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Southern India: Where Culture Meets Nature
Product code 437819P23
From
From USD 1,325.7
Dates
Dec 29, 2025 to Apr 28, 2026
Start times
8:30 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 11:00 AM
Travelers
Infant ages 0-1, Child ages 2-11, Adult ages 12-90
Options
ChuttiS31-03/With 5* Hotels, ChuttiS31-02/With 4* Hotels, ChuttiS31-01/With 3* Hotels
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
312 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Pickup
Pickup details available
Time zone
Asia/Kolkata
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From USD 1,325.7
Southern India: Where Culture Meets Nature





View all photos





















Duration
312 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Pickup
Pickup details available
Time zone
Asia/Kolkata
Why Travelers Love This
Carefully crafted to highlight the essence of South India, this itinerary brings together ancient temples, historic cities, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. The journey begins in Bengaluru, followed by visits to the royal city of Mysore and the picturesque hill station of Ooty. The tour continues through Kerala, covering the heritage port of Kochi, a peaceful houseboat cruise in Alappuzha, and wildlife and nature experiences in Periyar. It then moves into Tamil Nadu, featuring the sacred city of Madurai, the Chola-era architectural wonders of Thanjavur, the colonial ambience of Puducherry, and the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mamallapuram, before concluding in Chennai. This journey offers a balanced and enriching South India experience, combining spirituality, culture, and natural beauty with comfortable travel.
Overview
Carefully crafted to highlight the essence of South India, this itinerary brings together ancient temples, historic cities, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. The journey begins in Bengaluru, followed by visits to the royal city of Mysore and the picturesque hill station of Ooty. The tour continues through Kerala, covering the heritage port of Kochi, a peaceful houseboat cruise in Alappuzha, and wildlife and nature experiences in Periyar. It then moves into Tamil Nadu, featuring the sacred city of Madurai, the Chola-era architectural wonders of Thanjavur, the colonial ambience of Puducherry, and the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mamallapuram, before concluding in Chennai. This journey offers a balanced and enriching South India experience, combining spirituality, culture, and natural beauty with comfortable travel.
What's Included
Included
Common boat ride in Periyar National Park
Houseboat stay with all meals (Alappuzha)
English-speaking local guides at major sightseeing locations
All tolls, parking, fuel, and driver allowances
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
Lunch
Dinner
12nights accommodation in preferred category hotels, as per the selected option.
Breakfast
Entrance fees to monuments and temples as per itinerary
Airport transfers
Not included
Airfare or train tickets
Personal expenses (laundry, tips, phone calls, etc.)
Optional activities (Kathakali, plantation tours, etc.)
Travel insurance
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup details
Itinerary
Arrival in Bengaluru
30 minutes
Arrival in Bengaluru
Upon arrival in Bengaluru, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey. Bengaluru, often called the “Garden City of India”, is known for its pleasant weather, green parks, and a blend of modern life with traditional culture. Overnight stay in Bengaluru Please Note: Hotel check in will be available after 2:00 PM.
Bengaluru Sightseeing → Mysore (143 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Bengaluru Sightseeing → Mysore (143 km / approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Bengaluru. Visit Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, one of India’s most famous gardens, known for its beautiful lawns, rare plants, and glasshouse.
Bengaluru Sightseeing → Mysore (143 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Bengaluru Sightseeing → Mysore (143 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Continue to Bangalore Palace, inspired by English Tudor-style architecture, showcasing royal interiors and elegant wooden carvings.
Bengaluru Sightseeing → Mysore (143 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutes
Bengaluru Sightseeing → Mysore (143 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Drive past important government buildings such as Vidhana Soudha, an impressive structure symbolizing Karnataka’s administration. Later, drive to Mysore, the former royal capital of the Wodeyar dynasty. Overnight stay in Mysore.
Mysore Sightseeing
30 minutesAdmission included
Mysore Sightseeing
After breakfast, explore the cultural and royal heritage of Mysore. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, a grand example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, famous for its stained glass, carved doors, and royal halls.
Mysore Sightseeing
30 minutesAdmission included
Mysore Sightseeing
Continue to the Art Gallery, which displays traditional paintings and royal collections.
Mysore Sightseeing
2 hoursAdmission included
Mysore Sightseeing
Proceed to Chamundi Hill, offering panoramic views of Mysore city, and visit the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. En route, stop at the large Nandi Bull Statue, carved out of a single rock.
Mysore Sightseeing
1 hourAdmission included
Mysore Sightseeing
In the evening, visit the beautifully illuminated Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountain and landscaped terraces. Overnight stay in Mysore.
Mysore → Ooty (125 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Mysore → Ooty (125 km / approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Ooty, popularly known as the “Queen of the Nilgiris”. This hill station is famous for its cool climate, green hills, forests, and tea plantations. Visit the Government Rose Garden, home to thousands of rose varieties.
Mysore → Ooty (125 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutes
Mysore → Ooty (125 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Continue to the Ooty Botanical Gardens, known for ancient trees and colorful flower beds.
Mysore → Ooty (125 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Mysore → Ooty (125 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Visit Ooty Lake, where you may enjoy optional boating.
Mysore → Ooty (125 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Mysore → Ooty (125 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Also visit St. Stephen’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris, known for its peaceful atmosphere. Overnight stay in Ooty.
Ooty → Kochi (274 km / approx. 7 hrs)
2 hours
Ooty → Kochi (274 km / approx. 7 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Kochi, a historic port city on the Arabian Sea. Kochi is known for its cultural diversity, colonial buildings, and coastal charm. The evening is free to relax or explore on your own. Optional: Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional classical dance of Kerala. Overnight stay in Kochi.
Kochi → Alappuzha (Houseboat Experience)
12 hours
Kochi → Alappuzha (Houseboat Experience)
After breakfast, drive to Alappuzha, also called the “Venice of the East”. Board your private houseboat and enjoy a peaceful cruise through Kerala’s famous backwaters. Sail past palm-lined canals, lagoons, village homes, and lush paddy fields, offering a glimpse of local life. All meals will be served on board. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alappuzha.
Alappuzha → Periyar (129 km / approx. 4 hrs)
1 hourAdmission included
Alappuzha → Periyar (129 km / approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Periyar, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations. The afternoon is free for relaxation. Optional activities include a spice plantation visit, where you can learn about cardamom, pepper, and other spices, or a gentle nature walk.
Alappuzha → Periyar (129 km / approx. 4 hrs)
2 hoursAdmission included
Alappuzha → Periyar (129 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Enjoy a common boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and birds along the forest banks. Overnight stay in Periyar.
Periyar → Madurai (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)
1 hourAdmission included
Periyar → Madurai (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in India and a major cultural center of Tamil Nadu. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its colorful towers (gopurams), detailed sculptures, and the sacred thousand-pillared hall.
Periyar → Madurai (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutes
Periyar → Madurai (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Continue to Tirumala Nayak Palace, known for its grand arches and royal halls.
Periyar → Madurai (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutes
Periyar → Madurai (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Later, visit Alagar Hills, a scenic area with spiritual importance
Periyar → Madurai (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Periyar → Madurai (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)
and Tiruparankundram Temple, one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Madurai → Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)
1 hourAdmission included
Madurai → Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, the historic capital of the Chola dynasty. Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece built entirely of granite.
Madurai → Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Madurai → Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)
Explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, which reflects royal life and history.
Madurai → Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Madurai → Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)
Continue to the Saraswati Mahal Library, one of Asia’s oldest libraries
Madurai → Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Madurai → Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 4.5 hrs)
and the Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery, displaying Chola-era sculptures. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Thanjavur → Puducherry (169 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Thanjavur → Puducherry (169 km / approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Puducherry, a charming coastal town with strong French influence. Explore the French Quarter, known for its colonial buildings and peaceful streets.
Thanjavur → Puducherry (169 km / approx. 4 hrs)
1 hourAdmission included
Thanjavur → Puducherry (169 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual center attracting visitors from around the world.
Thanjavur → Puducherry (169 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutesAdmission included
Thanjavur → Puducherry (169 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Continue to Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a colorful temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Thanjavur → Puducherry (169 km / approx. 4 hrs)
30 minutes
Thanjavur → Puducherry (169 km / approx. 4 hrs)
Optional: Enjoy a relaxing walk along Promenade Beach in the evening. Overnight stay in Puducherry.
Puducherry → Mamallapuram (96 km / approx. 2.5 hrs)
6 hours
Puducherry → Mamallapuram (96 km / approx. 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), a historic coastal town famous for ancient rock-cut monuments. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the sea breeze and relaxed atmosphere. Overnight stay in Mamallapuram.
Mamallapuram Sightseeing
30 minutesAdmission included
Mamallapuram Sightseeing
After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mamallapuram. Visit the Shore Temple, beautifully located beside the sea and known for its stone carvings.
Mamallapuram Sightseeing
30 minutesAdmission included
Mamallapuram Sightseeing
See Arjuna’s Penance, a massive rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Mamallapuram Sightseeing
30 minutesAdmission included
Mamallapuram Sightseeing
Visit the Five Rathas, monolithic temples carved from single rocks,
Mamallapuram Sightseeing
30 minutesAdmission included
Mamallapuram Sightseeing
and explore the ancient Cave Temples, showcasing early Dravidian architecture. Enjoy the coastal charm and historical beauty of this seaside town. Overnight stay in Mamallapuram.
Mamallapuram → Chennai (53 km / approx. 1.5 hrs) – Departure
1 hour
Mamallapuram → Chennai (53 km / approx. 1.5 hrs) – Departure
After breakfast, drive to Chennai airport for your onward journey. End of your memorable South India Temple Tour.
Additional Info
Infant Seats Available
Specialized infant seats are available
No Back Problems
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
No Pregnant
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before


