Grand Tour of Southern India

Day 1 - UK - In flight

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Bengaluru.

Day 2 - Bengaluru

Arrive in Bengaluru this morning and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 - Bengaluru - Mysuru

Bengaluru stands as one of India’s most progressive cities – an ideal introduction to the noise, pace and colour of urban India. A visit to Bull Temple – named for its massive statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s sacred bull – reveals one of the city’s most revered landmarks. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace – described by the Sultan as Rash-e-Jannat, meaning ‘the abode of happiness and the envy of heaven’ – showcases sublime Indo-Islamic architecture. This afternoon includes a visit to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – breathtaking in scale and serene in atmosphere. Intricately carved towers, shrines and pillared halls reward unhurried exploration before the journey continues to Mysuru.

Day 4 - Mysuru

Following an early breakfast, the day begins with a sensory immersion in the fruit, flower, spice, sari and sandalwood stalls of Devarajan Market. Continue to Chamundi Hills and the magnificent Mysore Palace – one of the largest and most extravagant palaces in India – before exploring Jaganmohan Art Palace – a treasure trove of Indian art. In the afternoon, visit Chennakesava Temple – a masterpiece of 13th-century carving unsurpassed in detail and artistry.

Day 5 - Bandipur National Park and Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Leave the clamour of the city behind and travel south to Ooty – fondly known as the Queen of Hill Stations. The three-hour drive reveals breathtaking scenery, winding through twists and turns, past tea plantations and into the cool, green Nilgiri Hills. The route passes through Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary – prime habitat for wildlife including elephant, deer and peacocks.

Day 6 - Ooty Toy Train

This morning ride one of the most iconic mountain railways in India: the Ooty Toy Train. These little locomotives with their smart blue and cream livery have become an institution in Southern India, and the ride through the hills, jungles and stations is like a journey through time. Stepping off the train in Coonoor, there’s time (weather permitting) to watch tea being plucked at a local tea plantation. Later this afternoon return to Ooty for guided sightseeing and a visit to the Botanical Gardens to breathe in the cool shade and fragrance in its abundant trees, shrubs, ferns and herbs.

Day 7 - Ooty - Coimbatore - Kochi

After breakfast, drive to Coimbatore and board a modern Indian train travelling south-east to the coastal city of Kochi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 8 - Kochi

Kochi presents an intriguing blend of ancient mosques and synagogues alongside European colonial architecture – a legacy of centuries of traders and explorers. This morning’s tour reveals Fort Cochin – the oldest part of the city – as well as St Francis Church and the giant, spider-like Chinese fishing nets along the northern shore. Later, take part in an Anglo-Indian cookery class, followed by lunch with a local family. In the evening, attend a performance of Kathakali – a centuries-old art form in which dancers in elaborate make-up and costumes enact myths and spiritual stories.

Day 9 - Kochi - Alappuzha

Slow the pace with a visit to Paradesi Synagogue – the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations – before driving to Alappuzha to board a traditional coir houseboat. After lunch on board, settle into a leisurely afternoon sailing the labyrinthine canals and waterways that wind through coconut groves, rice fields and palm-lined forests. Conclude the day with sunset views and an unforgettable night on board.

Day 10 - Alappuzha - Periyar

After breakfast on board, drive to Periyar in the Cardamom Hills and enjoy a free afternoon at leisure. In the evening, attend a Kalaripayattu performance at a local stadium – one of the oldest martial arts traditions in the world, originating in Kerala and dedicated to achieving ultimate co-ordination between mind and body.

Day 11 - Periyar

Rise early for an optional guided nature walk in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – one of the finest in India – home to elephant, bison, wild boar and tiger. Later, visit Periyar Spice Garden to explore the region’s historic role in the spice trade, followed by a relaxing cruise on Periyar Lake – water level dependent.

Day 12 - Periyar - Madurai

Travel to Madurai, arriving in the early afternoon with time at leisure before an evening visit to Sri Meenakshi Temple to witness the ‘Going to Bed Ceremony’ – a remarkable procession of bells, drums, incense and chanting as the image of Shiva is ceremonially put to rest. Entry is subject to numbers, as the temple doors close promptly at 9pm.

Day 13 - Madurai

Discover Madurai – one of the oldest cities in India – on a morning drive through its twisting streets. Explore Sri Meenakshi Temple, noting its ornate carvings, shrines and towering gopurams – monumental gateways that frame the continuous ceremonies and devotions held throughout the day. Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, whose vast scale remains striking despite its faded grandeur. In the afternoon, visit Keeladi Heritage Museum, where excavations dating back to the 3rd century BC reveal the lives and culture of ancient Tamil Nadu.

Day 14 - Madurai - Thanjavur

Drive north to Thanjavur – the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and a centre for art, religion and architecture in southern India. Visit Brihadeeswara Temple – an 11th-century masterpiece whose sculpted, stepped profile is said never to cast a shadow on the ground. In the evening, continue to Kumbakonam – a renowned temple town rich in sacred sites.

Day 15 - Thanjavur - Puducherry

Travel on a scenic drive to Puducherry – one of the most charming coastal cities in southern India. Spend the afternoon at leisure, with time to explore independently or browse local markets for saris, silks, leather goods and jewellery.

Day 16 - Puducherry

Explore Puducherry – where colonial architecture stands alongside historic Hindu temples, reflecting nearly 300 years of French and Tamil heritage. Stroll through the Heritage French Quarter, passing bougainvillea-draped townhouses, and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere on a rickshaw ride. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram – a spiritual community that has grown from 12 disciples to around 2,000 members dedicated to a healthy and spiritual way of life. An optional afternoon visit to Auroville offers further insight into this international community devoted to peace, sustainability and ‘divine consciousness’.

Day 17 - Puducherry - Mamallapuram

Continue north to Mamallapuram – a renowned coastal site celebrated for its extraordinary temples and carvings. A sightseeing tour reveals UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments including the vast relief of Arjuna’s Penance – regarded as one of India’s greatest artworks – and the twin-towered Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Day 18 - Mamallapuram

Enjoy a final day at leisure in Mamallapuram, with time to revisit favourite sites or simply absorb the atmosphere of southern India.

Day 19 - Mamallapuram - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.