Grand South India Odyssey β€” 18-Day Private Tour | Vedhantaa Tours
Dravidian Heritage Β· Backwaters Β· Blue Hills

Grand South India
Odyssey Tour

18 days through Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom, Cochin, Ooty, Mysore & Bangalore β€” exploring ancient temples, serene backwaters, tea gardens, and royal palaces.

17 Nights / 18 Days
Private Tour
Chennai Β· Madurai Β· Cochin Β· Ooty Β· Mysore Β· Bangalore
English
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18
Days
12+
Destinations
3
States
1
Houseboat Cruise
∞
Memories

Grand South India Odyssey β€” A 18-Day Private Journey across Southern Empires, Serene Backwaters & Blue Hills

This grand 18-day private tour connects the monumental Dravidian temples of Tamil Nadu, the tranquil backwaters and spice hills of Kerala, the tea country of the Western Ghats, and the royal heritage of Karnataka. Your journey begins in the coastal metropolis of **Chennai**, visiting historic Fort St. George and Marina Beach, before driving to **Pondicherry** via the magnificent rock-cut relief carvings of **Mahabalipuram** and the ancient temple town of **Kanchipuram**. Traverse Tamil Nadu's spiritual heartland, exploring the Chola masterpiece Brahadeeswarar Temple in **Tanjore**, the towering Rock Fort in **Trichy**, and the breathtaking Meenakshi Amman Temple in **Madurai**.

From Madurai, ascend into the Western Ghats to **Periyar** (Thekkady) for spice plantation tours and lake cruises, then head to **Kumarakom** on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Board a traditional private **houseboat** to cruise Kerala's famous backwaters, disembarking in the historical spice-trade port of **Cochin** with its Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and Chinese fishing nets. Climb further into the Nilgiri hills to the serene resort of **Ooty**, then drive to the royal city of **Mysore** to view its spectacular illuminated palace. Your adventure concludes in the garden city of **Bangalore** with its lush parks and palaces. Travel with a dedicated private driver in a comfortable AC vehicle, staying in handpicked premium hotels.

Duration
17 Nights / 18 Days
Tour Type
Multi Day Β· Private Β· Guided
Destinations
Chennai Β· Pondicherry Β· Tanjore Β· Madurai Β· Periyar Β· Kumarakom Β· Cochin Β· Ooty Β· Mysore Β· Bangalore
Language
English
Tour Map
Itinerary
DAY
01
Arrive Chennai
Welcome to Tamil Nadu
  • Meeting and assistance on arrival at **Chennai International Airport**
  • Transfer to your pre-booked hotel in a comfortable AC private vehicle (Hotel check-in time is 12 Noon)
  • Rest of the day at leisure to relax, adjust to the climate, and settle in
  • Overnight at the hotel in Chennai
Airport Assistance Private Transfer Leisure Day
DAY
02
Chennai
Historic Fort & Sacred Temples
  • Morning half-day sightseeing tour of **Chennai**
  • Visit **Fort St. George** β€” founded in 1639, marking the birth of Chennai, now housing the Secretariat building
  • Explore the **Government Museum and Art Gallery** β€” housing a valuable collection of paintings and traditional/modern sculptures (closed on Fridays and national holidays)
  • Drive along **Marina Beach** β€” the second-longest beach in the world, a landmark coastal strip
  • Visit **Kapaleeshwarar Temple** in Mylapore β€” a sacred, 8th-century Pallavan-style architectural marvel dedicated to Shiva
  • Afternoon at leisure to explore local markets or relax
  • Overnight at the hotel in Chennai
Mylapore Temple Fort St. George Marina Beach Drive
DAY
03
Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Kancheepuram – Pondicherry
Rock-Cut Reliefs & Ancient Silk capital
  • Morning check-out and drive from Chennai to Pondicherry, stopping first at **Mahabalipuram**
  • Visit **Arjuna's Penance** β€” a colossal 27-meter long relief carved on two huge boulders
  • Explore **Varaha Cave**, **Dharmaraja Cave**, and **Mahisasurmardini Cave** containing peaceful Somaskanda and reclining Vishnu sculptures
  • Visit the rock-cut **Tiger Cave** shrine (approx. 5 km north) dating to the 7th century
  • See the monolithic **Pancha Pandava Rathas** (five stone chariots) and the coastal **Shore Temple** sandwiched between Shiva shrines
  • Continue to **Kanchipuram**, the "City of 1000 Temples" β€” explore ancient 7th-century shrines like **Ekambaswara**, **Kailasanatha**, **Sri Kamakshi**, and **Varadarajaswamy**
  • Browse famous Kanchipuram silk weaving centres
  • Continue the drive to the seaside town of **Pondicherry** and check in at the hotel
  • Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry
Shore Temple Kanchipuram Silk UNESCO Carvings
DAY
04
Pondicherry – Tanjore
French Quarter, Auroville & Chola Lands
  • Morning sightseeing tour of **Pondicherry**
  • Visit **Sri Aurobindo Ashram** β€” established in 1926, showcasing the spiritual vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother
  • Explore **Pondicherry Museum** β€” displaying Arikamedu Roman ruins, Chola bronzes, and French colonial heritage
  • Visit **Auroville (the Universal Town)** β€” envisioned as a progressive community where people of all faiths and nationalities live in harmony
  • Afternoon departure by road from Pondicherry to **Tanjore** (Thanjavur)
  • Arrive in Tanjore, check in to your hotel, and relax
  • Overnight at the hotel in Tanjore
Sri Aurobindo Auroville Matrimandir Tanjore Drive
DAY
05
Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai
Chola Masterpieces & River Temples
  • Morning sightseeing tour of **Tanjore**
  • Marvel at the **Brahadeeswarar Temple** β€” a massive Chola structural temple constructed over 1,000 years ago by King Raja Raja I
  • Visit the Tanjore **Art Gallery** and the historic **Saraswathi Mahal Library**
  • Drive to **Madurai**, en-route visiting **Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)** on the banks of the Kaveri River
  • Visit the famous **Ranganathaswamy Temple** in Srirangam, **Rock Fort Temple** standing on a 23m rock, and **Jambukeshwar Temple**
  • Continue the drive to the ancient temple city of **Madurai** and check in to the hotel
  • Overnight at the hotel in Madurai
Brahadeeswarar Temple Srirangam Temple Trichy Rock Fort
DAY
06
Madurai
Magnificent Meenakshi Temple
  • Morning half-day sightseeing tour of **Madurai**
  • Explore the famous **Meenakshi Amman Temple** β€” a spectacular, highly detailed Dravidian temple with towers looking over the old city
  • Visit **Thirumalai Nayak Mahal** β€” built in 1523 AD, showcasing great Indo-Saracenic columns, arches, the entrance gate, and dancing hall
  • Optional: attend the evening light and sound show at the palace or temple prayer ceremony
  • Afternoon at leisure to stroll through the bazaars
  • Overnight at the hotel in Madurai
Meenakshi Temple Indo-Saracenic Palace Local Bazaars
DAY
07
Madurai – Periyar
Crossing into Kerala Spice Country
  • Morning checkout and drive from Madurai up to the Western Ghats to **Periyar** (Thekkady)
  • Arrive in Periyar and check in at the hotel
  • Afternoon guided **spice plantation tour** β€” walk through gardens of vanilla, black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon
  • Enjoy an **elephant ride** along the plantation paths
  • Overnight at the hotel in Periyar
Spice Gardens Elephant Ride Western Ghats
DAY
08
Periyar – Kumarakom
Lake Cruise & Backwater resort
  • Morning **boat cruise on Lake Periyar** for wildlife viewing (subject to availability) β€” keep an eye out for elephants, wild boars, otters, and birds
  • Drive down the spice hills to **Kumarakom**, a peaceful village on the shores of Lake Vembanad
  • Check in at the resort and relax
  • Overnight at the hotel/resort in Kumarakom
Wildlife Cruise Lake Vembanad Hill Descent
DAY
09
Kumarakom
Leisure on the lake
  • Full day at leisure to enjoy the resort's amenities
  • Optional: book a traditional Ayurvedic massage, explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, or enjoy a sunset canoe ride
  • Overnight at the resort in Kumarakom
Leisure Day Ayurvedic Wellness Resort Retreat
DAY
10
Kumarakom – Houseboat
Cruising the Backwaters
  • Morning transfer to the Kumarakom Jetty to board your **private luxury houseboat**
  • Cruise the peaceful Kerala backwaters, gliding past rustic canals, green paddy fields, and coconut trees
  • Enjoy traditional Kerala meals prepared onboard by your private chef
  • Overnight on board the houseboat
Private Houseboat Full Board Meals Backwater Cruise
DAY
11
Houseboat – Alleppey – Cochin
Disembark & Travel to historic Cochin
  • Morning disembarkation at the Alleppey Jetty
  • Private road transfer to the historic spice-trade port of **Cochin** (Kochi)
  • Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Fort Kochi on your own
  • Overnight at the hotel in Cochin
Disembark Alleppey Cochin Transfer Fort Kochi Lanes
DAY
12
Cochin
Portuguese, Dutch & Jewish Heritage
  • Morning sightseeing tour of **Cochin**
  • Visit **Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)** β€” built by the Portuguese in 1555 and gifted to the Raja of Kochi, containing fine Ramayana murals
  • Visit the 1568 **Jewish Synagogue** β€” featuring copper plates of privileges and hand-painted Chinese tiles (closed Fridays/Saturdays/Jewish Holidays)
  • Explore **St. Francis Church** in Fort Kochi β€” built in 1510, the oldest European church in India, once holding the remains of explorer Vasco da Gama
  • See the iconic **Chinese Fishing Nets** along the Fort Kochi shorefront, still used by local fishermen at high tide
  • Afternoon at leisure to browse spice shops and art cafes
  • Overnight at the hotel in Cochin
Dutch Palace Jewish Synagogue Chinese Fishing Nets
DAY
13
Cochin – Ooty
Drive to Nilgiri Tea Hills
  • Morning checkout and drive from Cochin to the hill station of **Ooty** (Udhagamandalam)
  • Ascend the winding mountain roads of the Nilgiris, looking over tea plantations
  • Arrive in Ooty and check in to your hotel
  • Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the cool climate
  • Overnight at the hotel in Ooty
Nilgiri Mountains Tea Estates Hill Station Drive
DAY
14
Ooty
Leisure in the Blue Hills
  • Full day at leisure in Ooty
  • Explore the town on your own β€” visit Ooty Lake, the Botanical Gardens, and Rose Garden
  • Optional: book tickets on the UNESCO-listed **Nilgiri Mountain Railway** toy train
  • Overnight at the hotel in Ooty
Leisure Day Mountain Toy Train Botanical Walk
DAY
15
Ooty – Mysore
Mysore Palace & Chamundi Monoliths
  • Morning checkout and drive from Ooty down the hills to **Mysore** in Karnataka
  • Check in at the hotel upon arrival
  • Afternoon half-day sightseeing of Mysore
  • Visit the magnificent Indo-Saracenic **Mysore Palace** β€” a treasure house of royal carvings, glasswork, and the jewel-studded golden throne
  • Explore **Chamundi Hills** to visit the 12th-century Chamundeshwari Temple and see the 4.8-meter monolithic **Nandi Bull** carved of granite
  • Overnight at the hotel in Mysore
Mysore Palace Chamundi Hills Nandi Monolith
DAY
16
Mysore – Bangalore
Drive to the Garden City
  • Morning departure from Mysore by road to **Bangalore** (Bengaluru)
  • Arrive in Bangalore and check in at the hotel
  • Rest of the day at leisure to relax, shop, or explore Bangalore's local dining scene
  • Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore
Bangalore Drive City Leisure Silicon Valley
DAY
17
Bangalore
Lalbagh, Palaces & Bull Temple
  • Morning proceed for the half-day sightseeing tour of **Bangalore**
  • Visit **Lalbagh Botanical Gardens** β€” laid out by Haider Ali and expanded by Tipu Sultan, boasting rare trees and the historic Glass House
  • Walk through **Cubbon Park** β€” a lush 100-year-old park housing the High Court and State Library
  • Explore **Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace** β€” a double-storeyed wooden palace completed in 1789
  • Visit the 16th-century **Nandi Bull Temple** in Basavanagudi β€” featuring a grand monolithic bull polished with charcoal and groundnut oil
  • Visit the modern **ISKCON Temple** β€” internationally famous for its spiritual architecture and devotion
  • Afternoon at leisure for shopping or relaxation
  • Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore
Tipu Palace Lalbagh Gardens Nandi Bull Temple
DAY
18
Depart Bangalore
Onward Flight Journey
  • Check out from your hotel in Bangalore
  • Private vehicle transfer from your hotel to **Kempegowda International Airport** in Bangalore
  • Connect to your onward flight back home, carrying wonderful memories of Southern India
Private Transfer Airport Departure End of Tour
Inclusions & Exclusions
What is Included
17 Nights hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis (including 1 night on a private backwater houseboat)
Daily buffet breakfast at hotels & full board (all meals) on the houseboat
Private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver for all transfers, drives, and sightseeing
Spice plantation walk & Elephant ride experience in Periyar
Shared game viewing boat cruise on Lake Periyar (subject to availability)
Local English-speaking spot guides in major historical sights (Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Tanjore, Madurai, Cochin, Mysore)
All toll taxes, state taxes, driver allowance, parking fees, and fuel costs
Airport meeting, assistance, and transfers on arrival and departure
What is Excluded
International flights, airport taxes & visa fees
Lunch, dinner & drinks (except on the houseboat)
Monument & temple entrance fees
Camera/video fees, tips & personal expenses
Travel or medical insurance
Anything not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions list
17 Nights hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis (including 1 night on a private backwater houseboat)
Daily buffet breakfast at hotels & full board (all meals) on the houseboat
Private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver for all transfers, drives, and sightseeing
Spice plantation walk & Elephant ride experience in Periyar
Shared game viewing boat cruise on Lake Periyar (subject to availability)
Local English-speaking spot guides in major historical sights (Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Tanjore, Madurai, Cochin, Mysore)
All toll taxes, state taxes, driver allowance, parking fees, and fuel costs
Airport meeting, assistance, and transfers on arrival and departure
International flights, airport taxes & visa fees
Lunch, dinner & drinks (except on the houseboat)
Monument & temple entrance fees
Camera/video fees, tips & personal expenses
Travel or medical insurance
Anything not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions list
Tips for These Locations
Weather icon
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal. Days are warm and dry in Tamil Nadu's temple towns, perfect for exploration. The backwaters are breezy and Ooty offers cool mountain air.
Clothing icon
What to Wear
Bring light cotton clothing for the plains and backwaters, and a light jacket/sweater for Ooty's evenings. Temples require modest dress (shoulders and knees covered). Slip-on shoes are convenient.
Currency icon
Currency & Tipping
Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available in cities like Chennai, Madurai, Cochin, and Bangalore. Tipping guides and drivers is customary (β‚Ή300–500 per day for drivers is standard).
Camera icon
Photography Tips
Capture Mahabalipuram and Brihadeeswarar Temple at sunrise or golden hour. Photography inside active temple sanctuaries is generally prohibited; observe local guidelines.
Transport icon
Getting Around
Your private AC vehicle handles all inter-city transfers. A private houseboat cruise handles the backwaters. Local auto-rickshaws are fun for quick city trips.
Food icon
Food & Water
Drink only bottled water. Try South Indian filter coffee, traditional vegetarian meals on banana leaves in Tamil Nadu, and fresh backwater cuisine in Kerala.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour customisable?

Absolutely. Every Vedhantaa tour is fully customisable β€” adjust the duration, add destinations, upgrade hotels, or bolt on experiences like cooking classes, hot-air balloon rides, or village walks. Just tell us what you'd like and we'll build a bespoke itinerary.

What is the best season for this tour?

October to March offers the most pleasant weather for exploring South India. The coastal cities and backwaters are breezy, while the hill stations like Ooty are pleasantly cool.

Do I need a visa for India?

Most nationalities need a visa. Citizens of 160+ countries can apply for an e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in β€” typically approved within 72 hours.

Are meals included?

Daily breakfast at your hotels and all meals during the houseboat stay are included. Other lunches and dinners are at your own expense to allow for personal culinary exploration.

Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?

Yes! All our tours are private, so you'll have your own vehicle and driver whether you're solo, a couple, or a family group.

How do I book?

Send us an enquiry via the form on this page or message us directly on WhatsApp. We'll get back to you within 24 hours with a detailed proposal.

What's the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. Between 15–30 days, a 25% fee applies. Within 15 days, 50%. No-shows are non-refundable.

Is the houseboat stay private?

Yes, the houseboat in Kerala is fully private for your party, featuring air-conditioned bedrooms, private bathrooms, an onboard chef, and dedicated crew.

Enquire on WhatsApp
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