A day in Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, takes you through a city once at the heart of the Mysore Princely Kingdom. Begin with a visit to the colorful Devaraja Flower Market, where the vibrant displays offer a glimpse into daily life.

With your guide, learn about the historic battles between the British and Tipu Sultan, the legendary “Tiger of Mysore,” before stepping into the grandeur of the Mysore Palace, still home to the Wadiyar dynasty.

Conclude your day in the lively local markets, where food, craft, and tradition remain deeply woven into the city’s culture.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Mysore, giving you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Take in the beautiful architecture, perhaps visiting the Jaganmohan Palace, which houses the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. Mysore is also renowned as a hub for yoga, and you’ll find numerous Ayurvedic centres where you can indulge in a rejuvenating treatment. In the afternoon, continue your journey and drive on to Hassan.

Hassan, once the heart of the Hoysala Kingdom (10th–14th century), is renowned for its art, architecture, and spiritual heritage. The region is filled with grand palaces and temples built in their distinctive style.

In Belur, the Channakeshava Temple stands as a masterpiece that took over a century to complete. Still active for daily puja after 900 years, it remains a living symbol of devotion.

Halebid, the kingdom’s second capital, is home to the stunning Hoysaleswara Temple, where a black stone sanctum and intricately carved walls reflect Hoysala mastery.

At Shravanabelagola, climb 614 steps to the monumental 17.5 metre Gomateshvara statue, carved from a single granite block in the 1st century, gazing serenely over the landscape.

Travel to Nagarhole National Park, a picturesque area of deciduous forest along the Kabini River, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and over 250 bird species. With a free afternoon ahead, you can unwind by the pool or relax on the viewing deck, spotting various birdlife. If you're looking for something more active, take one of the lodge's bicycles and explore the surrounding countryside and rural communities at your own pace.

Embark on a thrilling safari through Nagarhole National Park in a canter vehicle, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes as you pass through dense forests and along the serene Kabini Reservoir. Keep an eye out for the diverse array of mammals and birds, while also taking in the lush variety of flora. Pause along the way to observe birds wading in the rivers, and scan the trees in search of elusive tigers or leopards.

Today, you will be transferred to the charming hill station of Ooty, nestled amidst towering mountains and dense forests. Once a popular retreat for the British during the colonial era, Ooty still retains much of its colonial charm. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the town, starting with a visit to the impressive St. Stephen's Church. The church’s timber framework was taken from the palace of Tipu Sultan after his defeat by the British in the Mysore War. You will also explore the well-maintained Botanical Gardens, home to a fascinating 20-million-year-old fossilized tree, one of its oldest inhabitants.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, one of the oldest mountain railways in India, runs through the scenic Western Ghats between Ooty and Coonoor. Built by the British in 1908 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the railway still operates with a fleet of steam locomotives, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era of travel. Upon arrival in Coonoor, you will be met and driven to the temple city of Madurai. There, you will visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple to experience the vibrant noise and colour of the evening ceremony.

The Chettinad region is the traditional homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, wealthy merchants renowned for their extravagant displays of wealth. Leaving Madurai, your first stop will be Karaikudi, a heritage town famous for its ancient streets, antique markets, and palatial limestone houses. In the afternoon, you'll join a cooking class led by a local chef, where you'll learn the secrets of preparing classic Chettinad dishes, immersing yourself in the region's unique and flavourful cuisine.

On your journey to Thanjavur, you'll pass through a roadside village dedicated to Ayyanar, a revered Hindu folk deity and protector of Tamil Nadu. The road is lined with thousands of terracotta horses, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit the temple before continuing on to Thanjavur, the royal city. One of the oldest cities in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thanjavur is home to the stunning Brihadeshwara Temple and Fort. This afternoon, you'll have the chance to explore these iconic landmarks, which stand as some of India's most magnificent architectural achievements.

This morning, continue your exploration of Thanjavur with a visit to Tanjore Palace, where the galleries display a remarkable collection of Chola bronzes, Tanjore paintings, and precious stones. Afterward, visit a local bronze workshop and a Veena-making center, where you can see traditional craftsmanship in action. You'll then drive on to the ‘temple city’ of Kumbakonam, with a stop at Darasuram along the way. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO-listed Airavatesvara Temple, built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century, a stunning example of Chola architecture.

Formerly known as Tranquebar, the coastal town of Tharangambadi was once the site of the first Danish trading post in India, established in 1620. Eventually sold to the British East India Company, the town was home to Fort Dansborg, the second-largest Danish fort ever built. Today, your visit will include a tour of the fort’s imposing ramparts and bastions, as well as the New Jerusalem Church. You’ll also explore the Tranquebar Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of 17th and 18th-century antiquities and relics, offering a glimpse into the region’s colonial past.

Next, you’ll head towards India’s French Riviera, the vibrant city of Pondicherry, one of South India’s most sought-after destinations. En route, stop to visit the Chidambaram Temple, known for its towering spires and intricate carvings. With origins dating back to the 10th century, it is one of the oldest surviving active temples in South India. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, the afternoon will be spent on a food tour, where you’ll savor the flavors and stories of a city shaped by centuries of trade and tradition, blending French and Indian culinary influences into a unique gastronomic experience.

This morning, take a guided walking tour of Pondicherry’s Tamil and French quarters, visiting landmarks such as the 17th-century Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of India’s most influential spiritual centres.

Continue with a special Story trails experience, where local storytellers bring alive the myths, legends, and rituals that shape everyday life in India.

Afterward, drive north to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage coastal town on the Bay of Bengal. Once a thriving Pallava port city, it is renowned for its seven Rathas and early examples of Dravidian architecture, including the magnificent Shore Temple, one of India’s oldest stone monuments.

With your hotel situated near the beach, today provides the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on your journey. Enjoy a free day by the serene waters of the Bay of Bengal, soaking in the peaceful surroundings and taking time to unwind.

You will be transferred to Chennai in time to catch your onward flight. Safe travels!