Duration : 19 giorni / 18 notti

Destinations  : Chennai – Kanchipuram -Mahabalipuram -Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey- Cochin – ooty – Mysore -Bandipur – Bangalore

tour itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

You will arrive in Chennai; after clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest.

If you feel up to it later in the day, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along Marina Beach, one of the world’s longest urban beaches. The day ends with a South Indian dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai Sightseeing

Today is dedicated to exploring Chennai’s cultural and historical treasures. You will visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture, followed by Fort St. George, the first English fortress in India.

Later, you’ll explore the Government Museum, also known as the Madras Museum, and the San Thome Basilica. If time and interest allow, you can also visit the Kalakshetra Foundation, which preserves classical dance and arts. Return to your hotel for another overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 3: Chennai to Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Mahabalipuram via the scenic East Coast Road, a drive of around 1.5 hours.

After checking into your hotel, your sightseeing begins with Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO-listed monuments, including the Shore Temple overlooking the sea, Arjuna’s Penance with its elaborate rock reliefs, the monolithic Five Rathas, and Krishna’s Butter Ball, a giant rock precariously balanced on a slope.

You’ll also visit the lesser-known but fascinating Tiger Caves. You’ll spend the evening at the beach or resting at your hotel.

Day 4: Day Trip to Kanchipuram

This morning you will embark on a day trip to Kanchipuram, located about 65 kilometers inland. The city is famous for its ancient temples and silk weaving heritage.

You will explore prominent temples like Kailasanathar, Ekambareswarar, and Kamakshi Amman. If time allows, you’ll also visit Kachapeshwarar Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, and Devarajaswami Temple.

A visit to a traditional silk weaving center will offer insights into the artistry behind Kanchipuram saris. After a full day, you’ll return to Mahabalipuram for the night.

Day 5: Mahabalipuram to Tanjore

An early start takes you on a 6.5-hour journey to Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur. Along the way, you may stop briefly in Pondicherry to enjoy the charming French Quarter before continuing the drive.

Upon arrival in Tanjore, you’ll explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important temples in India.

You’ll then visit the Tanjore Palace and Art Gallery, known for its rich collection of Chola bronzes and murals. You’ll spend the night in Tanjore.

Day 6: Tanjore to Trichy to Madurai

After breakfast, you will drive to Madurai, stopping en route in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). In Trichy, you’ll visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and the Rockfort Temple, which offers panoramic views from atop a massive boulder.

Continuing your journey, you will reach Madurai in the evening. Time permitting, you may attend the night ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple before settling in for the night.

Day 7: Madurai Sightseeing

Today you will fully explore Madurai, starting with a visit to the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and vibrant gopurams.

You’ll then see Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, an Indo-Saracenic palace, followed by the Gandhi Memorial Museum.

Later in the day, walk through the bustling flower and banana markets. In the evening, you have the option to attend a traditional Tamil classical dance performance before returning to your hotel.

Day 8: Madurai to Thekkady

Leaving the city behind, you will head to Thekkady in Kerala, a drive of around four hours into the Western Ghats. After checking into a resort near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, you will take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you may see elephants, deer, and other wildlife along the forested banks.

In the evening, you can watch a traditional Kathakali dance or a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. Overnight stay will be in Thekkady.

Day 9: Thekkady to Kumarakom

This morning you will drive down to Kumarakom, a peaceful village on the banks of Vembanad Lake. After checking into a lakeside resort, the day is free for relaxation or a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary if time allows. A canoe ride during sunset is a tranquil way to end your day. You will spend the night at your resort in Kumarakom.

Day 10: Kumarakom to Alleppey (Houseboat)

On Christmas Day, you will travel a short distance to Alleppey, where you’ll board a traditional houseboat. The day will be spent cruising through Kerala’s enchanting backwaters.

You’ll pass by coconut palms, rice paddies, and tiny villages, enjoying meals prepared fresh onboard. The experience is peaceful, perfect for resting and observing rural life.

You’ll spend the night on the houseboat.

Day 11: Alleppey to Cochin

After breakfast, you’ll disembark and drive to Cochin, about 55 kilometers away. In this historic port city, you will visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance before relaxing at your hotel in Cochin.

Day 12: Cochin to Ooty

Today involves a long but scenic drive through the Western Ghats to Ooty, Tamil Nadu’s popular hill station. The drive will take approximately 7–8 hours, passing through forested hills and tea plantations. Once you arrive in Ooty in the evening, you will check into your hotel and rest for the night.

Day 13: Ooty Sightseeing

Your day in Ooty includes visits to the famous Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake (where you may enjoy a boat ride), Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, and the lush Rose Garden. If interested, you can take a ride on the historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Coonoor and back for stunning views. You’ll return to Ooty for the night.

Day 14: Ooty to Mysore

After breakfast, you will descend from the Nilgiris and drive to Mysore, stopping along the way at Pykara Falls and forest viewpoints in Bandipur. Once in Mysore, explore the lively Devaraja Market and settle in for your stay in the city.

Day 15: Mysore Sightseeing

You will explore the highlights of Mysore, starting with the majestic Mysore Palace. Then, visit St. Philomena’s Church and Chamundi Hill, which offers panoramic views and a visit to the Chamundeshwari Temple.

The Mysore Zoo is also an option. In the evening, you can enjoy the illuminated Mysore Palace or a musical fountain show at Brindavan Gardens before returning to your hotel.

Day 16: Mysore to Bandipur

On this Day you will travel to Bandipur National Park, around two hours away. After checking into a jungle lodge, enjoy an afternoon safari to try spotting tigers, elephants, and deer in their natural habitat.

overnight stay in Bandipur.

Day 17: Bandipur to Bangalore

On the first morning of the new year, you may relax at the lodge before departing for Bangalore, a drive of around four and a half hours. After reaching the city, visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden or Cubbon Park and take time to shop in areas like Brigade Road. You’ll spend the night in Bangalore.

Day 18: Bangalore Sightseeing

Today will be spent discovering the highlights of Bangalore. You will visit Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, the Bull Temple, and Vidhana Soudha. Depending on your interest, you can also visit the Art of Living Ashram or explore UB City for high-end shopping and dining. This is your final full day of the tour.

Day 19: Departure from Bangalore

On your departure day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and, later in the evening, you will be transferred to Kempegowda International Airport for your flight home.