South India Temple, Backwater & Beach Journey: Bangalore To Kovalam 20 days

Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore

Upon arrival at Bangalore Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, relax and unwind following your journey. You may explore nearby areas or enjoy the hotel facilities at leisure. Bangalore offers a pleasant introduction to South India with its vibrant atmosphere and comfortable climate.

Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore City Tour

After breakfast, begin your Bangalore sightseeing. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, followed by Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, known for its Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue to Bangalore Palace and the Bull Temple. Enjoy a combination of heritage, culture and greenery 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. Upon arrival, check in and refresh before visiting Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple and Vellore Fort. Explore Jalakandeswarar Temple within the fort complex before enjoying the evening at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Vellore.

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

After breakfast, drive towards Chennai with an en route visit to Kanchipuram. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple before continuing to Chennai. After check-in, visit Fort St. George and enjoy a walk along Marina Beach.

Overnight at the hotel in Chennai.

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

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry via the coastal route. En route, visit Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance, renowned for their historic stone architecture and carvings. Continue to Pondicherry, check in and relax. Later, explore Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French Quarter.

Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.

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

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur with a stop at Nataraja Temple. Continue to Thanjavur and check in at your hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Chola architecture, and explore local art galleries and the surrounding area.

Overnight at the hotel in Thanjavur.

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

After breakfast, drive towards Trichy and visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Rock Fort Temple. Continue to Chettinad, known for its heritage mansions and distinctive cultural traditions. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Chettinad.

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

After breakfast, explore Chettinad’s heritage homes and local culture. Later, drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Visit the celebrated Meenakshi Amman Temple and Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. In the evening, witness the temple ceremony before returning to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

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

After breakfast, drive to Munnar through the scenic Western Ghats. Enjoy views of waterfalls, tea plantations and winding mountain roads. Upon arrival, check in and relax. The evening is free to enjoy Munnar’s cool climate and peaceful surroundings.

Overnight at the hotel in Munnar.

Day 10: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park and the surrounding tea plantations. Continue to the Tea Museum to learn about tea processing, followed by scenic viewpoints including Echo Point and Top Station. Return to the hotel after sightseeing.

Overnight at the hotel in Munnar.

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

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, known for wildlife and spice plantations. Upon arrival, check in and visit spice gardens and the local market. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance featuring Kathakali or martial arts.

Overnight at the hotel in Thekkady.

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

After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Later, drive to Kumarakom and check in at your resort. Relax beside the backwaters and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The evening is free at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 13: Kumarakom – Alleppey | Houseboat Stay

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat. Cruise through Kerala’s scenic backwaters, passing villages, coconut groves and paddy fields. Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board while experiencing the peaceful rhythm of Kerala’s waterways.

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. Check in at your hotel and begin sightseeing. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali show.

Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.

Day 15: Cochin – Kovalam via Trivandrum | Approx. 200 km / 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Kovalam via Trivandrum. Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Napier Museum before continuing to Kovalam. Check in at your beach resort and relax while enjoying the coastal surroundings.

Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.

Day 16: Kovalam Leisure

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure on Kovalam’s beaches. Relax beside the Arabian Sea, walk along the golden sands or enjoy the scenic surroundings. Optional Ayurveda treatments and water sports are available separately.

Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.

Day 17: Kovalam Leisure

After breakfast, continue enjoying leisure time in Kovalam. Relax at the resort or explore nearby beaches and the surrounding coastal area. Optional excursions can be arranged separately.

Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.

Day 18: Kovalam Leisure

After breakfast, enjoy another day at leisure by the beach. Take a relaxing walk along the shoreline or choose optional spa therapies. The day is designed for rest and rejuvenation after the cultural and scenic journey.

Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.

Day 19: Kovalam Leisure

After breakfast, enjoy your final full day in Kovalam. Spend time soaking in the tropical surroundings or exploring nearby attractions. Return to the resort and enjoy a relaxed evening before departure.

Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.

Day 20: Kovalam – Departure

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Trivandrum International Airport according to your flight schedule. Depart with memories of South India’s temples, heritage sites, hills, backwaters and beaches.