Bangalore to Kovalam South India Temple, Backwater & Beach
The “Bangalore to Kovalam South India Temple, Backwater & Beach” tour is a carefully designed journey that showcases the diversity of South India. From ancient temples and UNESCO heritage sites to colonial towns and serene coastal retreats, the tour captures the essence of the region. Experience the architectural brilliance of Tamil Nadu, the rolling tea plantations of Munnar, the wildlife of Thekkady, and the peaceful rhythm of Kerala’s backwaters on a traditional houseboat. The journey concludes with rejuvenating days on Kovalam’s beaches, offering the perfect ending to an enriching cultural and scenic exploration of South India.
Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore
Upon arrival at Bangalore Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, relax and unwind after your journey. Bangalore, known for its pleasant climate and vibrant lifestyle, offers a perfect introduction to South India. You may explore nearby areas or enjoy hotel facilities at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.
Day 2: Bangalore City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Bangalore. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, followed by Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue to Bangalore Palace and Bull Temple. Enjoy a blend of heritage, culture, and greenery before returning to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.
Day 3: Bangalore to Vellore (220 km / approx. 4–5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Vellore through scenic countryside landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and refresh. Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple and explore Vellore Fort along with Jalakandeswarar Temple. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Vellore.
Day 4: Vellore to Chennai via Kanchipuram (145 km / approx. 4–5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Chennai with an en route visit to Kanchipuram. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple. Continue to Chennai and check in at your hotel. Later visit Fort St. George and enjoy a walk at Marina Beach. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.
Day 5: Chennai to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram (160 km / approx. 4–5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry via the coastal route. En route, visit Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Later explore Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French Quarter. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 6: Pondicherry to Thanjavur (180 km / approx. 5–6 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur with a stop at Nataraja Temple. Continue to Thanjavur and check in at your hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Chola architecture. Explore local art galleries and surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.
Day 7: Thanjavur to Chettinad via Trichy (140 km / approx. 4–5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Trichy and visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Rock Fort Temple. Continue to Chettinad, known for its heritage mansions and rich culture. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Chettinad.
Day 8: Chettinad to Madurai (90 km / approx. 2–3 hrs drive)
After breakfast, explore Chettinad’s heritage homes and local culture. Later drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple and Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. Witness the evening ceremony at the temple. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.
Day 9: Madurai to Munnar (160 km / approx. 5–6 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Munnar through the scenic Western Ghats. Enjoy beautiful views of waterfalls, tea plantations, and winding roads. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Evening free to enjoy the cool climate and peaceful surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.
Day 10: Munnar Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin the city tour of Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park and explore tea plantations. Visit Tea Museum to learn about tea processing. Enjoy scenic viewpoints like Echo Point and Top Station. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.
Day 11: Munnar to Thekkady (110 km / approx. 4 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady known for wildlife and spice plantations. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Visit spice gardens and explore the local market. In the evening, enjoy Kathakali or martial art performances. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.
Day 12: Thekkady to Kumarakom (140 km / approx. 4–5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Later drive to Kumarakom and check in at your resort. Relax by the backwaters and enjoy scenic surroundings. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.
Day 13: Kumarakom to Alleppey (Houseboat Stay)
After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat. Cruise through the scenic backwaters, passing villages, coconut groves, and paddy fields. Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard. Experience Kerala’s tranquil lifestyle. Overnight on houseboat in Alleppey.
Day 14: Alleppey to Cochin (60 km / approx. 1.5 hrs drive)
After breakfast, disembark and drive to Cochin. Check in at your hotel and begin city tour. Visit Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Mattancherry Palace. Evening enjoy Kathakali show. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.
Day 15: Cochin to Kovalam (200 km / approx. 5–6 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Kovalam via Trivandrum. Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Napier Museum. Continue to Kovalam and check in at your beach resort. Enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.
Day 16: Kovalam Leisure
After breakfast, spend the day relaxing on Kovalam’s beautiful beaches. Enjoy the calm Arabian Sea, golden sands, and scenic surroundings. Optional activities like Ayurveda treatments or water sports are available. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.
Day 17: Kovalam Leisure
After breakfast, continue to enjoy leisure time in Kovalam. You may explore nearby beaches or relax at the resort. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and coastal charm. Optional excursions can be arranged. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.
Day 18: Kovalam Leisure
After breakfast, enjoy another day at leisure by the beach. Take a relaxing walk along the shoreline or indulge in spa therapies. This day is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.
Day 19: Kovalam Leisure
After breakfast, enjoy your final full day at Kovalam. Spend time soaking in the tropical atmosphere or exploring nearby attractions. Prepare for departure with relaxed evening. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.
Day 20: Kovalam – Departure (Trivandrum Airport)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport as per your flight schedule. Depart with unforgettable memories of South India’s temples, backwaters, hills, and beaches
- Assistance on arrival and departure
- 19 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- 1 night houseboat stay in Alleppey with all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
- Private AC vehicle for all transfers, sightseeing, and intercity travel
- English-speaking local guides during sightseeing
- Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
- Boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cultural shows (Kathakali / Kalaripayattu) in Thekkady/Cochin
- Bottled drinking water in vehicle throughout the tour
- All applicable government taxes
Hotels used or similar for 19 nights accommodation
Bangalore x 2 nights
3* - Ramada/ The Rialto
4* - Fortune Select JP Cosmos/ Lemon Tree Premier Ulsoor Lake
5* - ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection/ ITC Windsor a Luxury Collection
Vellore x 1 night
3* - Hotel Khanna Fiesta/ POPPYS Anukula Residency
4* & 5* - Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotels/ Fortune Park
Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace
Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa
Thanjore x 1 night
3star - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers
4star - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5star - Svatma
Chettinad x 1 night
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth
Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Munnar x 2 night
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County
Pariyar (Thekkady) x 1 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County
Kumarakom x 1 night
3* - Abad Whispering Palm/ Cocobay Resort
4* - Eastend Lake Song/ Goldfield Lake Resort
5* - Coconut Lagoon/ The Zuri
Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat
4* - Premium Houseboat
5* - Luxury Houseboat
Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien
Kovalam x 5 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/ Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach
- Any domestic or international flight tickets
- Camera/video charges at monuments
- Meals other than specified in inclusions
- Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, tips, etc.)
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Optional tours, activities, or water sports
- Any increase in taxes or fuel surcharges
- Anything not specifically mentioned in inclusions