South India – Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Karnataka Tour – 15 Days

Your South India holiday begins with a warm welcome at Chennai International Airport, where your personal representative will receive you before escorting you to a private luxury vehicle for the transfer to your hotel.

As the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai has long served as one of southern India's principal cultural and commercial centres. Colonial landmarks, historic churches, traditional temples, and the city's vibrant arts scene reflect centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to relax following your journey.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely drive along Marina Beach before visiting Fort St. George and the historic San Thome Basilica. These landmarks offer an introduction to Chennai's colonial history while highlighting the city's importance in South India's development.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, leave Chennai and travel towards Kanchipuram, one of India's oldest temple cities and an important centre of learning during the Pallava Empire. Often referred to as the City of Thousand Temples, Kanchipuram has been a major pilgrimage destination for more than a thousand years and is equally well known for producing the finest handwoven silk sarees in South India.

Begin your visit at the magnificent Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spread across a vast complex, the temple is recognised for its towering entrance gateway, beautifully carved pillared halls, and one of the oldest sacred mango trees associated with Hindu mythology. Continue to the Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest surviving temple in the city and an outstanding example of early Dravidian architecture constructed during the Pallava period.

Before leaving Kanchipuram, there is an opportunity to visit a traditional silk weaving centre, where skilled artisans continue the centuries-old craft of weaving the famous Kanchipuram silk sarees using techniques passed down through generations.

Later, continue towards Mahabalipuram along the scenic East Coast Road overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Upon arrival, check into your luxury beach resort. The remainder of the evening is free to relax beside the coast before exploring the town's remarkable heritage the following day.

This morning is dedicated to Mahabalipuram, one of South India's most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Developed during the seventh and eighth centuries by the Pallava rulers, the town is celebrated for its remarkable rock-cut temples and stone monuments that continue to attract historians and travellers from around the world.

Begin with a visit to the Shore Temple, dramatically positioned along the Bay of Bengal. Despite centuries of exposure to sea winds, the granite temple remains one of the earliest structural temples in southern India and an enduring symbol of Pallava architecture.

Continue to the Five Rathas, a remarkable group of monolithic temples carved from individual granite boulders, each displaying a distinct architectural style. Nearby, admire Arjuna's Penance, an enormous open-air stone relief illustrating scenes from Hindu mythology through intricate carvings that cover an entire rock face.

After completing your sightseeing, continue south to Pondicherry.

Once the largest French settlement in India, Pondicherry still preserves its European character through elegant colonial villas, tree-lined avenues, colourful cafés, and quiet seaside promenades. After checking into your heritage hotel, spend the evening strolling through the French Quarter or relaxing along the waterfront.

Following breakfast, enjoy a leisurely tour of Pondicherry's historic district. Visit the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of India's best-known spiritual centres, before walking through the French Quarter, where beautifully restored colonial buildings continue to reflect the city's unique European heritage.

Later, continue towards Chidambaram, home to the famous Nataraja Temple, one of the most significant Shiva temples in South India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as the Cosmic Dancer, the temple is admired for its impressive entrance towers, richly carved halls, and long-standing religious traditions that continue to attract pilgrims throughout the year.

From Chidambaram, travel inland through the fertile Cauvery Delta towards Thanjavur, the historic capital of the Chola Empire.

Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's greatest architectural achievements. Built entirely from granite during the eleventh century, the temple is renowned for its soaring central tower, detailed sculptures, expansive courtyards, and remarkable engineering that continues to impress architects and historians alike.

Check into your luxury hotel in Thanjavur and enjoy the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, depart Thanjavur and travel towards Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy, another important cultural centre situated along the banks of the Cauvery River.

Your first visit is to the famous Rock Fort Temple, built upon one of the oldest rock formations in the world. Climbing the stone steps rewards visitors with sweeping views across Trichy and the surrounding countryside while providing an opportunity to appreciate the remarkable location chosen by ancient rulers.

Continue to nearby Srirangam, home to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world. Surrounded by massive fortified walls and towering gateway towers, the temple remains one of the most sacred Vaishnavite pilgrimage centres in India.

Following lunch, continue south towards Madurai, one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities and the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu.

Arrive during the evening and check into your luxury hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax before beginning your exploration of Madurai's remarkable temple heritage the following morning.

After breakfast, begin exploring Madurai, a city whose history extends back more than two thousand years. Long regarded as the cultural heart of Tamil Nadu, Madurai has flourished as a centre of trade, literature, and religion since the time of the ancient Pandya Kingdom.

Your day begins at the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture in India. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, the vast temple complex is recognised for its towering gopurams decorated with thousands of colourful sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, mythical figures, and scenes from Hindu mythology.

Inside the temple, walk through beautifully carved pillared halls, sacred shrines, ceremonial corridors, and the Golden Lotus Tank while learning about the traditions that continue to make this one of South India's busiest places of worship.

Continue to the historic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, built during the seventeenth century by King Thirumalai Nayak. Massive columns, graceful arches, spacious courtyards, and beautifully restored audience halls reflect the architectural style of the Nayak rulers who once governed this region.

Later, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, housed within the historic Tamukkam Palace. The museum presents a comprehensive account of India's freedom movement through photographs, documents, and personal belongings associated with Mahatma Gandhi.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Madurai's bustling flower market, traditional textile shops, and local bazaars before returning to your hotel.

Following breakfast, leave Tamil Nadu behind and enter the neighbouring state of Kerala. As the road climbs steadily into the Western Ghats, the scenery changes from open plains to forested mountains, spice plantations, waterfalls, and winding hill roads.

Arrive in Thekkady during the afternoon and check into your luxury resort surrounded by tropical greenery.

Later, visit a traditional spice plantation where cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and nutmeg have been cultivated for generations. Walking through the plantation provides an excellent introduction to Kerala's historic spice trade, which attracted merchants from Europe, Arabia, and Asia for centuries.

The remainder of the afternoon can be spent visiting the nearby Periyar National Park. Guests may choose an optional boat cruise across Periyar Lake, where sightings of elephants, Indian bison, sambar deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species are possible depending on weather and wildlife movement.

In the evening, there is also an opportunity to attend a traditional Kalaripayattu performance, Kerala's ancient martial art, recognised as one of the oldest combat systems in the world.

Return to your resort for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, travel towards Alleppey, one of Kerala's best-known backwater destinations. The journey gradually descends from the hills into the fertile plains where coconut groves, rice fields, canals, and quiet villages dominate the landscape.

Upon arrival, board a traditional Kerala houseboat for an unforgettable cruise through the famous backwaters.

Originally used for transporting rice and spices, these beautifully restored wooden boats now provide comfortable accommodation while preserving their traditional design. As the cruise begins, everyday village life unfolds along the canals. Local fishermen cast their nets, children travel by canoe, farmers work in waterside fields, and small churches and temples stand peacefully beneath rows of coconut palms.

Freshly prepared Kerala cuisine is served on board while the houseboat glides through an intricate network of lakes, lagoons, and narrow waterways.

As evening approaches, the boat anchors in a quiet section of the backwaters, allowing guests to experience the peaceful surroundings before spending the night on board.

Wake up to the tranquil atmosphere of Kerala's backwaters before breakfast is served on board.

After disembarking, continue to Cochin, Kerala's historic port city that has welcomed traders from Europe, Arabia, China, and the Middle East for more than six centuries.

Upon arrival, check into your luxury hotel before beginning an afternoon tour of Fort Kochi.

Visit the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, one of Cochin's best-known landmarks, followed by St. Francis Church, recognised as the oldest European church built in India. Continue to Mattancherry Palace, commonly known as the Dutch Palace, where beautifully preserved murals illustrate scenes from Hindu epics and the history of the Cochin royal family.

Nearby, walk through Jew Town, a historic trading quarter lined with antique shops, spice warehouses, traditional homes, and the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth.

Return to your hotel during the evening.

Following breakfast, leave Kerala and travel towards Coimbatore before continuing into the Nilgiri Hills.

The journey gradually climbs through forested mountain roads, tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and winding hairpin bends before reaching Ooty, often referred to as the Queen of Hill Stations.

Established during the British colonial period as a summer retreat, Ooty remains one of South India's most popular mountain destinations thanks to its cool climate, rolling hills, and beautifully maintained gardens.

Upon arrival, check into your luxury hill resort.

The remainder of the evening is free to relax while enjoying panoramic views across the surrounding Nilgiri Mountains before exploring Ooty the following day.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Ooty, one of India's most picturesque hill stations. Situated at an elevation of over 2,200 metres above sea level, the town was developed by the British during the nineteenth century as a summer retreat and continues to retain much of its colonial character through charming cottages, historic churches, and beautifully maintained gardens.

Begin with a visit to the Government Botanical Garden, spread across rolling hills and home to an extensive collection of indigenous and exotic plant species. Landscaped lawns, colourful flower beds, and centuries-old trees make the garden one of Ooty's most visited attractions.

Continue to Ooty Lake, where visitors may enjoy an optional boat ride surrounded by eucalyptus forests and gently sloping hills. The peaceful setting provides an ideal opportunity to experience the relaxed atmosphere for which the Nilgiris are well known.

Later, visit a working tea estate and factory to learn about the cultivation and production of Nilgiri tea, one of India's finest varieties. Walk through neatly maintained plantations before observing the tea-making process from freshly picked leaves to the finished product. A tasting session introduces the distinctive flavours that have made Nilgiri tea popular around the world.

The afternoon also includes a stop at Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills, offering panoramic views across the surrounding valleys, forests, and tea-covered slopes.

Return to your resort for a relaxing evening.

Following breakfast, leave Ooty and descend through the winding roads of the Nilgiri Hills towards Bandipur National Park, one of India's oldest and most important wildlife reserves.

The drive passes dense forests, open grasslands, and protected woodland that form part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the country's richest ecological regions.

Upon arrival, check into your luxury wildlife lodge before enjoying lunch amidst the peaceful forest surroundings.

Later in the afternoon, head into Bandipur National Park on a guided wildlife safari. Once the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Mysore, Bandipur is now recognised for its successful conservation programme and rich biodiversity.

The park is home to Asian elephants, gaur (Indian bison), spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, sloth bears, leopards, and a healthy population of Bengal tigers, although sightings depend entirely upon natural conditions. The reserve also supports hundreds of bird species, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Return to your lodge before sunset and spend the evening relaxing amidst the tranquil forest environment.

After breakfast, continue towards Mysore, the former capital of the Kingdom of Mysore and one of Karnataka's most elegant heritage cities.

Upon arrival, check into your luxury hotel before beginning an afternoon sightseeing tour.

The highlight of the day is the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of India's finest royal residences. Built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, the palace features grand audience halls, beautifully painted ceilings, stained-glass domes, carved wooden doors, royal apartments, and an outstanding collection of historic artefacts belonging to the Wadiyar dynasty.

Continue to Chamundi Hill, where the Chamundeshwari Temple overlooks the city from an elevated position. Along the way, stop to admire the enormous monolithic Nandi Bull statue carved from a single block of granite.

Before returning to your hotel, visit the Devaraja Market, one of South India's oldest traditional markets. Colourful flower stalls, spice merchants, sandalwood products, silk fabrics, incense, and local handicrafts create a lively atmosphere while providing an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Mysore.

The evening is at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning depending upon your onward flight schedule.

At the appropriate time, your private chauffeur will transfer you to Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, for your onward journey.

Your South India – Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Karnataka Tour concludes with memories of ancient temple cities, colonial settlements, mist-covered hill stations, wildlife reserves, peaceful backwaters, royal palaces, and the remarkable cultural diversity that makes southern India one of the country's most rewarding travel destinations.

After breakfast, depart Mysore and travel towards Bangalore, Karnataka's vibrant capital city.

En route, stop at the historic town of Srirangapatna, once the capital of Tipu Sultan's kingdom. Visit the impressive Sriranganathaswamy Temple and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, both of which played an important role in South India's eighteenth-century history.

Continue to Bangalore, a city where modern technology and historic landmarks exist side by side.

Following check-in at your luxury hotel, begin a relaxed orientation tour of the city. Visit the beautiful Lalbagh Botanical Garden, home to hundreds of rare plant species and the famous Glass House inspired by London's Crystal Palace.

Continue to Cubbon Park before driving past the impressive Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka's legislative assembly and one of the city's best-known architectural landmarks.

The evening remains free to enjoy Bangalore's renowned dining scene or simply relax at your hotel.