Private Tour South India and Goa for 27 Days

Your private South India tour begins with your arrival at Chennai International Airport. Here, you will meet your friendly tour guide and driver who will assist you throughout your journey. Begin with a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a vibrant Hindu temple famous for its colourful tower and detailed carvings dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Next, explore Fort St. George, built by the British in 1644, now housing a museum with colonial artefacts and portraits.

Continue to the Government Museum, where you will see ancient bronze sculptures, archaeological findings, and South Indian art collections.

Afterwards, take a walk along Marina Beach, one of India’s longest beaches, where locals gather for evening walks and snacks.

End your Chennai tour at Santhome Cathedral Basilica, a peaceful white church built by the Portuguese in the 16th century over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’s apostles. After the sightseeing, drive for approximately two hours to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George, Marina Beach, and Santhome Cathedral in Chennai.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before exploring Mahabalipuram, a coastal town famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. Start your day at the Shore Temple, an elegant stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, standing beautifully by the Bay of Bengal.

Next, visit Pancha Rathas, a group of five rock-cut temples shaped like chariots, each carved in a different style representing characters from the Mahabharata.

Continue to Arjuna’s Penance, a massive stone carving showing scenes from Hindu mythology, including animals, gods, and celestial beings.

Krishna Mandapam, an open-air rock temple depicting Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect his people from heavy rain.

Mahabalipuram Beach, known for its serene beauty and views of the Shore Temple.

End your sightseeing with Krishna’s Butter Ball, a giant round boulder balancing on a slope, which amazes everyone visiting this heritage town. Return to your hotel in Mahabalipuram for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide. Highlights: Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas, Krishna Mandapam and Mahabalipuram beach.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will drive to Kanchipuram, known as the “City of Thousand Temples” and famous for its silk sarees and ancient temples. Begin your visit at Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where you can see its towering gateway and the sacred mango tree believed to be over 3,000 years old.

Next, explore Kailasanatha Temple, the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, showcasing beautiful stone carvings and peaceful surroundings ideal for quiet reflection.

Continue to Vaikunta Perumal Temple, built in the 8th century, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and known for its unique architectural style and sculptures.

End your day at Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, where pilgrims come to seek blessings for happiness, marriage, and peace. After exploring these cultural gems, drive back to Mahabalipuram and spend the evening at leisure. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Silk Weaving Centers

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Pondicherry, a coastal town famous for its blend of French and Tamil cultures. Upon arrival, begin with a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful place for meditation and learning about Sri Aurobindo and The Mother’s spiritual teachings.

Walk through White Town, known for its colourful colonial buildings, boutique cafes, and charming streets perfect for photography.

Enjoy a stroll at Rock Beach, a favourite spot for locals to relax by the sea.

Later, visit Auroville, an experimental township promoting peace and harmony, where you can view the golden Matrimandir meditation dome from outside.

Continue to Manakula Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, famous for its intricate carvings and spiritual importance.

Next, explore the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a beautiful Catholic church with tall towers and colourful stained-glass windows.

End your day at Paradise Beach, where you can relax on soft sands and enjoy the calm sea after a short boat ride. Check in to your hotel in Pondicherry for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, French town, Rock beach

Today after breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Kumbakonam with en route visits to Chidambaram and Gangaikondacholapuram. Your first stop is Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, where you can see detailed bronze statues and beautiful temple towers.

Continue to Gangaikondacholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Rajendra Chola I, famous for its grand temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with stunning stone carvings and sculptures.

Later, visit Dharasuram Airavatesvara Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its exquisite Chola architecture and intricate stone work.

Next, see Sarangapani Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with its impressive tall tower and beautifully carved pillars.

Visit the Mahamaham Tank, a sacred water tank where pilgrims take a holy dip during the Mahamaham festival held every 12 years.

End your day at Oppiliappan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its large halls with thousands of sculpted pillars. After sightseeing, check in to your hotel in Kumbakonam for an overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, Airavatesvara Temple (Dharasuram), Sarangapani Temple, Mahamaham Tank, and Oppiliappan Temple.

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur), famous for its classical art, music, and grand temples. Start with the Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. Admire the massive temple tower (vimana) and stone Nandi statue, one of the largest in India.

Next, visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery, home to impressive Chola bronzes, royal portraits, and old manuscripts.

Conclude your sightseeing at the Saraswati Mahal Library, one of Asia’s oldest libraries with rare palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient texts showcasing South India’s scholarly past. Return to Kumbakonam in the evening for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery, and Saraswati Mahal Library.

After breakfast, check out and drive towards Chettinad. En route, stop at Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Trichy, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple complex is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, with impressive towers and colourful sculptures.

Continue your drive to Chettinad, the ancestral land of wealthy merchants, known for its grand mansions and traditional cuisine. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, explore Chettinad village, visiting a cotton weaving centre, handmade tile factory, and walk through narrow lanes to admire old palatial houses with Burmese teak pillars and Italian tiles.

End the day visiting Thirumayam Fort, a 17th-century fortress with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Return to your hotel in Chettinad for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Trichy, Chettinad village tour and Thirumayam Fort.

Today is a leisure day to relax at your heritage hotel and experience the slow-paced life of Chettinad. You can take a morning walk in the village to explore beautiful old mansions, traditional markets, and local temples, or simply relax and enjoy the hospitality and cuisine for which Chettinad is famous. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport Highlights: Chettinad

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Madurai, one of South India’s oldest cities known for its rich culture and grand temples. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old city, experiencing narrow lanes bustling with flower markets, tailors, and sweet shops.

Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva, admired for its tall colourful towers covered in thousands of sculptures.

Next, visit Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, a 17th-century palace with beautiful arches, pillars, and courtyards reflecting Indo-Saracenic architecture.

End the day at the Gandhi Memorial Museum, where you can see photographs and personal items of Mahatma Gandhi and learn about India’s freedom movement. In the evening, revisit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the night ceremony, where Lord Shiva’s idol is carried in a colourful procession to Goddess Meenakshi’s shrine. Return to your hotel for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Rickshaw Ride, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Palace and Gandhi Memorial Museum

Start your morning with Vanakkam Madurai, a guided walking tour to see local life as the city wakes up, exploring temples, flower sellers, and tea stalls. Return to your hotel for breakfast and check out.

Drive towards Periyar (Thekkady) in Kerala, known for its spice plantations and wildlife. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy a guided spice plantation tour, where you will learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and other spices grown in the region. Overnight stay at Thekkady. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Vanakkam Madurai and Guided spice plantation tour.

Early morning, embark on an exciting Jeep Safari through the forests and villages around Thekkady, where you may spot wildlife like monkeys, deer, and colourful birds along with panoramic views of tea gardens and valleys. Return to your hotel for breakfast and relax.

In the evening, attend an Indian cooking demonstration at your hotel, where local women will teach you traditional Kerala dishes, followed by dinner to enjoy what you prepared. Overnight stay at Thekkady. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Jeep Safari, Cooking demo with dinner Highlights: Jeep Safari and Indian Cooking Class

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Kumarakom, a peaceful village by Vembanad Lake, famous for its backwaters and bird sanctuary. On arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can relax by the lake, enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, or watch the sunset over the backwaters. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport Highlights: Backwater views, optional Ayurvedic massage, and leisure time by Vembanad Lake.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Alleppey, known as the “Venice of the East”. Here, board your private houseboat and begin a full-day cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala. Sail past green paddy fields, small villages, coconut groves, and local fishermen at work. Enjoy freshly cooked traditional Kerala meals on board as you relax and experience the peaceful village life along the canals. Overnight stay on the houseboat. Inclusions: Houseboat, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private Transport, Tour Guide

After breakfast on the houseboat, check out and drive towards Kochi. En route, stop at Cherai Beach to enjoy the cool breeze and relax for a while. Continue your drive to Fort Kochi and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to stroll around the historic streets, cafes, and markets of Fort Kochi. Overnight stay in Kochi. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, PrivateTransport Highlights: Cherai Beach and Relax

Today, explore the cultural and historic highlights of Kochi with your guide. Start with the Chinese Fishing Nets, an iconic sight along the coast.

Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India where Vasco da Gama was originally buried.

Explore Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) to see beautiful murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics and the royal life of Kochi rulers.

Next, visit the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.

Walk through Jew Town, famous for antique shops and spice markets.

End the day at Dhobi Khana, the traditional public laundry where washermen clean clothes in open-air stone basins. Return to your hotel for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Town, and Dhobi Khana.

Today is free for you to explore Fort Kochi at your own pace. You may visit nearby villages, take a cooking class to learn Kerala dishes, or simply relax at cafes and enjoy the colonial streets and local life. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Kochi airport for your flight to Bangalore (flight not included). On arrival at Bangalore airport, meet your driver and continue your journey with a 4-hour drive to Mysore. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport Highlights: Travelling

Today, explore the royal city of Mysore with your guide. Visit the Mysore Palace, an impressive building with beautiful halls, intricate ceilings, and grand architecture reflecting the Wodeyar dynasty’s glory.

Drive up Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and get panoramic views of Mysore city

In the evening, visit Brindavan Gardens, known for its musical fountain show with colourful lights and water displays.

End the day at Devaraja Market, a lively market where you can see stalls selling flowers, spices, fruits, and traditional items. Return to your hotel for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Hassan. En route, visit Shravanabelagola, a sacred Jain pilgrimage site famous for the 58-feet tall statue of Lord Bahubali carved from a single rock, considered one of the largest monolithic statues in the world.

Continue to Belur to explore the Chennakesava Temple, known for its detailed sculptures and beautiful carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Later, visit Halebid, which houses the Hoysaleswara Temple, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture with intricate stone work on its walls. Check in to your hotel in Hassan for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Jain statue, Chennakesava Temple and Hoysaleswara Temple.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Hampi, a journey of around 7 hours with refreshment stops along the way. On arrival in Hampi, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, PrivateTransport

After breakfast, explore the historical ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its temples and ancient monuments from the Vijayanagara Empire. Start with the Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its tall gopuram and beautiful carvings.

Visit the Vittala Temple Complex, renowned for its stone chariot and musical pillars that produce musical notes when tapped

Explore the Royal Enclosure, where you will see structures like the Queen’s Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, and Elephant Stables, showcasing the grandeur of the royal era.

End the tour with Achyutaraya Temple, known for its detailed architecture. Return to your hotel in Hampi for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Group of temples at Hampi

Today is a free day to explore Hampi at your own pace. You can choose to walk, cycle, take auto-rickshaws, or visit additional temples and monuments with your driver’s assistance. Spend time admiring the natural boulder landscapes and historic ruins spread across Hampi. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport Highlights: Leisure or optional activities

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Badami, known for its rock-cut cave temples carved into sandstone cliffs. Visit the Badami Cave Temples, dating back to the 6th century, with beautiful carvings of Hindu deities.

Explore Badami Fort, located on top of a hill with ancient temples, granaries, and a watch tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Check in to your hotel in Badami for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Cave temples and Badami Fort

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to visit nearby historical sites. Start with Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its group of ancient temples showcasing a mix of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles.

Continue to Aihole, often called the “Cradle of Indian Architecture”, with over 100 temples spread across the village, showcasing beautiful stone carvings and early architectural experiments that influenced later temple designs. Return to your hotel in Badami for overnight stay. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport, Entrance fees, Tour Guide Highlights: Pattadakal group of temples, Aihole sightseeing

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Goa, a journey of around 6–7 hours with breaks along the way. On arrival in Goa, check in to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing on one of Goa’s beautiful beaches or exploring the nearby markets and cafes. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Transport Highlights: Goa Beaches

Today is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming, exploring old Portuguese churches, visiting spice plantations, or experiencing Goa’s vibrant markets and nightlife. Optional activities like water sports can also be arranged at an additional cost. Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast Highlights: Relax in Beach or optional activities

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will be transferred to Goa airport for your onward flight. Your memorable 27-day South India and Goa journey comes to an end with beautiful experiences to cherish.