The South Indian Grand Odyssey Tour - 20 Nights / 21 Days

2N Mahabalipuram 1N Pondicherry 1N Tanjore 1N Madurai 1N Periyar 1N Allepey 2N Cochin 2N Munnar 1N Ooty 2N Mysore 1N Hassan 1N Hospet 1 Hampi 1 Badami 2N Goa

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

The South Indian Grand Odyssey is a rich, immersive journey designed who seek cultural depth, architectural grandeur and scenic diversity. This 21-day adventure blends ancient cities, temple towns, spice-scented hills, wildlife experiences, tranquil backwaters and iconic beaches, offering a complete perspective of South India’s heritage and landscapes.

You begin in Chennai before moving to Mahabalipuram, home to exceptional UNESCO World Heritage monuments crafted by the Pallava dynasty. Pondicherry introduces you to French-Indian charm, spiritual communities and colonial-era architecture, while the route to Tanjore unfolds legendary temples including Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram.

Tanjore’s Brihadeeshvara Temple stands as an extraordinary Chola masterpiece.In Madurai, the Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayak Palace reveal the artistic brilliance of Tamil culture.

Periyar adds a refreshing break with spice gardens and nature, followed by serene experiences in the backwaters of Alleppey. Cochin complements the journey with its blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Jewish heritage.

The hill stations of Munnar and Ooty offer sweeping tea gardens, cool climates and breathtaking landscapes. Mysore enchants with its opulent palace, temples and lively markets, while Somnathpur’s Hoysala architecture showcases sculptural beauty.

Hassan provides access to iconic pilgrimage sites like Shravanabelagola and the stunning temples of Belur and Halebid. The journey continues to Hospet and Hampi, where massive boulders and timeless ruins narrate the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Further north, Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal unravel the evolution of Chalukyan temple architecture before you finally unwind along the golden beaches of Goa.

Itinerary

A culturally rich 21-day journey through UNESCO monuments, spiritual centres, hill stations, wildlife zones, backwaters, ancient ruins and beach retreats, offering a complete panorama of South India’s heritage, landscapes, traditions and architectural marvels.

Day 1: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (75 kms, 1.5 hrs)−

Today, upon your arrival at Chennai airport, you will be received by our tour executive and later transferred to Mahabalipuram.

Day 2: Mahabalipuram+

Today visit the important places in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. It stands as a living testimony to the artistic brilliance of the Pallava kings, pioneers of Dravidian architecture. Visit the UNESCO monuments: Caves, Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Krishna Mandapam noted for its realistic representation related to the stories of Lord Krishna, and Arjuna’s Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief measuring 27m x 9m. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100 kms / 2.5 hrs)+

Today drive towards Pondicherry, a living monument of French culture in India. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, dedicated to the philosopher who developed an internal yoga system blending ancient philosophy with modern science. Explore Auroville, colonial buildings, Catholic churches and temples. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

Day 4: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangai Konda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Tanjore (250 kms / 6 hrs)+

Travel to Tanjore with en-route visits to Chidambaram, famous for its dancing Shiva temple, the Nataraja Temple. Continue to Gangai Konda Cholapuram with its bold rock carvings, then visit the Airavateshwara Temple at Darasuram known for its magnificent sculptures. Overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 5: Tanjore - Madurai (150 kms, 3 hrs)+

This morning visit the spectacular Brihadeeshvara Temple, a 1000-year-old Chola masterpiece capped with a monolithic cupola weighing 80 tons. Later visit the Tanjore Palace and Museum. In the afternoon proceed to Madurai. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 6: Madurai - Periyar (120 kms, 3 hrs)+

Enjoy visits in Madurai including Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a gracious Indo-Saracenic structure known for stucco domes and arches. Later visit the Meenakshi Temple with its towering gopurams. In the afternoon proceed to Periyar. Overnight stay in Periyar.

Day 7: Periyar - Alleppey (160 kms, 4.5 hrs)+

Today visit a nearby spice garden and enjoy an elephant ride. Later proceed to Alleppey’s backwater region where you will stay in a homestay, offering the best way to explore local life. Overnight stay in Alleppey.

Day 8: Alleppey - Cochin (70 kms / 2 hrs)+

Continue exploring the backwaters in the morning. Later proceed to Cochin. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 9: Cochin+

Morning sightseeing includes the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Santa Cruz Basilica and Chinese Fishing Nets. Afternoon free for shopping. Evening optional cultural shows. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 10: Cochin - Munnar (140 kms / 4 hrs)+

Drive to Munnar, Kerala’s most beautiful hill station filled with tea plantations and misty hills. Relax at the resort and explore on your own. Optional trekking. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 11: Munnar+

Sightseeing includes the Tea Factory (subject to permission), Mattupetty Dam with speed boating, and Echo Point. Later free time to visit tea plantations. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 12: Munnar - Ooty (280 kms, 7 hrs)+

Travel to the famous hill station of Ooty. In the afternoon take a scenic train ride from Coonoor to Ooty. Remaining day at leisure. Overnight stay in Ooty.

Day 13: Ooty - Mysore (160 kms, 4 hrs)+

Morning visit includes the botanical garden, Ooty Lake and Doddabetta Peak. Later proceed to Mysore. Remaining day at leisure. Overnight stay in Mysore.

Day 14: Mysore+

Morning excursion to Somnathpur to visit the beautifully preserved Keshava Temple. Return to Mysore for further sightseeing including the Mysore Palace, Chamundeeswari Temple on Chamundi Hill, and the vibrant Devaraja Market. Overnight stay in Mysore.

Day 15: Mysore - Sravanabelagola - Hassan (160 kms, 4 hrs)+

Drive to the Jain Pilgrim Centre, Sravanabelagola, known for its 17m monolithic Gomateshwara statue. Continue to Belur to visit the remarkable Hoysala temples, then proceed to Halebid with its richly carved Hoysaleshwara Temple. Overnight stay in Hassan .

Day 16: Hassan - Hospet (300 kms, 7 hrs)+

A long drive on dusty and bumpy roads from Hassan to Hospet. Upon arrival, spend the remaining day at leisure. Overnight in Hospet.

Day 17: Hampi+

Visit Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Explore ancient palaces, forts, temples and massive boulder landscapes along the Tungabhadra River. Spend the entire day visiting various ruins. Return to Hospet for overnight stay.

Day 18: Hospet - Badami (200 kms, 4 hrs)+

Drive to Badami with en-route visits to Aihole and Pattadakal including the Archaeological Museum, Virupaksha Temple and Malikarjuna Temple. On arrival visit the Badami caves and nearby temples. Explore the town on your own. Overnight stay in Badami.

Day 19: Badami - Goa (320 kms, 8 hrs)+

Long drive to Goa where you will spend a few days at leisure on the beautiful beaches. Overnight stay in Goa.

Day 20: Goa+

Full day at leisure on the beaches of Goa. Overnight stay in Goa.

Day 21: Departure+

Today, as per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Goa airport for your return flight.

FAQs on The South Indian Grand Odyssey Tour

What makes the South Indian Grand Odyssey unique for international travellers?

This journey is crafted to showcase South India’s most iconic cultural, historical and natural highlights in one continuous route. It blends UNESCO sites, ancient temples, hill stations, backwaters and beaches, offering an experience rich in diversity. Travellers from Europe, the UK, the USA and Australia particularly appreciate the balance of immersive sightseeing, leisurely stays and authentic local encounters.

What kind of accommodation can I expect throughout the tour?

The tour offers a mix of comfortable hotels, heritage stays, boutique properties and a traditional homestay in Alleppey. Each accommodation is selected for cleanliness, ambience and location convenience. Many properties offer scenic views, whether tea gardens, hill slopes or temple towns, ensuring a relaxing experience after full sightseeing days.

Is this itinerary suitable for senior travellers or those who prefer a slower pace?

Yes, the itinerary is well-balanced with cultural visits, easy sightseeing and adequate leisure time. Some travel days are long due to distances between regions, but they are interspersed with restful stays. Senior travellers who can manage moderate walking and road travel find this journey highly rewarding for its depth and diversity.

What type of clothing should I carry for this 21-day South India tour?

Because this itinerary covers coastal cities, temple towns and cool hill stations, it’s best to pack lightweight cotton clothing along with a warm layer for Munnar and Ooty. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Modest attire is required for temples, and sun protection is highly recommended for daytime excursions.

Are photography and videography allowed at the heritage sites and temples?

Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor locations, hill stations and UNESCO sites like Mahabalipuram, Hampi and Pattadakal. However, many temples restrict photography inside sanctum areas. Museums may charge small camera fees. It’s best to follow local guidelines and ask your guide when unsure to ensure a respectful visit.