South India Grand Heritage & Backwaters Journey: Bangalore To Cochin 15 days

Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore

Arrive at Bangalore Airport and meet our representative for your transfer to the hotel. After completing check-in formalities, relax and acclimatise to the city. Bangalore, known as the Garden City of India, offers a blend of modern lifestyle and historical character. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or explore the nearby area independently.

Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore City Tour

After breakfast, begin sightseeing with Lalbagh Botanical Garden, known for its extensive greenery, exotic plants and iconic glasshouse. Continue to Cubbon Park, followed by Bangalore Palace with its royal architecture and English-inspired design. Visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Bull Temple and ISKCON Temple before returning to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.

Day 3: Bangalore – Vellore | Approx. 220 km / 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Vellore through scenic countryside. After check-in, visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, known for its gold-covered architecture and peaceful setting. Continue to Vellore Fort, a historic 16th-century fort surrounded by a moat, and Jalakandeswarar Temple with its detailed carvings and Dravidian architecture.

Overnight at the hotel in Vellore.

Day 4: Vellore – Chennai via Kanchipuram | Approx. 145 km / 4–5 hrs

Drive towards Chennai with a stop at Kanchipuram, one of India’s historic temple cities. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple, known for their distinctive architecture and carvings. Continue to Chennai and check in. Later, visit Marina Beach and enjoy the coastal atmosphere, with time for local markets or cultural spots.

Overnight at the hotel in Chennai.

Day 5: Chennai – Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram | Approx. 160 km / 4–5 hrs

Travel along the East Coast Road towards Pondicherry, stopping at Mahabalipuram. Explore the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas, renowned for their rock-cut architecture and sculptures. Continue to Pondicherry and explore the French Quarter, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Promenade Beach.

Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 6: Pondicherry – Thanjavur | Approx. 180 km / 5–6 hrs

Drive to Thanjavur, stopping at Chidambaram to visit the Nataraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram Temple, important examples of Chola architectural heritage. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 7: Thanjavur – Chettinad via Trichy | Approx. 140 km / 4–5 hrs

Begin with a visit to Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its monumental architecture and intricate carvings. Continue to Trichy to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Rock Fort Temple, which offers panoramic views. Proceed to Chettinad and check in at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Chettinad.

Day 8: Chettinad – Madurai | Approx. 90 km / 2–3 hrs

Explore Chettinad’s heritage mansions, noted for grand architecture, teak wood carvings and distinctive interiors. Continue to Madurai and check in. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its colourful gopurams and intricate sculptures, followed by Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. Later, explore local markets and the surrounding cultural atmosphere.

Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

Day 9: Madurai – Munnar | Approx. 160 km / 5–6 hrs

Drive to Munnar through the Western Ghats, enjoying views of tea plantations, waterfalls and mist-covered hills. Stop at scenic viewpoints for photographs and short breaks. On arrival, check in and relax amid Munnar’s cool climate and natural surroundings.

Overnight at the hotel in Munnar.

Day 10: Munnar Sightseeing

Explore Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and surrounded by rolling hills. Continue to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point for scenic views and leisure. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea production and history, followed by nearby tea plantations and a fresh tea-tasting experience.

Overnight at the hotel in Munnar.

Day 11: Munnar – Thekkady | Approx. 110 km / 4 hrs

Drive to Thekkady, a region known for wildlife and spice plantations. After check-in, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper and other spices. Later, enjoy a boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with opportunities to spot elephants and other wildlife. An optional Kathakali performance may be enjoyed in the evening.

Overnight at the hotel in Thekkady.

Day 12: Thekkady – Kumarakom | Approx. 140 km / 4–5 hrs

Drive to Kumarakom on the banks of Vembanad Lake. After checking in at your resort, relax amid coconut groves, backwaters and birdlife. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings with a walk along the backwaters or leisure time at the resort.

Overnight at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 13: Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat

After breakfast, proceed to Alleppey and board your traditional houseboat. Cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, passing paddy fields, narrow canals and villages. Enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine on board while observing daily life along the waterways. Relax on deck and enjoy sunset views.

Overnight on houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 14: Alleppey – Cochin | Approx. 60 km / 1.5 hrs

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin. After check-in, explore the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and historic Fort Kochi. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance showcasing Kerala’s cultural heritage.

Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.

Day 15: Cochin Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning or explore local markets for last-minute shopping. Later, transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward journey, concluding your South India heritage and nature journey.