Spotlight on South India - Tamilnadu, Kerala & Karnataka (All inclusive tour with domestic flight)

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, complete immigration formalities and meet your MTA representative at the exit gate holding a placard with your name. Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is a vibrant cultural and economic hub of South India. Begin your city tour with a visit to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, popular for evening strolls and local snacks. Continue to San Thome Basilica, a striking neo-Gothic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. Later, visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its colorful gopuram (gateway tower).
Note: Hotel check-in will take place after sightseeing.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Transport, Guide, Entry Fees, Assistance
Highlights: Marina Beach, San Thome Basilica, Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rock-cut temples and sculptures from the Pallava dynasty. Visit the Shore Temple, one of the earliest structural temples in South India overlooking the Bay of Bengal; the Five Rathas, monolithic temples shaped like chariots; and Arjuna’s Penance, a massive open-air rock relief depicting stories from Hindu mythology. Continue your journey to Pondicherry, a former French colony. Stroll through the charming French Quarter, visit the peaceful Aurobindo Ashram, and admire the elegant colonial churches.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Guide, Entry Fees
Highlights: Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, French Quarter, Aurobindo Ashram

Travel to Tanjore, stopping first at Gangaikondacholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola I to celebrate his military victories. Next, visit Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, a UNESCO-listed site renowned for its detailed stone carvings and Chola architecture. On arrival in Tanjore, explore the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, one of India’s largest temples built by Raja Raja Chola in the 11th century. Visit the Raja Museum and Art Gallery to see Chola bronzes and sculptures, and explore the Saraswati Mahal Library, home to rare manuscripts.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Guide, Entry Fees
Highlights: Airavatesvara Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple, Raja Museum, Saraswati Mahal Library

Drive towards Chettinad with an en-route stop at Srirangam to visit the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of India’s largest temple complexes dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In Chettinad, enjoy a guided walk through traditional Chettiar mansions, known for their ornate woodwork and Italian marble. Visit a local cotton weaving center and a tile-making workshop to learn about the region’s craftsmanship.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Guide, Entry Fees
Highlights: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Chettinad Mansions, Local Craft Workshops

Proceed to Madurai, one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Take a lively rickshaw tour through colorful bazaars and flower markets. In the evening, visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel with towering gopurams decorated with thousands of colorful deities. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Guide, Entry Fees
Highlights: Meenakshi Temple, Rickshaw Tour

Drive through the scenic Western Ghats to Periyar, a lush wildlife sanctuary famous for its elephants and birdlife. Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot wildlife along the shores. Later, visit a spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and Ayurvedic traditions.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Guide, Entry Fees
Highlights: Boat Ride on Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation Visit

Continue to Kumarakom, a serene village set on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Spend the day at leisure, relaxing at your resort or enjoying optional Ayurvedic therapies.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport
Highlights: Lakeside Relaxation, Optional Ayurvedic Treatments

After a relaxed morning, embark on a traditional Kerala houseboat cruise, gliding along the tranquil backwaters surrounded by coconut palms and villages. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board before continuing to Cochin.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Transport
Highlights: Houseboat Cruise, Kerala Backwaters

Discover the colonial charm of Cochin, also called Kochi. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the harbor, explore the Mattancherry Dutch Palace with murals of Hindu epics, visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and see the historic Paradesi Synagogue. In the evening, watch a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, known for expressive gestures and colorful costumes.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Guide, Entry Fees
Highlights: Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Synagogue, Kathakali Dance Show

Fly to Bangalore and drive to Mysore, stopping en route at Somnathpur Temple, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture with intricately carved soapstone panels. On arrival in Mysore, visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, once the royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty, known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and ornate interiors.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Flight, Guide, Entry Fees
Highlights: Somnathpur Temple, Mysore Palace

In the morning, visit Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple and panoramic views of Mysore. Also stop at St. Philomena's Church, one of the tallest churches in Asia with neo-Gothic architecture. Drive to Bangalore with an en-route visit to Srirangapatna, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan, featuring the Summer Palace and fort.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Guide, Entry Fees
Highlights: Chamundi Hill, St. Philomena’s Church, Srirangapatna

Explore Bangalore, India’s vibrant tech capital. Visit the lush Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the historic Tipu Sultan’s Palace, the majestic Vidhana Soudha (state legislature building), and the green expanse of Cubbon Park. Spend the evening at leisure, with shopping opportunities in local markets.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Guide, Entry Fees
Highlights: Lalbagh Garden, Tipu’s Palace, Vidhana Soudha

After breakfast, transfer to Bangalore Airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Airport Transfer