Grand South India Heritage, Hills & Backwaters Journey - 12 Nights / 13 Days

After breakfast, drive towards Pondicherry with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its Pallava-era rock-cut architecture. Explore the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal and the iconic Pancha Rathas carved from single stones. Continue your journey to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach, absorbing the town’s calm seaside atmosphere. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Begin the day with blessings at Manakula Vinayagar Temple, followed by a visit to the spiritual Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later, explore Auroville, the global township dedicated to human unity. Continue to Paradise Beach and the French War Memorial before spending time along the colonial streets that reflect Pondicherry’s Indo-French heritage. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, proceed to Thanjavur, stopping en route at Chidambaram to visit the revered Nataraja Temple, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. Continue the drive to Thanjavur, the cradle of Chola architecture, and check in at your hotel upon arrival. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

Start the day with a visit to the majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel of the Chola dynasty. Explore the Thanjavur Palace complex before driving to Madurai. On arrival, check in and later visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its towering gopurams and vibrant rituals. Overnight stay in Madurai.

After breakfast, visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and the Gandhi Memorial Museum, offering insights into royal history and India’s freedom movement. Later, drive to Thekkady, nestled amidst lush forests and spice plantations. Check in and relax in the serene hill environment. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Begin the day with a visit to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot wildlife along the forested banks. Continue to spice plantations and Elephant Junction for interactive experiences. Later, drive to Alleppey, Kerala’s backwater capital. Check in and unwind. Overnight stay in Alleppey.

After breakfast, enjoy the calm beauty of Alleppey’s backwaters and visit Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple. Later, proceed to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its rolling tea estates and mist-covered valleys. En route, enjoy scenic waterfalls and mountain landscapes. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Explore Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, (Closed during breeding season from January to March) followed by visits to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Tea Gardens, Tata Tea Museum, and Photo Point. The day is filled with breathtaking views and refreshing mountain air. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, drive to Ooty, the Queen of the Nilgiris. On arrival, check in and visit Ooty Lake for a relaxed boat ride, followed by the Botanical Garden and Rose Garden, showcasing rare plant species and floral beauty. Overnight stay in Ooty.

Today, enjoy a scenic excursion to Coonoor. Visit Sims Park, Lamb’s Rock, and Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the Nilgiri hills and tea plantations. Return to Ooty by evening and enjoy leisure time. Overnight stay in Ooty.

After breakfast, drive to Mysore. On arrival, visit the grand Mysore Palace, an architectural masterpiece reflecting royal splendor. Continue to Chamundi Hill for blessings at Chamundeshwari Temple and panoramic city views. In the evening, witness the illuminated Brindavan Gardens with musical fountains. Overnight stay in Mysore.

After breakfast, proceed to Bangalore. Depending on your departure schedule, you will be dropped at Bangalore Airport or Railway Station, marking the end of an enriching South India journey.