Southern Explorer

We explore some off the beaten track places here, while retaining the mainstream ones so you don't miss out on them.

The tour has temples and ancient architecture, abundant natural beauty, markets, villages and countryside, a colonial flavour, and ends at a beach dotted with monuments of outstanding beauty. We savour some fine cuisines including the world-famous Chettinad food in Chettinad itself, staying in a mix of hotels, many of them boutique or heritage properties – truly the holiday of a lifetime.

Recommended Itinerary

DAY 01 - FLIGHT

Take a flight to Bangalore

DAYS 2 & 3 - BENGALURU (BANGALORE)-HASSAN

Arrive at Bengaluru; drive straight to Hassan (3 hrs); stay at the Hoysala Village for two nights; the next day see the intricately carved Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid.

DAYS 4 & 5 - MYSORE

Drive to Mysore stopping to see the Mahabali statue at Sravanabelagola, the tallest monolithic statue in the world; stay two nights at a guest house or the Radisson Blu/Metropole; visit Srirangapattana, Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, Nandi Bull and the colourful Devaraja Market.

DAY 6 - COONOOR

Drive to Ooty through the Bandipur and Mudumalai sanctuaries. After a possible lunch break at the Savoy in Ooty board the Nilgiris 'toy train' for a short ride to Coonoor; stay at the Teanest or in a private cottage; at leisure to enjoy the tea country.

DAYS 7 & 8 - RAJAKKAD

A drive to the Palani Hills for two nights at Rajakkad Estate; at leisure to explore the beautiful country.

DAYS 9 & 10 - KARAIKUDI

To Madurai to visit the famous Meenakshi Temple, a grand spectacle of Dravidian architecture; drive on to Karaikudi for stay at The Bangla; explore the Chettinadu country, famous for its cuisine and the grand merchant houses.

DAY 11 - THANJAVUR (TANJORE)

Drive to Thanjavur; stay at the Ideal River Retreat (or the luxury Svatma) for the night; visit the Brihadeeshwara Temple.

DAYS 12 & 13 - PONDICHERRY

Drive to Pondicherry today visiting Kumbakonam, Gangaikondacholapuram and Chidambaram en route; stay at Palais de Mahe or Hotel De L'Orient; visit the Aurobindo Ashram and walk through the French quarters.

DAYS 14 & 15 - MAMALLAPURAM (MAHABALIPURAM)

Drive to Mamallapuram; stay at the Ideal Beach Resort (or Radisson Temple Bay / Fisherman's Cove) for two nights. Visit the 7th century Chola dynasty World Heritage Site including the Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance; a day at leisure.