India14 days

South India: Temples, Backwaters & Spice Plantations — 14 Days

From Kerala's backwaters and spice-growing highlands to ancient temples in Tamil Nadu and the Chola heartland, traveling by train, boat, and vehicle across 14 days

This 14-day itinerary moves across southern India's three primary regions—Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu—following a logical south-to-north-to-south arc that connects backwater villages, temple complexes, and plantation country. The route begins in Kochi, historically significant as a Portuguese and Dutch colonial port, then heads inland by overnight train to Bangalore's botanical gardens and Mysore's royal palaces, before turning south and east toward the stone temples of Mamallapuram and the bronze-casting workshops of Thanjavur. The second half circles back westward through Madurai's temple architecture and the Cardamom Hills' spice estates, before ending in Kerala's lagoon and lake systems. The pacing alternates between guided site visits and unstructured time for independent exploration, with transport by rail, private vehicle, boat, and local transit modes.

Highlights

Chinese fishing nets at sunset in Kochi's harbour
Overnight train from Kochi to Bangalore (635 km, 12 hours)
Lal Bagh botanical garden in Bangalore, built in the 1760s by Mughal royalty
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, 73 meters tall
Mysore Palace and Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore's Chamundi Hills
Shore Temple at Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 7th-8th century
Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, built in 1010 AD and a Great Living Chola Temple
Traditional Chettinad house architecture and Athangudi tile-making in Kanadukathan
Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, with nine towering gopurams
Cardamom Hills spice plantations in Thekkady near Periyar National Park
Private homestay in Kerala's backwaters with a local family
Kathakali dance performance in Kochi, an ancient Kerala dance form

Day by day

1Arrival in KochiKochi · the harbour

Arrival at Kochi at any time. Check into the hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the city independently. A welcome meeting and orientation are held in the evening, followed by a visit to the harbour to watch the sunset over the distinctive Chinese fishing nets. An optional group dinner is available afterward.

2Fort Kochi and Overnight Train to BangaloreFort Kochi · Fort Kochi's cobblestone streets · railway station

A guided walking tour of Fort Kochi's cobblestone streets covers the colonial-era architecture, tea houses, and historical sites including Vasco da Gama's tombstone and the blue synagogue. The remainder of the day is free to visit the city independently. In the evening, transfer to the railway station for an overnight train to Bangalore (635 km, 12 hours).

3Bangalore: Lal Bagh Gardens and City OrientationLal Bagh · Bangalore Palace · Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brigade Road, and Church Street

After an overnight train journey, you'll arrive in Bangalore in the morning. Begin with breakfast before heading to Lal Bagh, one of the city's most celebrated attractions. Built in the 1760s by Mughal royalty, this botanical garden—whose name translates to "red garden"—houses India's largest collection of tropical plants. Wander through the lush grounds to see the serene lake and the Glass House, an impressive greenhouse that hosts a renowned flower show each year. The garden's colourful flowers and unique sculptures make for a peaceful morning exploration. The afternoon is yours to see Bangalore at your own pace. Whether you choose to visit Bangalore Palace—a magnificent Tudor-style structure built between 1862 and 1944 by the Mysore royal family, said to resemble England's Windsor Castle—or visit other corners of the city is entirely up to you. As evening approaches, regroup with the group for an orientation walk through Bangalore's commercial heart. You'll stroll along Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brigade Road, and Church Street, taking in the pulse of the city's main commercial zone and getting your bearings before the days ahead.

4Srirangapatna Temples and Mysore MarketBangalore to Srirangapatna · Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple · Tipu Sultan's tomb · Devraja Market · Akshaya Mahal Inn · Srirangapatna to Mysore

The day begins with a private vehicle journey from Bangalore to Srirangapatna (135 km, 2 hours 30 minutes). In Srirangapatna, visit the ornately beautiful Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a striking structure that rises 73 meters above the city. Dedicated to Ranganatha, the resting form of Vishnu, the temple showcases intricate architectural details and religious significance. Adjacent to the temple stands Tipu Sultan's tomb, a white mausoleum constructed in 1782. Originally built by Tipu Sultan—known as the Tiger of Mysore—to house his parents' graves, the tomb exemplifies elegant architecture and is set within peaceful gardens worth exploring. From Srirangapatna, travel to Mysore (20 km, 1 hour 20 minutes) where the afternoon is yours to wander at leisure. As evening approaches, join an orientation walk through Devraja Market, where fruit and flowers are arranged with striking color coordination. The market reveals the liveliness and character of Mysore through its vendors and daily rhythms. An optional group dinner concludes the day. Accommodation is at Akshaya Mahal Inn or similar.

5Mysore: Palaces, Temples and CathedralsMysore · Chamundeshwari Temple · Mysore Palace · St. Philomena's Cathedral

Begin your day at Chamundeshwari Temple, perched on Chamundi Hill and devoted to the Hindu goddess Chamundi. The temple commands views across the city and reflects centuries of spiritual devotion. Next, visit Mysore Palace, the former seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, the royal family that ruled from 1399 to 1950. Walking through its halls offers insight into India's royal heritage and the splendor of a bygone era. Your third stop is St. Philomena's Cathedral, a striking Neo-Gothic structure completed in 1936. Designed with inspiration from Cologne Cathedral in Germany, it stands as one of India's largest cathedrals. The afternoon is yours to visit Mysore at leisure—wander its streets, visit local markets, or rest at your accommodation, Akshaya Mahal Inn.

6Train to Chennai and Transfer to MamallapuramChennai · Mamallapuram

Travel by train to Chennai (496 km, 6 hours 30 minutes), then transfer by private vehicle to Mamallapuram (60 km, 1 hour 30 minutes), arriving in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this historic coastal town.

7Sunrise at Mamallapuram Shore TempleMamallapuram · Shore Temple · monument complex

An early morning visit to the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sculpted during the 7th and 8th centuries, is best experienced at sunrise. The twin-temple complex, built from granite, is dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva and overlooks the Bay of Bengal. A walking tour of the monument complex precedes a free afternoon for independent exploration of Mamallapuram, which many use for a beach visit or yoga.

8Thanjavur: Bronze Casting and Brihadeeswarar TempleThanjavur · Brihadeeswarar Temple · Chennai · traditional bronze casting workshops · local markets

Travel by private vehicle to Chennai (60 km, 1 hour), then by train to Thanjavur (320 km, 6 hours), arriving in the afternoon. Visits include the traditional bronze casting workshops, where the age-old lost-wax technique is still practiced, and the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Great Living Chola Temple built in 1010 AD. The 200-plus-foot structure is dedicated to Lord Shiva and remains a major pilgrimage site. Time is available to walk through local markets.

9Kanadukathan and Madurai: Chettinad HeritageKanadukathan · Madurai · Chettinad homes · Athangudi

Travel by private vehicle to Kanadukathan in the Chettinad region (93 km, 2 hours), known for its more than 75 villages and traditional merchant houses. A guided visit visits the spacious, ornately decorated Chettinad homes, notable for their intricate tilework, and includes a tour of Athangudi tile-making. Continue by vehicle to Madurai (95 km, 2 hours), considered the seat of Meenakshi, the fish-eyed form of the goddess Parvati.

10Madurai: Meenakshi Temple and PalaceMeenakshi Temple · Thirumalai Nayak Palace · Madurai street food stalls and local restaurants

Guided tours cover Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in the 17th century by the ruler whose donations significantly funded the nearby Meenakshi Temple, located less than 2 kilometers away. The Meenakshi Temple complex, dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati, features nine towering gopurams—monumental gateways carved with stucco figures of deities and mythical creatures, painted in vivid colors. The afternoon remains free for individual exploration. In the evening, a walking food tour led by a local guide moves through street food stalls and local restaurants to showcase Madurai's culinary traditions.

11Cardamom Hills Spice Plantations in ThekkadyCardamom Hills spice plantations · Thekkady · Periyar Lake

Travel by private vehicle to Thekkady (4 hours), located adjacent to Periyar National Park and known as India's spice capital. A guided tour of the Cardamom Hills spice plantations and tea factory covers the cultivation and production methods of spice and tea in the region, with opportunities to sample local products. The remainder of the day is free for independent activities. Optional experiences include an Ayurvedic massage, which uses traditional techniques for relaxation and circulation improvement, or a boat ride on Periyar Lake (1 to 2 hours), where early morning departures offer the best chance to observe monkeys, wild boar, and elephants. The lake region is home to over 200 bird species, making it suitable for birdwatching from the water.

12Kerala Backwaters HomestayAlleppey · a homestay village in the backwaters · palm-lined paths and rice paddies · the winding backwaters · the homestay

Travel by private vehicle to Alleppey (145 km, 4 to 5 hours 30 minutes), then board a private boat to a homestay village in the backwaters (15 minutes). The afternoon is spent walking through palm-lined paths and rice paddies with a local guide, observing daily life on the islands. Just before sunset, a small country boat carries visitors along the winding backwaters with local residents. Lunch and dinner are provided, and there may be time to sample local toddy, a coconut-based alcoholic drink. Bags are transferred separately to Kochi; only a small overnight bag is needed.

13Backwaters to Kochi: Homestay Farewell and KathakaliKochi · homestay · Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project · St. Francis Church · backwaters to Alleppey · Alleppey to Kochi

The morning is spent with the host family before departure. A boat journey back to Alleppey (1 hour 30 minutes) is followed by a private vehicle transfer to Kochi (2 hours). A stop en route includes lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, a cooperative run by local women from rural areas who have developed hospitality and culinary skills through the program. After arrival in Kochi, an orientation walk (1 to 2 hours) covers St. Francis Church, India's oldest church, and other colonial landmarks. In the evening, a Kathakali dance performance showcases this ancient Kerala art form, combining drama, dance, music, and ritual. Male performers in elaborate costumes and vividly painted faces re-enact stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana Hindu majors.

14Departure from Kochi

Depart at any time.

Included

Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Theruvarom Women Empowerment Project, Alleppey
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Kerala Backwaters Homestay, Alleppey. Fort Kochi orientation walk. Kathakali dance show. Wayanad Tea Factory and Plantation Visit. Chaumundi Temple and Mysore Palace visit. Mamallapuram Shore Temple visit. Pondicherry orientation walk. Madurai cycle-rickshaw ride and Sri Meenakshi Temple visit. Cardamom Hills spice plantation tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Activities: Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.