Grand Tour of South India
★★★★★ (60 reviews)
A refined 21-day journey through the cultural heart of South India, from the historic temples of Tamil Nadu to the lush tea hills of Munnar, the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, and the scenic Nilgiri hill stations.
This immersive itinerary blends magnificent temples, colonial heritage towns, vibrant markets, scenic tea plantations, peaceful backwaters, mountain railways, and relaxing coastal landscapes, offering a comprehensive insight into the cultural and natural richness of southern India.
Travel in comfort with a dedicated English-speaking guide, carefully selected charming hotels, and a balanced program combining culture, history, nature, and authentic local encounters, ending in the vibrant city of Bangalore.
South India Panorama – Temples, Tea Plantations & Royal Palaces
Day 1 – Chennai – Arrival
Morning: Arrival at Chennai International Airport. Meet and greet by our local representative at the airport, followed by transfer to the hotel.
Evening: Departure to visit Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, lively from early morning with fishermen and walkers. Stroll along the shore to experience the local atmosphere, street vendors, and views over the Bay of Bengal.
Return to the hotel.
Day 2 – Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram
Morning: After breakfast, depart for Mahabalipuram, an ancient port city known for its UNESCO-listed monuments. On the way, visit the temples of Kanchipuram, a city that was once the capital of one of India’s oldest dynasties, the Pallavas. Visit the Ekambareswara Temple, famous for its gigantic Shiva lingam. Then continue to the Kailasanathar Temple, one of the oldest temples in the city, dating back to the 7th century.
Afternoon: Arrival in Mahabalipuram in the early afternoon and check-in at the hotel. After some rest, visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 7th-century bas-relief depicting the penance of Arjuna, the hero of the Mahabharata epic. Then see Krishna’s Butter Ball, an enormous balancing rock that has fascinated visitors for centuries.
Continue with a visit to the Shore Temple at sunset, dating back to the 7th century and one of the earliest stone temples carved from a single block. Discover also the Five Rathas of the Pandavas, rock-cut monolithic structures representing the chariots of the heroes from the Mahabharata.
Evening: Free time to walk along the seaside and enjoy the local atmosphere of this historic port, once a departure point for many merchant ships sailing to Southeast Asia.
Day 3 – Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry
After breakfast, drive along the coast to Pondicherry, the former French colonial enclave in India.
Explore the charming French Quarter, with its colonial villas, bougainvillea-covered streets, and seaside promenade. Visit Notre Dame des Anges Church, Sacred Heart Basilica, and the Vinayaga Temple.
Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 4 – Pondicherry / Tanjore
After breakfast, depart toward the fertile plains of the Kaveri River Delta.
Stop in Chidambaram to visit the famous Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Shiva as the cosmic dancer. Continue to Tanjore and visit the magnificent Brihadeshwara Temple, an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage monument built by the Chola dynasty.
Overnight in Tanjore.
Day 5 – Tanjore / Chettinad
After breakfast, depart for the Chettinad region, known for its magnificent merchant mansions and distinctive architecture.
Visit traditional villages and explore the impressive Chettiar mansions built by wealthy trading families. These houses reflect a blend of Indian craftsmanship and international influences.
Overnight in Chettinad.
Day 6 – Chettinad / Madurai
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India.
Visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, famous for its impressive arches and grand halls. Later explore the lively markets surrounding the Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight in Madurai.
Day 7 – Madurai / Munnar
After breakfast, drive through scenic landscapes toward the hill station of Munnar, located in the Western Ghats and surrounded by vast tea plantations.
Overnight in Munnar.
Day 8 – Munnar :
Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr. Later explore a tea plantation and tea factory, discovering the process of tea production while enjoying panoramic views over the rolling hills.
Overnight in Munnar.
Day 9 – Munnar / Alleppey – Backwaters Cruise
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat for a relaxing cruise through Kerala’s famous backwaters.
Observe daily life along the canals and enjoy the peaceful landscapes of lagoons and palm-lined waterways.
Dinner and overnight on the houseboat.
Day 10 – Alleppey / Mararikulam
After breakfast on board, disembark in Alleppey and drive to the charming seaside village of Mararikulam, home to one of Kerala’s most beautiful beaches.
Upon arrival, check in at your beach resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Relax by the Arabian Sea, stroll along the quiet sandy beach, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this traditional fishing village.
Overnight in Mararikulam.
Day 11 – Mararikulam
Free day to relax on the beach or enjoy optional activities such as Ayurvedic treatments, yoga sessions, or a walk through nearby fishing villages.
Overnight in Mararikulam.
Day 12 – Mararikulam / Cochin
After breakfast, depart for Cochin (Kochi), one of the most historic trading ports in India.
In the afternoon, explore the colonial district of Fort Kochi, visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), St. Francis Church, and see the famous Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront.
In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 13 – Cochin
Today explore more of Cochin, once one of the most important trading ports in India.
Visit the Jewish Synagogue and wander through the spice markets of Mattancherry, where traders have dealt in pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom for centuries.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 14 – Cochin / Coimbatore
After breakfast, depart for Coimbatore, located at the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains.
The city is known as an important gateway to the hill stations of Tamil Nadu.
Overnight in Coimbatore.
Day 15 – Coimbatore / Coonoor
After breakfast, drive up into the scenic Nilgiri Hills, passing tea plantations and forested valleys before reaching Coonoor, a charming hill station with colonial heritage.
Overnight in Coonoor.
Day 16 – Coonoor / Ooty – Toy Train Experience
Enjoy the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage railway line connecting Coonoor and Ooty.
This scenic journey offers spectacular views of tea plantations, forests, tunnels, and mountain landscapes.
Arrival in Ooty, the “Queen of Hill Stations.”
Overnight in Ooty.
Day 17 – Ooty
Discover Ooty, a former British summer retreat. Visit the Botanical Gardens, the Ooty Lake, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Nilgiri Hills.
Overnight in Ooty.
Day 18 – Ooty / Mysore
After breakfast, drive to Mysore, the former capital of the Wodeyar dynasty.
Overnight in Mysore.
Day 19 – Mysore
Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of the most impressive royal residences in India.
Later explore the colorful Devaraja Market and visit Chamundi Hill, offering panoramic views of the city.
Overnight in Mysore.
Day 20 – Mysore / Bangalore
After breakfast, drive to Bangalore, the dynamic capital of Karnataka.
Depending on time, visit the Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park, or explore the lively districts of the city.
Overnight in Bangalore.
Day 21 – Bangalore – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Bangalore International Airport for your departure flight.
End of our services.
Best time to visit South India : from October till March
The best time to visit South India is generally from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and relatively dry. During these months, temperatures are comfortable, usually ranging between 22°C and 30°C (72–86°F), making it ideal for exploring temples, historic towns, tea plantations, and the famous Kerala backwaters and beaches. This period also offers clear skies and enjoyable conditions for beach stays along the Malabar Coast. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rains, while April and May can be quite hot in the plains, although the hill stations such as Munnar remain cooler.
