CLASSICAL SOUTH
Duration: 14 Days | Chennai – Bangalore
Destinations: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Madurai – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kochi – Ooty – Mysore – Hassan – Bangalore.
CUSTOMISED ITINERARIES
24/7 SUPPORT
PRIVATE VEHICLE
LOCAL EXPERT GUIDES
BEST PRICE GUARANTEE
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01 | CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM
Arrive Chennai. You will be met and assisted with your baggage at the airport by our representative. Begin a comfortable drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram (64 km | 2 hr.), a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its Pallava-era monuments and coastal charm.
- Proceed to explore the iconic monuments of Mahabalipuram, starting with Arjuna’s Penance / Descent of the Ganges, an impressive open-air rock relief depicting mythological stories in exquisite detail.
- Visit the remarkable Five Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples carved from single granite boulders during the Pallava period. Each ratha is uniquely shaped and named after the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, showcasing distinct architectural styles that later influenced South Indian temple design. Though never consecrated, these structures serve as early prototypes of Dravidian architecture, featuring intricate carvings, sculpted pillars, and animal figures such as lions and elephants.
- This is followed by a visit to the famous Krishna’s Butter Ball, a gigantic natural granite boulder that appears to defy gravity as it rests precariously on a sloping hillside. Weighing several tons, this perfectly rounded rock has remained in the same position for centuries, despite earthquakes and natural erosion
- Continue to the ancient Varaha Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram, a series of rock-cut sanctuaries carved into granite cliffs during the Pallava dynasty. These caves are renowned for their finely sculpted panels of Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and Krishna, depicting mythological scenes with remarkable artistic precision. The beautifully carved pillars, detailed reliefs, and serene interiors reflect the early evolution of Dravidian temple architecture and the religious significance of the site.
- End the sightseeing at the magnificent Shore Temple, one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, majestically overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
DAY 02 | MAHABALIPURAM
After breakfast, visit Mahabalipuram, which has exquisite Rock-cut monuments, monolithic structures & Bas-reliefs. Visit a very interesting creation enroute Dakshin Chitra, a museum that preserves actual houses of different communities & village craftsmen from the four southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Kerala. Afternoon, free to relax on the beach.
DAY 03 | MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY
After breakfast, leave for Pondicherry (96 km | 2 hr.). Arrive Pondicherry and check in at the prebooked hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing of Pondicherry, which was formerly a French colony. The main attraction here is the Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram is one of the most popular in India with Westerners and is also one of the most affluent. Also to be visited is the Pondicherry Museum, which has a well-displayed variety of exhibits ranging from French furniture to this history of bead making.
DAY 04 | PONDICHERRY - THANJAVUR
Morning, leave for Thanjavur (170 km | 03 hr.). On arrival check-in at the prebooked hotel.
Afternoon, sightseeing of Thanjavur. Visit the Brihadishwara temple, which was built by Raja Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. This temple is one of the monuments in India with a World Heritage listing. Also visit the Thanjavur Palace, which was constructed in 1550 and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers
DAY 05 | THANJAVUR - MADURAI
After breakfast, leave for Madurai. En route, visit the Rock Fort Temple in Tiruchirapalli and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam—this superb temple complex is surrounded by seven concentric walls with 21 gopurams and is probably the largest in India. Continue driving to Madurai.
DAY 06 | MADURAI - THEKKADY
After breakfast, sightseeing of Madurai
- Meenakshi Amman Temple – This temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, famous for its towering gopurams and detailed sculptures. Spend time exploring the temple’s thousand-pillared hall and vibrant corridors.
- Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple – Located on a hill, this temple dedicated to Lord Murugan offers a serene atmosphere and panoramic views of Madurai city.
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace – Experience the grandeur of 17th-century Nayak architecture with its massive pillars and ornate stucco work. The palace gives insight into the royal history of Madurai.
Afternoon, drive to Thekkady – one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves noted for its geography, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty. Arrive Thekkady and check in at the prebooked hotel.
DAY 07 | THEKKADY
After breakfast, leave for Jungle Walk. The forest provides specially trained guides for early morning treks into the jungle. The treks are of a duration of 03 hrs. These treks are an ideal way to really feel the forest and to experience it closely.
Afternoon boat ride on the Lake Periyar, where one can have a unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attractions of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
DAY 08 | THEKKADY - ALLEPPEY
After breakfast, leave for Alleppey in time to board the houseboat for an overnight backwater trip. On arrival in Alleppey, commence an overnight houseboat cruise, which gives one a fascinating insight into the life of a Keralan Backwater Village. As the boat glides along the backwaters, one can see the daily life in the backwater villages. On the narrow strips of land, fishermen fishing, children swimming and playing in the water, women doing their daily chores, mobile shops in tiny canoes, the cultivation of paddy and its harvesting (during harvest season), huge country barges ferrying the coconuts, rice, coir etc. Note: The cruise commences at 1300 hrs with lunch served onboard and continues till dusk. At dusk the boat will anchor in a wide waterway or lake for the night. (The backwaters close to boat traffic at dusk as the fisherman lay their nets in the backwaters. Other boats are not allowed to ply in the backwaters after dusk.) On the following day the cruise commences again after breakfast, and you will be dropped at Alleppey by 1000 hrs.
DAY 09 | ALLEPPEY - KOCHI
Check out from the houseboat and proceed to Kochi (53 km | 01½ hr.)
Afternoon, sightseeing of Kochi. Visit Fort Kochi beach, chinese fishing nets, Vasco da Gama square, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church), Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery (view from outside), Bastion Bungalow, local spice and handicraft shops, Jew Town, Paradesi Synagogue & Mattancherry Palace.
DAY 10 | KOCHI - OOTY
After breakfast, drive to Ooty (280 km | 07 hr). It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected forest area in India. The region is part of the South Western Ghats montane rain forest ecoregion and harbors thousands of plant species. The native vegetation consisted of meadows and grasslands on the hillsides with shola forests in the valleys. Arrive in Ooty and check in at the prebooked hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 11 | OOTY
Morning sightseeing of Ooty. Visit the Botanical Garden built in 1847, sprawling across 55 acres beautifully landscaped. Explore the Rose Garden, showcasing 3600 varieties of roses, which is one of the largest rose gardens in India, spread across 10 acres of land. Visit the scenic lake with the backdrop of the picturesque Nilgiris.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Proceed to Ooty railway station to board the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train), a UNESCO World Heritage experience. The toy train journey from Ooty to Mettupalayam takes you through tunnels, bridges, dense forests, waterfalls, and tea plantations, offering one of the most scenic rail journeys in India. Common rail timing: 1400 – 1730 hr. Drive back to Ooty.
DAY 12 | OOTY - MYSORE
Morning drive towards Mysore (160 km | 4 hr.); en route visit the revered Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. This ancient temple is one of the most important shrines in South India and features beautiful Dravidian architecture.
Afternoon sightseeing of Mysore. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of India’s grandest royal residences. Admire its Indo-Saracenic architecture, ornate halls, stained glass windows, and royal artifacts. The palace reflects the splendor of the Wodeyar dynasty and remains the cultural symbol of Mysore.
Proceed to Chamundi Hill to visit the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Located atop the hill, the temple offers panoramic views of Mysore city.
Conclude the sightseeing at the lively Devaraja Market, a traditional local market known for its colorful flower stalls, incense, spices, fruits, and handicrafts. Walking through the market provides an authentic glimpse into everyday Mysore life and local trade traditions.
DAY 13 | MYSORE - HASSAN
After breakfast, check out from Mysore and drive towards Hassan (110 km | 2½ hr.), stopping en route at Karnataka’s most important spiritual and architectural landmarks. Begin with a visit to Shravanabelagola, one of the most significant Jain pilgrimage centers in India. Climb the Vindhyagiri Hill to see the colossal 57-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara), carved from a single block of granite.
Continue to Belur to visit the exquisite Chennakesava Temple, built by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana in the 12th century. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is celebrated for its detailed stone carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics, celestial dancers, and daily life. The guide will highlight the intricate sculptures, polished pillars, and the artistic brilliance of Hoysala architecture.
Next, proceed to Halebidu, the former capital of the Hoysala Empire, to visit the majestic Hoysaleswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is renowned for its elaborate friezes, finely carved panels, and symmetrical design. Often described as an open-air museum of sculpture, the temple showcases some of the finest stone workmanship in India.
After completing the sightseeing, continue the drive to Hassan. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 14 | HASSAN - BANGALORE
After breakfast, check out from Hassan and proceed towards Bangalore (180 km | 3½ hr.).
Afternoon, sightseeing of Bangalore
- the Bangalore Palace. A grand Tudor-style palace inspired by England’s Windsor Castle, showcasing royal interiors, vintage photographs, and beautiful grounds.
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden. A historic garden famous for its glass house, landscaped lawns, and rare plant species.
- Vidhana Soudha (photo stop) – an imposing neo-Dravidian-style government building and a landmark of Bangalore.
- Tipu Sultan Fort & Palace. An elegant teakwood structure with Indo-Islamic architecture, reflecting the life and times of Tipu Sultan.
After sightseeing, transfer to the Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport.