Forts Of Southern India Tour

Day 01: Arrival in Chennai

Arrive in Chennai, the capital of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai began as a collection of small villages, brought together when the British East India Company founded its first settlement in 1639. Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to your pre-booked hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 02: Chennai – Bengaluru

We commence this morning with a half-day city tour, visiting the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the British-built Fort St. George and Museum, and the Roman Catholic St. Thomas Cathedral. In the afternoon, we depart by train and arrive this evening in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka. On arrival, transfer to your pre-booked hotel. Overnight in Bengaluru.

Day 03: Bengaluru – Hassan

This morning, we depart for Shravanabelagola, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites for the Jain community in South India. Climb the 614 stone steps to the enormous 17 m stone statue of Bahubali, constructed in AD 981. We then drive to Hassan and check into our pre-booked hotel on arrival. Overnight in Hassan.

Day 04: Hassan – Mysore

Karnataka was also home to the Hoysalas, who built the beautiful and ornate Hindu temple complexes at Belur and Halebid between the 11th and 14th centuries. En route to Mysore, we visit these intricately sculptured temples. Of particular interest is the Hoysaleswara Temple, displaying amazing artwork, with the exterior walls covered in Hindu deities. From here, we journey to the pleasant city of Mysore and check into our pre-booked hotel. Overnight in Mysore.

Day 05: Mysore – Ooty

This morning, we visit the Mysore Palace, home of the Maharajas, rebuilt after a fire in 1897 and filled with carvings, mirrors, and mosaics. Afterwards, we drive up Chamundi Hill to visit the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy the panoramic views. Chamundeshwari, the tutelary deity of the Mysore Maharajas, has been held in reverence for centuries. From Mysore, we head into the Nilgiri Mountains to Ooty, a hill station located in the western corner of Tamil Nadu. Originally inhabited by the Toda tribe, Ooty was founded in the 19th century by the British as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. At an altitude of 2,240 m, the town is now a popular holiday destination. On arrival in Ooty, we check into our pre-booked hotel. Overnight in Ooty.

Day 06: Ooty

A free day to explore the town and the surrounding countryside. Perhaps enjoy a walk or a horse ride through the hills. Overnight in Ooty.

Day 07: Ooty – Kochi

From the hills, we drive down to the Malabar Coast to arrive at the historic port city of Kochi (Cochin) in the state of Kerala. Kerala has long been exposed to outside influences, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, and British, all of whom traded through its southern ports. Kochi is a beautiful collection of islands and peninsulas. The trade in spices, rice, sandalwood, and ivory has flourished here for more than 2,000 years, leaving Kochi with an extraordinary blend of history and culture. On arrival, we check into our pre-booked hotel. This afternoon, we visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, built in 1503 and the first resting place of Vasco da Gama. Other sights include the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568. As an optional activity, enjoy a ferry ride through the quiet waterways, passing villages, Chinese-style fishing nets, and boats transporting coconuts, rice, mangoes, and other produce to market. Overnight in Kochi.

Day 08: Kochi – Periyar

This morning, we drive to Alappuzha (Alleppey) and join a ferry cruise through Kerala's picturesque network of lakes, lagoons, rivers, and canals. Disembarking at Kottayam, we continue inland to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide variety of birds and animals, including elephants, monkeys, bison, and the elusive tiger. Our visit includes a boat ride on the lake within this peaceful wildlife reserve. Overnight in Periyar.

Day 09: Periyar – Madurai

Departing the tranquility of the wetland reserve, we re-enter Tamil Nadu, the region least exposed to outside cultures and trade, as its eastern shores lay away from the main historical sea trade routes. Hinduism remains deeply rooted here, with magnificent Dravidian-style temples built by powerful Hindu kingdoms. Perhaps the most impressive is the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, with its towering gopurams adorned with colorful Hindu figures. We drive to Madurai and check into our hotel on arrival. This afternoon, we visit the remarkable Sri Meenakshi Temple. The city tour also includes the Temple Art Museum, the Gandhi Museum, and the ruins of Tirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 10: Madurai – Trichy

We travel eastward to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), a bustling town on the Cauvery River. Perched 437 steps above the town is the impressive Rock Fort Temple. The views are spectacular, particularly across the river to the enormous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, covering approximately 2.5 square kilometres and featuring an astonishing 21 gopurams. Overnight in Trichy.

Day 11: Trichy – Pondicherry (Puducherry)

Today, we journey towards the coast and visit Thanjavur (Tanjore), the ancient capital of the Chola kings, to see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brihadishwara Temple. Standing 63 m high, it is richly adorned with sculptures and frescoes and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Chola architecture. We also visit Chidambaram before arriving in Pondicherry (Puducherry). Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 12: Pondicherry (Puducherry)

Often referred to as "A Little Piece of Medieval France in India" and "a sleepy provincial French town," Pondicherry has successfully preserved its French charm. From delightful restaurants serving French cuisine to streets bearing French names, the town's French heritage is both distinctive and subtle. You will find streets such as West Boulevard alongside Chinna Subbraya Street and Des Bassyns de Richemont Street crossing Mahatma Gandhi Road. Once the capital of French India, Pondicherry offers a unique cultural experience unlike anywhere else on the Indian subcontinent. Today, you are free to explore this fascinating town at your own pace. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 13: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram

From Pondicherry, it is a short drive to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram). Here, we visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shore Temple. Built in the late 7th century, it stands dramatically beside the sea, with beautiful sandy beaches stretching on either side, making it a perfect place to relax or enjoy a swim. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 14: Mahabalipuram – Chennai

Today, we follow the Palar River to Kanchipuram, one of India's seven sacred cities. Dating from the 6th to the 8th centuries, Kanchipuram was once home to around 1,000 temples and served as the capital of the Pallava and Chola kingdoms. Today, more than 100 temples remain, including the magnificent Ekambareswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring its impressive 59 m gopuram. From here, we continue to Chennai, completing our memorable journey through Southern India. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 15: Chennai Departure

Our Southern India odyssey concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your onward journey. We wish you a safe and pleasant trip home.