12-Day South India Heritage Tour with Ooty Hills and Alleppey Backwaters

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Conclude your South India journey with unforgettable memories.