Explore South (Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu – 31 Nights/ 32 Days

On arrival meet and transfer to TAJ EXOTICA.

Full day sightseeing Tour of Goa. Overnight at TAJ EXOTICA.

After breakfast Drive on to Badami and check into the Badami Court for two nights.

Visit Aihole, an impressive rock carving site. Particularly impressive is the 5th century AD Lad Khan temple and Pattadakal, which consists of temples from the northern Nagara and southern Dravida schools. Later visit Badami including cave temples from the 6th and 7th century AD and the famous MalegittiShivalaya temple.

Drive on to the town of Hospet and stay at the Malligi Tourist Home for two nights (you could upgrade to theHampi Boulders which is located in the ‘boulders landscape’).

Visit Hampi the city razed to the ground by the five Deccan sultans in 1565. The vast boulder strewn landscape merges with the granite hewn architectural ruins which include the Virupaksha Temple. There’s time this afternoon to relax or continue exploring the area.

As you drive this morning to Chikmagalur the landscape changes from the arid Deccan Plateau to a lush coffee country for which the region is known. In Chikmagalur stay two nights at the Taj Gateway (or you could upgrade to the luxurious ‘The Serai’ for a supplement).

Enjoy an excursion to the intricately carved Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid today. These temples depict scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life of the Hoysala Kingdom.

En route to Mysore you’ll visit the imposing statue of Gomateshvara at Shravanabelagola a significant pilgrimage site for the Jain religion, and Tipu’s Summer Palace at Srirangapattanam. Your guide will be happy to give you a pronunciation lesson! Stay at the PRS Calm or Windflower Hotel for two nights.

Visit the sights of Mysore today including the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill and the Nandi Bull. Round off the exploring at the colourfulDevraja Market. There is the option of an excursion to Somnathpur where the third Hoysala temple is located.

After breakfast proceed to Kabini. On arrival check in at KABINI RIVER LODGE.Evening Jeep Safari inside Nagarhole National Park.

After breakfast Drive to Ooty, board the Nilgiris ‘toy train’ for a short ride to Coonoor; stay at the colonial Taj Gateway; at leisure to enjoy the tea country, the Sims Park is a short walk away.

A long drive to Cochin for two nights at the Malabar House, a Relais and Chateaux boutique hotel.

Visit the Dutch Palace, St Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets; evenings a sunset cruise and a Kathakali dance performance.

After breakfast proceed to Munnar, which is covered by sprawling tea estates. Stay at either the Bracknell Forest or Deshadan Mountain Resort for the night. The afternoon is free for you to explore this hilly region.

From Munnar head south today through beautiful countryside to the Cardamom Hills which cradle the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Two nights are spent at the simple Wildernest Guest House.

An exciting walk through the forest with local tribal trackers is organised this morning. The afternoon is free, with the option of taking a shared boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot wild elephant.

After breakfast there’ll be a four hour drive as you leave behind the spice plantations of Periyar and head to the backwaters, passing through small villages and paddy fields. Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom will be home for the next two nights.

This morning you’ll set off for a cruise on Vembanad Lake on the backwaters. The rest of the day is at leisure.The resort has a butterfly garden that always proves popular with children and there’ll be a naturalist on hand to point out the different species. Coconut Lagoon also has caneos that guests can take out onto the canels or Vembanad Lake; perfect for a leisurely afternoon on the backwaters.

Morning, proceed to Alleppey to board your Riceboat for the night; cruise along the backwaters, observing local life along the banks.

After breakfast a short drive brings you to the beaches of Kovalam. Stay at the Travancore Heritage Hotel, a first class resort on a cliff overlooking the beach. The day is spent at leisure.

Day at leisure

After breakfast to Kanyakumari. Afternoon visit Kanyakumari.Evening witness Sunset from Vivekananda rock.

After breakfast proceed to Madurai. Afternoon visit the town of Madurai which is home to some fine examples of Dravidian architecture and in particular the stunning Meenakshi Temple complex with its vast colourfully carved gopuram (towers). Overnight at Hotel Heritage Madurai.

After breakfast proceed to Karaikudi. On arrival check in at Visalam.

Today we explore the sleepy village of Chettinad which is home to some fine mansions, each housing its own collection of antiques, furniture
and art.

Morning proceed to Tanjore. Afternoon visit Tanjore, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Airavetisvara Temple. In Tanjore we visit the Brihadeeshwara Temple complex, its 62m high tower is the highest in India.

After Breakfast proceed to Pondicherry enroute visit Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram. Overnight in MaisonPerumal..

Morning Pondicherry – the former French colony of Pondicherry. The colonial buildings, statues and churches make for an interesting and atmospheric setting and is all easily accessed from the characterful MaisonPerumal. After visits proceed to Covelong and check in at FISHERMAN’S COVE.

Today we visit the impressive coastal site of Mahabalipuram which was constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries and portrays, by way of impressive rock carving and relief, the historical, mythological and philosophical Indian epic known as the Mahabharata. There is also the option of a visit to Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, for a sightseeing tour.

Day at leisure

Our return flight via Dubai.