shravanabelagola is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Jainism, one that reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Western Ganga Dynasty of Talakad. On arriving in Bangalore, check in to the hotel. 

Today you will have a morning half day city tour of Bangalore - visit the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the Mysore Arts and Crafts Center, the Bull Temple, and the colorful bustling local markets. This afternoon is free at leisure.

Bid farewell, after checking out from the hotel, our representative will escort you to the airport for your homebound flight.