Overview
Embark on a 17-day journey through South India’s cultural and natural gems. Explore ancient temples of Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, and Madurai; discover Pondicherry’s French charm; wander tea gardens of Munnar and the backwaters of Alleppey; spot wildlife in Periyar and Masinagudi. Ride the Nilgiri toy train to Ooty, admire Mysore’s palaces, Hoysala architecture at Hassan, and conclude in vibrant Bangalore. A perfect mix of heritage, spirituality, and scenic beauty.
Highlights
- Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
- Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
- Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.
Chennai-Mahabalipuram,-Pondicherry-Kumbakonam/Thanjavur-Karaikudi-Madurai-Munnar-Periyar-Alleppey-Mettupalayam-Ooty-Masinagudi-Mysore-Hassan-Bangalore
Departure from the east coast, to the ancient monuments of Mahaballipuram , to descend further south towards the old French trading post of Pondicherry and the slender temples of Madurai . Then head west towards the hilly tea plantations of Munnar , the Periyar National Park and the backwaters of Allepey . We then go back up towards the Nilgiris mountains with its tiger and bird reserves. We take the little train in the mountains at Ooty , we admire the majestic palaces and the factories of bidi, incense and statues in Mysore , then the Hoysala art in Hassan before making a last stop in Bangalore.
Arrival at Chennai airport, drive to Mahabalipuram, overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast, Arjuna’s Penance, Shore Temple, five Rathas and in the afternoon relaxation at the beach.
Breakfast then drive to Pondicherry (1h30) and visit the futuristic village of Auroville and in Pondicherry visit Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar temple, Pondicherry Museum and the French quarter.
Breakfast, Travel to Kumbakonam on the way visit ChidambramNatrajaTemple , (UNESCO World Heritage) GangaikondaCholapuram and Dharasuram on site visit a workshop weaving handmade silk saries and Swamimali known worldwide for its bronze statue workshops.
Tanjore boasts the ancient Temple of “Brihadeshvara”, whose frescoes, filled with refined details, are a jewel of Chola architecture.
Breakfast, Drive to Tanjore for about 15min, to visit the big temple and palace at 10am. Museums of stone and bronze statues. Then drive to Karaikudi which is the land of the Chettiars, who were once wealthy financiers, visit the big mansions they built and stay in one of the old mansions.
Breakfast, Drive to Madurai, later visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, Nayak Palace and visit local markets.
Route to Munnar , an amalgamation of magnificent landscapes and lakes, beautiful reservoirs, fabulous forests and tea plantations, it is the favorite destination of Indian tourists. For adventure lovers there is paragliding, canoeing, nature walks and trekking
Excursion to Munnar , visit to the tea factory (subject to authorization), Mattupetty Dam: there is the possibility of boating (to be paid locally) Echo Point, etc. Then, visit of Munnar town and market. Later in the afternoon, 3 hours trekking in the mountains of Munnar,
Drive to Periyar about 4 hours. Arrival in the afternoon at the hotel then walk in the City and visit the spice market. Traditional Keralias evening “Kathakali” Night in Thekkady at
Drive to the Elephant Orphanage, elephant ride, elephant meal and bath, then visit the spice plantations. Evening of martial arts ” Kalaripayat ” and possibility of an Ayurvedic massage
Navigation on the backwaters.
After breakfast, departure at 8 am for Coimbatore (Metupalayam). On the way, visit the great waterfalls (Atirampalli) and then drive to Mettupalayam. If possible, visit the Bharadhanatiyam dance school.
Departure by toy train at 7am, 5-hour journey. Arrival at 12pm at Udhagamandalam , better known as Ooty, considered the most popular hill station in southern India, located at an altitude of 2268 m in the Nilgiris Mountains of Tamil Nadu.
Visit the forest. Mudumalai “Wildlife Sanctuaries” (literally: wildlife sanctuaries) are protected areas in India recognized as category IV by the World Commission on Protected Areas. India has classified more than 500 areas, among which are 28 Tiger reserves and bird sanctuaries. Some areas, due to the importance of their fauna, have been declared national areas such as the “National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary”.
This sanctuary is located at an altitude of 1140 meters (Kerala/Karnataka/Tamil Nadu junction). A variety of landscapes can be discovered there.
Breakfast, Travel to Mysore known for its magnificent palaces and majestic buildings, vast gardens, sandalwood, shimmering silks, the “Royal City” remains a must-see on tourist itineraries.
Breakfast at the hotel. Mysore is the capital of the great Sultan Tipu called the Tiger of Mysore, who was killed fighting against the British in 1799. His remains rest in a magnificent mausoleum, the Gumbaz. Nearby is Tipu’s summer palace, the Daulat Dariya.
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Chamundi Hills (770 m altitude) and the 2000-year-old Chamundeshwari temple perched on a hill as well as the Nandi Bull. Visit a village where beedi (Indian cigarette), sandalwood statues and incense sticks are made. Afternoon traditional Karnataka meal. The legend takes its name from a famous demon called Mahishasur, a great warrior who ruled as a tyrant until he was killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Mysore is famous for the imposing Royal Palace, the magnificent Durbar Hall, is particularly splendid during the Dussehra Festival when the Maharaja’s jewels, the gold-studded throne (weighing 200 kg) are displayed. Afternoon visit to the Somnathpur Temple, Built in 1268 AD, the temple is known for its Hoysala architecture. The temple wall depicts scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharta and Bhagvata, the three sacred religious books of Hindus.
Breakfast, en-route visit to the Jain site of Sravanabelgola (the white hermit). To reach the colossal statue of Bahubali, considered the largest monolith in the world (17 m), you must climb 614 steps and leave your shoes at the bottom. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the region. Not far from this statue, you will visit several Jain temples.
In the afternoon, discover several temples: the Channekeshava temple, a marvel bequeathed by the Hoysala dynasty; the HalebidHoysaleswara temple, the most remarkable specimen of Hoysala art. The walls are covered with bas-reliefs representing countless Hindu gods and sages, stylized animals, as well as friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala sovereigns.
Transfer Bangalore to take international flight home
