Bangalore to Kovalam Temple, Backwater & Beach Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore

Upon arrival at Bangalore Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. After completing check-in formalities, spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your journey or enjoy a leisurely stroll around nearby neighborhoods to experience Bangalore's pleasant climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere. This relaxing first day provides the perfect introduction to your South India holiday before your overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore City Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Bangalore beginning with the beautiful Lalbagh Botanical Garden, famous for its rare tropical plants and Victorian glasshouse. Continue to the historic Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, admired for its elegant Indo-Islamic architecture, followed by the magnificent Bangalore Palace, showcasing Tudor-inspired interiors and royal collections. Conclude the day at the sacred Bull Temple, home to one of India's largest monolithic Nandi statues, before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Bangalore – Vellore

Drive: Approx. 220 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, drive through the scenic countryside into Tamil Nadu towards Vellore. Upon arrival, visit the spectacular Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, beautifully adorned with gold plating and surrounded by peaceful gardens. Continue to the historic Vellore Fort, one of South India's finest granite forts, and explore the intricately carved Jalakandeswarar Temple, an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. After sightseeing, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. 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, renowned as the "City of a Thousand Temples." Visit the magnificent Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Shiva temples, followed by the sacred Kamakshi Amman Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Continue to Chennai and visit the historic Fort St. George, the first British fortification in India, before enjoying a relaxing walk along the famous Marina Beach. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 5: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

Drive: Approx. 160 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, travel along the picturesque East Coast Road, one of India's most scenic coastal drives. Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram to explore the magnificent Shore Temple, the impressive bas-relief of Arjuna's Penance, and the remarkable rock-cut monuments that showcase Pallava craftsmanship. Continue to Pondicherry, where you will visit the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram, wander through the charming French Quarter lined with colonial villas and cafés, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before your overnight stay.

Day 6: Pondicherry – Thanjavur

Drive: Approx. 180 km | 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, drive towards Thanjavur, stopping en route at the sacred Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, one of South India's most important Shiva temples dedicated to Lord Shiva's cosmic dance. Continue to Thanjavur and visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's greatest architectural masterpieces, famous for its towering vimana and remarkable Chola-era sculptures. Later, explore local art galleries before your overnight stay.

Day 7: Thanjavur – Trichy – Chettinad

Drive: Approx. 140 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Trichy to visit the sprawling Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the world's largest functioning Hindu temple complexes, followed by the historic Rock Fort Temple, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding city. Continue to the culturally rich Chettinad region, famous for its grand merchant mansions, traditional cuisine, handcrafted tiles, and unique architectural heritage. Check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Chettinad – Madurai

Drive: Approx. 90 km | 2–3 hrs

Begin the day exploring Chettinad's magnificent heritage mansions, renowned for their ornate wooden carvings, spacious courtyards, imported marble, and exquisite craftsmanship. Continue to Madurai, one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities, where you will visit the spectacular Meenakshi Amman Temple, celebrated for its towering colorful gopurams and vibrant religious atmosphere, followed by the elegant Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. In the evening, witness the temple's traditional ceremony before your overnight stay.

Day 9: Madurai – Munnar

Drive: Approx. 160 km | 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, journey into the beautiful Western Ghats, gradually leaving the plains behind as you travel through winding mountain roads, cascading waterfalls, spice plantations, and lush tea gardens. Stop at scenic viewpoints to admire breathtaking landscapes before arriving in the cool hill station of Munnar. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening relaxing amidst the refreshing mountain climate. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 10: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day exploration of Munnar's spectacular natural beauty. Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, before exploring expansive tea plantations that carpet the surrounding hills. Continue to the fascinating Tea Museum to learn about the region's tea-making heritage, then visit Echo Point and Top Station, where panoramic views of the Western Ghats create unforgettable photographic opportunities. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Munnar – Thekkady

Drive: Approx. 110 km | 4 hrs

After breakfast, drive through picturesque mountain landscapes to Thekkady, Kerala's renowned wildlife destination. Visit a fragrant spice plantation to discover how cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves are cultivated before exploring the lively local spice markets. In the evening, enjoy an optional Kathakali dance performance or Kalaripayattu martial arts show, offering insight into Kerala's traditional performing arts. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 12: Thekkady – Kumarakom

Drive: Approx. 140 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic boat safari on Periyar Lake, offering opportunities to spot elephants, deer, wild boar, birds, and other wildlife along the forested shoreline. Afterwards, drive to the peaceful backwater village of Kumarakom, located on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Check in to your lakeside resort and spend the evening enjoying the tranquil surroundings, coconut groves, and spectacular sunset views. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Day 13: Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey and board your traditional Kerala houseboat. Spend the day cruising through the enchanting backwaters, passing narrow canals, coconut plantations, fishing villages, ancient churches, and emerald-green paddy fields while witnessing everyday village life along the waterways. Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine onboard as you relax amidst one of India's most peaceful landscapes. Overnight aboard the houseboat.

Day 14: Alleppey – Cochin

Drive: Approx. 60 km | 1.5 hrs

After breakfast onboard, disembark and drive to Cochin (Kochi). Explore the city's rich colonial heritage with visits to the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), and the charming streets of Fort Kochi. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance, one of Kerala's most celebrated classical art forms, before your overnight stay.

Day 15: Cochin – Trivandrum – Kovalam

Drive: Approx. 200 km | 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, drive south towards Kovalam, stopping in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) to visit the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of India's wealthiest and most sacred temples, followed by the fascinating Napier Museum, showcasing Kerala's cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Continue to Kovalam, check in to your beach resort, and spend the evening relaxing beside the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 16: Leisure in Kovalam

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Relax on the golden sands of Lighthouse Beach, enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, swim in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea, or indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage. Optional water sports and beachfront cafés offer additional opportunities to enjoy Kerala's famous coastal lifestyle. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 17: Leisure in Kovalam

After breakfast, spend another relaxing day at your own pace. Take leisurely walks along the shoreline, browse local handicraft shops, sample authentic Kerala seafood, or simply unwind at your beach resort while admiring the spectacular ocean views. Optional excursions to nearby attractions can also be arranged. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 18: Leisure in Kovalam

Today is entirely free to relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, watch local fishermen at work, experience yoga or Ayurvedic wellness treatments, or simply spend quality time beside the sea soaking up the tropical surroundings. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 19: Leisure in Kovalam

Spend your final full day enjoying everything Kovalam has to offer. Revisit your favorite beach, enjoy a sunset walk along the coast, relax by the resort pool, or purchase souvenirs before your departure. This leisurely finale provides the perfect conclusion to your extensive South India journey. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 20: Kovalam – Trivandrum Departure

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Trivandrum International Airport according to your flight schedule. Depart with unforgettable memories of South India's magnificent temples, colonial cities, misty hill stations, wildlife, peaceful backwaters, and idyllic beaches.