Discover The Best Kept Secret of South India

Duration 19 Nights / 20 Days

Starting From On Request

Destination India

Tour Code AGORA711

Embark on a comprehensive 20-day journey through South India, beginning in Bangalore and Mysore with royal palaces and cultural landmarks, continuing to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi and Badami’s rock-cut caves, followed by Kerala’s coastal charm in Cochin, tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, wildlife experiences in Thekkady, and the scenic tea plantations of Munnar, before exploring the grand temple cities of Madurai, Trichy, and Thanjavur, and concluding with the colonial elegance of Pondicherry and the vibrant heritage of Chennai, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and leisure.

Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

Upon arrival at Bangalore International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Bangalore, known as the “Garden City,” offers a blend of modern infrastructure and colonial charm. You may explore nearby areas or enjoy hotel facilities at leisure. Prepare for your upcoming exploration of South India. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore City Tour

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Bangalore visiting Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park, known for lush greenery. Continue to Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Bangalore Palace reflecting Indo-Islamic and Tudor architecture. Drive past Vidhana Soudha, an iconic government building. Explore local markets or cafés showcasing the city’s cosmopolitan culture. Return to the hotel after a full day of sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Bangalore – Mysore (150 km / approx. 3.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mysore with an en route visit to Srirangapatna to explore Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Tipu Sultan’s Fort. Continue to Mysore and check in at your hotel. Begin the city tour with Mysore Palace, an architectural masterpiece. Visit Chamundi Hills and St. Philomena’s Church. Explore Devaraja Market for local culture. Overnight at hotel in Mysore.

Day 4: Mysore – Shravanabelagola – Hassan (140 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Hassan with a stop at Shravanabelagola to visit the monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali. Continue to Hassan and check in at your hotel. Later, visit Belur and Halebidu temples known for intricate Hoysala architecture. Explore detailed carvings depicting mythology and history. Return to hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Hassan.

Day 5: Hassan – Hampi (330 km / approx. 7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Hampi, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Spend the evening at leisure exploring nearby areas or enjoying sunset views. Prepare for next day’s detailed exploration. Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 6: Hampi Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Hampi visiting Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and the iconic stone chariot. Continue to Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and Queen’s Bath. Walk through ancient bazaars and ruins reflecting historical grandeur. Learn about Vijayanagara Empire’s rich history. Enjoy photography opportunities across scenic landscapes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Hampi – Lakkundi – Gadag – Badami (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Badami with en route visits to Lakkundi and Gadag, known for Chalukyan architecture. Explore ancient temples and step wells showcasing historical craftsmanship. Continue to Badami and check in at your hotel. Visit Badami cave temples carved into sandstone cliffs. Enjoy panoramic views of Agastya Lake. Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 8: Badami, Aihole & Pattadakkal

After breakfast, begin excursion to Aihole and Pattadakkal. Visit Aihole, known as the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Continue to Pattadakkal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautifully carved temples. Return to Badami and explore additional cave temples if time permits. Experience the architectural evolution of temple styles. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Badami – Hubli (110 km / 2.5 hrs) – Cochin (Flight)

After breakfast, drive to Hubli airport for flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and check in. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Cochin reflects colonial influences with Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage. You may explore local streets or waterfront areas. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 10: Cochin – Alleppey (60 km / approx. 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Cochin visiting Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Jewish Synagogue. Later drive to Alleppey and board a houseboat. Cruise through tranquil backwaters surrounded by coconut groves and villages. Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard. Experience Kerala’s unique backwater lifestyle. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 11: Alleppey – Thekkady (160 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)

After breakfast, disembark and drive to Thekkady. Check in at hotel and relax. Thekkady is known for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations. In the evening, enjoy Kathakali or martial arts performance. Explore local markets or spice shops. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 12: Thekkady

After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari at Periyar Lake. Spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and birds along the forest banks. Later, visit spice plantations to learn cultivation and processing of spices. Interact with local farmers and explore the greenery. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Thekkady – Munnar (100 km / approx. 3.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar via scenic mountain roads. En route stop at Ramakkalmedu viewpoint. Arrive in Munnar and check in at hotel. Spend the evening exploring tea plantations or relaxing. Enjoy cool climate and misty hills. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 14: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin city tour visiting Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, and Echo Point. Enjoy panoramic views of tea gardens and valleys. Learn about tea production process. Visit scenic viewpoints and capture photographs. Return to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 15: Munnar – Madurai (160 km / approx. 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. Check in at hotel and begin sightseeing. Visit Meenakshi Temple known for its towering gopurams. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and Gandhi Museum. Witness evening temple ceremony. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 16: Madurai – Trichy – Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur via Trichy. Visit Rock Fort Temple and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Continue to Thanjavur and visit Brihadeeswarar Temple. Explore palace and museum showcasing Chola heritage. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: Thanjavur – Chidambaram – Pondicherry (180 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry with stops at Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram temples. Visit Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram. Arrive Pondicherry and check in at hotel. Evening at leisure exploring French Quarter. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Pondicherry

After breakfast, explore Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. Walk through French Quarter and Promenade Beach. Enjoy relaxed coastal atmosphere. Explore cafés and boutiques. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Chennai (240 km / approx. 6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Chennai via Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Visit Shore Temple, Five Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance. Continue to Kanchipuram temples. Arrive Chennai and check in. Overnight at hotel.

Day 20: Chennai – Departure

After breakfast, begin city tour visiting Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Government Museum, and Marina Beach. Explore local markets for souvenirs. Later transfer to airport for onward journey. Tour ends with unforgettable memories of South India.

Assistance on arrival and departure
19 Nights accommodation in selected hotels + 1 night houseboat
Daily breakfast at hotels + all meals on houseboat
Private AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
English-speaking local guides in each city
Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
Kathakali / cultural shows
Boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Backwater cruise in Alleppey
Bottled water during travel
All 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

Mysore x 1 nights
3* - Southern Star/Sandesh The Prince
4* - Fortune Park JP Palace/ Grand Mercure
5* - Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden/The Windflower Resort & Spa

Hassan x 1 night
3* - Candy Southern Star/ Pavanputra Resort & Spa
4* & 5* - Hosyala Village Resort/ The Ashok

Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Malligi Hotel/ Krishna Palace
4* - Heritage Resort / Royal Orchid Central Keerti
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders

Badami x 2 night
3* - Rajsangam Hotel/ The Heritage Resort
4* & 5* - Badami Court/ Krishna Heritage

Cochin x 1 night
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Thanjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Svatma

Pondicherry x 2 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace