Private journey · Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
Grand South India: Three States in Three Weeks
A recommended 21-night private journey from Chennai to Bengaluru: Tamil Nadu’s temple coast and Chola heartland, Kerala’s spice hills, backwaters and old port, then north through Wayanad into Karnataka’s forests and royal Mysuru. Two nights at almost every stop, open-jaw gateways, one point of contact from start to finish. Custom pacing available.
Duration
Recommended 21 nights (19–25 possible)
Route
Chennai → Bengaluru (open-jaw)
Pace
2 nights per stop; one long transfer day
Best months
December to February
Journey overview
The south in one unhurried sweep
This is our long-format journey for travellers with three weeks who want depth rather than speed. It follows the shape of the peninsula: south along the Coromandel coast through Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry, inland to the Chola temples of Thanjavur and the temple city of Madurai, west over the Ghats into Kerala at Thekkady, down to the backwaters and Fort Kochi, then north through the green hills of Wayanad into Karnataka for the Kabini forest and the palaces of Mysuru, ending at Bengaluru’s international airport.
It is not a list of every famous name. Munnar, Hampi, Coorg and Chettinad are left out of the recommended version so that each stop gets two nights and no drive is wasted; any of them can be added. The route north from Kochi goes through Wayanad because it is the most direct road from Kerala into the Karnataka forests, contiguous with Nagarhole; the alternative, via Coimbatore and the Nilgiris, is longer and steeper. The Kochi to Wayanad day is the one long drive of the journey, and we plan it as a transfer day.
Route summary
- Arrive Chennai, transfer to Mahabalipuram — 2 nights
- Pondicherry — 2 nights
- Thanjavur — 2 nights
- Madurai — 2 nights
- Thekkady — 2 nights
- Kumarakom — 1 night, then an Alleppey houseboat or second resort night — 1 night
- Kochi — 2 nights
- Wayanad — 2 nights
- Kabini — 2 nights
- Mysuru — 2 nights
- Bengaluru — 1 night, then depart
A 19-night version omits Kabini (Wayanad to Mysuru directly). Up to 25 nights adds Munnar between Thekkady and the backwaters and Coorg between Kabini and Mysuru. The route also runs in reverse, from Bengaluru to Chennai.
Who it suits
Who this journey suits
For travellers with three weeks or more who want to understand South India as a whole, not in a fortnight’s sample. It is a long journey, and not the right choice for a first short trip.
- First-time international visitors with three weeks or more
- Long-haul travellers who want one well-planned trip rather than several short ones
- Couples who like a steady rhythm of two nights in each place
- Families with older children who travel well over longer periods
- NRIs travelling with family across the states of their roots
- Private groups travelling together in one coordinated journey
- Seniors who are comfortable with a three-week trip at a measured pace
Highlights
Grand South India highlights
The Pallava coast and Pondicherry
Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO-listed monuments by the sea and the French quarter of Pondicherry in the first days.
Chola and Nayak temples
The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur and the Meenakshi temple at Madurai, the two great temple cities of the south.
Thekkady and the backwaters
Spice hills and the Periyar forest, then Kumarakom’s lakeside and a houseboat night.
Fort Kochi
Two nights in the old port, with Mattancherry and the waterfront at the cool ends of the day.
Wayanad and Kabini
Kerala’s northern hills, then the Kabini river on the edge of Nagarhole. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Royal Mysuru
The palace, the markets and Somanathapura, before the short final drive to Bengaluru.
Day by day
Day by day: recommended 21-night plan
Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic and stops. Every day can be adjusted to your flights and pace.
Day 1 · Arrive Chennai, transfer to Mahabalipuram
Your chauffeur meets you at Chennai International Airport and drives you down the coast (approximately 1.5 hours). Nothing else is planned. See Mahabalipuram.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram
Day 2 · Mahabalipuram
The Shore Temple and the rathas in the morning, Arjuna’s Penance in the late afternoon, the beach in between.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram
Day 3 · Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry
Approximately 2–2.5 hours down the coast; an evening walk in the French Quarter. See Pondicherry.
Overnight: Pondicherry
Day 4 · Pondicherry
The Tamil Quarter and the market in the morning; a free afternoon.
Overnight: Pondicherry
Day 5 · Pondicherry to Thanjavur
Approximately 4–5 hours with a stop at Chidambaram; a free evening. See Thanjavur and the Chola temples.
Overnight: Thanjavur
Day 6 · Thanjavur
The Brihadisvara temple at opening time and the palace; Darasuram in the late afternoon if you wish.
Overnight: Thanjavur
Day 7 · Thanjavur to Madurai
Approximately 3–3.5 hours, or via Srirangam at Trichy, adding about 1.5 hours. The evening free. See Madurai.
Overnight: Madurai
Day 8 · Madurai
The Meenakshi temple in the morning and the old city. Access and photography rules vary by temple and can change.
Overnight: Madurai
Day 9 · Madurai to Thekkady
Across into Kerala (approximately 4 hours); a spice plantation walk in the late afternoon is optional. See Thekkady.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 10 · Thekkady
A Periyar lake boat trip or guided walk, subject to availability, reserve rules, operating conditions and seasonal factors; the rest of the day free.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 11 · Thekkady to Kumarakom
Down to Vembanad lake (approximately 4 hours); the afternoon by the water. See Alleppey and Kumarakom.
Overnight: Kumarakom
Day 12 · Houseboat from Alleppey
A cruise through the canals and an overnight mooring, or a second resort night with a day cruise. Boat category, cruise length and meals are as stated in your quotation.
Overnight: Alleppey houseboat or Kumarakom
Day 13 · Backwaters to Kochi
Approximately 1.5–2 hours to Fort Kochi; the afternoon free. See Kochi.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 14 · Kochi
Fort Kochi and Mattancherry in the morning, with a private guide if you wish; a Kathakali performance in the evening, subject to the programme.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 15 · Kochi to Wayanad
The long transfer day: north via Kozhikode and up the ghat road into Wayanad, approximately 6–7 hours with stops. An early start, a long lunch, and nothing planned on arrival.
Overnight: Wayanad
Day 16 · Wayanad
A day of rest among the coffee and pepper estates; an estate walk or a short drive to a viewpoint if you wish. The Edakkal caves involve a steep climb and are optional.
Overnight: Wayanad
Day 17 · Wayanad to Kabini
Into Karnataka (approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on the exact properties in Wayanad and Kabini). An afternoon forest drive or boat outing on the Kabini, where available. See Kabini and Nagarhole.
Overnight: Kabini
Day 18 · Kabini
A morning outing, rest through the heat of the day, and the riverside at sunset. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Overnight: Kabini
Day 19 · Kabini to Mysuru
Approximately 2–3 hours; an afternoon at leisure. See Mysuru.
Overnight: Mysuru
Day 20 · Mysuru
Mysuru Palace early, Devaraja Market, and Somanathapura or Chamundi Hill in the afternoon if you wish.
Overnight: Mysuru
Day 21 · Mysuru to Bengaluru
Approximately 3–4 hours via Srirangapatna; a quiet final evening. See Bengaluru.
Overnight: Bengaluru
Day 22 · Depart Bengaluru
Transfer to Kempegowda International Airport for your flight home.
End of journey
Vehicle options
Choose a vehicle for your group
Every journey is private, with your own chauffeur-driven vehicle throughout. We suggest a category based on the size of your party and how much you are carrying.
Sedan
A comfortable choice for couples and small families travelling light.
SUV / Innova-type
More space and a higher seat for families and small groups.
Urbania / Tempo Traveller
For larger families and small groups who want to travel together.
Minibus / coach
For bigger groups, celebrations and multi-family trips.
Vehicles are booked by category; the exact model or similar is confirmed subject to availability. Compare categories on our fleet page, or see car and coach rentals with driver if you only need transport.
Hotel options
Hotels are optional
Choose the arrangement that suits you. Both follow the same route and pace.
Vehicle and driver only
You book your own accommodation, and we plan the route, timings and daily driving around where you are staying.
Vehicle, driver and hotels
We suggest places to stay based on comfort level, location, budget and availability, and include them in one quotation.
Over three weeks, hotels, houseboats and forest lodges are booked across three states; where hotels are included we confirm each one and state exactly what is quoted.
Make it yours
Flexibility and customisation
Use this plan as a starting point. Common changes include:
- Add Munnar between Thekkady and the backwaters (2 nights)
- Add Coorg between Kabini and Mysuru (2 nights)
- Omit Kabini for a 19-night version
- Add a beach rest at Marari before Kochi
- Replace the houseboat with a second resort night
- Run the route in reverse, from Bengaluru to Chennai
- Adding or removing nights at any stop
- Swapping a stop for one that better suits your interests
- Adding airport transfers at either end of your trip
- Continuing to other parts of India, with ground services arranged through vetted partners
Private guides can be arranged for selected heritage, cultural and city visits.
Senior & family pacing
Travelling with seniors or young children
We can plan slower mornings, shorter driving days, fewer stops and an extra night where it helps. Tell us about any mobility needs when you enquire so we can suggest suitable stays and visits.
Two nights at almost every stop means a free or light day after every drive. The one long transfer, Kochi to Wayanad, is followed by a rest day. Temples are visited at the cool hours, forest outings are optional, and extra rest nights can be added anywhere.
Inclusions & exclusions
What your quotation covers
Inclusions and exclusions are confirmed in your quotation based on the selected route, vehicle, hotel option and travel plan.
Your quotation sets out:
- The vehicle category and driver arrangements
- Whether hotels are included and, if so, their comfort level and locations
- Your day-by-day route and timings
- Any guides, entry tickets or activities you ask us to arrange
Pricing & payment
Pricing depends on route, vehicle category, dates and travel requirements, so every booking starts with a tailored quote. A booking is confirmed once the required advance payment is received and South Zone Holidays issues confirmation in accordance with the agreed quotation and service availability. The advance amount and balance terms are stated on your quotation. We accept international credit and debit cards, bank transfer and UPI.
5% GST applicable. GST invoice available.
FAQ
Questions about Grand South India
24/7 Guest Support
English-Speaking Drivers
Airport Meet & Greet
Private Guides on Request
Senior-Friendly Planning
Plan this journey
Plan your Grand South India journey
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and anything you would like to change. We will reply with a suggested plan and a tailored quote.
Temples & Backwaters
14 nights from Chennai to Kochi: the Pallava coast, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Thekkady, Munnar and the backwaters.
Karnataka Classic
10–12 nights from Bengaluru to Hampi: Mysuru, Kabini, Coorg, the Hoysala temples and the ruins of Hampi.
Kerala Classic
10 nights from Kochi: Fort Kochi, Munnar tea country, Thekkady, the backwaters by resort and houseboat, and Marari beach.
Tamil Nadu Temple Trail
12 nights from Chennai to Madurai: Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, the Chola temples, Chettinad and Madurai.
Planning a South India Trip or Need a Vehicle?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you want to go. We reply with a clear plan and quotation — no obligation.