South India Heritage & Backwaters Journey: Bangalore, Kerala, Madurai & Trichy 11 days

Arrive at Bangalore Airport and meet our representative for your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, relax and enjoy some leisure time. Depending on your arrival schedule, take a short walk around the nearby area and experience the lively atmosphere of Bangalore, known as the Garden City of India.

Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.

After breakfast, explore Bangalore’s major cultural and architectural landmarks. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, known for its tropical plants and glasshouse, followed by Bangalore Palace with its Tudor-style architecture and royal interiors. Drive through Cubbon Park and visit Vidhana Soudha, then continue to ISKCON Temple before returning to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.

After breakfast, transfer to Bangalore Airport for your flight to Cochin. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Later, explore Fort Kochi, visiting the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town. Enjoy a sunset walk along the beach before returning to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board your private houseboat. Cruise through Kerala’s tranquil canals, lagoons and villages, passing paddy fields, coconut groves and traditional homes. Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala meals on board while observing local life along the waterways. Spend the evening relaxing on deck amid the backwaters.

Overnight on houseboat in Alleppey.

After breakfast on board, disembark and drive to Thekkady through scenic hills, spice plantations and forested landscapes. After check-in, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper and other spices. Later, explore the local markets or choose an optional cultural show such as Kathakali or Kalaripayattu.

Overnight at the hotel in Thekkady.

Explore the natural surroundings of Thekkady with a visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and a shared boat ride on Periyar Lake. Look for elephants, deer and birds along the shores. Continue with a guided nature walk or an optional bamboo rafting experience, followed by a visit to a spice garden or local plantation.

Overnight at the hotel in Thekkady.

Drive to Munnar through the scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats. Enjoy views of waterfalls, tea plantations and valleys, with stops at viewpoints for photographs and short breaks. After checking in, relax in the cool hill climate or take an evening walk through tea gardens and the local market.

Overnight at the hotel in Munnar.

Explore Munnar’s scenic attractions, beginning with Eravikulam National Park, home to the Nilgiri Tahr and rolling grasslands. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea processing and history, followed by Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Continue to Top Station for panoramic Western Ghats views and explore local gardens and waterfalls.

Overnight at the hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu’s historic temple cities. After check-in, visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and the celebrated Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its towering gopurams and intricate carvings. Later, explore local markets or attend temple rituals.

Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

After breakfast, drive to Trichy, an important temple city in Tamil Nadu. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of India’s largest temple complexes, followed by Rock Fort Temple and its surrounding areas. Transfer to Trichy Airport for your flight to Bangalore. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Bangalore Airport for your onward journey. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before departure.