30 Days Complete South India Tour

Welcome to India. After immigration and baggage collection at Chennai International Airport, meet the Tusk Travel representative in the arrivals area and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel in Chennai.

The remainder of the day is kept free so international travellers can check in, recover from the flight and adjust to the local time zone. Standard hotel check-in is normally available in the afternoon, although an early-arrival room can be requested at additional cost.

Your representative will review the month-long route, domestic flight arrangements and practical information for temple and monument visits. No fixed sightseeing is planned today. Overnight in Chennai.

Begin the journey with a guided introduction to Chennai. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore and nearby San Thome Basilica, which together reflect the city's long-standing Hindu and Christian traditions.

Continue past colonial-era landmarks and the broad waterfront at Marina Beach. Depending on the day of the week and local opening hours, the programme may also include the Government Museum or selected buildings around Fort St George.

Wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for religious sites, and be prepared to remove footwear at temples. The order of visits may change because of traffic, official events or worship timings. Overnight in Chennai.

Leave Chennai after breakfast and drive to Kanchipuram, one of Tamil Nadu's historic temple cities. Subject to opening hours and visitor access, see important shrines such as Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.

Kanchipuram is also known for its handwoven silk. A responsible weaving demonstration can be arranged for travellers interested in understanding how traditional saris are produced, without making shopping compulsory.

Continue to coastal Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram, and check in at the hotel. The final sightseeing order will be planned around temple midday closures. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram with a local guide. Visit the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and the vast rock relief known as Arjuna's Penance or the Descent of the Ganges.

The monuments introduce the rock-cut, monolithic and structural architecture associated with the Pallava period. Comfortable footwear, drinking water and sun protection are recommended because several sites are outdoors and spread across different locations.

After sightseeing, follow the East Coast Road to Pondicherry, officially Puducherry. The drive generally takes about two to three hours, depending on traffic and stops. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Discover Pondicherry at a relaxed pace. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, subject to its opening hours and quiet-entry guidelines, and continue to Manakula Vinayagar Temple near the historic French Quarter.

Walk through streets lined with colonial façades, churches, shaded courtyards and restored heritage buildings. Later, spend time along the seafront promenade and learn how French and Tamil influences shaped the town's architecture and food culture.

A visit to the Auroville Visitors Centre can replace part of the town programme when requested in advance. Access to the Matrimandir viewing point requires separate planning and is not automatically included. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Drive south from Pondicherry to Chidambaram and visit the Thillai Nataraja Temple, where Shiva is worshipped as the cosmic dancer. This is an active religious complex, so access to particular areas depends on current temple rules.

Continue through the Cauvery delta towards Thanjavur, historically known as Tanjore. If departure time and temple opening periods permit, an additional stop at Gangaikonda Cholapuram can be discussed with the guide.

This is a substantial road and sightseeing day. Temple opening schedules often include a midday break, so the sequence may be adjusted locally rather than rushed. Check in after arrival. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Begin at the UNESCO-listed Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. A local guide will explain its Chola-period architecture, inscriptions, sculpture and continued importance as a place of worship.

Travel to Trichy, officially Tiruchirappalli, and visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam. Depending on time and traveller mobility, the programme may also include Jambukeswarar Temple or selected areas of the Rockfort complex.

Continue to the Chettinad region and settle into a restored mansion or heritage-style hotel. The day includes regular walking and footwear removal at temples. Overnight in Chettinad.

Explore Chettinad's distinctive merchant heritage with a guided visit to one or more accessible mansions. Look for carved wooden doors, patterned floor tiles, pillared courtyards and decorative details influenced by the trading connections of the Chettiar community.

Visit a village workshop or local market when operating, then enjoy an opportunity to sample Chettinad cuisine. Any mansion visit remains subject to the owner's permission because several properties are privately managed rather than public monuments.

Continue by road to Madurai, usually reached after two to three hours of driving. Check in and keep the evening free after arrival. Overnight in Madurai.

Spend the day discovering Madurai, beginning at the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Its gateway towers, pillared spaces, shrines and active ritual life make it one of the defining experiences of this complete South India itinerary.

Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, known for its monumental courtyard and architectural scale. Depending on the day and personal interests, the programme may also include the Gandhi Memorial Museum or a walk through a local flower and produce market.

An evening return to the temple may be arranged to observe the ceremonial atmosphere, subject to worship schedules and crowd controls. Phones, cameras and larger bags may need to be deposited before entry. Overnight in Madurai.

Leave the plains of Tamil Nadu and travel west towards Kerala. The landscape gradually changes as the road climbs through the Western Ghats towards Munnar.

The journey commonly takes around five hours, depending on road conditions, traffic and comfort stops. The mountain section includes bends, so travellers prone to motion sickness should keep suitable medication accessible and avoid a heavy meal before departure.

Arrive in Munnar, check in and enjoy the cooler hill-station climate. No major sightseeing is scheduled today, allowing time to rest or take a short walk near the hotel. Overnight in Munnar.

Explore Munnar's tea-growing landscape with stops selected according to weather and local access. The programme may include Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding plantations.

Visit the Tea Museum or an operating tea facility when open to learn how leaves are cultivated and processed. Eravikulam National Park can be included when visitor access is available, but it closes seasonally and entry may be regulated through timed tickets.

Cloud, rain and mist can alter visibility in the hills, so the driver and guide will adjust the sequence rather than promising every viewpoint. Carry a light layer and rain protection even during the main travel season. Overnight in Munnar.

Drive through the highland scenery from Munnar to Thekkady, the gateway to the Periyar landscape. Although the distance is moderate, winding roads mean the journey usually takes four to five hours.

After hotel check-in, visit a working spice garden with a local guide. Learn how crops such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg are cultivated in Kerala's humid hill environment.

An evening Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance can be booked separately according to interest. Avoid unverified wildlife attractions or activities involving poor animal welfare standards. Overnight in Thekkady.

Choose a suitable nature activity in the Periyar area, such as a guided forest walk, bamboo-rafting programme or regulated boat ride. Activities depend on availability, weather, age requirements and the current rules of the reserve authorities.

Periyar is a natural habitat rather than a zoo, so wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The value of the experience lies in the forest, lake environment, birdlife and interpretation provided by authorised local naturalists.

The remainder of the day can be kept free for the market, an Ayurvedic treatment at a reputable centre or relaxation at the hotel. Pre-booking is recommended for limited-capacity reserve activities. Overnight in Thekkady.

Depart Thekkady early and descend towards the Kerala backwaters. Reach Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, in time to board a private houseboat around midday.

Cruise through canals and wider waterways while observing waterside villages, rice-growing areas, local ferries and everyday life along the banks. Lunch, dinner and breakfast are normally prepared on board according to the confirmed meal plan and dietary information supplied in advance.

Houseboats generally cruise during permitted daylight hours and anchor in the evening. The exact route depends on waterway conditions, local regulations and the boat operator. Overnight aboard the houseboat.

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking from the houseboat. Meet the driver and travel to Kochi, with the road transfer normally taking around two hours.

Check in at the hotel and spend the afternoon at a gentle pace in Fort Kochi. Walk along the waterfront, see the Chinese fishing nets from the shore and become familiar with the compact heritage district.

This lighter programme creates a useful recovery day after the backwater stay and before the full Kochi tour. Travellers may use the evening for cafés, galleries or independent exploration near the hotel. Overnight in Kochi.

Explore Kochi with a local guide, beginning in Fort Kochi. Visit St Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica, then walk through streets shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, British, Jewish and local trading histories.

Continue to Mattancherry to see the palace museum and the historic lanes of Jew Town. Entry to the synagogue depends on its opening days, religious holidays and security procedures, so the order may be adjusted.

In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali performance if included in the confirmed programme. Arriving early for the make-up demonstration provides useful context for the dance-drama. Overnight in Kochi.

Transfer to Kochi Airport for the scheduled domestic flight to Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore. Flight time and baggage allowance will be confirmed before ticketing.

Meet the local representative after arrival and transfer to the hotel. If the flight lands early enough, enjoy selected city sightseeing such as Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha from the outside or the historic Bangalore Palace, subject to opening hours.

The final programme will remain flexible because airline schedules can change. Keeping this as a lighter transfer day also avoids combining a flight with the longer drive to Mysore. Overnight in Bengaluru.

Leave Bengaluru after breakfast and drive towards Mysore. Stop at Srirangapatna, the island town associated with Tipu Sultan and the former Kingdom of Mysore.

Visit selected sites such as the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu Sultan's summer palace and the historic military landscape. The exact selection depends on opening hours and the time available after leaving Bengaluru.

Continue to Mysore and check in. If arrival is before sunset, a short orientation drive or market visit can be arranged, otherwise the evening remains free. Overnight in Mysore.

Visit Mysore Palace with a local guide and explore its ceremonial halls, courtyards and royal collections. Security checks apply, and footwear or photography restrictions may be enforced in specific areas.

Continue to Chamundi Hill and visit Devaraja Market for a look at flowers, fruit, spices and everyday trading life. A stop at a traditional craft or silk centre can be arranged when genuinely relevant to the traveller's interests.

The palace illumination operates only on selected evenings and public occasions, so it should not be described as a daily guaranteed activity. The final sequence will reflect the weekly schedule. Overnight in Mysore.

Travel north from Mysore to Shravanabelagola, one of Karnataka's important Jain pilgrimage centres. The monumental Bahubali statue stands on Vindhyagiri Hill above the town.

Reaching the main statue requires climbing several hundred exposed stone steps without regular shade. The visit should be attempted only by travellers comfortable with the climb; those with limited mobility can explore lower areas and continue directly to Hassan.

After the visit, drive to Hassan and check in. Today is intentionally lighter because the following day includes detailed Hoysala temple sightseeing. Overnight in Hassan.

Visit the Hoysala temple centres of Belur and Halebidu with a knowledgeable local guide. Their finely carved exteriors, narrative panels, polished pillars and complex sculptural programmes reward slow observation rather than a hurried photo stop.

Belur's Chennakeshava Temple and Halebidu's Hoysaleswara Temple represent different aspects of Hoysala craftsmanship. These remain culturally significant sites, so visitors should follow current rules concerning footwear, photography and access to worship areas.

Continue by road to Chitradurga, breaking the otherwise long journey between Hassan and Hampi. Meal and comfort stops will be arranged en route. Overnight in Chitradurga.

Explore selected sections of Chitradurga Fort, a large defensive complex built across a landscape of granite hills. The site contains gateways, walls, reservoirs, temples and elevated viewpoints connected by uneven paths.

This visit requires comfortable footwear and a reasonable level of mobility. During hot weather, an early start is preferable because the exposed stone landscape offers limited shade and the climb can become tiring.

Continue to Hampi, normally reached after three to four hours of driving. Check in and rest before the next day's full monument tour. Overnight in Hampi.

Spend the day exploring the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi, once the imperial centre of the Vijayanagara Empire. Begin in the sacred area around Virupaksha Temple and the historic market axis.

Continue to major monuments such as the Vittala Temple complex, the stone chariot, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, stepped tank and selected remains of the royal enclosure. The guide will organise the route to reduce unnecessary backtracking across this extensive archaeological landscape.

Hampi requires considerable walking on uneven and exposed ground. Carry water, sun protection and stable footwear, and avoid attempting every monument in a single rushed circuit. Overnight in Hampi.

Use the morning for any important Hampi monuments not covered on the previous day or enjoy a slower walk near the Tungabhadra River, subject to weather and local access.

Later, drive to Badami. The journey generally takes around four hours, although road conditions and stops can affect the arrival time.

Check in and keep the evening relaxed. If daylight permits, take an orientation walk near Agastya Lake without attempting the complete cave-temple programme, which is reserved for the following day. Overnight in Badami.

Begin at the rock-cut Badami Cave Temples overlooking Agastya Lake. The cave sequence includes Hindu and Jain imagery, but reaching the upper levels involves stone steps and exposed walking.

Continue to Aihole, where temples of different periods illustrate experimentation in early Deccan architecture. Later, visit the UNESCO-listed Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, known for both northern and southern temple forms.

This full-day circuit contains several separate archaeological sites, so comfortable footwear and sun protection are important. The guide will select the most meaningful monuments rather than rushing through every structure. Overnight in Badami.

Leave Badami after breakfast and travel west towards Goa. The drive normally takes five to six hours, depending on the selected hotel location, road conditions and meal stops.

The landscape changes as the route approaches the greener Western Ghats and coastal plain. Comfort breaks will be arranged, and no demanding sightseeing is planned after arrival.

Check in at the beach hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. The three-night Goa stay provides welcome recovery time after the temple and heritage sections of the tour. Overnight in Goa.

Explore Goa's cultural side with a guided visit to Old Goa. See important churches and religious buildings associated with the period of Portuguese rule, subject to worship services and visitor access.

Continue to Panjim, officially Panaji, and walk through the colourful Fontainhas quarter. Its narrow lanes, tiled façades, chapels and historic homes offer a contrast to the temple architecture encountered earlier in the journey.

Finish with time near the Mandovi waterfront or a local market. Travellers should dress respectfully inside churches, and photography may be restricted during services. Overnight in Goa.

Enjoy a full day at leisure after several weeks of touring. Relax at the hotel, spend time on the beach or explore nearby cafés and neighbourhoods at your own pace.

Optional activities can include a cooking experience, spice plantation visit, guided village walk or a private excursion to a different part of Goa. Any boat trip or water activity remains subject to seasonal operation, sea conditions and safety controls.

Swimming conditions can change quickly, especially during the monsoon. Follow lifeguard flags and local instructions rather than relying only on the appearance of the sea. Overnight in Goa.

Transfer to Goa Airport for the scheduled flight to Mumbai. The departure airport, flight time and baggage allowance will be confirmed when tickets are issued.

Meet the representative after arrival and transfer to the hotel. If the flight schedule permits, take an orientation drive through South Mumbai, passing the Gateway of India, Marine Drive and selected colonial-era buildings.

Because domestic flight times can change, detailed Mumbai sightseeing should not be guaranteed for this day. The main purpose of the overnight stay is to create a safer connection before the international departure. Overnight in Mumbai.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out according to the property's departure policy. The programme will be planned around the confirmed international or onward flight time.

If departure is late and sufficient time is available, optional Mumbai sightseeing can be arranged separately. Possible choices include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Crawford Market or a guided heritage walk, subject to weekly closures and traffic.

Transfer by private vehicle to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, allowing adequate time for check-in and security procedures. Your 30-day complete South India tour ends with assistance at the terminal.