South India: Journey Through Heritage and Culture

Tour Duration
15 Nights / 16 Days
Destination Covered
Chennai – Tirupati – Puttaparthi – Bangalore – Mysore – Ooty – Coimbatore – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Cochin

Overview

Discover the charm of South India. Experience its calm, cool, and lush landscapes. Journey through areas filled with giant trees and scenic backwaters. Visit culturally rich cities with intricately carved temples. Encounter diverse wildlife along the way. This itinerary helps you explore the best of South India in a short time. Leave the planning to us. Focus on the highlights and enjoy South India as you wish.

Itinerary

  • Day 01: Chennai (Arrival)

    Arrive at Chennai International Airport. A representative from our company will meet you upon arrival. You will then be transferred to your pre-booked hotel.
    In the evening, visit the Ashtalakshmi Temple, Shri Parthasarathy Temple, and Kapaliswara Temple in Mylapore. The Pallavas built these temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the 8th century AD.
    You will stay overnight at a hotel in Chennai.

  • Day 02: Chennai Sightseeing   

    Start your day with breakfast. Then, visit Kapeleeswar Temple. After that, explore Fort St. George, the oldest fort in Chennai. Next, head to Santhome Cathedral. Visit the National Art Gallery and St. Mary’s Church. Enjoy a trip to Anna Zoological Park. Stop by Birla Planetarium and People’s Park. Take some time at Kalakshetra and the Theosophical Society. In the evening, relax at Marina Beach, the second largest in the world. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai.

  • Day 03: Chennai – Tirupati (140 kms/2½ hrs)

    Start your day with breakfast. Then, prepare for your journey to Tirupati. Your first stop will be the Venkateswara Temple, located in Tirumala. This temple is a well-known Vaishnavite site. It is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. He is believed to have come here to help humanity during the Kali Yuga. The temple is also referred to as Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, and Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is also called Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.
    Next, visit the Padmavathi Temple. This temple is significant as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born as Alamelu here. She was the daughter of Akasha Raja, the local ruler. Alamelu later married Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati. After twelve years of deep penance, Goddess Lakshmi granted Lord Venkateswara darshan on a red Lotus flower at Alamelu Mangalapuram.
    After your darshan, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

  • Day 04: Tirupati – Puttaparthi (230 km/ 4½ hrs)

    Enjoy breakfast before departing for Puttaparthi. The drive will take approximately 4½ hours. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Rest and relax for the night.

  • Day 05: Puttaparthi (Ashram Visit)

    Begin your day with an early visit to Prasanthi Nilayam. This is ‘The Abode of Supreme Peace’ and the Ashram of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It is located near the village of Puttaparthi in the Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh. Explore the Mandir (shrine) and the residential complexes for devotees. Visit the headquarters of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization and the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. The ashram is set in a valley surrounded by hills. The river Chitravathi flows to the east. You will stay in a hotel for the night.

  • Day 06: Puttaparthi – Bangalore (160 km/ 3 hrs)

    After breakfast, drive to Bangalore. Upon arrival, check into a hotel. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and is known as Garden City or India’s Silicon Valley.
    Later, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. The tour includes stops at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Vidhana Soudha, and Attara Kacheri. You will also visit Cubbon Park, Bangalore Fort, and the ISKCON Temple.
    Return to the hotel in the evening after the full-day tour. Stay overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 07: Bangalore – Mysore (155 km/ 3½ hrs)

    Start your day with breakfast. After that, check out of the hotel. You will drive to Mysore, with a stop at Srirangapatna, a site of historical significance. Once you arrive in Mysore, check into your hotel.
    In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mysore. Visit the impressive Mysore Palace and the beautiful Shivanasamudra Waterfalls. Explore the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, St. Philomena’s Church, and the railway museums. Don’t miss the scenic Vrindavan Garden.
    In the evening, attend the light and sound show before heading back to the hotel. You’ll stay at the hotel for the night.

  • Day 08:  Mysore – Ooty (130 km/ 3 hrs)

    Start your day with an early morning drive to Chamundi Hills. Visit the Chamundeshwari Temple while you’re there. Afterwards, check out of your hotel. Then, head to Ooty, stopping at Mudumalai Forest along the way. Once you arrive, check-in at your hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure or explore the local markets. Spend the night at the hotel.

  • Day 09: Ooty Sightseeing

    Start your day with a delicious breakfast. Then, embark on a toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor. Enjoy the thrilling journey on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. It’s a unique experience you won’t forget. After the train ride, explore the beautiful Botanical Garden. Next, visit Doddabetta Peak for stunning views. Continue your adventure at Pykara Lake and Ooty Lake. After a full day of sightseeing, settle in at your hotel for the night.

  • Day 10: Ooty – Coimbatore (95 km/ 2 hrs)

    Enjoy breakfast, then drive to Coimbatore. Once you arrive, explore the city. Visit the Marudamalai Temple, Dhyanalinga Temple, Adiyogi Shiva, and Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple. After your tour, check into your hotel. Relax and stay the night.

  • Day 11: Coimbatore – Munnar (170 km / 4 hrs)

    After breakfast, you will head to Munnar. This charming hill station is nestled in the Western Ghats, standing at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. Munnar is famous for its tea plantations. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Stop at the stunning Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Don’t miss the Karadipara View Point for breathtaking views. You will see spice and rubber plantations, as well as pineapple gardens. Once you arrive, check-in at your hotel. You will spend the night in Munnar.

  • Day 12: Munnar Sightseeing

    Start your day with breakfast. Then, explore Munnar’s beautiful sights. Head to Eravikulam National Park, also known as Rajamala. This park is home to the Nilgiri Thar. You can see them up close here. Next, visit a tea factory and its museum to learn about tea production. Go to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake in the afternoon. Enjoy boating at Mattupetty Dam. On your way back, stop by the floral garden for some stunning views. In the evening, experience a captivating Kathakali dance performance. You’ll spend the night in a Munnar hotel.

  • Day 13: Munnar – Thekkady (100 km / 3hrs)

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Then, drive to Periyar, also known as Thekkady. This area is home to the incredible Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. On your way, visit Devikulam, Signal View Point, Anayirangal Dam, and the Spice Plantations. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
    In the afternoon, enjoy boating on a man-made lake. This sanctuary offers a unique chance to see wildlife from the safety of your boat. You might spot bison, gaur, wild elephants, sambhar, and many types of birds. Spend your evening shopping at local markets. Relax and stay overnight at your hotel in Thekkady.

  • Day 14: Thekkady – Alleppey Houseboat (140 km/ 4 hrs)

    Start your day with breakfast. Afterwards, check out of the hotel. Then, drive to Alleppey, Kerala’s stunning backwater destination. Arrive at Kettuvallom Houseboat and check-in, usually around noon. Begin your journey through Kerala’s beautiful backwaters and small lakes. Your houseboat features a comfortable bedroom with an attached bathroom. It also has a dining area and a cosy sitting area. You will be accompanied by a friendly crew of three. There’s a driver, a helper, and a cook on board. The cook will prepare and serve your meals, including lunch, evening tea, snacks, and dinner. Enjoy an overnight stay on the houseboat.

  • Day 15: Alleppey – Cochin (60 km/ 1½ hrs)

    Start your day with breakfast. Then, head to Cochin. Check into your hotel and relax. Explore St. Francis Church, Vasco House, and Santa Cruz Basilica. Don’t miss the Chinese fishing nets and the seaside boardwalk in Fort Kochi. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, the Palace, and the Jew village of Mattanchery.
    In the evening, take a stroll at Marine Drive. It’s a popular spot along the water’s edge. After a day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for a restful night.

  • Day 16: Cochin departure

    Start your day early. Drive to Cochin airport in the morning. Check your flight schedule. Get ready to board your return flight. Take a moment to reflect on the wonderful memories you made in Incredible India.

Inclusion

  • 15 nights of accommodation in listed hotels or similar, in double occupancy.
  • Assistance from our company representative upon arrival.
  • Daily breakfast provided at all hotels.
  • 1 night stay on a premium houseboat, including all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • All transfers and sightseeing will be conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Professional, English-speaking driver in uniform.
  • Toy train ride in Ooty.
  • Tea plantation tour in Munnar.
  • Kathakali dance performance in Munnar.
  • Spice plantation tour in Thekkady.
  • Coverage for fuel, parking, tolls, state taxes, and driver allowances.
  • 5% GST is included in the package.

Exclusion

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • International and domestic flight costs
  • Laundry and camera fees
  • Entrance fees, if applicable, are to be paid directly
  • Personal expenses, including items of personal nature and porterage
  • Guiding services and any additional personal expenses
  • Any other items or services not listed above

Plan Your Trip

Blank Form (#2)

Contact Info

You may also interested in