Deccan and South India

17N / 18D

Transfer Hotels Sightseeing Meals

This comprehensive tour takes you through India’s diverse cultural, historical, and natural landscapes. Starting in Mumbai, the journey moves to Aurangabad, home to world-famous rock-cut caves. The tour then heads south to Tamil Nadu, exploring ancient temple towns, coastal heritage sites, and sacred cities known for Dravidian architecture. From there, travel into Kerala’s lush greenery, wildlife reserves, and peaceful backwaters. Blending bustling cities, spiritual centers, historical monuments, and serene natural beauty, this itinerary offers a balanced experience of India’s rich traditions, architectural wonders, and relaxing scenic destinations.

Mumbai city landmarks and vibrant local life.
UNESCO-listed Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad.
Shore Temple and rock carvings at Mahabalipuram.
French colonial charm of Pondicherry.
Temple towns of Kumbakonam, Tanjore & Trichy.
Brihadeeswarar Temple and Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
Wildlife and spice plantations in Periyar.
Serene backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey houseboat cruise.

17 Night Hotel Accommodation based on Double/Twin sharing room as per itinerary.
English speaking/Language speaking (Subject to availability) Tour Escort as per the tour itinerary.
Daily Breakfast.
All meals during Houseboat stay cum backwater cruise.
Monument entrance fees as per the tour itinerary.
Air-conditioned Transport throughout the tour as per the itinerary, covering all transfers and sightseeing.
Elephanta Cave Tour.
Assistance on Arrival /Departure Transfer.
Periyar Boat Ride/Jeep safari.
02 Bottle of mineral water daily.
Kathakali Dance performance in Cochin.
All Taxes.

Any Air fare.
Expenses of personal nature.
Any Kind of Tips.
Any extra expanses occurring due to delay/Cancellation of flight or any other change which is beyond our control.
Meals unless specified in inclusions.

Day 1

Arrival Mumbai

Arrive Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai, transfer to hotel. Check in at hotel. Please advise your international flight. Hotel Standard Checking timing 1400 Hrs. Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is a vibrant blend of dreams and determination. From the historic Gateway of India to the buzzing local trains, the city never sleeps. Skyscrapers, street food, Bollywood, and the Arabian Sea together define Mumbai’s unstoppable energy.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 2

Mumbai Sightseeing

Breakfast at hotel. After Breakfast, visit. Elephanta Island (closed on Mondays) was known in ancient times as "Gharapuri" or The Place of Caves. The Portuguese took possession of the island and named it Elephanta after the great statue which they found on the seashore. There are seven caves of which the most important is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. The main body of the cave, excluding the porticoes on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 m square and is supported by rows of six columns. The gigantic figures of Dvarapalas, or doorkeepers are very impressive. The cave temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was excavated sometime in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta Kings who ruled the area between AD 757-973. Elephanta closely follows the pattern of the Dumar Lena cave in Ellora. After the visit return to Gateway of India by motorboat and proceed for check-in at your hotel. Bombay (as it was called earlier) was once a group of seven islands whose inhabitants, the Kolis, have given the city its Indian name, MUMBAI, after their goddess, Mother Mumbai. Bombay is a city of paradoxes: renowned as the country’s financial nerve center, it is an important center of theatre, art, music and classical dance. Late in the afternoon, proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai. The tour starts from the Gateway of India. Gateway of India is the landmark of Bombay, which, was before the advent of air travel, the only gateway to India. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to India in 1911. You will be then driven along Marine Drive, the sea - Front Boulevard. It is also known as the Queen’s Necklace as in the evening, the breeze from the Arabian Sea comes over Marine Drive and as the streetlights on this U-shaped road light up, the view from south Bombay’s skyscrapers or from the exclusive residential area, is that of a Queen’s Necklace. Your first stop will be the Jain Temples, built of marble and dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara. From the temples you will be driven along Malabar Hill via the Tower of Silence - a round stone construction on which Parsis place their dead to be eaten by the vultures and Hanging Gardens which is built over Bombay’s reservoir. From here one can get a panoramic view of picturesque Marine Drive. From Malabar Hill you will be driven to the Dhobi Ghats a huge open-air laundry, which makes an interesting viewing. Continue to Mani Bhawan (Gandhi Memorial), the house where the Father of the Nation stayed on his early visits to the city. The room, in which Gandhi stayed, preserved as it was, and the scenes of Gandhi’s life in photographs and models are of special interest.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 3

Mumbai – Aurangabad (By Flight)

Early Morning, around 0300 AM Today, transfer to Airport to connect flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Check in at hotel. Breakfast at Hotel. After Breakfast, today half day sightseeing we visit Ellora caves- (Closed on Tuesdays). Located 30 Kms from Aurangabad, Ellora Caves is a stunning example of stone carved architecture. The 34 caves have beautiful iconography and workmanship reflecting the three main religious groups of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. See the beautiful sculpture of Buddha, the Hindu god Shiva and exquisite craftsmanship of deities. On the way back visit Daulatabad Fort, a labyrinthine structure that was once covered in Persian tiles. After visit return to City then visit Bibi ka Maqbara- The Dakhani Taj (Taj Mahal of the Deccan) is the most important Mughal monument in the Deccan region. It was built as a tomb for Bibi Rabia Daurani, the wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

Aurangabad Sightseeing

In the morning you will visit Ajanta caves, near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning rock-cut caves dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. These 30 caves, carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff, house exquisite Buddhist sculptures and murals depicting Jataka tales. The Ajanta paintings, known for their vibrant colors and intricate detailing, showcase India's ancient artistic brilliance. A masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture, Ajanta remains a must-visit destination for history, culture, and heritage enthusiasts.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 5

Aurangabad – Mumbai – Chennai – Mahabalipuram (By Flight)

Today, transfer to Aurangabad airport to board a flight to Mumbai and after that board Chennai airport. Upon arrival at Chennai Airport. Meet and greet at airport than transfer to Mahabalipuram.

Check in at hotel.

Day 6

Mahabalipuram Sightseeing

After breakfast Sightseeing of Mahabalipuram – Visit to Five Rathas, Arjuna/Krishna Mandapam, Krishna Butter Ball, Sculpturing Demonstrations, Shore Temple. Afternoon free for relaxation.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 7

Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry By Surface (100 Kms/0230 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry (approx. 105 Kms/02 Hrs), on arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon visit Pondicherry: Visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayaga Temple, Basillica Sacred of Heart Church, Old French Colonial buildings, Walking on Nehru Market and Beaches.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 8

Pondicherry – Kumbakonam By surface (140 Kms/03 Hrs)

After breakfast drive to Kumbakonam, enroute visiting Chidambram and Gangaikondacholapuram. Chidambaram Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located 78 km south of Pondicherry. There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Pallava/Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medievalperiods. Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (Aether). The other four temples in this category are: Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara, Trichy (Water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (Earth)Kanchipuram, Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (Fire), Thirimanne malai and Kalahasti Nathar (Wind).

Overnight at hotel.

Day 9

Kumbakonam Sightseeing

After Breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Kumbakonam. Morning Experience Bullockart Ride/Village School Visit Darasuram Temple: This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture. The vimana is 85 feet high. The front mandapam itself is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses. The temple has some exquisite stone carvings. The main deity's consort Periya Nayaki Amman temple is situated adjacent to Airavateshwarar temple. The Great Living Chola Temples (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) at Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram were built by the Cholas between the 10th and 12th centuries CE and have a lot of similarities Swamimalai Temple: is fourth among the six padai veedu or sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Muruga. The temple is built on an artificial hillock of about sixty feet height with sixty beautifully laid stone steps representing the Hindu cycle of sixty years - leading to the Lord. On the ground floor there are temples dedicated to Lord Sundareswarer and Goddesss Meenakshi. In the evening, visit the Swamimalai Bronze casting unit to see how statues are made.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 10

Kumbakonam – Tanjore By Surface (50 Kms/01 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore (appox 45 kms, 01 and half hour). Upon arrival check in at Hotel. Visit Saraboji Palace, Museum, Art Gallery and Classic Dravidian style temple of Brahadeeshwar ASI temple (Shiva in his fearsome aspect), also noted for its art and crafts; pottery, silk, jewellery, beaten copper, bronzes & silver statutes.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 11

Tanjore – Trichy – Tanjore By Surface (70 Kms/02 Hrs)

Breakfast at Hotel. Later visit Trichy: Trichy Situated on the banks of river Cauvery, this is famous for the beautifully sculpted Ranganatha temple at Srirangam, the biggest in India & which makes Trichy a very auspicious and sacred Hindu city. The attractions here include Rock Fort, Sri Jambukeshwara Temple, Tiruvannaikaval. (Lunch suggested at Hotel Sangam Trichy).

Overnight at hotel.

Day 12

Tanjore – Madurai By Surface (190 Kms/04 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai Afternoon visit Madurai city – It is over 2500 years old and is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu – an ancient seat of learning. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus. Visit the Palace of Nayak Tirumalai depicting influence of Mughal art and traditional Hindu art and Thiruparankundram, one of the abodes of Lord Subramanya where you will find Shiva and Vishnu facing each other, which is rare in Hindu temples. Evening: visit the Meenakshi temple for aarti.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 13

Madurai – Periyar by Surface (150 Kms/0330 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Periyar (appox 160 Kms/04 Hrs), on arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Periyar: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s first Project Tiger Reserves and an excellent place to view elephants and many other animals. Enjoy viewing wildlife by boat on Lake Periyar where animals come to drink. Sail within close range of elephant groups, feeding and bathing. Scout for statuesque sambar deer and giant wild oxen, or guar, browsing in the marshes. Search the green wooded shores for wild boars, monkeys, and an array of birdlife. Afternoon spice plantation tour. Evening free.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 14

Periyar – Kumarakoam By Surface (130 Kms/0330 Hrs)

Morning Boating at Lake Periyar for game viewing. Later breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (appox 155 Kms/04 Hrs), on arrival check into the Hotel. Afternoon free for independent activities.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 15

Kumarakoam – Houseboat By Surface (35 Kms/01 Hrs)

After breakfast, board on Houseboat. The Houseboat for a unique experience through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala. The materials that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly, bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjali ". The Houseboat provides all comforts - Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The cuisine is of traditional Kerala flavour along with the local Specialties - delicious fish and prawns.

Overnight on Houseboat

Day 16

Houseboat – Cochin By Surface (60 Kms/0130 Hrs)

After breakfast, de-board at Alleppey and drive to Cochin (appox 65 Kms/02 Hrs), on arrival check in at Hotel. Cochin: - Also known as "Queen of Arabian Sea" due to its natural harbour being one of the finest. The Chinese fishing nets synagogue, Dutch palaces, Portuguese architecture and British influences, all blending harmoniously with the basic Kerala heritage testify that the rulers of Cochin traded goods as well as knowledge with the visitors from Far off lands. Day free for independent /leisure activities.

Overnight at the Hotel

Day 17

Cochin Sightseeing

After Breakfast drive in and around Cochin for full day sightseeing Chinese Fishing Nets, The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Dutch Palace, (Closed on Friday’s) The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese in 17th century. The Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Fort Kochi beach, A walk along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is just fantastic. Jewish Synagogue, (Closed on Friday’s) Located near the Dutch Palace, the synagogue, elaborately adorned by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. St. Francis Church, St. Francis Church is the oldest church built by European in India. Evening witness of Kathakali Dance: Kathakali, literally meaning `story-play', is a dance-drama originated in the 17th century in Kerala, one of the smallest states in India lying on the west coast of the Indian peninsula. However, its roots could be tracked back even to earlier times. Though Kathakali is only 300 years old, a great deal of enrichment and refinement has taken place in every aspect of its technique during this short period. Scholars are of opinion that Kathakali is the result of a fusion between all Indian theatre tradition represented by Koodiyattom and the indigenous tradition of folk-dance forms.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 18