South India
Price: TBA
duration: 16 Days
Recommended months:
September – March
Added value:
The most comprehensive and in-depth trip to South India
Timed for the date of the two most important festivals in the region during this period
Plenty of special activities and different vehicles: boats, a cyclo, tuk-tuk, trains, and jeeps
Authentic in-depth meetings with the local population
High-class hotels
Recommended months
Recommended group size
tour type
Notes
Intro
South India – tropical, green, immersed in evergreen forests, spice plantations spreading an exotic aroma and a rich history. South India is home to diverse and fascinating populations, where we will meet from Hindu temples that attract tens of thousands of believers and pilgrims, to ancient synagogues and churches, all of which are just part of a diverse and exotic human mosaic. During the trip, we will participate in two colorful festivals.
As on all Dragon Path’s tours, we save no effort in trying to turn an ordinary tour into a special life experience. Whether it’s the authentic intimate encounter with the local population or the special events we produce for our Dragon Path clients. At the same time, as is a staple on our tours, this trip is pampered with excellent and special hotels, contributing in turn to the unique experience that is South India.
Day 1 | Bangalore and Hassan
Upon arrival in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state, we will go through passport control and then travel to the city of Hassan, where we will spend the night. Hassan got its name from the Indian deity Hasanamba and is home to some of the most powerful and charming architectural masterpieces in South India. We will explore the surroundings of Hassan and then head to Halebidu, where the famous Hoysaleswara Temple is located. This 12th-century marvel was built in the shape of a star and was constructed by the Hoysala dynasty. We’ll continue our journey, explore the area, disperse to our rooms for rest, and meet again for dinner.
Accommodation in Hassan
Day 2 | Hassan to Mysuru
After breakfast, we will visit Belur, home to the Chennakesava Temple, surrounded by lush greenery. According to legend, the construction of the Belur temple took 103 years and was executed by the architect and sculptor Amarashilpi Jakanachari. We will complete our tour of the Hassan region and then head to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary for a visit. This sanctuary, the largest bird sanctuary in the country, consists of six small islands on the banks of the Kabini River. The rich flora and colorful bird species make it a unique learning experience for visitors of all ages. After exploring the natural beauty, we will continue our journey to Srirangapatna, known for its unique Jain heritage, historical significance, and distinctive structures. From there, we will proceed to our next destination in the state of Karnataka, Mysuru, a beautiful city with a British colonial charm. Upon arrival in Mysuru, we’ll embark on a short city tour and then head to our hotel.
Accommodation in Mysuru
Day 3 | Mysore
After breakfast, we will witness and participate in the flower arrangement tradition called Pookalam. This popular tradition in South India is used as a ceremony in every home during religious festivities. We’ll then visit the vibrant and aromatic Devaraja Market, filled with flowers, spices, colors, and scents. It’s also an excellent place to buy local essential oils and incense. After exploring the market, we’ll visit the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess who defeated the demon Mahisasura, after whom the city is named. We’ll continue to Mysore Palace, a breathtaking example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. We’ll also visit the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, the former ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, often referred to as the Tiger of Mysore. We’ll tour Mysuru to experience the daily life of the locals, taste local cuisine, and feel the rhythm of the city as the locals do.
Accommodation in Mysore
Day 4 | From Mysuru to Chennai
On this day, we’ll transition from the state of Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. After breakfast, we’ll take a domestic flight of about an hour and a half to the large city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, formerly known as Madras. Upon arrival in Chennai, we’ll embark on city tours until the evening, then head for dinner and accommodation.
Accommodation in Chennai
Day 5 | Chennai and Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Mahabalipuram, home to UNESCO-declared Tamil monuments. Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram, we’ll visit caves with impressive reliefs telling mythological stories and beach temples with unique sculptures. We’ll then explore the stone sculptures in the city. After a city tour, we’ll return to Chennai for dinner and accommodation.
Accommodation in Chennai
Day 6 | Chennai to Tanjore
After breakfast, we’ll take a short flight to Trichy, from where we’ll continue to Tanjore. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Brahadeeshwara Temple, an exemplary masterpiece of complete Dravidian architecture. Tanjore is a significant center for traditional handicrafts, and we’ll explore the city’s streets to discover various artisanal works. In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Accommodation in Tanjore
Day 7 | Tanjore to Madurai
After breakfast, we’ll take a short flight from Tanjore to Madurai, one of the largest cities in Tamil Nadu, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River. On our way to Madurai, we’ll visit the village of Attangudi to tour a factory producing handmade tiles with traditional patterns, environmentally friendly, and featuring traditional designs. We’ll continue through rice fields, banana plantations, and sugarcane fields. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Meenakshi Temple, the largest, most beautiful, and intricate temple in South India. We’ll explore the vibrant market streets of Madurai and return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Accommodation in Madurai
Day 8 | Madurai
This day is dedicated to authentic local experiences in Madurai. After breakfast, we’ll visit the stunning flower market and the banana market of Madurai. From there, we’ll proceed to Nayak Palace, a masterpiece combining Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles. We’ll continue to the Gandhi Memorial Museum, symbolizing the historical steps in Gandhi’s struggle and presenting many important aspects of his life. In the afternoon, we’ll have lunch with a local family. Later, we’ll visit a workshop where traditional and colorful Madurai dolls are crafted. After a tour of the workshop, we’ll visit a local farm producing tea and coffee, where we’ll take a walking tour.
Accommodation in Madurai
Day 9 | Madurai to Munnar
On this day, we bid farewell to the state of Tamil Nadu and move on to our next destination – the state of Kerala. We embark on a journey of several hours to the Munnar region. Munnar is a collection of vast and lush green tea plantations, earning the area the nickname “Scottish Highlands of Kerala.” We will have lunch in Munnar and dedicate the afternoon to nature exploration, traversing through green hills, blue lakes, hills of cultivated tea and spices, and up to the wild mountainous landscapes.
Accommodation in Munnar
Day 10 | Munnar
After breakfast, pending approval, we set out for a tour of a special school and handicraft workshops. From there, we continue to visit a tea factory, where we can witness the tea-making and drying processes. After the tea factory tour, we proceed with a jeep ride through the stunning landscapes of the tea and cardamom plantations, experiencing the cool climate and interacting with the rural population for an authentic experience. We visit tea and cardamom plantations, followed by an easy walk through the spice hills of Munnar, lasting about two hours.
Accommodation in Munnar
Day 11 | Munnar to Adoor Gajamela Festival and Kochi
We depart early in the morning to the Adoor village, where the first festival of our journey takes place – the Adoor Gajamela Festival at the Parthasarathy Temple. We witness nine majestic tusker elephants adorned with special and colorful decorations. After the festivities, we embark on a two-hour journey to the city of Kochi, also known as Cochin, the historical port and cultural center of Kerala. Upon arrival in Kochi, we explore the streets of the old city, including the Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish quarter and synagogue, market streets, and the ancient city. We will then proceed to our hotel for dinner.
Accommodation in Kochi
Day 12 | Kochi
After breakfast, we embark on a diverse urban tour, visiting churches, synagogues, and mosques, and exploring picturesque streets filled with a pastoral atmosphere. Since the 14th century, Kochi has been an important spice trading center on the western coast of India, maintaining a trading network with Arab merchants from the pre-Muslim period to the present day. We tour the city and its sites, including the Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish quarter and synagogue, market streets, and the ancient city. In the evening, we meet with a local family who will share information about Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Later, we will attend a Kathakali performance, a theatrical art form combining dance, pantomime, and music, depicting stories from Hindu mythology.
Accommodation in Kochi
Day 13 | Kochi to Kumarakom
After breakfast, we travel to the Alleppey region for a fascinating and unique experience – a houseboat cruise in the Backwaters. We navigate through a network of canals, narrow channels, rice fields, and coconut groves, where people live undisturbed and unchanged for centuries, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. After the houseboat cruise, we tour the city, visiting local factories, the fish market, a local school, and more, to experience local life. After lunch, we travel to our resort in Kumarakom, our next destination.
Accommodation in Kumarakom
Day 14 | Kumarakom
In the early morning, for those interested, we participate in an organized yoga session at the resort. After breakfast, we embark again on a boat trip in the Backwaters, exploring the vast network of canals lined with coconut trees and water plants, and having lunch on the boat during the journey. After the boat trip, we return to our wonderful resort to relax and enjoy its amenities.
Accommodation in Kumarakom
Day 15 | Kumarakom to Athirappilly for a Local Festival and back to Kochi
After breakfast, we travel to Athirappilly, located in the lush rainforest with impressive waterfalls, jungles, various animals, birds, and enchanting landscapes. We take a tour of the Athirapally waterfalls, cascading from a height of 80 meters. This waterfall is the largest in Kerala, flowing into the heart of green and dense forests, home to various endangered species. After the tour, we will attend the Ernakulam Festival celebrated with grandeur and splendor in a small village temple. The festival is an authentic, colorful celebration accompanied by adorned elephants, dance processions, and traditional arts. After the festival celebrations, we return to Kochi.
Accommodation in Kochi
Day 16 | Kochi and back home
In the early morning hours, we head to the airport for our flight that will take us back home.
The Price Include:
- Accommodation in 5-4-stars hotels and boutique hotels on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- Full board based on light lunches and full dinners
- All the sites and shows that are written in the program, including entrance fees
- All festivals mentioned in the program (depending on the season)
- Domestic flights as mentioned in the program
- Travel in an air-conditioned bus
- Jeep ride in Munnar
- Sailing in the Alleppey area (backwaters)
- A visit to the bird sanctuary
- Tea Factory Tour
- English/French-speaking local guides accompany the tour
- Mineral water on the bus
The Price does not Include:
- International Flight
- Tips for service providers
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- India entry visa – done 1 month before arrival to India
- Personal expenses (shopping, etc.)
- personal insurance
- Everything that is not under the section “The Price Include”
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