Timeless South India Temples Backwaters and Shores

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Bengaluru – Drive to Hassan (183 km)
1 stop
1
Hassan
On arrival in Bengaluru, you will begin a comfortable road journey to Hassan, a calm and scenic town in Karnataka known for its pleasant weather, green landscapes, and historical importance. Hassan is surrounded by ancient temples and reflects the rich cultural traditions of the region. Enjoy the countryside views along the way before checking in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Hassan.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Hassan – Belur & Halebid Excursion – Return to Hassan (85 km)
4 stops
2
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Belur and Halebid, two of the finest examples of Hoysala temple architecture. At Belur, visit the Chennakesava Temple, a 12th-century monument dedicated to Lord Vishnu, famous for its detailed stone carvings, sculpted pillars, and perfectly balanced design.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
3
Hoysaleswara Temple
Continue to Halebid to explore the Hoysaleswara Temple, a twin-shrine Shiva temple known for its richly carved walls that depict gods, goddesses, animals, and scenes from Hindu epics.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
4
You will also see the Kedareshwara Temple, the large stone Nandi Statue, and the onsite Archaeological Museum, which displays original sculptures.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
An optional visit to nearby Jain Temples may be included before returning to Hassan. Overnight stay in Hassan.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Hassan to Kozhikode (Calicut) (282 km)
3 stops
6
Today, drive to Kozhikode, historically known as Calicut, once a major spice trading port that connected India with Arabia, China, and Europe. On arrival, explore Kappad Beach, the historic site where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
7
Visit the Pazhassirajah Museum to gain insight into Kerala’s history and heritage, and view artworks of the famous painter Raja Ravi Varma.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
8
If time permits, visit Dolphin’s Point, a coastal area known for occasional dolphin sightings. Overnight stay in Kozhikode.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Kozhikode to Thrissur (122 km)
2 stops
9
After breakfast, continue your journey to Thrissur, widely regarded as the cultural capital of Kerala. Visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple, one of the oldest Shiva temples in the state, located in a large traditional courtyard in the heart of the city.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
You will also visit the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and see several Colonial-era Churches and Basilicas that reflect the region’s historical and cultural diversity. Overnight stay in Thrissur.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Thrissur to Kochi (86 km)
1 stop
11
Kochi (Cochin)
Drive to Kochi, a historic port city shaped by Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to relax or explore local markets, cafés, and seaside areas at your own pace. Overnight stay in Kochi.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Kochi Sightseeing
4 stops
12
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Kochi, starting with St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
Mattancherry Palace
Visit the Jewish Synagogue, known for its beautiful Chinese tiles and antique chandeliers, followed by the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), famous for its traditional Kerala murals and royal collections.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
14
Chinese Fishing Nets
Continue exploring historic Mosques and Temples that highlight Kochi’s religious harmony. Later, see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront, visit the Hill Palace Museum, and enjoy a walk along Marine Drive or Cherai Beach.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
15
In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali Dance Performance. Overnight stay in Kochi.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Kochi to Periyar (145 km)
1 stop
16
Periyar National Park
After breakfast, drive through scenic hill roads and spice plantations to Periyar, home to the famous Periyar National Park. On arrival, check in at your hotel and relax amidst the natural surroundings. Overnight stay in Periyar.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Periyar – Wildlife & Nature Experiences
3 stops
17
Periyar Lake
Spend the day enjoying Periyar’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, which often offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as elephants and birds along the forested banks.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
18
You may also choose to enjoy a guided soft trek inside the forest area or visit nearby Spice and Tea Plantations to learn about local cultivation methods.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
19
Later, explore the colorful Local Markets before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Periyar
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Periyar to Alleppey – Houseboat Experience (128 km)
1 stop
20
Kerala Backwaters
Today, drive to Alleppey and board a traditional Kerala Houseboat. Cruise through the serene Backwaters of Alleppey, passing coconut groves, paddy fields, and village life along the canals. Freshly prepared Kerala meals will be served onboard as you relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overnight stay on the houseboat.
1 day • Admission ticket included
Day 10
Alleppey to Varkala (116 km)
1 stop
21
After breakfast, proceed to Varkala, a unique coastal town known for its dramatic Varkala Cliff views overlooking the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the beach or relaxing by the cliffs. Overnight stay in Varkala.
18 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 11
Varkala Sightseeing
3 stops
22
Today, explore the spiritual and historical attractions of Varkala. Visit the Janardana Swami Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, followed by the Sivagiri Mutt, established by the renowned social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
23
You will also see the historic Varkala Tunnel and Anjengo (Anchuthengu) Fort, built during the British era.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
24
Varkala Beach
In the evening, relax on Varkala Beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset view. Overnight stay in Varkala.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 12
Varkala to Kovalam (58 km)
1 stop
25
Kovalam
Drive to Kovalam, a well-known beach destination famous for its palm-lined shores and calm waters. After check-in, the day is free for leisure or optional Ayurvedic wellness treatments. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Kovalam – Leisure Day
1 stop
26
Lighthouse Beach
Enjoy a relaxed day in Kovalam, spending time at Lighthouse Beach, Hawa (Eve’s) Beach, and the nearby Fishing Harbour, where you can observe local life. Guests may also choose optional activities such as swimming, surfing, or Ayurvedic therapies. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
12 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 14
Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Thiruvananthapuram
2 stops
27
Depart in the morning for Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of India where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet. Take a ferry to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and see the impressive Thiruvalluvar Statue standing offshore.
1 day • Admission ticket included
28
Continue to the Bhagavathy Amman Temple and the Gandhi Memorial, and enjoy panoramic coastal views famous for sunrise and sunset scenes. After sightseeing, proceed to Thiruvananthapuram and check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Thiruvananthapuram.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 15
Thiruvananthapuram – Departure
2 stops
29
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Depending on your flight schedule, spend the morning visiting the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most important temples in South India, noting that a strict dress code applies.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
30
You may also visit the Napier Museum and Sree Chithra Art Gallery if time permits. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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