Culture-Rich Itineraries by India Travel Experts
Explore the Beauty & Spiritual Heritage of South India
Embark on a captivating 14-day journey through the heart of South India, where timeless temples, lush landscapes, and rich cultural experiences await. From the colonial charm of Chennai and the architectural wonders of Mahabalipuram to the spiritual serenity of Madurai and the vibrant heritage of Mysuru, each day offers a unique adventure. Cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, witness wildlife in Thekkady, and soak in the hill-station beauty of Ooty. This immersive itinerary blends history, nature, spirituality, and local traditions—perfect for travelers seeking a deeper connection with India’s soul. Discover the essence of South India, where every stop tells a story.
Destinations Covered
Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George
Chennai
Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas
Mahabalipuram
Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram, French Quarter, Promenade Beach
Pondicherry
Brihadeeswara Temple, Tanjore Palace
Tanjore (Thanjavur)
Srirangam Temple, Rock Fort Temple
Trichy (Tiruchirapalli)
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
Madurai
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Spice Plantation Tour
Thekkady
Backwater cruise, Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom
Houseboat stay, Backwater sightseeing
Alleppey
Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace
Kochi (Cochin)
Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Ooty
Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens
Mysore
Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace, Vidhana Soudha
Bangalore
Photo Gallery from the Journey
Day-by-Day Travel Plan
Itinerary & Trip Details
Embark on a scenic and soulful journey through the lush landscapes and cultural heartlands of South India. Begin in Bangalore, the vibrant city known for its gardens and colonial charm, before heading to Mysore to explore royal palaces and colorful markets. Travel through the coffee-scented hills of Coorg, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Continue to Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills with charming toy train rides and serene lakes. Then descend into the verdant forests of Wayanad, where spice plantations, waterfalls, and tribal culture await. This itinerary blends heritage, hills, wildlife, and wellness for a serene and immersive South Indian experience.
Day 1: Arrival at Chennai
Welcome to Tamil Nadu and India! Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, you’ll be warmly received and escorted to your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on an introductory tour of the vibrant capital city. Start with a visit to the iconic Fort St. George, built in 1640 by the British East India Company, marking the beginning of colonial rule in India. Continue to Santhome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus — one of only three churches in the world built over an apostle’s remains. Visit Kapaleeswarar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Wrap up your day by unwinding at Marina Beach, India’s longest urban beach, as the sun dips below the horizon. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 2: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, famed for its temples and silk. Visit the ancient Ekambaranathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and revered by Tamil saints. Then explore the Kailasanathar Temple, an 8th-century architectural gem built by the Pallavas, featuring intricate sandstone carvings that transport you back in time. Experience the artistry of traditional silk weaving at local centers. Continue your scenic drive to Mahabalipuram, check in, and relax. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 3: Mahabalipuram
Enjoy breakfast and prepare to explore Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), a historic coastal town dating back to the 1st century BC. Discover architectural masterpieces such as the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, and Varaha Cave — all part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. These rock-cut wonders reflect the artistic excellence of the Pallava dynasty. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 4: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry, the charming coastal city once ruled by the French. Explore the lively Goubert Market before visiting the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a center for spiritual practice and inner transformation. Stop at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Gothic-style marvel built in 1908. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely rickshaw ride through the quaint French quarters, with their colonial-era architecture and tree-lined streets. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 5: Pondicherry – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur
Post breakfast, head to Thanjavur, the cultural heart of Tamil Nadu. Enroute, visit the majestic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built by Rajendra Chola I to rival his father’s masterpiece. Proceed to Darasuram and marvel at the Airavatesvara Temple, known for its delicate stone work and musical steps. Both temples are part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples. Arrive in Thanjavur and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Day 6: Thanjavur
Start your day with a visit to the Thanjavur Art Gallery, located in the Royal Palace, showcasing priceless Chola bronze idols and ancient stone sculptures. Next, explore the monumental Brihadeeswara Temple, built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD — a UNESCO site and a pinnacle of Tamil temple architecture. Later, visit a local artisan village to witness bronze casting and the creation of Tanjore paintings, known for their vibrant colors and gold foil work. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Day 7: Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai
Drive to Trichy, and stop at Amma Mandapam, a holy ghat on the banks of the River Cauvery, where traditional Hindu rituals take place. Visit the magnificent Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, the world’s largest functioning temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Continue to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit the elegant Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a blend of Dravidian and Islamic architecture. End your day at the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, with its towering gopurams and a thousand-pillared hall. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 8: Madurai – Thekkady
Post breakfast, head to Thekkady, nestled in Kerala’s lush Idukki district. Set against the backdrop of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady is a haven for nature lovers. Check into your resort and enjoy activities such as a boat safari on Periyar Lake, a guided spice plantation walk, and an exciting Kalaripayattu martial arts show. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 9: Thekkady – Alappuzha
Drive to Alappuzha, often called the “Venice of the East.” Check in to your private houseboat, and enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala-style lunch onboard. Cruise through the peaceful Vembanad Lake and soak in the tranquil scenes of rural life. The boat anchors by evening — dinner and overnight in the houseboat, surrounded by the soothing waters of Kerala’s famous backwaters. Overnight stay in Alappuzha (Houseboat).
Day 10: Alappuzha – Kochi
Drive to Kochi, the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Explore St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was once buried. Visit Santa Cruz Basilica, a Gothic-style architectural marvel. Witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, still in use since their introduction by Chinese traders in the 14th century. Discover the rich heritage of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue, adorned with Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted tiles. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 11: Kochi – Ooty
After an early breakfast, embark on a long scenic drive to Ooty, the jewel of the Nilgiris. On arrival, check in to your resort and relax amidst the cool mountain air. Overnight stay in Ooty.
Day 12: Ooty
After breakfast, board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO-listed toy train, for a picturesque journey to Coonoor through tunnels, curves, and rolling hills. Visit Sim’s Park, then drive back to Ooty to explore its highlights: St. Stephen’s Church, the sprawling Botanical Gardens, and the spectacular Ooty Rose Garden, home to over 20,000 varieties of roses. Overnight stay in Ooty.
Day 13: Ooty – Mysuru
Drive to the royal city of Mysuru. Visit the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills, an important Shakti Peetha with panoramic views. Later, tour the grand Mysore Palace, an architectural wonder that blends Indo-Saracenic, Gothic, and Rajput styles. It dazzles when illuminated at night with over 97,000 bulbs! Overnight stay in Mysuru.
Day 14: Mysuru – Srirangapatna – Bengaluru
Post breakfast and checkout, visit Devaraja Market, one of the oldest and most vibrant bazaars in South India. Then proceed to Srirangapatna, the historical island town known for Tipu Sultan’s legacy and ancient temples. Finally, drive to Bengaluru and drop off at your hotel or airport. Tour Ends with Wonderful Memories.
Contact Our Team to Start Planning Your Indian Adventure
Do you have some comments or questions for us? We’d love to hear from you! Don’t be shy! Feel free to drop us a message!