Grand Tour of South India

After breakfast, travel to Mysore with a stopover at Srirangapatna, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan. Visit the Gumbaz, Tipu Sultan's Tomb and the Darya Daulat Palace, a beautiful wooden structure containing frescoes and artifacts from the Mysore era. In Mysore, visit the majestic Mysore Palace, which lights up beautifully at night. Enjoy an optional trip to Chamundi Hill or explore the fascinating markets selling sandalwood, incense and silk. Overnight in Mysore.

Today, explore more of Mysore’s rich heritage. Start at St. Philomena’s Church, an impressive neo-Gothic structure. Then, visit the Jaganmohan Palace, which houses an extensive art gallery. Walk through the Devaraja Bazaar, a traditional market filled with the scent of jasmine flowers, fresh produce and oils. End the day at the Brindavan Gardens and watch the musical fountain display. Overnight in Mysore.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive through the Bandipur Forest Reserve and winding ghat roads to reach Ooty, then head towards Coonoor. Explore Sim’s Park, a botanical wonder filled with rare flora, and visit Dolphin’s Nose, which offers panoramic valley views. Roam around the tea plantations and watch the tea plucking process. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Coonoor.

Enjoy a relaxing morning and take a toy train ride to Ooty (optional). Visit the Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, and enjoy the views. Explore the Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, and the colourful local market. Come back to Coonoor by evening. Try some fresh Nilgiri tea or homemade chocolates. Overnight stay at Coonoor

Transfer to Coimbatore Railway Station for a scenic train journey to Cochin, the colonial-era coastal city of Kerala. After arrival, check in to a heritage hotel at Fort Kochi. Spend the evening strolling through the streets lined with Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Today’s sightseeing includes St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Mattancherry Palace, known for its frescoes. Visit the Jewish Synagogue in Jewish Town and shop for antiques and spices. Attend a traditional Kathakali performance in the evening to understand Kerala’s unique dance-drama culture. Overnight in Cochin.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board a private houseboat for a full-day cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala. Watch locals paddle canoes, women wash clothes on the shore, and rice fields stretch to the horizon. Enjoy a meal made with fresh local ingredients onboard. Spend the night on the houseboat.

After disembarking, drive to Kumarakom located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to spot migratory and native birds. This day is ideal for relaxing at the resort, enjoying local cuisine or indulging in an Ayurvedic massage. Overnight stay will be at Kumarakom.

After breakfast, drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, famous for its spice plantations and wildlife reserve. Take a guided spice plantation tour, and enjoy a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot elephants, wild boars and bison on the shore. Leisure time or optional Kalaripayattu martial arts show in the evening. Overnight in Thekkady.

Start the day with an optional jungle walk at the Periyar Reserve. Afterwards, shop for spices, essential oils and teas at the local market. Relax with a refreshing Ayurvedic treatment or attend a cooking class showcasing Kerala cuisine. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South India. Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Temple with its huge gopuram and colourful sculptures. Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century marvel of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Attend the evening aarti ceremony at the temple for a spiritual experience. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Drive to Thanjavur, stopping in Trichy en route to visit the Rock Fort Temple, built on a huge rocky cliff. In Thanjavur, see the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, visit the Royal Palace, known for its library and art gallery. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

Today, travel to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check in and unwind. Visit Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Visit San Thome Cathedral, Kapaleeswarar Temple, or Government Museum depending on time and interest. Overnight stay in Chennai.

After breakfast, head to Chennai International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with a treasure trove of memories filled with palaces, temples, beaches, forests, and vibrant cultural experiences across South India.

Note: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers interruptions brought on by COVID-19. 

If you need to cancel the tour, you have up to 45 days before it starts. In that instance, your whole land deposit will be returned, along with any advance payments you made, within 14 business days.

Note: Domestic and international rail and plane tickets are not subject to cancellation and rebooking policies; only the land leg of the route is. 

Note: Full payment must be made at the time of booking for both domestic and international tickets. The specific airline and rail operator's cancellation, rebooking, and booking policies must also be followed. 

Should travel restrictions imposed by the government necessitate the cancellation of your trip, your deposit and any advance payments will be completely reimbursed towards a complimentary future tour with us.

45 days before the tour's start date:
If you have to cancel a trip after it has begun for whatever reason, we are not obligated to reimburse you for any unused services. Golden Triangle Tours In India will try our best to get back as much of your money as possible on your behalf or arrange a credit for future use.

You shall be responsible for and obligated to pay for any expenses incurred by cancellation or modification made between thirty days before the start date of the tour and the end date of the tour within twenty-four hours of the modification. 

If the tour needs to be rescheduled or postponed for any reason other than illness or COVID-19, we are not obligated to pay you for any unused services. Golden Triangle Tours In India would try our best to get back as much of your money as possible on your behalf or arrange a credit for future use. You are accountable for any related expenses, which need to be covered within a day.

Until we receive formal confirmation of the cancellation, refunds or cancellations won't be effective.

Visit to view the comprehensive refund and cancellation policy. 

Either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the travel date, customers must provide valid passport details. The reservation may be canceled if this isn't done. Customers will be in charge of any associated costs and fees in this case.

Please provide information from a valid passport. Customers must supply valid passport information at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. If this isn't done, the reservation can be canceled. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any related expenses and fees.

All tourists entering India excluding natives of Nepal and Bhutan require a valid visa. The six-month validity of a tourist visa cannot be extended. Certain nationals can obtain a visa upon arrival, while others must apply online in advance. Except in certain cases, leaving on a tourist visa prevents you from returning within two months. Entrepreneurs and scholars are eligible for five-year visas. Some sites are off-limits to foreigners, and others require specific licenses. 

To get a visa apply online at  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Travel insurance for overseas travel is meant to accompany you and assist you in making more informed travel choices. All travellers must obtain travel insurance, which must be purchased from their home country with a sum insured of at least USD 100,000. Insurance should be obtained before departure. Personal accidents, death, medical costs and emergency repatriation must all be covered by your insurance. It is highly recommended that you obtain coverage for personal responsibility, loss of luggage, cancellation and curtailment.

You are responsible for all of your belongings during the tour. On domestic carriers, the standard weight limit for checked baggage is 15 kg, and the weight limit for carry-on luggage is 7 kg.

Unfortunately, because our automobiles are not wheelchair accessible, those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility cannot join us on trips anymore. 

Be aware that some level of general fitness will be needed for this. If you have any concerns, please see your healthcare provider before making any purchases or scheduling a vacation.

Please note that if admission to a location is impacted by changes to working hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary may be adjusted, subject to availability, or a comparable activity may be provided in its place.

This includes any requested changes you make to your reservation, such as reissuing an airline ticket or the Purchase Confirmation, among other things. 

Changes: $100.00 per reservation plus any additional costs imposed by the travel agency, airline, cruise company or hotel.

In the event that Golden Triangle India Tours receives notification of an inaccurate name, there will be a $100.00 booking fee in addition to any additional fees levied by the airline, cruise line, lodging provider or other travel suppliers.