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 the Metropole; visit Srirangapattana, Mysore Palace, Ranganathittoo Bird Sanctuary and the colourful Devaraja Market.

DAY 6 - COONOOR

Drive to Coonoor through the Bandipur and Mudumalai sanctuaries. Stay at the Teanest (or Tenerife homestay) in a private cottage; enjoy a tea experience in the afternoon visiting an estate and samling some exotic teas.

DAYS 7 - COIMBATORE

A short drive to Ooty; after a possible lunch break at the Savoy board the Nilgiris 'toy train' to Mettupalayam in the foothills. Stay the night at Taj Vivanta.

DAYS 8 & 9 - MADURAI

Drive to Madurai to visit the famous Meenakshi Temple, a grand spectacle of Dravidian architecture; stay 2 nights at the Heritage Madurai, with sprawling gardens. Visit the Temple in the evening to see the "going to bed" ceremony. Have a proper sightseeing of the temple the next morning, along with the Naicker Palace and the markets.

DAYS 10 & 11 - KARAIKUDI

Drive to Karaikudi for stay at The Bangla; explore the Chettinadu country, famous for its cuisine and the grand merchant houses. See the famous Chettinad tiles being manufactured.

DAYS 12 & 13 - THANJAVUR (TANJORE)

Drive to Thanjavur via the Srirangam Temple in Trichy; stay at the Ideal River Retreat (or the luxury Mantrakudam in nearby Kumbakona,) for two nights; visit the Brihadeeshwara Temple and the local brass metal works, with a chance to observe the Tanjore paintings in making.

DAY 14 - PONDICHERRY

A short drive to Pondicherry; stay at the Villa Shanti or Palais de Mahe; visit the Aurobindo Ashram and walk through the French quarters.

DAYS 15 & 16 - MAMALLAPURAM (MAHABALIPURAM)-CHENNAI

Drive to Mamallapuram; Visit the 7th century Chola dynasty World Heritage Site including the Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance; drive on to Chennai for two nights at the colonial Connemara Hotel. Visit the sights of Chennai next day including Fort St George, Sao Tome Church and the markets at Mylapore.

DAY 17 - RETURN FLIGHT

Transfer to Chennai airport for the return flight.

Beach Extension

On Day 15 after the sightseeing stay on at Mamallapuram at a beach resort like Isa Karai or Fisherman' Cove for 3 nights (or longer). At leisure at your resort, before driving to Chennai for sightseeing and a night at the Connemara or Trident, before your flight home next morning.