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Hop on a discovery of South India with a journey lasting over three weeks, from Mumbai to Chennai. From the spectacular ruins of Hampi to the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, through the tea plantations of Nilgiris and the former French colony of Puducherry, uncover the richness of India.
Request a quoteA fascinating journey through South India, from Mumbai to Chennai, combining the discovery of major historical sites, vibrant cultural traditions, and exceptional natural landscapes. An itinerary rich in authentic experiences, local encounters, and deep immersions in Indian daily life.
Warm welcome at Mumbai airport where you meet your English-speaking guide. A day dedicated to discovering monuments built during the British Empire: the Gateway of India, the High Court, the University, and the Prince of Wales Museum. Visit Crawford Market, Gandhi Museum, and the Hanging Gardens. Explore the washermen's district and observe the Dabbawalas.
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hubli. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your driver, who will be your sole companion for the rest of the trip. Drive to Badami, the former capital of the Chalukya dynasty, famous for its rock-cut temples. Check-in and free time.
This morning, explore the historical site of Badami with its four rock-cut caves featuring richly sculpted shrines, visit the small museum, and climb to the fort. In the afternoon, discover the UNESCO-listed sites of Aihole and Pattadakal, gems of Chalukya architecture.
Early morning drive to Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Check-in and first discovery of this exceptional site with its archaeological ruins set in a surreal landscape of boulders. Late afternoon, climb Matanga Hill to watch the sunset over the ruins of this mythical city.
A full day dedicated to exploring Hampi’s wonders. Guided visit of major monuments: Virupaksha, Hemakutam, and Krishna temples, Badivinlinga temple, and the impressive Narasimha statue. Explore Achyuta-Raya temple, the royal palace, and the ancient elephant stables.
Free morning to enjoy the last moments in Hampi. After lunch, drive through Karnataka’s landscapes towards Davangere. A technical stop. Arrival in the early evening.
Drive to the exceptional sites of Halebid and Belur. Discover the renowned Hoysala architecture, famous for its intricately carved sculptures where every decorative element is as delicate as lace. These temples reflect the artistic refinement achieved under the Hoysala dynasty. Overnight in Hassan.
Two options to reach Mysore: either via the Tibetan refugee settlements in Bylakuppe and the Namdroling Monastery or through the Jain site of Shravanabelagola, home to the colossal statue of Gomateshwara. Both routes offer unique insights into Karnataka's cultural diversity.
In the morning, a guided visit (in French) to the splendid Mysore Palace, a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture and the second most visited site in India. Stroll through Devaraja Market, known for its local crafts: silks, textiles, soaps, and sandalwood items. Free afternoon for further exploration.
Departure for the Nilgiris, the "Blue Mountains." The route passes through Mudumalai National Park and its elephant camp. Arrival in Gudalur in the late afternoon, where you will be welcomed by Albert, a Frenchman of Tamil origin leading the Solidestinations project. Discover the town and learn about the project.
A full day immersed in the world of tea. Accompanied by local tea pickers, you participate in harvesting tea leaves and learn about traditional green tea production. Also, an introduction to making banana plantain crisps. Shared lunch with the staff, an authentic experience of local life.
Morning jeep excursion to the Naduvattam plantations. Walk through tea fields and visit a school at the heart of the plantations. Meet students and teachers, followed by a shared meal and a performance prepared by the children. In the late afternoon, drive to Ooty, a hill station and former summer retreat for the British during the Raj.
In the morning, visit the town’s colonial-era market and the Government Rose Garden, home to over 20,000 varieties of roses, blooming from March to June. After lunch, drive to Palakkad. Overnight stay.
Early morning drive to Fort Cochin. Late afternoon, attend a Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre, witnessing the mesmerizing makeup preparation of the artists before the show.
Morning excursion to Auroville, an international utopian city. Return to Pondicherry for a guided tour of the French Quarter: Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Sri Aurobindo Ashram. In the late afternoon, take a Tamil cooking class with a visit to Goubert Market, followed by a sari-trying session.
Last free morning in the former French trading post for final shopping or a last stroll along the seaside promenade. Transfer to Chennai airport according to your flight schedule.
Choose the ideal time to travel with our Weather Calendar.
Designed according to your itinerary stages and based on weather data from the last 3 years (regularly updated), it reliably guides you to select the best travel dates.
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