Chinese Fishing Nets

Upon arrival in Cochin at Airport / Hotel , you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver and English-speaking guide. After a brief meet and greet, begin your sightseeing tour of Cochin, exploring its rich blend of colonial heritage, cultural landmarks, and vibrant local life as your guide shares fascinating insights about the city’s history and traditions. Visit the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront, a symbol of Kochi’s ancient maritime trade links. These massive cantilevered nets are best viewed during the day and offer great photo opportunities.

Fort Kochi

Explore the charming Fort Kochi area with its colonial-era buildings, art cafés, and narrow streets reflecting Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences.

Mattancherry Palace

Visit this historic palace famous for its beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and royal life of the Kochi rulers.

Paradesi Synagogue

Explore one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, located in Jew Town. Admire its hand-painted Chinese tiles, chandeliers, and historic artifacts. After sightseeing, check in to your hotel in Cochin for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey, the heart of Kerala’s backwaters. Board a traditional houseboat and check in for an unforgettable backwater experience. Cruise through tranquil canals, palm-lined waterways, and village scenes showcasing daily life along the backwaters. Enjoy freshly prepared lunch and dinner onboard, followed by a peaceful night stay on the houseboat. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Periyar National Park

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar Lake Boating: Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and birds along the forested shores.

Ravi's Spices Garden

Spice Plantation Visit: Walk through a spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and other spices that Kerala is famous for. A visit to Ravi's Spice Garden offers a delightful break to immerse yourself in the world of spices, ideal for anyone traveling through or staying in the Thekkady region.

Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali

Kathakali Dance Show: In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, expressive makeup, and storytelling. Cooking Class: Participate in a Kerala-style cooking class to learn the preparation of authentic local dishes using fresh spices. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Early morning, enjoy a jeep safari to Sathram, a scenic forest area known for misty landscapes, wildlife sightings, and natural beauty.

Madurai

Later, drive towards Madurai, one of South India’s oldest temple cities. On arrival, meet our guide and begin sightseeing:

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). Renowned for its towering gopurams adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures, this Dravidian masterpiece is a center of Tamil culture and spirituality. The guide will explain the temple’s mythology, architectural brilliance, sacred halls, and daily rituals that bring the complex to life.

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Proceed to the historic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture built in the 17th century. Famous for its massive pillars, grand arches, and spacious courtyards, the palace reflects the grandeur of the Nayak rulers. The guide will narrate the royal history, court life, and architectural features of this impressive monument.

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Next, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, one of the most important Gandhi museums in India. Housed in a former palace, it displays photographs, letters, and personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi, including a piece of cloth worn by him on the day of his assassination. The museum offers deep insight into India’s freedom struggle and Gandhiji’s life and values.

Madurai

Conclude the sightseeing at the vibrant Madurai Flower Market, a colorful and aromatic hub where fresh jasmine, marigold, lotus, and roses are traded daily. This bustling market gives a lively glimpse into local life and traditions, especially the importance of flowers in temple rituals and everyday worship. After sightseeing, check in to your hotel in Madurai and relax for the overnight stay.

Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

After breakfast, drive to Ooty, the “Queen of Hill Stations,” located in the Nilgiri Hills. The scenic journey passes through forests, tea estates, and mountain roads. On arrival, enjoy light sightseeing or leisure time, exploring local viewpoints, walking through town, or relaxing amidst the cool climate. Overnight stay in Ooty.

Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

After breakfast, depart from Ooty and enjoy some light sightseeing like Boatanical garden, Rose Garden, Ooty market, Tea estates, Ooty lake (without a guide). Later, drive through picturesque forest routes to Masinagudi, located near the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich wildlife and natural beauty.

Masinagudi

Upon arrival, check in to your resort and relax. In the evening, guests may choose to join an optional wildlife safari (at additional cost), offering opportunities to spot elephants, deer, peacocks, and other animals in their natural habitat. Overnight stay in Masinagudi.

Mysuru Palace

Continue to the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of India’s grandest royal residences. Admire its Indo-Saracenic architecture, ornate halls, stained glass windows, and royal artifacts. The palace reflects the splendor of the Wodeyar dynasty and remains the cultural symbol of Mysore.

Chamundi Hills

Proceed to Chamundi Hill to visit the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Located atop the hill, the temple offers panoramic views of Mysore city. The guide will share the legend of Goddess Chamundi and the spiritual importance of this prominent shrine.

Devaraja Market

Conclude the sightseeing at the lively Devaraja Market, a traditional local market known for its colorful flower stalls, incense, spices, fruits, and handicrafts. Walking through the market provides an authentic glimpse into everyday Mysore life and local trade traditions. After sightseeing, check in to your hotel in Mysore and relax for the

After breakfast, check out from Mysore and proceed to Coorg (Kodagu), a picturesque hill region famous for its rolling hills, dense forests, and aromatic coffee plantations. The scenic drive itself offers beautiful views of countryside landscapes and plantation-covered slopes.

Abbey Falls

Continue towards Coorg and visit Abbey Falls, a charming waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery and coffee estates. The sound of cascading water and the surrounding natural beauty make it a refreshing stop.

Raja's Seat

Later, explore Raja’s Seat, a well-known viewpoint that once served as a favorite relaxation spot for Coorg kings. From here, enjoy panoramic views of mist-covered hills and valleys, especially beautiful in the late afternoon. Enjoy a leisurely drive through coffee plantations, experiencing Coorg’s calm atmosphere and unique hill-town charm. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Coorg, concluding the tour on a peaceful and scenic note.

Shravanabelagola

After breakfast, check out from Coorg and drive towards Hassan, passing through scenic countryside and rural landscapes of Karnataka. En route, visit some of the region’s most important spiritual and architectural landmarks. Begin with Shravanabelagola, one of the most significant Jain pilgrimage centers in India. Visit Vindhyagiri Hill to see the colossal 57-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara), carved from a single granite rock. The guide will explain the Jain philosophy of renunciation and the importance of this sacred site, famous for the grand Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony held once every 12 years

Beluru Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple

Continue to Belur to explore the magnificent Chennakesava Temple, built in the 12th century by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings, sculpted panels, and polished pillars depicting scenes from Hindu epics and daily life, showcasing the artistic excellence of Hoysala architecture.

Hoysaleswara Temple

Next, proceed to Halebidu, the former capital of the Hoysala Empire, to visit the grand Hoysaleswara Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is often described as an open-air museum due to its extraordinary detailing, elaborate friezes, and symmetrical design carved in soapstone. After completing the sightseeing, continue the drive to Hassan. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for an overnight stay.

Bangalore Palace

After breakfast, check out from Hassan and proceed towards Bangalore (Bengaluru). Upon arrival, enjoy a short city orientation and sightseeing before the final drop-off. Bangalore Palace – A grand Tudor-style palace inspired by England’s Windsor Castle, showcasing royal interiors, vintage photographs, and beautiful grounds.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Lalbagh Botanical Garden – a historic garden famous for its glass house, landscaped lawns, and rare plant species.

Vidhana Soudha and Attara Kacheri

Vidhana Soudha (photo stop) – an imposing neo-Dravidian style government building and a landmark of Bangalore

Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park (drive past / short walk) – a green oasis in the heart of the city, surrounded by colonial-era buildings. After sightseeing, you will be dropped at your Bangalore hotel or Kempegowda International Airport, as per your departure schedule, concluding the tour with wonderful memories of South India.