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Classic Dakshin Trail

  • Mysore 2 nights
  • Ooty 2 nights
  • Kodaikanal 2 nights
  • Madurai 1 night
  • Rameshwaram 1 night
  • Tour Itinerary
  • South India
  • Indus Holidays Bestseller
Suitable for

Family / Couple

Duration

8 Nights 9 Days

Category

Heritage / Hills

Package type

Customisable

This package features the Classic South Indian destinations with a lot of good ol’ hill stations, heritage palaces and temples of Indian spiritual importance. This tour is perfect for Indian travellers (groups and families) looking for their first time experience of the famous attractions

Starting from

20000

/person

Experience Highlights

  • Toy train
  • Palace
  • Temple
  • Take a morning walk along the amazing ‘Coakers walk’ in Kodaikanal which will offer vistas to die for
  • Visit Rameshwaram, home to one of the ‘Jyothirlingas’ and most important Hindu centre in South India
  • A memorable evening at the magical fountains of Brindavan gardens
  • Experience bliss as you enjoy a scenic ride through the Blue Mountains on a heritage ‘Toy Train’
  • Witness the architectural marvel of the temple at Madurai and partake in the festive night ceremony

A little Extra

Join Indus plus

Join Indus plus to enjoy all these benefits and more. Sounds good? More

For Indus guests

Free room upgrades at select stays

Booked by 150 travellers in 2021

Tour Summary

  • 9 Days
  • 5 Destinations
  • Short daily travel
  • Day 1 - Bangalore - Mysore
  • Day 2 - Explore Mysore
  • Day 3 - Mysore - Ooty
  • Day 4 - Explore Ooty
  • Day 5 - Ooty - Kodaikanal
  • Day 6 - Explore Kodaikanal
  • Day 7 - Kodaikanal - Madurai
  • Day 8 - Madurai - Rameshwaram
  • Day 9 - Departure from Madurai

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

  • Bengaluru to Mysore
  • 3 hrs
  • 150 kms

You will be welcomed at Bangalore International airport / rail station by our company representative. Today, we travel to one of South India’s most vibrant cities – Mysore. The grand palaces, silk, sandalwood and incense production give an iconic status to this destination. You may also consider visiting Srirangapatna- the summer palace on the way to Mysore.

  • Visit Srirangapatna, the fortress of the ‘Tiger of Mysore’, This was the summer palace and de facto capital from where Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled in their glory days.
  • Visit the Maharaja’s Palace, an architectural marvel which is the icon of Mysore.
  • If you are lucky to be here on a Sunday or public holiday, the illuminated palace will be a spectacle to remember!
  • Also visit the Rajendra art gallery, which houses a remarkable collection of paintings form Raja Ravi Varma and other traditional Mysore styles.
  • Relax for the night after dinner.

Stay at Mysore

Rio Meredian

(See our stay selections)

Deluxe Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that Mysore is one of the first planned cities in Asia?

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Mysore

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 2

  • Explore Mysore
  • Full Day
  • In Town

Today, you get to explore this ancient city, its bustling markets, magnificent monuments and more. Shop around for premium silk, incense and sandalwood which are a speciality of Mysore. After exploring Chamundi hills during the day, a magical evening at Brindavan awaits you.

  • Morning is a great time to start a fine half-day excursion to Chamundi Hills.
  • Experience the panoramic view overlooking the Mysore city and explore the marvellous temple.
  • The 1000 stone steps laid out by the Maharaja in the 17th century and the majestic Nandi monolith is a compelling sight.
  • Enjoy shopping around for local specialities at the Devaraja Market.
  • Spend the evening at the Brindavan Gardens and witness the dancing fountains where coloured lights transform the place into a magical fairyland.
  • Relax for the night at your resort.

Stay at Mysore

Rio Meredian

(See our stay selections)

Deluxe Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that Mysore is one of the first planned cities in Asia?

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Mysore

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 3

  • Mysore to Ooty
  • 3 hrs
  • 130 kms

Today, we depart by surface to Udhagamandalam (Ooty) and enjoy the ride up the hills. Get away from the plains and soak –in the beauty of the Blue Mountains. The stunning gardens, rolling hills, pine and eucalyptus forests have earned the name queen of hill stations for this place

  • The journey through the Mudumalai jungles will be thrilling as you spot wild elephants by the roadside.
  • It gets better as you take the scenic 36 hairpin bends from the plains to the blue mountains or Nilgiris.
  • Once at Ooty check-in to the resort and relax for a while.
  • Consider visiting the local market and shop around for honey and organic produce harvested by locals. Cottage cheese, spices, home-made chocolates and organic tea are other items to consider (Optional)
  • Relax after a quiet dinner in your resort.

Stay at Ooty

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Nilgiri Express travels through one of the steepest rail stretches in Asia between Ooty and Conoor.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Ooty

View more tips

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 4

  • Explore Ooty
  • Full Day
  • In Town

The day is at leisure to explore the hill station. Spend your day at the view points, lakes or just sipping tea at your hill resort. For those chasing the atmosphere of the British Raj, it just lingers around the clubs and heritage hotels.

  • Visit the famous Botanical garden built in 1847 which features a wide variety of exotic and ornamental plants.
  • The iconic, St Thomas church overlooks the lake where boating facilities are available. You can also try horse-back riding around the lake.
  • Visit the highest peak – Doddabetta which offers a beautiful vista.
  • Relax for the night in your hill resort.

Stay at Ooty

Hotel Lakeview

(See our stay selections)

Luxury Cottage

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Nilgiri Express travels through one of the steepest rail stretches in Asia between Ooty and Conoor.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Ooty

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 5

  • Ooty to Kodaikanal
  • 6 hrs
  • 200 kms

The day is at leisure to explore the hill station for the day and we head to Kodaikanal by afternoon. Take a scenic ride on the toy train and cover the left over sightseeing destinations before leaving Ooty.

  • Enjoy a scenic ride on the world heritage Blue mountain railway. Ooty to Coonoor and back would be a good ride.(Optional)
  • Afternoon, depart by surface to Kodaikanal.
  • Enroute, Spend time learning tea manufacturing to tasting at the high field tea estate.
  • Explore famous spots like Sim’s park, lamb’s rock and Dolphin’s Nose on your way to Kodaikanal.
  • On reaching your resort, relax and enjoy the scenic environs.
  • Enjoy your dinner and relax for the night.

Stay at Kodaikanal

Kodai Resort

(See our stay selections)

Luxury Cottage

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that the very popular Lake of Kodaikanal is manmade that too not by an Indian but an Irish man?.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Kodaikanal

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 6

  • Explore Kodaikanal
  • Full Day
  • In Town

The day is at leisure to explore the hill station. Kodai is a special destination with one of the oldest observatories in the world and man-made star shaped lake just to pick out a few attractions. Get ready for an activity filled day with fascinating views.

  • After breakfast, do a local tour covering Bryant Park and afford a panoramic view of Madurai city as you walk along the pedestrian path cut along the steep slopes of Coaker’s walk.
  • Enjoy the view of the mammoth rock pillars, green valley and falls. The area around the star shaped kodai lake has some popular hangouts.
  • The afternoon would be good for row boating, horse riding or cycling around the lake waters.
  • Relax after a quiet dinner in your resort.

Stay at Kodaikanal

Kodai Resort

(See our stay selections)

Luxury Cottage

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Did you know that the very popular Lake of Kodaikanal is manmade that too not by an Indian but an Irish man?.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Kodaikanal

View more tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity Add-ons

Day 7

  • Kodaikanal to Madurai
  • 3 hrs
  • 120 kms

This morning head to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Madurai. An ancient centre of Tamil Knowledge, centre of power of many dynasties and the seat of divinity from time immemorial, The main attraction here is Meeakshi temple, the abode of fish eyed Goddess. The imposing 15-acre temple complex ornate by gateway towers with exquisitely multi-coloured images of gods, demons and mythical figures is an architectural marvel.

  • Start with the famous Meenakshi temple, which is an architectural marvel.
  • Enter through the busy eastern entrance (a lot of craft shops here) and move on to see the 1000 pillar hall (Ayiramkal mandapam) sculpted with life size ornamented figures.
  • After Darshan, spend time at the massive temple tank and leave the temple through the hall with magnificently painted ceilings.
  • Consider visiting the famous Tirumala Nayak Palace, the 17th century palace of Tirumalai Nayak.
  • Also spend time at the Gandhi museum which presents detailed accounts of the Indian freedom struggle and has rare Gandhi memorabilia.
  • Relax for the night at your hotel.

 

Stay at Madurai

Star Residency

(See our stay selections)

Deluxe Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Madurai is particularly famous for cotton fabric, hand-woven silk, bronze work and stone carvings.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Madurai

View more tips

    If you are interested in seeing Indian temple rituals, then don't miss the night ceremony here. The bronze of lord Shiva is brought on a chariot to his wife Meenakshi's bed chamber amidst much chanting, drums, horns and gathering of devotees. An absolute must-see!

    Hand loom textiles can be purchased from Puthu Mandapam. Kumaran Silks and Alankar Textiles are famous for sarees. To buy handicrafts, Government Poompuhar Handicrafts Shop , Khadi Gramayog Bhavan and Cottage Arts Emporium are the best places in Madurai.

Activity Add-ons

Day 8

  • Madurai to Rameshwaram
  • 3.5 hrs
  • 170 kms

Rameshwaram, one of the most sacred temple towns of India, is an island hallowed by the epic Ramayana. Housing the most sacred sand mound (a lingam said to have been created by Lord Rama's wife Sita, so he could worship Shiva), this temple is one of the 12 holy Jyothirlingas. Spend the day exploring the temple and attractions in the town and head to Kanyakumari this afternoon.

  • Today, visit the Ramananthswamy temple features the largest temple corridor with 1200 odd intricately designed granite pillars.
  • If interested you can also visit the lost land of Dhanushkodi beach, a town washed away by a cyclone. Adams bridge can also be visited.
  • Relax for the night at your hotel.

Stay at Rameshwaram

Poppy's hotel

(See our stay selections)

Superior Room

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Among the miracles of this place include 22 closely located wells with water in them having totally different medicinal properties.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Rameshwaram

View more tips

Special Tips for Darshan/Pooja at Ramanathaswamy Temple

    Early morning about 4:30 am leave for Darshan. The stages of pooja is as below 

    Darshan of Sphatic Lingam: Also known as Mani Darshanam, the lingam in natural crystal is considered very auspicious. Timing 5 am - 6 am

    Samudra Snanam: Walk 300m from the temple to the sea, take a dip in the shallow waters

    Theerth Snanam: Take a bath in 22 wells inside the main temple and perform the main pooja.

Activity Add-ons

Day 9

  • Departure from Madurai
  • 3.5 hrs
  • 180 kms

Today is the last day of your tour. Have an enjoyable breakfast and head to Madurai.

  • Indulge in some shopping if interested.
  • We drop you at the airport / railway station for onward journey with memories to last for a lifetime.

Departure from Madurai

Insider Tips by Indus Indus Holidays

Madurai is particularly famous for cotton fabric, hand-woven silk, bronze work and stone carvings.

All such local insider tips is here: Local's guide to Madurai

View more tips

    If you are interested in seeing Indian temple rituals, then don't miss the night ceremony here. The bronze of lord Shiva is brought on a chariot to his wife Meenakshi's bed chamber amidst much chanting, drums, horns and gathering of devotees. An absolute must-see!

    Hand loom textiles can be purchased from Puthu Mandapam. Kumaran Silks and Alankar Textiles are famous for sarees. To buy handicrafts, Government Poompuhar Handicrafts Shop , Khadi Gramayog Bhavan and Cottage Arts Emporium are the best places in Madurai.

Activity Add-ons

Offers & Packages

Liked this itinerary? Let us have a friendly chat to find out how we can help

  • Mysore 2 nights
  • Ooty 2 nights
  • Kodaikanal 2 nights
  • Madurai 1 night
  • Rameshwaram 1 night

Q & A for Classic Dakshin Trail (8 Nights ) by Indus Holidays

Can I customise my itinerary with a few stays of my choice?

Answered by Prasanth Madhavan

Definitely! As we specialise in customised holiday planning to Kerala & South India for the last 20 years, we can offer almost any stay option. We have long-standing direct relationships with resorts, homestays & hotels in this region which allow us to deliver privilege services at unbeatable rates.

If you want to change the stay options in our offers, your trip designer will work with you till you are happy with the package. More importantly, our experts give you unbiased insights and highlights of each stay option from direct experience to help you make better choices.

What is the holiday booking procedure?

Answered by Resmi Kakkat

You can submit an enquiry here anytime or contact our destination experts directly. One of Indus’ Trip Designers will call you back to understand your requirement and will make an offer within 2 hours. Our experts will also make suitable recommendations on stay options, day activities, itinerary options and transportation to assist you further in customising the holiday to your requirements. Once it is perfect, send a confirmation and we will take care of the rest.

What are the payment options you offer?

Answered by Goldin Syriac

We offer all major payment options including credit cards , debit cards , wire transfer, net banking and UPI. Service charges from the bank may be applicable on select payment methods.

Can my driver speak hindi? Do you offer taxi services only?

Answered by Divya Hrishikesh

Yes, our transportation team carefully chooses and trains our driver partners to deliver the high touch experiences we offer. They are highly co-operative, friendly and can speak in hindi and English. You will also find our cabs to be well maintained, safe and reliable.

When you book hotels, activities and taxi together with Indus, we will be able to offer you a better overall deal than what you get directly. Also you get the added benefit of Indus’ responsive customer relations team for on-tour support. So, currently our trained drivers are available only for our package customers.