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Best of South India Tour
Experience the best of South India on this 21-day journey that takes you from the grand UNESCO ruins of Hampi and the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu to the royal palaces of Mysore and the serene backwaters of Kumarakom. Relax on the golden sands of Marari Beach, wander through the lush tea gardens of Munnar, and soak in the spiritual aura of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple and Thanjavur’s Brihadeeswara Temple. Discover the French colonial charm of Pondicherry and the architectural wonders of Mahabalipuram, while enjoying cultural performances, vibrant bazaars, and the flavors of regional cuisines along the way.
Highlights
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Explore Hampi, the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage ruins.
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Visit the historic Chitradurga Fort and the exquisite Hoysala temples of Belur & Halebidu.
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Discover the royal splendor of Mysore Palace.
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Relax on the golden sands of Marari Beach and cruise the backwaters of Kumarakom.
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Stroll through tea gardens and misty hills of Munnar.
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Experience the spiritual aura of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur.
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Explore French colonial charm at Pondicherry and modern spirituality at Auroville.
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Marvel at the rock-cut architecture of Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple and Five Rathas.
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Enjoy cultural performances, bustling bazaars, and regional cuisines throughout the journey.
Day 01: Arrive Mumbai – Hubli – Badami
Arrive in Mumbai and connect by flight to Hubli. On arrival, meet your representative and transfer by road to Badami (110 km / 3 hrs approx). Nestled amidst rugged sandstone cliffs, Badami is famed for its ancient cave temples and Chalukyan architecture. After check-in at your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to unwind. Overnight stay: Badami
Day 02: Badami – Aihole – Pattadakal – Hampi
After breakfast, explore Badami Cave Temples, adorned with exquisite carvings of Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Jain deities. Visit Agastya Lake framed by Bhutanatha Temples, and the Badami Fort offering sweeping views. Drive to Hampi (140 km / 4 hrs), stopping at Aihole, the cradle of Indian temple architecture, to see the Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, and Ravana Phadi Cave. Continue to Pattadakal (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its Virupaksha, Sangameshwara, and Mallikarjuna Temples. Arrive in Hampi by evening and check-in. Overnight stay: Hampi
Day 03: Hampi
Spend the day exploring the fascinating ruins of Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Highlights include the Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple Complex with its iconic Stone Chariot and musical pillars, the Hazara Rama Temple, the graceful Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and the grand Royal Enclosure. End the day at Hemakuta Hill, a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the surreal boulder-strewn landscape. Overnight stay: Hampi
Day 04: Hampi – Chitradurga Fort – Chikmagalur
After breakfast, drive to Chitradurga Fort, a sprawling hill fort famous for its seven concentric walls, bastions, and legends of valiant warriors. Continue your journey to Chikmagalur, a scenic hill town surrounded by lush coffee plantations and rolling green hills. Overnight stay: Chikmagalur
Day 05: Chikmagalur – Belur – Halebidu – Mysore
Drive through the coffee country to the stunning Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu, celebrated for their intricate carvings and sculptural masterpieces. Proceed to Mysore, known for its royal heritage, gardens, and palaces. In the evening, visit the beautifully illuminated Mysore Palace and stroll through bustling local markets. Overnight stay: Mysore
Day 06: Mysore – Coimbatore
Today, travel through the Karnataka countryside to Coimbatore, the gateway to Tamil Nadu and Kerala. En route, visit small temples and local sites reflecting the region’s cultural charm. Overnight stay: Coimbatore
Pattadakal, Karnataka
Badami, Karnataka
Hampi
Virupaksha Temple
Carvings in Hoysalesvara temple in Halebidu
Belur
Iconic sweet of Mysore, Kaenataka
Columns inside Mysore Palace
Day 07: Coimbatore – Kochi
Continue your journey to the historic port city of Kochi (Cochin). In the evening, experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay: Kochi
Day 08: Kochi – Marari
This morning, explore Kochi’s multicultural heritage: see the Chinese Fishing Nets, the St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India), and the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry. Later, drive to Marari Beach for relaxation amidst swaying palms and golden sands. Overnight stay: Marari
Day 09: Marari (Beach Stay)
A full day of leisure on the tranquil shores of Marari. Indulge in an Ayurvedic spa therapy, cycle through nearby fishing villages, or simply relax on the beach. Overnight stay: Marari
Day 10: Marari – Kumarakom
Drive to Kumarakom, nestled on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Spend the afternoon cruising through Kerala’s famous backwaters on a traditional houseboat or relax at your resort amid lush lagoons, canals, and paddy fields. Overnight stay: Kumarakom
Day 11: Kumarakom – Munnar
Proceed to Munnar, a hill station set amidst verdant tea estates and misty mountains. On arrival, check-in and enjoy the serene natural surroundings. Overnight stay: Munnar
Day 12: Munnar
Full-day sightseeing of Munnar: visit the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr), Mattupetty Dam, and sprawling tea gardens. Explore local spice markets and enjoy the cool mountain air. Overnight stay: Munnar
Kathakali Dance of Kerala
Traditional Assamese Thali
Ahom Royal Amphitheatre
World famous Kerala Ayurvedic treatments
Day 13: Munnar – Madurai
Drive to Madurai, one of the oldest living cities of India. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing evening rituals at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a vibrant celebration of faith. Overnight stay: Madurai
Day 14: Madurai
Explore Madurai’s cultural treasures: the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum, and the bustling temple streets filled with shops and pilgrims. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay: Madurai
Day 15: Madurai – Trichy – Thanjavur
Drive to Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) to visit the Rock Fort Temple and the sprawling Srirangam Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in the world. Continue to Thanjavur, home to the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Overnight stay: Thanjavur
Day 16: Thanjavur
Spend the day exploring Thanjavur’s Chola heritage. Visit the Saraswati Mahal Library, renowned for its rare manuscripts, and local workshops where artisans craft exquisite Chola bronzes. Overnight stay: Thanjavur
Day 17: Thanjavur – Pondicherry
Drive to Pondicherry, a charming coastal town blending French colonial elegance with Tamil traditions. Stroll along the seaside promenade in the evening. Overnight stay: Pondicherry
Day 18: Pondicherry
Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, dedicated to spiritual harmony and human unity. Explore the French Quarter with its vibrant bougainvillea-draped villas, local temples, and markets. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely seaside walk. Overnight stay: Pondicherry
Day 19: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram
Drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Coromandel Coast. Discover the iconic Shore Temple, the monolithic Five Rathas, and the giant bas-relief of Arjuna’s Penance. Overnight stay: Mahabalipuram
Day 20: Mahabalipuram – Chennai
Spend the morning at leisure in Mahabalipuram. Later, drive to Chennai. Visit Marina Beach, one of the world’s longest urban beaches, or explore local temples. Overnight stay: Chennai
Day 21: Chennai – Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, carrying with you memories of an unforgettable journey through the heritage, landscapes, and living traditions of South India.
Pattadakal, Karnataka
UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswara temple, Thanjavur
Chola Bronze casting
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram