Treasures of South India

Treasures of South India

  • 12 Nights / 13 Days
  • Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kumarakom - Mysore - Bangalore -

The southern region of India unfolds like a vibrant tapestry of history, spirituality, landscapes, and coastal beauty. Top Indian Holidays presents the Treasures of South India – 12 Nights / 13 Days, a luxury-driven private tour that journeys through Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s cultural jewels. From Chennai’s colonial charm and Mahabalipuram’s stone temples to Kerala’s serene backwaters and hill-station escapes, every destination combines indulgence with authenticity.

Each transfer is chauffeured, every stay is premium, and each experience is tailored for comfort and class. Whether you are gliding through Alleppey’s emerald canals, inhaling the aroma of Munnar’s tea gardens, or standing before Mysore’s illuminated palace, this journey offers South India’s finest in elegance and intimacy.

Trip Highlights

  • Chauffeured private car with English-speaking driver throughout the tour
  • 5★ and boutique luxury stays handpicked by Top Indian Holidays
  • Guided visits to UNESCO temples at Mahabalipuram
  • Houseboat cruise through Kerala’s backwaters
  • Tea garden walks and wildlife encounters in Munnar & Thekkady
  • Royal heritage of Mysore Palace
  • Private Kathakali dance and cooking sessions in Kerala
  • Fine dining experiences featuring South India’s regional flavors

Itinerary in detail

Every trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey

Itinerary

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.

Inclusions

  • 12 nights in 5★ / heritage / boutique resorts
  • Daily breakfast
  • Private air-conditioned chauffeur-driven car for all transfers
  • Domestic flights (Chennai–Kochi & Kochi–Bangalore)
  • Professional English-speaking guides in each city
  • Luxury houseboat overnight cruise with all meals
  • Cultural shows and curated dining experiences
  • Airport assistance on arrival & departure
  • All tolls, parking, and taxes

Exclusion

  • Monument entry fees
  • Lunches & dinners (unless specified)
  • Tips & personal expenses
  • Camera charges
  • Travel insurance
  • Any item not listed in inclusions

Founder

Nand Singh Rathore

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Frequently Asked Questions

Thirteen days offer the right balance to explore Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s highlights at a comfortable pace.

Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Mysore, and Bangalore.

Handpicked 5★ hotels and boutique heritage stays chosen by Top Indian Holidays.

Yes, flights between Chennai–Kochi and Kochi–Bangalore are included.

Absolutely — a private deluxe or premium houseboat with onboard chef and crew.

No, monument fees are excluded to provide flexibility.

Yes, it’s fully chauffeur-driven and designed for relaxed travel.

Yes, you can add destinations such as Madurai or Coorg as per preference.

October to March offers pleasant weather across all listed destinations.

Because every journey is personalized with luxury hotels, private cars, handpicked guides, and flawless service.