Taste of South
Taste Of South (13 nights/ 14 days) Travel Package India
Overview
The states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu (Chennai), Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry collectively form what is known as South India. Despite periods of invasion and later becoming part of the British Raj, this region has successfully preserved its rich and distinctive culture. A journey through these diverse destinations offers an intimate glimpse into the local way of life. Each state boasts its own language, customs, and lifestyle, yet together they reflect the shared cultural heritage of the South. South India is a treasure trove of ancient civilizations, adorned with majestic temples, serene backwaters, cascading waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, lush green hills, and palm-fringed beaches.
Day 1 : Arrive at Chennai
Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, our representative will be there to welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is famously known as the ‘Gateway to the South’. After check-in, unwind and settle in for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 2 : Chennai- Kanchipuram- Mahabalipuram
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a captivating city tour. Start with a visit to the Victoria Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection of exquisite paintings, some dating back to the 16th century. Next, explore the Bronze Gallery, which houses nearly 700 bronze artifacts from the Pallava and Chola periods. Continue to the historic St. Thomas Cathedral, the first British church established in India.
In the afternoon, drive towards Mahabalipuram, passing along the scenic Marine Drive. En route, stop at Kanchipuram — the “City of a Thousand Temples” — renowned for its rich spiritual heritage since the 7th century. Visit architectural marvels like the Kailash Temple, the Ekambareshwara Shiva Temple, and the Vaikunda Perumal Temple.
On arrival in Mahabalipuram, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening followed by a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 3 : Mahabalipuram- Puducherry
After breakfast, explore the captivating rock-cut temples, carved from massive monolithic stones. Known as the Shore Temples or the Seven Pagodas, they stand as remarkable examples of 7th-century architecture.
Continue your journey with a scenic drive to Puducherry, stopping en route at Auroville — an experimental township founded to promote human unity and peaceful coexistence.
By afternoon, arrive in Puducherry, a charming city where colonial heritage blends seamlessly with spiritual culture. As a former French colony, Puducherry boasts historic French quarters, palm-lined beaches, and serene landmarks like the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Spend the evening at leisure and enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 4 : Puducherry- Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Kumbakonam - Darasurnam - Thanjavur
Your next destination is Thanjavur. Begin your journey after an early breakfast, with the first stop at Chidambaram — a historic town known for its magnificent Shiva temple. Continue onward to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the former capital of the Chola dynasty, where you’ll witness a stunning temple famed for its unique architecture — the shadow of its main tower never touches the ground.
Next, explore the intricately designed temples of Kumbakonam, celebrated for their rich heritage and craftsmanship. Your final stop en route will be Darasuram, home to another remarkable Shiva temple from the Chola era.
Arrive in Thanjavur by late evening and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 5 : Thanjavur- Trichy- Thanjavur
After breakfast, embark on a road journey to Trichy. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Rock Fort Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. Perched atop an 83-metre-high ancient rock—believed to be one of the oldest in the world—the temple complex was carved from stone over a thousand years ago. Climb the 417 steps to the summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of Trichy.
Later, return to Thanjavur to explore the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, built in the 11th century by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Tamil Nadu’s most awe-inspiring landmarks, especially stunning during sunset. Head back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6 : Thanjavur - Madurai
After an early breakfast, drive to the historic city of Madurai, arriving by afternoon. Check in to your hotel and relax after the journey. In the evening, visit the iconic Meenakshi Temple to witness the captivating puja ceremony. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 7 : Madurai Sightseeing
Spend a full day exploring the vibrant city of Madurai. Begin with a visit to the iconic Meenakshi Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and one of South India’s most revered temples. Continue your tour with the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, an impressive 17th-century structure built with the assistance of an Italian architect. Its striking exterior features a smooth stucco finish known as ‘chunnam’. In the evening, return to your hotel and unwind with an overnight stay.
Day 8 : Madurai- Thekkady
After a hearty breakfast in Madurai, set out for Thekkady (Periyar), a serene hill station known for its lush greenery, shimmering lake, and fragrant air. The scenic drive winds through rolling hills, offering a glimpse of Kerala’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind. You can spend the rest of the day indulging in a traditional Ayurvedic oil massage, renowned for its therapeutic benefits, or visit the local spice gardens to discover how various spices are grown — this excursion is at your own expense. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 9 : Thekkady- Kochi
Wake up early for a serene boat cruise on Lake Periyar, surrounded by lush greenery and rich wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might spot wild boars or elephants in their natural habitat. After the cruise, return to the hotel for breakfast.
Then, begin your journey to Kochi in Kerala. En route, enjoy a peaceful backwater cruise from Kottayam to Alleppey, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the locals and the charm of Kerala’s backwaters. Disembark at Alleppey and continue your drive to Kochi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind. Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 10 : In Kochi
Kochi, the most historic port in South India, is a vibrant blend of old-world charm, colorful markets, and diverse cultural influences shaped by centuries of history. Spend the morning exploring the city’s key attractions, including the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry — built by the Portuguese in the 16th century — the beautifully adorned Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, built in 1582.
Please note: the Jewish Synagogue remains closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays.
Don’t miss the fascinating Chinese fishing nets, where local fishermen demonstrate their traditional technique. Return to the hotel in the afternoon to relax. In the evening, enjoy a captivating performance of Kathakali — Kerala’s classical dance drama. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 11 : Kochi - Bengaluru
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey to the capital city of Karnataka — Bengaluru. Upon arrival at Bengaluru Airport, our representative will greet you and you’ll proceed by road to Hassan. En route, stop at Shravanabelagola, a renowned Jain pilgrimage site, to witness the impressive 58-foot-tall monolithic statue of Gomateshwara Bahubali — considered the largest of its kind in the world.
On reaching Hassan, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 12 : Hassan- Mysore
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mysore — one of South India’s most beloved destinations. En route, visit the historic towns of Halebidu and Belur. Situated on the banks of the Yagachi River, Belur is famed for its magnificent temples, including the iconic Chennakesava Temple, built in the 12th century.
Continue to Halebidu, where the Hoysaleswara Temple showcases a stunning exterior adorned with intricate friezes and sculptures. This remarkable example of medieval art vividly portrays scenes from daily life, along with finely carved figures of horsemen, elephants, lions, celestial creatures, and birds. Both temples also feature inscriptions rooted in Hindu mythology, offering deep cultural insight.
Arrive in Mysore by late evening and check in to your hotel. If it’s a Sunday, don’t miss the magical experience of seeing the Mysore Palace beautifully illuminated. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 13 : Kochi - Bengaluru
Today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting city of Mysore, known for its rich heritage and vibrant culture. After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the grand Mysore Palace, a magnificent three-storied structure featuring pinkish marble domes and perfectly symmetrical towers.
Continue to the Chamundi Hills, rising to 3,489 feet, home to several temples, including the renowned Chamundeshwari Temple. Here, you’ll also find a massive monolithic statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva.
Later, stroll through the lively and colorful Mysore Spice Market, a bustling hub of fragrances and flavors. Return to the hotel for a short afternoon rest.
In the evening, visit the world-famous Brindavan Gardens — a beautifully landscaped terrace garden filled with ornamental plants and vibrant flowers. The highlight of your visit will be the captivating musical fountain show, where water dances to light and music in a magical display.
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 14 : Mysore - Bengaluru
Begin your journey back to Bengaluru in the morning, with an en-route stop at Srirangapatna — the historic capital of Tipu Sultan. Visit the impressive mausoleum built by Tipu Sultan for himself and his family. Upon reaching Bengaluru, enjoy a city tour that includes the beautiful Lalbagh Botanical Garden, developed by Haider Ali and later expanded by Tipu Sultan; the serene Ulsoor Lake; and the elegant Bengaluru Palace, known for its Tudor-style architecture. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to Bengaluru International Airport to board your connecting flight for your onward journey.
