South India Highlights
Chennai (2N) – Kanchipuram (enroute) – Mahabalipuram (1N) – Pondicherry (1N) – Chidambaram (enroute) – Tanjore (1N) – Trichy (enroute) – Madurai (2N) – Thekkady (1N) – Alleppey (1N) – Cochin (1N) – Coimbatore (1N) – Ooty (2N) – Bandipur (1N) – Mysore (2N) – Bangalore (1N)
South India is peninsular region bounded by the sea on three sides and separated from rest of India by a river in its North. It is a cradle of art and culture. South Indian Culture and Architecture stands in contrast to Northern part of India.
South India has been ruled by various native dynasties since times immemorial till its colonization in modern era. The kings being native were steeped in the local culture and ethos. Temple architecture in South India with its various forms developed to its perfection unlike in other parts of India.
A scenic and culturally rich South India journey to explore beginning with Chennai, covering heritage sites like Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram, the French charm of Pondicherry, scared temple towns like Madurai and Thanjavur (Tanjore), followed by the Kerala’s wildlife and backwaters. The tour continues through the Ooty hills, royal Mysore and ends in Bangalore.
Warm welcome upon arrival at Chennai Int’l Airport by our representative. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Evening at leisure or can explore famous T Nagar market. Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for the sightseeing of Chennai. Beginning with the Fort St. George Museum- the first English fortress in India. Then head towards Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Visit Santhome Cathedral Basilica – one of the only three churches in the world built directly over an apostle’s tomb. Also visit Chennai’s Light House. Witness the sunset at Marina Beach.
Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.
Breakfast at hotel & then drive to Mahabalipuram. Enroute visit Kanchipuram- Ekambaranathar Temple, Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple & Arulmigu Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple. Continue drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival, visit the UNESCO listed monuments- Shore Temple, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Group of Monuments – Panch Rathas, Caves Temple, etc.
Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast at hotel drive to Pondicherry also known as "French Riviera of the East". On arrival proceed to visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Sri Aurobindo Ashram & Auroville – known as “City Of Dawn”, an experimental township dedicated to human unity. Also visit French Colony. Have a leisure walk at Rock beach. Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.
After breakfast at hotel drive to Tanjore. Enroute visit Thillai Natraja Temple, Chidambaram. Continue drive to Tanjore. On arrival, proceed to visit Brihadeeswara Temple – a UNESCO world heritage site. Also visit Tanjore Maratha Palace.
Overnight stay at hotel in Tanjore.
Breakfast at hotel & then head towards Madurai. Enroute visit Trichy. Ranganath Swamy Temple- world’s largest functioning Hindu temple. Also visit Rock Fort & Jambukeshwara Temple. Continue drive to Madurai. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Meenakshi Aman Temple – known for its magnificent Dravidian architecture. Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace- a 17th century palace complex famous for its massive & 248 white giant pillars. Also visit Gandhi Museum.
Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.
After breakfast at hotel drive to Thekkady. On arrival, proceed to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary- a UNESCO world heritage site & a biodiversity hotspot. Witness Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, Lion-tailed Macaque, etc. Enjoy a boat ride at Periyar Lake. Conclude your day with the Spice Plantation Tour.
Overnight stay at hotel in Thekkady.