SOUTHERN SPLENDOUR 2026

Dates: October 25, 2026 to November 09, 2026

From the magnificent temples of Tamil Nadu and the lush tea gardens of Kerala to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, the golden beaches of Goa, and the joyous celebrations of Diwali in Delhi, this carefully curated journey reveals India's extraordinary diversity. At Explores India, we transform every destination into an active and experiential experience through authentic cultural encounters, personalised hosting, and seamless travel, creating memories that extend far beyond sightseeing.

Our journey begins in Chennai, the cultural gateway to South India, before following a carefully curated route through the timeless temples of Tamil Nadu, the colonial elegance of Puducherry, the mist-covered tea gardens of Munnar, the wildlife-rich forests of Periyar, and the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. Continue to the historic port city of Cochin and the golden beaches of Goa, before concluding in Delhi with the vibrant celebrations of Diwali, India's Festival of Lights. Combining UNESCO World Heritage Sites, magnificent architecture, spectacular natural landscapes, authentic cultural traditions, and exclusive experiential moments, this journey showcases the remarkable diversity of India while creating meaningful memories that extend far beyond sightseeing.

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Duration
15 Days
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Destinations
South & North India
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Style
Cultural
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Suitable For
All age group
Trip Information
Tour Dates October 25 - November 09, 2026
Duration 15 Days / 14 Nights
Tour Pace Leisurely
Fitness Level Moderate; Suitable for guests comfortable with walking on uneven surfaces, climbing steps at monuments and temples, boarding a houseboat, and participating in outdoor cultural and nature experiences.
Transportation Private Air-conditioned Vehicle; Flights

Depart Warsaw on LOT Polish Airlines (LO 71) at 15:55 hrs for your overnight journey to India.

Included Meals: In Flight

Arrive in Delhi at 02:55 hrs, complete immigration and baggage formalities, and meet our airport representative. After breakfast and refreshments at the airport, proceed to the domestic terminal to connect your flight to Chennai.

Delhi - Chennai: 09:30 / 12:20 Hrs by IndiGo Airlines | Economy Class

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before setting out on an introductory tour of Chennai. Visit the renowned Government Museum Bronze Gallery, Fort St. George, and St. Mary's Church, followed by a drive past the historic High Court and colourful Flower Market. Continue along the famous Marina Beach and lighthouse before concluding at Santhome Cathedral, one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an Apostle of Jesus. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Chennai

160 km | Approx. 3Β½ Hours

After breakfast, drive along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram, the ancient Pallava port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the magnificent Shore Temple, the beautifully carved Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and Krishna Mandapam, showcasing some of India's finest rock-cut architecture overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Continue to Puducherry, where French colonial elegance blends seamlessly with Tamil heritage. Enjoy a guided heritage walk through the charming French Quarter, including Vysial Street, renowned for its beautifully preserved Tamil merchant houses. Later visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Notre Dame des Anges Church, and the famous Handmade Paper Factory.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Puducherry

190 km | Approx. 3 Hours

After breakfast, journey through the cultural heartland of Tamil Nadu towards Thanjavur.

En route, visit the magnificent Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, one of India's most sacred Shiva temples, followed by the UNESCO-listed Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, an outstanding masterpiece of Chola architecture.

Upon arrival in Thanjavur, explore the spectacular Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before visiting the historic Royal Palace and local artisan workshops specialising in traditional Tanjore paintings, Veena craftsmanship, and glass paintings

Optional Experience: Lunch at Swamimalai with a traditional bullock cart ride, followed by a visit to a bronze casting workshop where artisans continue centuries-old techniques.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Thanjavur

240 km | Approx. 5 Hours

After breakfast, drive to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) to visit the iconic Rock Fort Temple and the magnificent Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning temple complexes in the world.

Continue to Chettinadu, renowned for its elegant heritage mansions, distinctive architecture, and celebrated cuisine. Explore the charming town of Karaikudi, visit a beautifully preserved Chettinad Mansion, observe traditional saree weaving, and enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by an authentic Chettinad lunch.

Later continue to Madurai, one of South India's oldest living cities. This evening, guests may choose to attend the atmospheric Aarti Ceremony at the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, where devotional music, chanting, and lamp rituals create a memorable spiritual experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Madurai

165 km | Approx. 4 Hours

After breakfast, explore the spiritual and cultural treasures of Madurai. Visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its towering gopurams adorned with thousands of colourful sculptures, followed by the elegant Tirumala Nayak Palace, celebrated for its grand arches and Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Later, drive through the scenic Western Ghats to Munnar, Kerala's famous hill station surrounded by rolling tea plantations and mist-covered valleys.

This afternoon, embark on an exciting 4WD Jeep Safari through rugged mountain trails, tea estates and picturesque villages. Discover hidden waterfalls, hanging bridges, panoramic viewpoints, a tranquil dam and serene lake while enjoying breathtaking views of Munnar's unspoilt landscapes.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Munnar

90 km | Approx. 3 Hours

After an early breakfast, visit Rajamalai (Eravikulam National Park) in search of the rare Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat native to the Western Ghats.

Later, enjoy one of Kerala's most scenic drives through tea gardens, spice plantations and forested hills to Periyar.

In the afternoon, board a relaxing boat cruise on Periyar Lake, offering excellent opportunities to spot elephants, deer, wild boar and a variety of birdlife within the wildlife sanctuary.

Continue with a visit to a Spice & Ayurvedic Garden, where you'll learn about Kerala's world-famous spices and traditional medicinal plants before enjoying a leisurely evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Periyar

135 km | Approx. 3 Hours

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board your private traditional Kerala houseboat for an unforgettable cruise through the famous backwaters.

Spend the day gliding along peaceful canals, lagoons and palm-lined waterways while observing village life, fishing communities and lush paddy fields in the picturesque Kuttanad region.

Relax on board as your private crew prepares delicious Kerala cuisine using fresh local ingredients, making this one of the most memorable experiences of your journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Private Houseboat

50 km | Approx. 1 Hour

After breakfast, disembark your houseboat and drive to the historic port city of Cochin, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

This afternoon, enjoy a scenic harbour cruise to Fort Kochi, followed by a guided heritage walk through its charming colonial streets. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, India's oldest European church, and the historic Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), renowned for its beautiful murals and royal artefacts.

Conclude the day with a spectacular performance of Kathakali, Kerala's classical dance-drama featuring elaborate costumes, expressive make-up and traditional storytelling.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Cochin

After breakfast, transfer to Cochin Airport for your flight to Goa via Bengaluru.

Cochin - Bengaluru: 10:40 / 11:50 hrs
Bengaluru - Goa: 13:10 / 14:35 hrs
IndiGo Airlines | Economy Class


Upon arrival, transfer to your beach resort in Goa, India's most celebrated coastal destination, renowned for its golden beaches, Portuguese heritage and relaxed tropical atmosphere.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Included Meals: All Inclusive

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Goa

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and experience the laid-back charm of Goa.

Spend the day unwinding on the beach, enjoying your resort's facilities, or exploring the nearby surroundings at your own pace.

Included Meals: All Inclusive

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Goa

Another day is yours to relax and enjoy Goa's tropical atmosphere.

Whether you choose to unwind by the pool, stroll along the beach or indulge in optional wellness treatments, today is designed for complete relaxation.

Included Meals: All Inclusive

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Goa

Enjoy your final full day in Goa at leisure before continuing your journey to Delhi.

Included Meals: All Inclusive

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Goa

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Goa Airport for your flight to Delhi.

Goa - Delhi: 11:05 / 13:35 Hrs

Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of Delhi, where ancient history blends seamlessly with modern India.

Before the Diwali celebrations, visit a local boutique to select traditional Indian attireβ€”a Kurta and Turban for gentlemen and a beautiful Sari for ladiesβ€”adding a memorable cultural touch to the festivities.

Later, check in to your hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Delhi

After breakfast, dress in your traditional Indian attire with assistance from the hotel staff before exploring Colonial Delhi, including a drive past India Gate and the magnificent Presidential Palace.

Later this afternoon, enjoy the privilege of visiting a local Indian family to participate in authentic Diwali prayers and celebrations. Experience the warmth of Indian hospitality as you join festive rituals, witness the illumination of traditional oil lamps, and savour a home-hosted dinner celebrating India's most cherished festival.

Return to the hotel after this unforgettable cultural experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

πŸŒ™ Overnight: Delhi

Early this morning, transfer to Delhi International Airport with a packed breakfast for your return flight to Warsaw at 07:40 Hrs.

LOT Polish Airlines | Economy Class

As your memorable journey through India comes to an end, we thank you for travelling with Explores India and wish you a pleasant journey home with wonderful memories of South India's heritage, Kerala's natural beauty, Goa's relaxing beaches and the vibrant celebrations of Diwali, India's Festival of Lights.

Included Meals: Breakfast

  • βœ“4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • βœ“Chennai Heritage Tour
  • βœ“Mahabalipuram Rock-Cut Monuments
  • βœ“French Heritage Walk in Puducherry
  • βœ“Chola Temple Trail
  • βœ“Chettinadu Mansion & Cooking Demonstration
  • βœ“Meenakshi Temple Aarti (Optional)
  • βœ“4WD Jeep Safari in Munnar
  • βœ“Periyar Wildlife Boat Cruise
  • βœ“Kerala Spice Plantation Experience
  • βœ“Private Alleppey Houseboat Cruise
  • βœ“Fort Kochi Heritage Walk & Harbour Cruise
  • βœ“Traditional Kathakali Dance Performance
  • βœ“4 Nights Beach Stay in Goa
  • βœ“Diwali Celebration with a Local Indian Family
  • βœ“Traditional Indian Attire Experience
  • βœ“Carefully Curated by Explores India