Treasures of South India

Day 1 Arrival in Chennai

Arrive at Chennai International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your personal representative from Top Indian Holidays and escorted to your luxury hotel. Rest and settle in after your journey or take an optional short drive along Marina Beach, one of the world’s longest urban beaches.

Evening is free for leisure or a fine-dining dinner featuring classic Tamil coastal cuisine at a renowned city restaurant. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 2 Chennai to Mahabalipuram (Approx. 2 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive south to the ancient port city of Mahabalipuram, celebrated for its rock-cut temples and stone carvings dating back to the 7th century Pallava dynasty. Visit the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and the iconic Five Rathas monuments under your private guide’s narration.

Check into a luxury beachfront resort and spend your evening gazing at the Bay of Bengal or enjoying a spa treatment. The calm sea breeze, combined with the scent of jasmine and stone heritage, sets a soothing tone.

Day 3 Mahabalipuram to Kochi (Flight via Chennai)

After breakfast, drive back to Chennai airport and take a flight to Cochin (Kochi) in Kerala. Upon arrival, meet your chauffeur and check into a colonial-style waterfront hotel, perhaps Brunton Boatyard or Grand Hyatt Kochi.

In the evening, stroll through Fort Kochi with its mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture. Visit the Chinese fishing nets, local art galleries, and spice markets before relaxing at a sunset café on the harbor.

Day 4 Kochi Sightseeing

Spend the morning exploring Cochin’s layered heritage: the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, and St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was once buried. Your private guide shares stories of maritime trade that shaped this cosmopolitan city.

Later, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, followed by an optional dinner featuring Kerala seafood specialties and coconut-infused curries.

Day 5 Kochi to Munnar (Approx. 4 hrs drive)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. The journey passes rubber plantations, waterfalls, and lush valleys. Check into a plantation-style luxury resort surrounded by tea gardens.

Spend your evening sipping locally grown tea on your private balcony or walking through misty trails. The cool mountain air offers a refreshing contrast to Kerala’s coast.

Day 6 Munnar Sightseeing

Begin the day with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Continue to the Tea Museum to understand how Munnar became India’s tea capital.

Afternoon is at leisure—choose a nature trek, spa session, or high-tea experience overlooking rolling hills. Dinner will be at your resort, featuring farm-fresh local ingredients.

Day 7 Munnar to Thekkady (Approx. 3.5 hrs drive)

Depart Munnar for Thekkady, located in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival, check into a forest-side resort offering luxury tents or villas amid greenery.

Later, take a guided boat ride on Lake Periyar, spotting elephants or deer near the shore. Evening options include a spice plantation visit or traditional martial-art (Kalaripayattu) show.

Day 8 Thekkady to Alleppey Backwaters (Approx. 4 hrs drive)

Drive down to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s backwaters. Board a private luxury houseboat for an overnight cruise through narrow canals fringed with coconut trees.

Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala cuisine prepared by your onboard chef while you drift past village life, floating markets, and paddy fields. This serene journey is a highlight of the Treasures of South India Tour.

Day 9 Alleppey to Kumarakom (Approx. 1 hr drive)

After disembarking from the houseboat, a short drive brings you to Kumarakom, an elegant lakeside destination on Vembanad Lake. Check into a tranquil resort like The Zuri Kumarakom or Coconut Lagoon.

Spend your afternoon unwinding at the Ayurvedic spa or by the infinity pool. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake followed by a candle-lit dinner.

Day 10 Kumarakom to Mysore (Flight/Drive via Cochin & Bangalore)

Transfer to Cochin airport and fly to Bangalore, where your chauffeur will drive you onward to Mysore (approx. 3 hrs). Check into your palace-inspired luxury hotel such as the Lalitha Mahal Palace.

The evening is free to relax or enjoy an illuminated view of Mysore Palace, one of India’s most stunning royal residences, glowing with thousands of bulbs.

Day 11 Mysore Sightseeing

Visit Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill Temple, and the vibrant Devaraja Market where fragrant sandalwood and silk fill the air. Your private guide adds insight into Mysore’s royal lineage and cultural artistry.

Later, explore St. Philomena’s Church or Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountains. Dinner at the hotel caps a day steeped in regal elegance.

Day 12 Mysore to Bangalore (Approx. 3 hrs drive)

After breakfast, depart for Bangalore, known as India’s “Garden City.” En route, stop at Srirangapatna, once Tipu Sultan’s capital, to see his summer palace and fort.

Check into a modern luxury hotel in Bangalore. Spend your evening shopping for sandalwood crafts or enjoying fusion dining at one of the city’s stylish restaurants.

Day 13 Departure

Breakfast at the hotel followed by private transfer to Bangalore International Airport. Depart with cherished memories of South India’s coastal charm, temple heritage, lush greenery, and warm hospitality.