Bangalore to Cochin: South India Temples & Backwaters

Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore

Upon arrival at Bangalore Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, spend the remainder of the day at leisure relaxing after your journey or exploring nearby markets and local neighborhoods before your overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore City Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day city tour visiting Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, the historic Bull Temple, and the impressive ISKCON Temple, discovering the city's unique blend of royal heritage, gardens, spirituality, and modern lifestyle before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Bangalore – Vellore

Drive: Approx. 220 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Vellore through the scenic countryside. Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, explore the historic Vellore Fort, and admire the beautiful Jalakandeswarar Temple, renowned for its exquisite Dravidian architecture. Overnight stay in Vellore.

Day 4: Vellore – Kanchipuram – Chennai

Drive: Approx. 145 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, drive towards Chennai with a stop at the ancient temple city of Kanchipuram to visit the famous Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple. Continue to Chennai, where you can relax at Marina Beach and experience the lively coastal atmosphere before your overnight stay.

Day 5: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

Drive: Approx. 160 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, travel along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram, where you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments including the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and the Five Rathas. Continue to Pondicherry to discover the charming French Quarter, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and enjoy a leisurely walk along Promenade Beach before your overnight stay.

Day 6: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Thanjavur

Drive: Approx. 180 km | 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, drive towards Thanjavur, stopping en route to visit the sacred Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram and the magnificent UNESCO-listed temples of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, celebrated masterpieces of Chola architecture. Continue to Thanjavur for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Thanjavur – Trichy – Chettinad

Drive: Approx. 140 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Brihadeshwara Temple, one of India's finest architectural masterpieces. Continue to Trichy to explore the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the famous Rock Fort Temple before driving to Chettinad, where you will spend the night.

Day 8: Chettinad – Madurai

Drive: Approx. 90 km | 2–3 hrs

After breakfast, explore the elegant heritage mansions of Chettinad, renowned for their grand architecture and artistic interiors. Continue to Madurai and visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, the impressive Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, and the city's vibrant local markets before your overnight stay.

Day 9: Madurai – Munnar

Drive: Approx. 160 km | 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, drive into the beautiful Western Ghats towards Munnar, passing waterfalls, tea plantations, and scenic mountain landscapes. Enjoy photo stops along the way before checking into your hotel and relaxing amidst the cool hill station atmosphere. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 10: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore the natural attractions of Munnar including Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and the Tea Museum. Visit lush tea plantations and enjoy fresh tea tasting while admiring the spectacular scenery before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Munnar – Thekkady

Drive: Approx. 110 km | 4 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Visit a fragrant spice plantation to learn about Kerala's famous spices before enjoying a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering opportunities to spot elephants and other wildlife. In the evening, you may choose to watch a traditional Kathakali performance before your overnight stay.

Day 12: Thekkady – Kumarakom

Drive: Approx. 140 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, drive to the peaceful backwater destination of Kumarakom on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Spend the afternoon relaxing amidst coconut groves, tranquil waterways, and abundant birdlife or simply enjoy the peaceful resort surroundings before your overnight stay.

Day 13: Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat

After breakfast, travel to Alleppey and board a traditional Kerala houseboat for an unforgettable backwater cruise. Glide through palm-fringed canals, picturesque villages, and lush paddy fields while enjoying authentic Kerala cuisine onboard and watching local life unfold along the waterways before spending the night aboard the houseboat.

Day 14: Alleppey – Cochin

Drive: Approx. 60 km | 1.5 hrs

After breakfast onboard, disembark and drive to Cochin. Explore the city's famous attractions including the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), the historic Jewish Synagogue, and Fort Kochi before concluding the day with a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 15: Cochin – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning or some last-minute shopping before transferring to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey, concluding your unforgettable South India cultural and backwater adventure.