Does all the group continue back to Chennai or will it be possible to finish in Bangalore?

The group as a whole does travel back to Chennai on the overnight train on Day 13. You are absolutely able to leave the tour though on Day 13 and not continue back with group. It just means you would miss the Mamallpuram portion of the tour.

Do we have to handle our luggage ourselves, especially during the travel by train?

You bring your luggage with you for the train journey. Usually hotel and train station are close to each other or we rent tuk-tuk/taxi to get to the railway station. So you would need just to bring your luggage into the train and out in the end of the tour.

From

US $3,030 per person

Highlights of Southern India

15 days

•

From Bangalore to Mahabalipuram

4.4

21 traveler reviews

View all
Great to get away for a sunny holiday in January. Always on edge about keeping well but just about managed it.
B
Barbara, traveled in May
4.7
View all

From

US $3,030 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Operator: Explore!
In-depth Cultural: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 16
Ages 16+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Chennai
Accommodation
Hotel (Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels), Hotel (Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels (or similar))
Included Activities
- Welcome meeting and walking tour of Mylapore (if arriving by 2pm)
- Visit Kapaleeshwar Hindu Temple
- Visit Luz Church (Our Lady of Light)
Landmarks
Kapaleeshwar Hindu Temple
Luz Church (Our Lady of Light)
Day 2
Chennai to Puducherry
Meals
Lunch (Lunch in Puducherry's colonial French Quarters)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Atithi (or similar))
Included Activities
- Birdwatching at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
- Explore Puducherry's French Quarter
- Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Landmarks
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Notre Dame de Lourdes Church (Notre Dames des Agnes)
Day 3
Puducherry to Madurai
Meals
Lunch
Accommodation
Hotel (Regency Madurai by GRT hotels), Hotel (Regency Madurai by GRT hotels (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Srirangam Hindu Temple
- Visit river ghats at Amma Mandapam
Landmarks
Srirangam Hindu Temple
Amma Mandapam
Day 4
Madurai
Accommodation
Hotel (Regency Madurai by GRT hotels), Hotel (Regency Madurai by GRT hotels (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Meenakshi Temple
- Visit Thirumalai Nayaka Palace
Optional Activities
- Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum
- Visit Madurai flower market
- Evening visit to Meenakshi Temple for the 'bed ceremony'
Landmarks
Meenakshi Temple
Thirumalai Nayaka Palace
Gandhi Memorial Museum
Day 5
Madurai to Thekkady
Accommodation
Hotel (Abad Green Forest), Hotel (Abad Green Forest (or similar))
Included Activities
- Walking tour of spice garden
Landmarks
Western Ghats Mountain Range
Day 6
Thekkady to Kerala Backwaters
Accommodation
Berth / Cabin (Kerala Houseboat), Berth / Cabin (Kerala Houseboat (or similar))
Included Activities
- Houseboat journey on Kerala Backwaters
Landmarks
Kerala Backwaters
Day 7
Alleppey - Kochi
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Casino), Hotel (Hotel Casino (or similar))
Included Activities
- Drive to Kochi from houseboat
- Stop at Mullkal street market in Alleppey
Optional Activities
- Kathakali dance performance (₹35.00)
- Cookery class at local home - learn to cook Keralan dishes including coconut milk curries and rice pancakes
Landmarks
Mullkal Street
Kochi
Day 8
Kochi
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Casino), Hotel (Hotel Casino (or similar))
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Kochi with guide
- Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
- Visit Paradesi Jewish synagogue
- Explore antique warehouses and spice auction rooms
- Visit St Francis Church
- View Chinese Fishing nets
- Sunset cruise in Kochi harbour
Landmarks
Mattancherry Palace
Paradesi Jewish Synagogue
St Francis Church
Chinese Fishing Nets
Day 9
Kochi to Coimbatore
Meals
Dinner (South Indian dinner featuring savoury dosas served on banana leaf with chutneys, pickles and vegetables)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Zibe Coimbatore by GRT), Hotel (Hotel Zibe Coimbatore by GRT (or similar))
Included Activities
- Explore Palakkad Fort
Landmarks
Palakkad Fort
Day 10
Coimbatore to Ooty to Bandipur National Park
Meals
Lunch
Accommodation
Hotel (Windflower Tusker Trails), Hotel (Windflower Tusker Trails (or similar))
Included Activities
- Ride toy train on Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Coonoor to Ooty
- Tour of Ooty town
- Visit Ooty Botanical Gardens
Landmarks
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Ooty Botanical Gardens
Day 11
Bandipur National Park
Accommodation
Hotel (Windflower Tusker Trails), Hotel (Windflower Tusker Trails (or similar))
Included Activities
- Morning game drive in Bandipur National Park (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours)
- Afternoon game drive in Bandipur National Park (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours)
Optional Activities
- Swimming pool at lodge
- Massage at lodge
- Nature walk around resort
Landmarks
Bandipur National Park
Day 12
Bandipur National Park to Mysuru
Meals
Breakfast (Leisurely breakfast)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Sandesh The Prince (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Chamundi Hills Hindu Temple
- View Nandi statue
- Sound and light show at Mysuru Palace
Optional Activities
- Optional morning safari in Bandipur National Park
Landmarks
Chamundi Hills
Nandi statue
Mysuru Palace
Day 13
Mysuru to Mamallapuram
Meals
Lunch (Quick lunch in Mysuru), Dinner (Dinner onboard express train to Chennai)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Mamalla Heritage (or similar))
Included Activities
- Explore Devaraja Market
- Visit Mysuru Palace
Landmarks
Devaraja Market
Mysuru Palace
Day 14
Mamallapuram
Meals
Breakfast (Traditional South Indian dosa breakfast served with chutney, potatoes and lentil sambars)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Mamalla Heritage (or similar))
Included Activities
- Traditional South Indian dosa breakfast
- Visit Shore Temple
- Visit Ajuna's Penance
Optional Activities
- Walk on Mamallapuram's sandy beaches
- Visit Mamallapuram market for shopping
Landmarks
Shore Temple
Ajuna's Penance
Day 15
Mamallapuram

Landmarks
Kapaleeshwar Hindu Temple
Luz Church (Our Lady of Light)

Landmarks
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Notre Dame de Lourdes Church (Notre Dames des Agnes)

Landmarks
Srirangam Hindu Temple
Amma Mandapam

Landmarks
Meenakshi Temple
Thirumalai Nayaka Palace
Gandhi Memorial Museum

Landmarks
Western Ghats Mountain Range

Landmarks
Kerala Backwaters

Landmarks
Mullkal Street
Kochi

Landmarks
Mattancherry Palace
Paradesi Jewish Synagogue
St Francis Church
Chinese Fishing Nets

Landmarks
Palakkad Fort

Landmarks
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Ooty Botanical Gardens

Landmarks
Bandipur National Park

Landmarks
Chamundi Hills
Nandi statue
Mysuru Palace

Landmarks
Devaraja Market
Mysuru Palace

Landmarks
Shore Temple
Ajuna's Penance

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport
Optional Extras

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels
Hotel
day 1
Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels (or similar)
Hotel
day 1
Hotel Atithi (or similar)
Hotel
day 2
Regency Madurai by GRT hotels (or similar)
Hotel
Days 3, 4
Regency Madurai by GRT hotels
Hotel
Days 3, 4
Abad Green Forest (or similar)
Hotel
day 5
Abad Green Forest
Hotel
day 5
Kerala Houseboat
Berth / Cabin
day 6
Kerala Houseboat (or similar)
Berth / Cabin
day 6
Hotel Casino (or similar)
Hotel
Days 7, 8
Hotel Casino
Hotel
Days 7, 8
Hotel Zibe Coimbatore by GRT (or similar)
Hotel
day 9
Hotel Zibe Coimbatore by GRT
Hotel
day 9
Windflower Tusker Trails
Hotel
Days 10, 11
Windflower Tusker Trails (or similar)
Hotel
Days 10, 11
Hotel Sandesh The Prince (or similar)
Hotel
day 12
Hotel Mamalla Heritage (or similar)
Hotel
Days 13, 14

Operated by

Explore!

4.5

(8,631 reviews)

Number of tours

589

Age Range

16 to 85 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

96%

Explore Worldwide has over 40 years’ experience in creating expert-led small...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Other

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

4.4

Overall rating based on 21 Reviews

Itinerary
4.1
Transport
4.7
Guide
4.7
Accommodation
4.3
Food
4.4
Tour Operator
4.5

A
Kerry
March 6th, 2023
4.2
Bird sanctuary between Chennai and Pondicherry, an unexpected number and variety of birds. Seeing the elephant...
Show more
Traveled in February 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Tony
February 20th, 2023
4
Srirangam river island temples, day in Madurai particularly the temple visit, Mysore Palace, cookery class/ meal and...
Show more
Traveled in February 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Tanya
February 25th, 2023
3.7
Windflower safari lodge was lovely, calm and relaxing. Mysuru Palace was fabulous, so unexpected. The monoliths,...
Show more
Traveled in February 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Claire
February 26th, 2023
4.2
Kochi was wonderful. I think if the houseboat had been more spoken I’d have spoken more highly of that.
Traveled in February 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Elizabeth
March 6th, 2023
4.5
Mysore palace The Chinese fishing nets being hauled up at Cochin The afternoon safari
Traveled in February 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Wanda
March 18th, 2023
5
The Traditional Theatre Show in Kochi, the cookery class in Thekkady and eating the food afterwards for dinner, the...
Show more
Traveled in February 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Joanna
December 13th, 2023
4
Enjoyed the safari & local train and overnight Kerala waters
Traveled in November 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Anne
November 28th, 2023
4.7
The temples, cookery class, backwater houseboat, tuk tuk rides, rock carvings and the food
Traveled in November 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Ann
November 27th, 2023
4.7
I enjoyed the evening temple ceremony in Madurai; the Kathakali dance option in Cochin and the houseboat. Also, Jojan...
Show more
Traveled in November 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Michelle
November 28th, 2023
5
Temples, cookery class, Kerala houseboat, cochin and the food
Traveled in November 2023
Review collected by Explore!

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

From Sunday
1 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
15 Nov, 2026
English
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To Sunday
22 Nov, 2026
English
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This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From Sunday
15 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
29 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,090 per person
Multiple Room Types
From Sunday
22 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
6 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From:
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Multiple Room Types
From Sunday
13 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
27 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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Multiple Room Types
From Sunday
20 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
3 Jan, 2027
English
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This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From Sunday
10 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
24 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,030 per person
Multiple Room Types
From Sunday
17 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
31 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,030 per person
Multiple Room Types
From Sunday
24 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
7 Feb, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,030 per person
Multiple Room Types
From Sunday
31 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
14 Feb, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,030 per person
Multiple Room Types

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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L
Linda
Asked on October 22nd, 2024
Does all the group continue back to Chennai or will it be possible to finish in Bangalore?
Tour Details
Transport
- Explore!Operator•Written October 2024
  The group as a whole does travel back to Chennai on the overnight train on Day 13. You are absolutely able to leave the tour though on Day 13 and not continue back with group. It just means you would miss the Mamallpuram portion of the tour.
R
Rob
Asked on August 14th, 2023
Do we have to handle our luggage ourselves, especially during the travel by train?
Transport
- Explore!Operator•Written August 2023
  You bring your luggage with you for the train journey. Usually hotel and train station are close to each other or we rent tuk-tuk/taxi to get to the railway station. So you would need just to bring your luggage into the train and out in the end of the tour.
- R
  Rob
  Traveler•Written August 2023
  During the tour, do we travel by coach where our luggage are kept in the luggage compartment or on top of busses?
- Explore!Operator•Written August 2023
  All your main luggage will be on a bus's luggage store or at the hotel. For day to day excursions you would need to bring your day rucksack only.

From

US $3,030 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 124512

Currency
₹
Indian Rupee
India
Plugs & Adapters
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Cholera - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for India. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for India. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for India. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for India. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before May 29th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 29th, 2026, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Explore!. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Explore! will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Explore!" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Explore!. Please familiarize yourself with the Explore! payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Highlights of Southern India

Itinerary

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Sustainability Initiatives

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

Travel Insurance

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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What our customers ask about this tour

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