Fly direct from your chosen airport to Bangalore.
Highlights of Southern India
India
15 nights 6 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookExceptional value for a tour from Karnataka’s palaces, parks and hill-station to the backwaters of Kerala, the Western Ghats and the temples of Tamil Nadu
Overview
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Overview
India’s magic lies in a vibrant abundance of people and landscapes. Southern India provides a mixture of experiences, from palaces and national parks to backwaters, temples and the natural beauty of the Western Ghats in three contrasting regions.
Karnataka’s treasures include the extravagant and slightly eccentric Mysore Palace with its intricate carvings and dramatic scenery, the natural beauty of Bandipur and Ooty hill station. Take the Ooty toy train to Coonoor through the picturesque Nilgiri hills.
Kerala’s natural splendour and heritage is revealed. See a way of life from the past on the backwater cruise, the great old town of Fort Cochin with its historic buildings and scenic lake and landscape of Periyar National Park.
Tamil Nadu’s magnificent temples at Madurai, Tanjore, and Mahbalipuram contrast with colonial Pondicherry and Madras (now Chennai), first colonial capital.
The opportunity is afforded for independent exploration or to add optional performances and temple visits.
Highlights
- Experience a jungle safari
- Journey on the Toy Train
- Walking tour of Fort Cochin area
- Board a Keralan houseboat cruise
- Boat ride in Periyar National Park
- Visit UNESCO Site: the Shore Temple
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Bangalore
Day 2 - Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Mysore
On arrival, breakfast with wash and change facilities. Drive to Mysore (4 hrs) where en-route you will visit Tipu's Summer Palace at Srirangaptman. Two nights at the 5-star Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel. (B)
Day 3 - Explore the landmarks of Mysore
Early morning enjoy a Heritage walk of Mysore including visiting the Devyaraja Market. Return to your hotel for breakfast then spend the morning visiting the magnificent Maharaja Palace (Mysore Palace) and the Jagmohan Art & Mysore Railway museum. In the afternoon visit to Chamundi Hill and see the wonderful temples. This evening return to the Mysore Palace. (B)
Day 4 - Travel to Bandipur National Park and enjoy a jungle safari
Continue to Bandipur National Park for overnight at the 3-star Windflower Resort & Spa. After lunch at your hotel enjoy a Jungle safari by canter. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Relax or enjoy an optional safari before continuing to Ooty
Optional safari by canter (pre-bookable). Drive up to Ooty for overnight at the 4-star Fortune Sullivan Court. Visit the botanical gardens, church and market. (B)
Day 6 - Travel on the famous Toy Train and transfer to Cochin
This morning continue on your journey and board the ‘Toy Train’ to Coonor (1 hr). From there you will travel by road to Cochin (7 hrs) to enjoy your two nights stay at the Hotel ‘CGH Earth’ Casino. (B)
Day 7 - Explore Fort Cochin with an optional show
This morning enjoy a walking tour of the Fort Cochin area. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy and explore independently. This evening experience an Kathakali dance show on an optional excursion (pre-bookable). (B)
Day 8 - Cruise the backwaters on a Keralan houseboat
Today travel to Alleppey to board a Keralan houseboat for a leisurely backwaters cruise with lunch. Once disembarked travel to your hotel to overnight at the 4-star Lake Canopy in Alleppey. (B, L)
Day 9 - Travel to Periyar and enjoy an optional martial arts show
Today will take you to Periyar (a 4 hr drive), stopping for lunch with a local family. Continue on your journey visiting a spice plantation en-route. Overnight at the 4-star Cardamom County. Perhaps enjoy an optional Kalaraipayattu martial art show (pre-bookable). (B)
Day 10 - Take a morning boat ride before travelling to Madurai
Take a morning boat ride in Periyar National Park where you can spot the local wildlife enjoying morning. After, travel to Madurai (5 hrs) where you will spend the next two nights at the 3-star Fortune Pandiyan. (B)
Day 11 - Visit the local monuments and enjoy a rickshaw ride
Visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace and take a rickshaw ride to Meenakshi Temple. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum.
(B)
Day 12 - Transfer to Tanjore for a temple visit
Travel to Kumbakonam (5 hrs). Whilst en-route stop at Tanjore to visit Brihadeeshwara Temple and the Tanjore Palace museum. Continue on to your hotel where you will overnight at the 4-star‘ CGH Earth’ Mantra Koodam in Kumbakonam. Enjoy dinner at your hotel (B, D)
Day 13 - Visit the museums of Pondicherry, before continuing to Mahabalipuram
Travel to colonial Pondicherry and visit its museum (4 hrs). Continue to Mahabalipuram (3 hrs). Visit the Shore Temple. Two nights at the 4-star WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach.
(B)
Day 14 - Enjoy the temples of Mahabalipuram and an optional Kanchipuram visit
Morning visit to the temples of Mahabalipuram. Optional visit to Kanchipuram (pre-bookable), a city of 1,000 temples.
(B)
Day 15 - Transfer to Chennai for a city tour
Today, on your penultimate day, you will travel to Chennai for a city tour. Check in to the the 5-star Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels and the rest of the day is yours to explore. Enjoy your farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 16 - Fly home from Chennai
This morning take your return flight to the UK.
Notes:
This itinerary includes some walking over uneven ground. Temple visits include a walk with shoes off.
Reviews
Accommodation
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel - Mysore
This centrally located 5-star hotel is set against the backdrop of the Chamundi Hills. Restaurant, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 140 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
The Windflower Resort & Spa - Bandipur
A 3-star property, located close to the Bandipur Forest Reserve. Restaurant, outdoor pool and spa. 25 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
Fortune Resort Sullivan Court - Ooty
An ideal gateway 4-star hotel surrounded by green lawns and garden. Restaurant, bar and wellness centre. 63 air-conditioned rooms with WiFi (free) and private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
'CGH Earth' Casino - Cochin
An urban 5-star hotel with a distinct character located on the historic Willingdon Island. Restaurants, bar, pool and Ayurveda Centre. Air-conditioned rooms with WiFi (free), private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Lake Canopy - Alleppey
A modern and elegant hotel nestled in the lush backwater of Alleppey. Restaurant, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 28 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, safe and tea/coffee making facilities.
Cardamom County - Periyar
A nature retreat set in beautifully landscape gardens. Restaurant, bar, pool, fitness room, spa and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Fortune Pandiyan - Madurai
A contemporary 3-star hotel set amidst 3 acres of landscaped gardens. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 57 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
CGH Earth Mantra Koodam - Kumbakonam
Opened in 2018 and located in Kumbakonam, an hours’ drive from Tanjore, this eco-friendly hotel is designed like a typical Brahmin community. Restaurant, pool and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned cottages designed like traditional Tmail homes with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach - Mahabalipuram
A tranquil 4-star resort adjacent to the Mamallapuram beach. Restaurants, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 62 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Grand Hotel - Chennai
A 5-star hotel located in the famous shopping area of Pondy Bazaar. It features restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre and free WiFi access is in all areas.
Optional Extras
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
Optional Excursions
Optional Safari by Canter
Visit Bandipur National Park for a second time on the optional jeep safari. Travelling through the park by canter, this reserve is home to a huge variety of endangered animals such as tigers, Indian elephants, sloths, bears to name a few. It is also home to over 200 species of birds.
Optional Visit to Kanchipuram
Known as the city of a thousand temples, Kanchipuram is renowned for its incredible temple architecture with a 1000 pillared halls and huge temple towers. It is also known for its high quality vibrant silk saris, still woven on hand looms. Visiting this fascinating and awe-inspiring city is a truly an amazing experience.
Stay Extra Nights...
Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.
- Travel Guide -
You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
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Dates & Prices
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
London Heathrow Airport from £2995
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Oct 25 (15 nights) |
£2995pp | £3775pp | Book now | |
| 14 Nov 25 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 16 Jan 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now | |
| 20 Feb 26 (15 nights) |
£3075pp | £3855pp | Book now | |
| 23 Oct 26 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 13 Nov 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now |
Manchester Airport from £2995
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Oct 25 (15 nights) |
£2995pp | £3775pp | Book now | |
| 14 Nov 25 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 16 Jan 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now | |
| 20 Feb 26 (15 nights) |
£3075pp | £3855pp | Book now | |
| 23 Oct 26 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 13 Nov 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now |
Edinburgh Airport from £2995
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Oct 25 (15 nights) |
£2995pp | £3775pp | Book now | |
| 14 Nov 25 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 16 Jan 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now | |
| 20 Feb 26 (15 nights) |
£3075pp | £3855pp | Book now | |
| 23 Oct 26 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 13 Nov 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now |
Birmingham Airport from £2995
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Oct 25 (15 nights) |
£2995pp | £3775pp | Book now | |
| 14 Nov 25 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 16 Jan 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now | |
| 20 Feb 26 (15 nights) |
£3075pp | £3855pp | Book now | |
| 23 Oct 26 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 13 Nov 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now |
Newcastle Airport from £2995
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Oct 25 (15 nights) |
£2995pp | £3775pp | Book now | |
| 14 Nov 25 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 16 Jan 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now | |
| 20 Feb 26 (15 nights) |
£3075pp | £3855pp | Book now | |
| 23 Oct 26 (15 nights) |
£3025pp | £3805pp | Book now | |
| 13 Nov 26 (15 nights) |
£3065pp | £3845pp | Book now |
Private Groups Available
- Privately guided options available based on 2+ people - On request, please call
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement fee, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Optional Excursions
- Optional Safari by Canter - £35pp
- Optional Visit Kanchipuram A City of 1000 Temples - £45pp
Tour Only
- Save up to £700
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Stay Extra Nights...
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
Stay in Bangalore before you start your tour, or spend extra nights in Chennai before flying back to the UK
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
ITC Windsor
(per night) £85
Single supplement £70
Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels
(per night) £60
Single supplement £47