Grand Tour of South India

Grand Tour of South India – 15 Days Journey of Culture, Nature & Spirituality

Bangalore – Mysore – Ooty – Coonoor – Cochin – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Thekkady – Madurai – Thanjavur – Chennai

Introduction

Experience the vibrant soul of Southern India on this immersive 15-day Grand Tour of South India. Journey through misty hill stations, UNESCO World Heritage temples, serene backwaters, and bustling cultural capitals, all while enjoying South India’s warm hospitality and exquisite cuisine.

eit-7

From the colonial charm of Cochin to the wildlife of Periyar, from the architectural wonder of the Meenakshi Temple to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom, this curated itinerary blends culture, spirituality, nature, and heritage into one unforgettable trip.

Start Point

Location: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Alternate Pickup: Any hotel or railway station in Bengaluru
Pickup Time: Flexible based on your arrival schedule

End Point

Location: Chennai International Airport, Tamil Nadu
Alternate Drop-Off: Hotel or railway station in Chennai city
Drop Time: As per your departure flight or travel plan

View Google Map

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore

  • Warm welcome and airport transfer

  • Leisure time to relax and acclimate

Start Point: Bengaluru Airport / Hotel / Railway Station
Overnight Stay: Bangalore

Day 2: Bangalore – Srirangapatna – Mysore

  • Visit Srirangapatna Fort, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

  • Evening at Brindavan Gardens and local markets

Overnight Stay: Mysore

Day 3: Mysore City Tour

  • Explore the majestic Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, and Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery

  • Enjoy the city’s royal elegance and shopping

Overnight Stay: Mysore

Day 4: Mysore – Ooty – Coonoor

  • Scenic drive to Ooty and visit the Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, and tea estates

  • Continue to Coonoor for overnight stay

Overnight Stay: Coonoor

Day 5: Coonoor Sightseeing

  • Visit Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Kodanad Viewpoint, and Ketti Valley

  • Relax amidst lush tea plantations and cool hill air

Overnight Stay: Coonoor

Day 6: Coonoor – Coimbatore – Cochin (By Train)

  • Drive to Coimbatore and board train to Cochin (Kochi)

  • Arrive and transfer to hotel

Overnight Stay: Cochin

Day 7: Cochin Heritage Tour

  • Explore Fort Kochi, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, and St. Francis Church

  • Enjoy an evening Kathakali dance performance

Overnight Stay: Cochin

Day 8: Cochin – Alleppey (Houseboat Experience)

  • Transfer to Alleppey (Alappuzha) and board a traditional Kerala houseboat

  • Cruise through peaceful backwaters, lakes, and canals

  • Lunch and dinner served onboard

Overnight Stay: Houseboat

Day 9: Alleppey – Kumarakom

  • Morning disembarkation and drive to Kumarakom, the "Venice of the East"

  • Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and unwind by Vembanad Lake

  • Optional Ayurvedic massage

Overnight Stay: Kumarakom

Day 10: Kumarakom – Thekkady (Periyar)

  • Scenic drive to Thekkady, nestled in the Western Ghats

  • Visit spice plantations and cardamom estates

Overnight Stay: Thekkady

Day 11: Periyar Wildlife Safari & Activities

  • Enjoy bamboo rafting, border hiking, or elephant safari

  • Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to tigers, elephants, and rare birds

  • Visit Mangala Devi Temple and nearby villages

Overnight Stay: Thekkady

Day 12: Thekkady – Madurai

  • Drive to Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s spiritual capital

  • Visit Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, and Gandhi Museum

Overnight Stay: Madurai

Day 13: Madurai – Trichy – Thanjavur

  • Visit Srirangam Temple, Rock Fort, and Jambukeshwara Temple in Trichy

  • Continue to Thanjavur and check-in

Overnight Stay: Thanjavur

Day 14: Thanjavur – Darasuram – Chennai

  • Explore Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO site

  • Visit Darasuram Temple for its Dravidian architecture

  • Drive to Chennai and check into your hotel

Overnight Stay: Chennai

Day 15: Departure from Chennai

  • Morning at leisure

  • Transfer to Chennai Airport for your onward flight

End Point: Chennai Airport / Hotel / Railway Station

What’s Included

Accommodation

Accommodation at good 3 star hotels / Twin or Double Sharing basis

­

• 1 Night in Bangalore

• 2 Nights in Mysore

• 2 Nights in Coonoor

• 2 Nights in Cochin

• 1 Night in Alleppey

• 1 Night in Kumarakom

• 2 Nights in Thekkady

• 1 Night in Madurai

• 1 Night in Thanjavur

• 1 Night in Chennai

­

Check In : 14:00 Hrs / Check Out : 12:00 Hrs

Early check in and late Check out are subject to availability.

Guide Service

• English-speaking guide at Bangalore, Mysore, Cochin, Madurai and Thanjavur. (Other than English guide, subject to availability at additional cost)

Meals

• 14 Breakfast at Hotel

• 1 Lunch at House Boat

• 1 Dinner at House Boat

This tour offers Jain, Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal food options on request. Simply let  Golden Triangle India Tours know the food option that you prefer.

Additional Experiences & Activities

• 14 Nights accommodation based on double / twin sharing basis

• Assistance during arrival and departure

• Daily breakfast at hotel

• All transfers including airport transfers by an AC vehicle

• English speaking guide at Bangalore, Mysore, Cochin, Madurai and Thanjavur. (Other than English guide subject to availability at additional cost)

• Visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

• Experience the wildlife at Preiyar National Park

• Enjoy a boat ride at Preiyar Lake

• One mineral water bottle per person per day

• All currently applicable taxes including GST

Transport

All sightseeing including airport transfers by an AC Vehicle with an English speaking driver. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced with good knowledge of the road conditions and well trained. The type of vehicles provided are as follows :

Passenger              Vehicle type

• 1-2 persons         Air-conditioned medium car such as Etios / Dezire or similar

• 3-4 persons         Air-conditioned large car such as Toyota Innova or similar

• 5-10 persons        Air-conditioned mini-van such as Tempo Traveler or similar

Free eSIM

we offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

Enquiry Now

    What’s Not Included

    Insurance

    • Travel insurance and medical insurance are not included

    We recommend purchasing insurance before tour commencement.

    Additional Services

    • Visa Fee (if applicable)

    • Monument entry fees

    • Tips & Gratuity

    • Beverages other than drinking water & any costs of a personal nature

    • International/Internal flights from start to finish of the trip

    Discover the culture, nature, temples, and traditions of South India with a seamless, guided experience. Book the Grand Tour of South India today with Explore India Trip!

    Book Now

    ic1-1-1
    Expertly Curated Itineraries

    We craft journeys that go beyond the ordinary, combining iconic sights with hidden gems for a truly enriching experience.

    ic2
    Personalized Travel Plans

    Every traveler is unique – that’s why we customize our tours to match your interests,
    pace, and budget.

    ic3
    24/7 Travel Support

    From the moment you book to the final farewell, our team is always available to ensure your trip runs smoothly.