Uncover rich cultural heritages, historical wonders, and exquisite cuisines
Treasures of south India
Chennai, Madurai, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Hampi
Ideal for solo travellers, couples, families & small groups
Expertly guided & hosted by local experts & skilled specialists
An array of exciting activities for the young & young at heart
Meander through bustling towns, exploring ancient sites & temples
Tuck into some of south India’s most delicious delicacies
Photographers will delight in photographic opportunities
Your journey at a glance
This 13-day journey seeks to reveal some of India’s most revered gems, providing wanderers with a wealth of adventures to be cherished for years to come.
Offering travellers a multitude of unique experiences ensuring an unforgettable visit, from the vibrant and bustling markets, contrasting cuisines, and extravagant festivals to the scared houses of worship, magnificent landscapes and ancient ruins, India is a destination that will touch your soul.
3 nights Chennai | 1 night Madurai | 2 nights Mysore | 3 nights Chikmagalur | 3 nights Hampi
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An immersive excursion traversing the south of India, encounter the very best of region. Explore revered temples and holy shrines, share the secrets of silk weaving on hand looms, and tuck into traditional fare. Learn the art of coffee making at Chikmagalur’s lush plantations, hike pristine mountain trails with a local naturalist, and cycle through the picturesque countryside. Other experiences include sunrise yoga sessions, bustling local markets and cooking classes.
A taste of what to expect
Day 1
Chennai | Arrival
- Upon your arrival at Chennai Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from &Beyond who will transfer you to your hotel.
- Modern Chennai grew out of the small fishing village, Madraspatnam back in 1639 when the East India Company chose the location for a new settlement. Today, Chennai is the fifth largest metropolis in India.
- Passionate about music, Chennai hosts numerous cultural events and concerts, and is an important centre for Carnatic music. The city also has a colourful theatre scene that continues to proudly safeguard the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam.
- Look forward to exploring the city and surrounds for the next few days.
Day 2
Chennai
- After breakfast at the hotel, explore the temple town of Kanchipuram (approximately two-hour drive from Chennai).
- There is an old tradition of seafaring from the east coast of India. Both the Pallavas and Cholas (7th to 9th century) kingdoms created overseas empires long before the Europeans came to Asia. During the 7th century there was trade with Cambodia, Sumatra, Java, and ports across Asia. Kanchipuram, recognised as one of the seven sacred cities of India, was once the capital of the Pallavas, Cholas and Rayas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries some of the best temples in the city were built by the Pallavas.
The Kailasanatha Temple: One of the largest and most ornate ancient temples in India, the Kailasanatha Temple was built by the Pallava king Rajasimha in the 8th century, a dedication to the Hindu God Shiva. The sandstone structure is enclosed within a highly decorative wall which has interior niches forming 58 separate shrines.
Day 3
Chennai – DakshinaChitra – Mahabalipuram – Chennai
- After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day excursion to DakshinaChitra and Mahabalipuram.
- Your journey starts at the DakshinaChitra Art Museum. Literally meaning ‘picture of the south’, the museum provides an interesting insight into the art and architecture of the peninsula. Featuring a reconstruction of traditional houses from different parts of south India, explore different houses, recreated streetscapes, and contextual exhibitions, interact with village artisans, and witness folk performances set in an authentic ambiance.
- After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the rock cut temples in Mahabalipuram.
- Mahabalipuram is a spectacular site situated on the Bay of Bengal, with weathered granite boulders strewn across the landscape. The site includes rock-cut caves and monolithic shrines and structural temples that are considered the greatest examples of Pallava art. Discover intricate buildings and monumental sculptures dating back to the 7th to 8th century. The Pallava kingdom commissioned, carved, painted, and celebrated their stories onto walls made of rock and stone. These stories are now immortal and showcase how intelligent these archaic people were. Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Afterwards, visit the Five Rathas, Descent of the Ganga and Shore Temple.
Five Rathas: Also referred as Pandava Rathas, the Five Rathas are stunning examples of monumental sculpture. The five structures, each chiselled out of large block of granite, in the shape of Rathas or chariots, typify monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture.
Descent of the Ganga: This wonderful sculpture also dates to the mid-seventh century. Standing at a height of 13 m (43 ft), the monolith was carved on the face of two huge adjoining boulders approximately 29 m (96 ft). The subject of the massive structure depicts either Arjuna’s Penance or the ‘Descent of the Ganges’, or possibly both.
Shore Temple: This spectacular temple is perched dramatically on a promontory by the sea, has survived the ravages of time and erosion. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it was built by Narasimha Varman-I, the 7th century Pallava king, and is one of the oldest surviving temples in southern India. The two smaller Shiva shrines were added later. The temple has a low boundary wall, with rows of seated nandis (Shiva’s loyal companion, a bull) surrounding it.
Day 4
Chennai – Madurai
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to Chennai Airport for your flight to Madurai.
- Madurai is the oldest city, both in history and mythology, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu with a history of global trade. The Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Parvati and her husband Shiva, is the central focus of the city.
- Upon your arrival at Madurai Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from &Beyond who will transfer you to your hotel, Courtyard By Marriott. Situated in the centre of the city, only 9 kms (5.6 mi) from the airport and close to the famous Meenakshi Temple, this is ideal base from which to explore the ancient city.
- Once settled, visit the Meenakshi Temple and 17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace.
Meenakshi Temple: Famed for its many carved and painted halls, this magnificent temple of goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva, has the tallest ‘gopuram’ or temple gateway in the world.
Thirumalai Nayakar Palace: Built in 1636 by the Nayak rulers, the stucco work in its domes and arches are very detailed and eye-catching. The celestial pavilion is an arcaded octagon, and it is made up of brick and mortar without a single girder or rafter support.
Later that evening, re-visit the Meenakshi Temple to witness the bedchamber ceremony or the closing ceremony, where the idol of Lord Shiva and his consort Meenakshi, are carried in a riotous procession, to be confined to the bedchamber for the night.
Day 5
Madurai – Bangalore – Mysore
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to Madurai Airport for your flight to Bangalore.
- Upon your arrival at Bangalore Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from &Beyond who will transfer you to hotel, Taj Yeshwantpur for brunch.
- From there you will be transferred to Mysore (approximately three-hour drive from Bangalore), visiting the battlegrounds of Srirangapatna en route.
- The Battle of Srirangapatna in May 1799, the last and decisive battle fought between Tipu Sultan and a combined force of 50,000 men provided equally by the Nizam of Hyderabad and the East India Company under the overall command of General George Harris, gave the East India Company control over much of the interior of south India. This battle was the last engagement of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
- Traditionally a city of spice, silk, and sandalwood, Mysore is now a major IT centre. It is also a city with a long history and many iconic buildings. The former capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore has been home to one of the longest established kingdoms in Indian history, and the current Maharaja of Mysore still resides in the opulently decorated city palace. Rebuilt in 1897 after a fire it remains an imposing central focus of the city.
Day 6
Mysore
- Begin your morning with sunrise yoga. This private session can be tailored to your skill set and interest.
- After yoga and breakfast, take a stroll through the colourful Devaraja market selling everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers, spices, and candles.
- From there, visit the Mysore Palace in the centre of the city. Part of the building remains the residence and seat of the Wodeyar rulers of Mysore. They ruled the region from 1399 to 1950. The palace houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting halls of the royal court), incorporates an array of courtyards and is surrounded by gardens. Continue to the temple atop Chamundi Hill, with its iconic Nandi bull statue, the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva, from where you are rewarded sweeping views of the city.
- After lunch, enjoy your afternoon at leisure either relaxing at the hotel or partaking in one of the many available city experiences – be sure to ask your host for more information.
- That evening, embark on a food tour of Mysore. Delight in some of the city’s gastronomical dishes, teasing your palate with local specialities such as Mysore pak, Mysore masala dosa, and Mysore churumuri while listening to interesting lore about their preparation and process.
Day 7
Mysore – Belur Halebidu – Chikmagalur
- This morning enjoy a scenic drive to Chikmagalur, approximately a four and a half hour drive from Mysore.
- En route visit Belur and Halebidu. Successive capitals of the Hoysala dynasty that ruled much of what is today Karnataka state from the 10th to the 14th century, Belur is most renowned for its Chennakesava Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, whereas Halebid has twin temples to Lord Shiva. As with most Indian temples, a plethora of other deities, characters from the epic poems Ramayana and Mahabharata, sculpted forms of animals, heavenly beings and curvaceous women can also be found on the walls and pillars.
- Upon arrival in Chikmagalur, you will check-in to your hotel, The Serai. The Serai is a beautifully appointed hotel located in the middle of a 28 hectare (69 acre) working coffee plantation.
- If you have a penchant for coffee, Chikmagalur’s lush plantations, smoky, cottage kilns for roasting beans, and rugged landscape of mountains and valleys with interesting trails for hikers, is a rich paradise. The tales of Baba Budan, a 16th century sufi saint, who brought back a handful of coffee beans from Mocha in Yemen and created a four-hundred-year-old tradition, is sure to also capture your imagination.
Day 8
Chikmagalur
- This morning wander through the coffee plantation, attentively listening to the story of how the coffee beans were smuggled into India 500 years ago.
- Visit roasting kilns, sampling the regional frothy filter coffee – a brew that rivals anything sold at urban café franchises.
- Enjoy an afternoon at leisure either relaxing at the hotel or partaking in one of the many available city experiences – be sure to ask your host for more information.
Day 9
Chikmagalur
- Enjoy a day at leisure enjoying the various activities offered at the hotel:
Nature Trails: Hike with a naturalist exploring Chikmagalur’s natural beauty and surrounds. Discover the tranquil trails and enjoy stunning views.
Mullayanagiri Hike: Hike the highest peak of the Western Ghats, Mullayanagiri taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This hike is approximately two hours.
Countryside cycle: Cycle through the picturesque countryside surrounding Chikmagalur.
- This evening you can join an optional exploration of oldest surviving cuisines from the region. The two-hour session sees you dining with local chefs from Chikmagalur, watching and learning from the women of the village about how to make various local Malnad dishes, before tucking into the delicious fare together.
Day 10
Chikmagalur – Hampi
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to Hampi (approximately six-hour drive from Chikmagalur).
- The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi was the centre of the Vijayanagar empire and one of the richest cities in India before its collapse and destruction after the Battle of Talikota in 1565. Today the ruins now lie across a vast 4,099 hectares (10,131 acres) in Karnataka, with giant sandstone boulders, temples, palaces, and civil buildings, interspersed by paddy fields and farmland.
- Maintaining its spiritual significance, Hampi’s main Virupaksha Temple still attracts Hindu pilgrims and travellers. The city was larger than any contemporary city in Europe, and its forts, royal complexes, abandoned temples, shrines, gateways, defence check posts, and stables highlight the wealth and sophistication of the Vijaynagar rulers.
- Upon arrival, you will check-in to your hotel, Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace. Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace has a palatial style in keeping with its setting. Each room is opulently styled, taking influences from the distinctive local architecture but with all the modern. Expect plush fabrics, grand bathrooms, and elegant and spacious living areas. Spend two days exploring these incredible ruins whilst staying at a truly luxurious resort.
Day 11
Hampi
- After breakfast, embark on a half-day tour of Hampi to explore some of the area’s most few revered temples:
The Vittala Temple: Famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars withing the mandap, the temple was built in the 15th century during the rule of Devaraya II, one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Dedicated to Vittala, it is also called Vijaya Vittala Temple. According to local legend, the temple was built for Lord Vishnu in his Vittala form, but when he found that the temple was very grand in nature, he returned to live in his modest home in Pandharpur about 300 km (186 mi) to the north. In front of the temple is a stone chariot that originally enshrined Garuda, the vahana, or celestial mount of Lord Vishnu. The chariot, built on a rectangular platform, is built out of giant granite blocks. All around are bands carved with mythical battle scenes.
The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: Narasimha, the half-man and half-lion, is one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and one of the most dramatic Hindu figures. The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple was constructed in 1528 AD when King Krishnadevaraya ruled. This monolithic structure, which is 6.7 m (22 ft) in height, has the lord sitting cross-legged position on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake Adishesha. The idol, originally within a now faller structure, included goddess Lakshmi sitting on Narasimha’s lap, but the statue of Lakshmi was destroyed during the battles of 1565. Today you can only see goddess Lakshmi’s hand resting on the back of Narasimha.
- After lunch at the hotel, discover the Royal Enclosures of Vijayanagar kingdom.
The Royal Enclosures: The Royal Enclosures was where the King of Vijayanagar Empire once lived and ruled. The huge, fortified area was the centre of the Vijayanagar Empire. This area was secured by double walls. It had three entrances, two on the northern side and one on the western side. The Royal Enclosures is spread over 5.9 hectares (14.6 acres). It is believed that the complex once housed as many as 43 buildings, all for the use of the royal family.
Day 12
Hampi
- This morning continue exploring the hidden gems of Vijayanagar kingdom.
- The Virupaksha Temple is believed to have been functioning uninterruptedly ever since its inception in the 7th century. It is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. was constructed during King Deva Raya II reign. Among all the gopurams (gateways), the eastern is the greatest. It is nine-tiered and 50 m (164 ft) in height. During the rule of Vijayanagara kings, the temple decorated with beautiful artwork. The walls of the temples carved with murals, sculptures, and cultural events.
- Later return to your hotel for lunch.
- This afternoon you will visit Shama Pawar’s Kishkinda Trust. The Trust works with villagers around Hampi, protecting and identifying new use for old buildings and spaces. The Trust promotes and supports organic farming, crafts, and the development of skill the help the community financially and socially. It is located at Anegundi across the Tungabadra river on the northern side of the Hampi.
Day 13
Hampi – Vidyanagar – Bangalore | Departure
- Today is your last day – enjoy your morning at leisure.
- This afternoon, wave a fond farewell to India as you are transferred to Vidyanagar Airport to board your flight back home or onto your next travel destination.
Rates
Please keep in mind that this tour can be tailormade by speaking to one of our Travel Specialists.
What's included
- Accommodation at all hotels mentioned above.
- All transfers, sightseeing and overland trips by one Air-conditioned Toyota Crysta.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fee with still camera fees and services of an English-speaking local guide in Chennai, Madurai, Mysore, Hampi.
- Private yoga session in Mysore on day six
- Walking tour in a coffee plantation on day eight
- Welcome Dinner with domestic bottle water and soft drinks at Raintree restaurant at Taj Connemara on day two
- Table d’hôte Lunch with domestic bottle water and soft drinks at a local Restaurant in Kanchipuram, on day two
- Table d’hôte Lunch with domestic bottle water and soft drinks at Radisson Temple Beach Hotel on day three
- runch with domestic bottle water and soft drinks at Taj Yeshwantpur Hotel, bangalore on day five
- Internal Regular flights in economy class on Chennai – Madurai – Bangalore, Vidyanagar – Bangalore sector with 20 Kg baggage allowance.
- Bottled water, soft drinks during sightseeing and overland trip
- Porterage at hotels and airports
- All current taxes as on date.
What's not included
- Any International Airfare / Airport taxes
- Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.
- Items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls etc
- Any video to the monuments and places of visit
- All tipping to guide, naturalist or drivers
- Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes.
- Any Insurance
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