Arrival in Bangalore. Meet and assist at the airport. Private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Overnight at the Quality Inn Rockwell 4* or similar.

Departure for the legendary city of Mysore. En route, visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Bangalore, an elegant teakwood structure built in 1791 in Indo-Islamic style and home to a museum. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Discovery of St. Philomena’s Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece and one of the tallest churches in Asia. In the evening, enjoy the musical fountain show at Brindavan Gardens. Sandesh The Prince Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L-D)

Morning discovery of local markets filled with the fragrances of sandalwood, fresh flowers and incense. Visit to Chamundi Hill, located 13km from Mysore, and the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Chamundi and perched atop the hill. Renovated in 1827 during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, the temple is an important pilgrimage site devoted to the goddess Durga. Discovery of the impressive Nandi statue, Shiva’s sacred white bull, carved from a five-metre-high block of black granite. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit to the Maharaja’s Palace, an outstanding example of the splendour of historical India, featuring fluted columns, soaring minarets, vaulted ceilings and majestic domes. Discovery of grand halls, impressive galleries, intricately crafted silver gateways, stained-glass ceilings and the famous diamond-encrusted golden throne. Return to the hotel and dinner. (B-L-D)

Morning at leisure. Transfer to the railway station and train journey to Chennai with a boxed lunch served on board. Upon arrival in Chennai, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Dinner. The Residency Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L-D)

Following an orientation tour of Chennai, depart for Kanchipuram, known as the “City of a Thousand Temples,” with 124 temples still standing today. Visit Kanchi Kudil, a beautifully restored traditional house museum dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Discover the Varadaraja Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, and the Kailasanatha Temple, dedicated to Shiva. Visit a weaving workshop and attend a sari-draping demonstration. Visit Hand in Hand India, an international NGO based in India and active across much of the country. The organization supports women’s empowerment, children's education, access to healthcare, climate action and job creation, while also promoting social entrepreneurship. The Kanchipuram branch focuses particularly on supporting women and children working in the textile industry. Continue to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Lunch. Free time to explore the town. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Coral Beach Resort Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L-D)

Discovery of Mahabalipuram, internationally renowned for its remarkable temples. Visit to the site featuring Hindu monuments dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna and the heroes of the Mahabharata. Discovery of the extraordinary Descent of the Ganges, also known as Arjuna’s Penance, a massive open-air bas-relief measuring 27m long and 9m high. Visit to the Five Rathas, monolithic shrines associated with the Pandavas and their wives. Continue to the famous Shore Temple, built under the Pallava dynasty on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This monumental complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Film presentation (subject to availability). Lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Free time to explore the city. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Shenbaga Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L-D)

Visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Government Museum, Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church and Auroville. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, rickshaw ride through the former French Quarter, including the French Lycée, the French School of Asian Studies, Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church, the seafront promenade and the Dupleix Statue. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. (B-L-D)

Drive to Madurai, one of the oldest and holiest cities in southern India. Known as the “city that never sleeps,” it is renowned for the impressive Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Lunch. Free time to explore the local market. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Amika Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L-D)

Visit to Thiruparankundram Temple, dedicated to Lord Subramanya. Perched atop a hill, this sacred site is one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan, collectively known as the Arupadai Veedu, and attracts pilgrims from across India. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue with a tuk-tuk ride to Sri Meenakshi Temple and visit this masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, renowned for its immense scale, vibrant colours and 11 towering gopurams overlooking the city. Attend the traditional ceremony of the gods’ bedtime ritual. Return to the hotel. Dinner. (B-L-D)

Departure for Munnar, a peaceful mountain retreat in the heart of Kerala. Located in the Idukki district, this renowned hill station was once a favourite holiday destination of British colonial administrators. Discovery of spectacular landscapes featuring vast tea plantations, lush valleys, majestic mountains and forests rich in flora and fauna. The fresh mountain air, infused with the fragrance of spices, adds to the region’s unique charm. Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Lunch. Free time to explore the town. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Le Mont Fort Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L-D)

Morning visit to Mattupetty Dam, located in the Kannan Devan Hills of Idukki District. This concrete gravity dam was built in the mountains of Kerala to store water for hydroelectric power generation and remains an important source of energy for the region. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discovery of vast tea plantations, lush valleys, majestic mountains and the diverse flora and fauna found in nearby sanctuaries and forests. The fresh air scented with spices adds to the region’s unique appeal. Visit to a tea processing and packaging factory, followed by a walk through the tea plantations. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. (B-L-D)

Departure for Thekkady (Periyar). Arrival in this charming town surrounded by rolling hills and fragrant spice plantations. Transfer and check-in at the hotel. Visit to Periyar National Park, one of Kerala’s top attractions. Boat excursion offering opportunities to observe birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Lunch. Visit to a spice plantation in Thekkady, followed by free time to explore the local market. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. Peppervine Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L-D)

Departure for Alleppey. En route, stop at a tea plantation and a tea-processing factory (closed on Sundays and open from 9am to 5pm). Board a private houseboat, locally known as a Kettuvallam, for a cruise along the famous Kerala backwaters. Journey through tropical countryside lined with coconut palms, emerald rice paddies, canals and lagoons where traditional boats glide peacefully across the water. Discovery of the region’s rich wildlife and vegetation, including numerous bird species, orchids, succulents and palm trees. Lunch on board the houseboat, featuring private cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Onboard facilities include a traditional cook, a navigator-guide and a viewing deck. Dinner and overnight stay on board. Houseboat (B-L-D)

Departure for Cochin. Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is a vibrant city located on the southwest coast of India. Visit to Fort Kochi, the city’s historic district. Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Visit St. Francis CSI Church, originally built in 1503 and recognized as the oldest European church in India, bearing witness to the European colonial presence on the subcontinent. Discovery of Marine Drive, a scenic waterfront promenade along the backwaters and a popular gathering place for locals. Browse the local market shops. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Dutch Palace, named after renovations completed by the Dutch following 1663. Discovery of its remarkable murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and Puranic legends. Continue with a visit to the synagogue, founded in 1568 and restored by the Dutch following the Portuguese attack of 1662. Admire its famous hand-painted blue ceramic tiles from Canton, China, and its distinctive clock tower. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Dinner at a local restaurant. Day-use rooms available to freshen up and change before the overnight transfer to the airport. (B-L-D)