Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Bengaluru

   • Arrive in Bengaluru and transfer to your hotel.

   • Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a historic and well-maintained green space.

   • Explore the majestic Bangalore Palace.

   • Discover spiritual serenity at ISKCON Temple.

   • Spend the evening walking along MG Road and Brigade Road for shopping and leisure.

   Stay overnight in Bengaluru.

2. Day 2: Bengaluru to Mysore (150 km, approximately 4 hours)

   • Drive to Mysore, stopping en route at Srirangapatna, the historical capital of Tipu Sultan.

   • Visit the grand Mysore Palace, a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

   • Ascend Chamundi Hills and admire panoramic views and Chamundeshwari Temple.

   • Explore the illuminated Brindavan Gardens and watch the Musical Fountain Show.

   Stay overnight in Mysuru.

3. Day 3: Mysore to Ooty (125 km, approximately 4 hours)

   • Drive through scenic landscapes via Bandipur or Mudumalai Wildlife Reserve.

   • Opt for an early morning or evening jeep safari to spot wildlife (optional, at extra cost).

   • Visit Ooty Lake and enjoy a relaxing boat ride.

   • Stroll through the beautifully landscaped Government Botanical Garden.

   Stay overnight in Ooty.

4. Day 4: Ooty – Coonoor Excursion

   • Ride the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train from Ooty to Coonoor.

   • Visit Sim’s Park, a unique botanical garden housing rare trees.

   • Admire breathtaking views from Lamb’s Rock and Dolphin’s Nose viewpoints.

   • Tour a tea estate and enjoy a fresh tea-tasting session.

   • Return and stay overnight in Ooty.

5. Day 5: Ooty to Pondicherry (330 km, approximately 7 hours)

   • Depart early for Pondicherry, the former French colonial town on the coast.

   • Take an evening walk along Promenade Beach.

   • Stroll through the quaint lanes of the French Quarter.

   Stay overnight in Pondicherry.

6. Day 6: Pondicherry Sightseeing

   • Visit Auroville, a unique international community and spiritual township.

   • Explore the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

   • Offer prayers at the vibrant Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

   • Admire the architecture of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

   • Explore French-style bakeries, art galleries, and boutique stores.

   • Enjoy café hopping and dine with a view of the sea.

   Stay overnight in Pondicherry.

7. Day 7: Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Madurai (300 km, approximately 6 hours)

   • Drive to Madurai, stopping first at Chidambaram to visit the Nataraja Temple.

   • Visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, a marvel of Chola architecture.

   • Reach Madurai in the evening and explore the vibrant local markets.

   Stay overnight in Madurai.

8. Day 8: Madurai Sightseeing – Thekkady (160 km, approximately 4.5 hours)

   • Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi.

   • Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, a 17th-century royal palace.

   • Tour the Gandhi Memorial Museum.

   • Drive through the Western Ghats to reach Thekkady, home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

   Stay overnight in Thekkady.

9. Day 9: Thekkady Jungle Activities and Spice Garden Visit

   • Join a morning boat safari in Periyar Lake to spot elephants, sambar deer, and birdlife.

   • Visit a spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, and other aromatic crops.

   • Opt for an elephant ride or bamboo rafting experience (optional, at extra cost).

   • Attend a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts or Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

   Stay overnight in Thekkady.

10. Day 10: Thekkady to Alleppey (140 km, approximately 4 hours)

    • Drive to Alleppey and board a traditional Kerala houseboat.

    • Begin a serene backwaters cruise through coconut groves, paddy fields, and village canals.

    • Watch daily village life unfold along the waterways.

    • Enjoy freshly prepared meals and dinner served on the boat.

    Stay overnight on the houseboat in Alleppey.

11. Day 11: Alleppey to Kochi (60 km, approximately 1.5 hours)

    • Disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kochi.

    • Visit Jew Town and browse through antique stores.

    • Explore Mattancherry Palace and the historic Fort Kochi.

    • View the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset.

    • Attend a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.

    Stay overnight in Kochi.

12. Day 12: Departure from Kochi

    • Transfer to Kochi International Airport or railway station for your onward journey.

    • Conclude your South India journey with unforgettable memories.