Southern India Odyssey

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 Trip Length
26 Days
 Trip Starts
Bangalore
 Trip Finishes
Chennai
26 Day Southern India Odyssey Itinerary (Scenic)
Countries Explored: India
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Land Journey
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
INSO-1

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Scenic's 26 Day Southern India Odyssey. Enjoy an in-depth exploration of South India’s many wonders during this 26 day journey of discovery. Rich in colonial history and flush with spectacular scenery and wildlife, this itinerary is the ideal way to see the whole of this incredible region. Start in Bangalore, heavily influenced by its British colonial history. From there, the amazing wildlife of Nagharhole National Park and the lush highlands of Coorg beckon, before you embrace your spiritual side during a visit to Bylekuppe, the second largest Tibetan...read more settlement outside of Tibet. Arriving in Mysore, join a local family for dinner and witness the city’s impressive illuminated palace. Explore the coastal city of Kochi before heading to the famous Kerala Backwaters, one of the world’s great waterways. Opportunities for wildlife spotting abound in Periyar National Park, while in Tamil Nadu you can enjoy several days exploring local temples, culture and traditional life. From French-influenced Puducherry, head to Chennai where your southern sojourn concludes.

Itinerary

Be welcomed to South India and your hotel for two nights in Bangalore.

Explore Bangalore visiting the Botanical Gardens, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and the Bull Temple, and drive past the Government Secretariat, Legislature Building and Cubbon. Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at Grover Zampa vineyards to learn about the art of winemaking. (B/L/D)

Fly to Mangalore and travel to Bekal, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Relax by the sea during your two night stay. (B/D)

During your morning’s exploration visit Madhur Temple, Malik Deenar Mosque and Bekal Fort. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy the resort’s facilities at leisure. (B/D)

Leave for Coorg and a two night Special Stay, staying in a Lily Pool Villa with your own private pool. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of a working coffee and spice plantation before tonight’s cultural show. (B/L/D)

This morning drive to a Kodava village to interact with the locals and appreciate their age-old culture and traditional houses. Enrich: After learning about their culture, enjoy a delicious home cooked Kodava lunch with the villagers. (B/L/D)

Drive to Kabini, the base for exploring Nagharhole National Park and your two night Special Stay. En route visit Bylekuppe Monastery, the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. Sundowners Gather around the infinity pool with its views of the Kabini River for refreshing drinks and canapés. Tonight, watch a troupe of Kuruba tribal dancers or a documentary about the local wildlife. (B/L)

Rise early for a game drive around the park. Afterwards visit a nearby Kuruba tribe village with a naturalist, who will talk about local agriculture. Later this afternoon keep your eyes out while on a boat safari along the Kabini River. (B/D)

Travel to Mysore, known for its royal heritage and colonial buildings, before checking into your hotel in Mysore for two nights. Later visit Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills and St. Philomena’s Church. Then return to Mysore Palace to view the weekly illumination of approximately 97,000 lightbulbs. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Enjoy a morning walk through Devaraja Market or learn about the hand-painted Indian card game called Ganjifa. This afternoon drive to Srirangapatna Fortress, the former capital of the Tipu Sultan. Enrich: Enjoy dinner with a local family in Mysore related to the former royal family. The host has converted most of the rooms of her home into a colourful local school for children. (B/D)

Drive to Somnathpur, then continue to Bangalore for your flight to Kochi. Upon arrival check into your beautiful colonial-era hotel for the next three nights. (B/L)

Head down to the harbour and watch the local fishermen expertly handling the Chinese fishing nets. Discover the different colonial influences during your tour of Fort Kochi, then visit Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and the Synagogue. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali performance, a highly evolved classical form of dance, drama and music. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit a local market and learn the secrets of South Indian cooking or enjoy a ‘Me Time’ yoga workshop. Alternatively, visit Kumbalanghi Village to experience traditional village life and activities. Freechoice Dining: Dine at Pepper, an all-day diner, or try Rice Boat, a specialty seafood restaurant. Otherwise, try Dolphins Point barbeque and grill. (B/L/D)

After a relaxing morning, travel into the Kerala Backwaters to Kumarakom and your hotel for the next two nights. Alternatively, take the opportunity to spend your first night in Kumarakom on board a houseboat, a converted traditional rice barge known as Kettuvallam, and cruise through the lakes and Backwaters past small villages to witness the local life. Included at no extra cost but must be pre-booked. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit Philip Kutty’s Farm and enjoy a Keralan cooking class and lunch or unwind with a traditional Ayurveda massage before lunch at the resort. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B/L/D)

Ascend into the highlands to Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Thekkady, this wildlife reserve is known for its elephant population. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Periyar Lake. Overnight stay in Periyar. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Join an early morning guided jungle walk in the reserve or take a jeep tour through the surrounding countryside, passing local spice farms and plantations, for panoramic views over Tamil Nadu. Enrich: Wander through a small family-owned spice plantation and learn how spices grow before enjoying a lunch prepared by the family. Cross into Tamil Nadu, the ‘State of Temples’ and drive to Madurai, known as the ‘Athens of the East’. Enjoy a two night stay. (B/L/D)

Rise early for a walk through the heritage section of town to witness the early morning rituals. Later, wander through the local flower and vegetable market and the weavers market. An impressive sight awaits as you visit one of South India’s biggest pilgrimage sites, the Sri Meenakshi Temple, dating from the 1500s. Dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva, its nine towering gopurams – or monumental gates – and 12 towers rise high above the surrounding countryside. This evening return by tuk tuk to this magnificent Hindu temple to witness the rituals and celebration of the evening puja ceremony. (B/L)

Drive to the small village of Karaikudi, located in the area known as ‘Chettinad’. The merchants and traders (the Chettiars) amassed fortunes from their roles as bankers, building remarkable homes. Experience a bullock cart ride through the narrow streets exploring the charm and faded elegance of colonial bungalows and merchant houses, stopping for a weaving demonstration en route. Stay at your beautifully restored Art Deco mansion, for the next two nights. (B/L/D)

Witness ‘Kolam making’, colourful designs made with dyed rice, before visiting a pottery village to watch the colourful local tiles called Athangudi being crafted by hand. This afternoon, take a heritage walk and visit Chettinad Palace. Enrich: Enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration of Chettinad’s unique cuisine before a private Bharattnatayam classical dance performance, one of the most popular classical Indian dances. Settle back and feast on a typical Chettinad wedding dinner menu. (B/L/D)

Journey through the ‘rice bowl’ of Tamil Nadu and on to Trichy, the former Madurai Nayak capital. Freechoice: Choose to climb the Rock Fort Temple or visit the island and temples of Srirangam. Continue to Tanjore and stay overnight at your newly restored hotel. (B/L/D)

Discover the World Heritage-listed 11th century Brihadishvara Temple. Enrich: See a demonstration by master craftsmen on the ancient art of lost-wax casting. Also known as ‘precision casting’ or ‘cire perdue’ in French, it is a method of bronze casting dating back 5,700 years. Later, drive to the pretty seaside town of Puducherry, the former capital of the French territories in India, then known as Pondicherry. Stay at your romantic hotel, a beautiful tribute to the town’s French legacy. (B/L/D)

Learn how the local Tamil population successfully assimilated French culture with their own during a heritage walking tour. Stroll past charming Tamil and colonial fusion architecture and visit the Aurobindo Ashram. (B/L/D)

En route to Chennai stop at Mamallapuram to explore the spectacular World Heritage-listed Shore Temples. In Chennai, check into your beautiful hotel a two night Special Stay. Freechoice Dining: Dine on international cuisine at Spectra or China XO, featuring the flavours of China. Alternatively try Jamavar, specialising in Indian cuisine. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Walk through Georgetown and discover its markets and colonial laneways or explore the 8th century Hindu temples in Kanchipuram. Alternatively, visit a local Indian market and take part in a cooking lesson. Later, discover the history of the Basilica of San Thome, supposedly the final resting place of St Thomas. Tonight, reminisce about your wonderful journey at your farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Transfer to Chennai airport and depart South India with wonderful memories. Please note: pre-release itinerary subject to change (B)

Trip Inclusions

Five Star Luxury
Five Star Luxury

At Scenic, we’ve combined the ease of luxury travel with a selection of journeys that offer a true insight into the culture, landscape and history of India. Read more

Scenic Freechoice
Scenic Freechoice

Choose from a vast range of activities, sightseeing and dining experiences from trekking to mountain top temples to visiting the local markets. Read more

Special Stays
Special Stays

Every carefully selected hotel on our tours has been handpicked by our expert Journey Designer to ensure it offers outstanding location and luxury. Read more

Wildlife Safaris
Wildlife Safaris

Witness the giants of the jungle in their natural habitat and enjoy the magnificence of luxury safari camps and accommodation. Read more

Scenic Enrich
Scenic Enrich

Scenic Enrich experiences are not only likely to be completely unforgettable, they’ll also enrich your understanding and appreciation of the incredible places, cultures and histories you’ll encounter. Read more

The nth Degree
The nth Degree

Whether you’re travelling by road, ship or rail, you can look forward to first class or luxury standard transport with comfort and enjoyment in mind. Read more

Brochure

Japan & South Korea

Scenic Japan & South Korea (2023-24)

The Far East has always conjured an image of mystical and exotic faraway lands shrouded in mystery and allure. Embark on a memorable journey of enlightenment and discover the different cultures, natural wonders and innovative spirit of the people of Japan and South Korea.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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