BestsellerLimited AvailabilityFlexible & Customisable

South India Cultural Discovery

India

From £1,949pp

*Subject to availability

15 Days / 14 Nights

Journey through Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, from backwaters to ancient temples and misty hills.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka offer three very different flavours of South India, and that's what makes travelling through them so rewarding. Kerala feels calm and lush, with backwaters, tea-covered hills, and long stretches of beach where life slows down. A traditional houseboat stay in Alleppey lets you drift along tranquil waterways, while Munnar's tea plantations, spice gardens, lakes, dams and waterfalls reveal the region's natural richness. Tamil Nadu is full of grand temples, colourful rituals, and a deep sense of tradition that you feel the moment you step into its ancient towns. From the intricately carved Meenakshi Temple in Madurai to the dramatic meeting of seas at Kanyakumari, this state immerses you in centuries of living heritage. Karnataka sits somewhere in the middle, mixing vibrant cities with peaceful hill stations, wildlife parks, and impressive historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi and the regal splendour of Mysore Palace. Across ten destinations, this journey blends culture, landscapes and memorable experiences, from an elephant camp in Dubare to a musical fountain show and leisurely backwater cruising. With private transport, English-speaking guides, and entrance fees taken care of, travellers are free to soak in the scenery and stories at every stop. Together, these three states give you a journey filled with culture, landscapes, and experiences that stay with you long after you leave.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day1
Cochin Meals Not Included

Upon arrival in Cochin, take a private transfer to your hotel before embarking on an afternoon city tour. You explore colonial Fort Cochin, visiting the historic St Francis Church and Dutch Cemetery. Continue to Mattancherry to view the ornate Synagogue and Dutch Palace, then drive past the iconic Chinese fishing nets and Willingdon Island.

Day2
Alleppey Full Board

Travel to Alleppey this morning to board a traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Cruise leisurely through the tranquil backwaters and paddy fields while enjoying an authentic local lunch on board. Later in the afternoon, disembark your vessel and transfer to your hotel for an evening spent resting at your leisure.

Day3
Munnar Bed & Breakfast

Drive scenic hill routes to Munnar, a picturesque town founded at the confluence of three rivers. Along the way, enjoy panoramic vistas of rolling tea estates, cardamom hills, spice plantations, and fragrant oil distilleries. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend a relaxing evening enjoying the cool mountain air.

Day4
Munnar Bed & Breakfast

Spend today discovering Munnar, beginning at scenic Top Station in Kundala Valley, famed for its valley views and rare Neelakurinji blooms. Tour the local Tea Museum to learn the heritage of the regional estates. Later, take in the sights at Mattupetty Dam, Eco Point, and the colourful Flower Garden.

Day5
Madurai Bed & Breakfast

Drive across the border into Tamil Nadu to Madurai, one of India's oldest and most sacred temple cities. Check in to your hotel before visiting the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple. Wander through its carved pillared halls and stay until evening to witness the atmospheric bedchamber closing ceremony.

Day6
Rameswaram Bed & Breakfast

Travel across to the holy island of Rameswaram, deeply steeped in the epic legends of the Ramayana. After checking in, discover the sacred town on a half-day tour centred on the Dravidian Ramanathaswamy Temple, renowned for having India's longest pillared corridor and twenty-two distinct sacred water wells.

Day7
Kanyakumari Bed & Breakfast

Drive to Kanyakumari at India's southernmost tip, where three oceans meet along shores of multicoloured sand. Visit the coastal Kumari Amman Temple and take a boat across to the striking Vivekananda Rock Memorial. You also visit the shoreline Gandhi Memorial, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi's memory.

Day8
Bangalore Bed & Breakfast

Transfer to Trivandrum airport for your flight north to the garden city of Bangalore. Upon landing, a private transfer takes you to your hotel to settle in. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure exploring the surrounding neighbourhood or simply relaxing.

Day9
Hospet Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast, you journey across Karnataka towards Hospet, the gateway to the ancient ruins of Hampi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

Day10
Hospet Bed & Breakfast

Today you explore the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, the former capital of the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire. Marvel at the storied stone sculptures and grand temple complexes before returning to Hospet for an evening at your own pace.

Day11
Mysore Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast, embark on the scenic drive south to Mysore. On arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind after your journey, resting ahead of tomorrow's sightseeing.

Day12
Mysore Bed & Breakfast

Discover the heritage of Mysore on a guided tour, starting with the opulent Indo-Saracenic Mysore Palace and the panoramic views from Chamundi Hills. In the evening, enjoy the musical fountain show at the beautifully landscaped Brindavan Gardens.

Day13
Coorg Bed & Breakfast

Drive towards the lush hills of Coorg, renowned for its coffee plantations, aromatic spice estates, and scenic beauty. After checking in to your hotel, spend the remainder of the evening relaxing at leisure.

Day14
Coorg Bed & Breakfast

Explore Coorg's fragrant coffee plantations, orange orchards, and paddy fields before discovering Mercara's historic hilltop fort and the distinct Hindu-Islamic architecture of Omkareswara Temple. Later, visit Dubare Elephant Camp to feed, bathe, and interact with the elephants alongside an expert naturalist.

Day15
Bangalore Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast, travel back to Bangalore by road. You will be transferred directly to the international airport in time to check in for your onward flight home.

Hotels shown are indicative — you will stay at these properties or similar of the same standard.

What's Included & Excluded

Included

  • Private return airport transfers
  • 14 nights accommodation across Cochin, Alleppey, Munnar, Madurai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Bangalore, Hampi, Mysore & Coorg
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Transfers and sightseeing in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Guided sightseeing with an English-speaking guide
  • Day cruise on the backwaters, Dubare Elephant Camp and musical fountain show
  • Entrance fees to monuments as per itinerary
  • 24/7 local assistance
  • Based on 2 adults sharing

Excluded

  • Any costs not specifically listed under What's Included

Gallery

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Dates & Pricing

From £1,949per person

*Subject to availability

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