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Discover The Best Kept Secret of South India

Package price On Request

Product Code : AGORA711

Embark on a remarkable journey to "Discover the Best Kept Secret of South India." This private tour takes you on an immersive exploration of the lesser-known gems and hidden treasures of South India. From the bustling cities of Bangalore and Mysore to the ancient wonders of Hampi and Badami, and from the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey to the cultural haven of Pondicherry, this itinerary unveils the rich heritage and natural beauty of cities like Cochin, Thekkady, Munnar, Madurai, Thanjavur, and Chennai. Experience the best-kept secrets of South India as you immerse yourself in its diverse landscapes, captivating history, and warm hospitality.

 

Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

Upon arrival at Bangalore airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Check-in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing and acclimatizing to the city.

 

Day 2: Bangalore City Tour

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bangalore. Explore popular attractions such as Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Bangalore Palace, and Cubbon Park. Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of the city. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

 

Day 3: Bangalore - Mysore (150kms)

After breakfast, drive to Mysore. En route, visit the Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, known for its exquisite carvings. Upon arrival in Mysore, check-in at the hotel and later enjoy a city tour. Visit Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, St. Philomena's Cathedral, and the famous Devaraja Market. Overnight stay in Mysore.

 

Day 4: Mysore - Shravanabelagola - Hassan (140kms)

After breakfast, drive to Hassan. En route, visit Shravanabelagola, an important Jain pilgrimage center known for the colossal Bahubali statue. Continue your journey to Hassan and check-in at the hotel. In the evening, visit the famous Belur and Halebidu temple complexes, known for their intricate architecture. Overnight stay in Hassan.

 

Day 5: Hassan - Hampi (330kms)

After breakfast, drive to Hampi. En route, enjoy the scenic beauty and visit the Belur temple complex and Halebidu temple complex. Continue your drive to Hampi and check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi. Overnight stay in Hampi.

 

Day 6: Hampi City Tour

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Hampi. Explore the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, including the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and the Queen's Bath. Discover the architectural marvels and rich history of this ancient city. Overnight stay in Hampi.

 

Day 7: Hampi - Lakkundi - Gadag - Badami (150kms)

After breakfast, drive to Badami. En route, visit Lakkundi, known for its ancient temples and sculptures, and Gadag, renowned for its architectural wonders. Arrive in Badami and check-in at the hotel. Explore the rock-cut cave temples and other attractions in Badami. Overnight stay in Badami.

 

Day 8: Badami, Aihole & Pattadakkal

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakkal. Visit the famous rock-cut cave temples of Badami, followed by a visit to the ancient town of Aihole, known for its stunning temple complexes. Proceed to Pattadakkal, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite temples. Return to Badami for an overnight stay.

 

Day 9: Badami - Hubli (110kms)/ Cochin (Flight)

After breakfast, drive to Hubli airport for your onward journey to Cochin. Upon arrival in Cochin, our representative will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance show, a traditional art form of Kerala. Overnight stay in Cochin.

 

Day 10: Cochin - Alleppey (60kms)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed for a city tour of Cochin. Explore the famous attractions including the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, and St. Francis Church. Later, drive to Alleppey and transfer to the houseboat jetty. Board your traditional houseboat and embark on a delightful cruise through the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. Enjoy the serene and beautiful surroundings as you sail through the canals. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

 

Day 11: Alleppey - Thekkady (160kms)

Disembark from the houseboat after breakfast and drive to Thekkady, a scenic hill station famous for its wildlife sanctuary. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax for a while. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Martial Arts and Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

 

Day 12: Thekkady

After breakfast, visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat cruise. Explore the rich flora and fauna of the sanctuary, and if you're lucky, spot some exotic wildlife including elephants, tigers, and various species of birds. In the afternoon, take a spice plantation tour and learn about the cultivation of different spices. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Thekkady.

 

Day 13: Thekkady - Munnar (100kms)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar, a scenic hill station famous for its tea plantations and misty mountains. En route, visit Ramakkalmedu, known for its panoramic views. Continue your drive to Munnar and check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. Overnight stay in Munnar.

 

Day 14: Munnar

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Munnar. Visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Explore the Tea Museum and learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy panoramic views of the tea gardens and lush green valleys. Visit other popular attractions including Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Top Station. Overnight stay in Munnar.

 

Day 15: Munnar - Madurai (160kms)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax for a while. Later, explore the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, and Gandhi Memorial Museum. Witness the evening prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. Overnight stay in Madurai.

 

Day 16: Madurai - Trichy - Thanjavur (190kms)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, with a visit to Trichy en route. In Trichy, visit the iconic Rock Fort Temple and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Continue your journey to Thanjavur and visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its remarkable architecture. Explore the Vijayanagar Fort and Thanjavur Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

 

Day 17: Thanjavur - Darasuram - Gangaikondacholapuram - Chidambaram - Pondicherry (180kms)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. En route, visit the Great Living Chola Temples at Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram, both UNESCO World Heritage sites known for their architectural brilliance. Continue your journey to Chidambaram and visit the famous Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Arrive in Pondicherry and check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

 

Day 18: Pondicherry

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Pondicherry. Visit the famous Aurobindo Ashram, known for its spiritual teachings, and the beautiful Auroville, an experimental township. Explore the charming streets of the French Quarter, lined with colonial-era buildings and quaint cafes. Relax on the beaches of Pondicherry and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

 

Day 19: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai (240kms)

After breakfast, drive to Chennai via Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. In Mahabalipuram, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and the Five Rathas. Proceed to Kanchipuram, known for its ancient temples and silk sarees. Explore the Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple. Continue your drive to Chennai and check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai.

 

Day 20: Chennai - Departure (Flight)

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Chennai. Visit popular attractions such as Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Marina Beach, and Government Museum. Explore the vibrant markets of Chennai and indulge in some shopping for souvenirs. Later, as per your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (Standard hotel check-out time is 11 AM)

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 19 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

- Daily breakfast at hotels.

- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.

- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

- Bottled drinking water in car.

- Government taxes.

 

Hotels used or similar for 19 nights accommodation

Bangalore x 2 nights
3* - Ramada/ The Rialto
4* - Fortune Select JP Cosmos/ Lemon Tree Premier Ulsoor Lake
5* - ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection/ ITC Windsor a Luxury Collection

Mysore x 1 nights
3* - Southern Star/Sandesh The Prince
4* - Fortune Park JP Palace/ Grand Mercure
5* - Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden/The Windflower Resort & Spa

Hassan x 1 night
3* - Candy Southern Star/ Pavanputra Resort & Spa
4* & 5* - Hosyala Village Resort/ The Ashok

Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Malligi Hotel/ Krishna Palace
4* - Heritage Resort / Royal Orchid Central Keerti
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders

Badami x 2 night
3* - Rajsangam Hotel/ The Heritage Resort
4* & 5* - Badami Court/ Krishna Heritage

Cochin x 1 night
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Thanjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Svatma

Pondicherry x 2 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

- Hubli - Cochin flight ticket approx ₹5500 per person in economy class.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.