Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon your arrival at Chennai airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. After completing the check-in process (standard check-in time is 12 pm, early check-in subject to availability), you can relax and freshen up.

Later in the day, embark on a city tour of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Explore its vibrant streets, visit historic sites, and soak in the local culture. Drive along the famous Marina Beach, a 13-kilometer long natural urban beach nestled along the Bay of Bengal.

 

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (150kms)

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry. En route, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and intricate stone carvings. Continue your journey to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the unique blend of French and Tamil architecture in the city, stroll through the charming streets of the French Quarter, and visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

 

Day 3: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjavur (180kms)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and magnificent temples. On the way, visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva and famous for its grand architecture and spiritual significance. Continue your journey to explore the Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their exquisite carvings and historical significance. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at your hotel.

 

Day 4: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

After a fulfilling breakfast, immerse yourself in the heritage of Thanjavur. Visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Vijayanagar Fort, known for its massive walls and elegant sculptures. Don't miss the Thanjavur Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and artworks. Later, drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) and check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the famous Rockfort Temple, situated atop a rock and offering panoramic views of the city.

 

Day 5: Trichy - Madurai (140kms)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a cultural hotspot of Tamil Nadu. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and get ready to explore this vibrant city. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and bustling market surrounding the temple complex. Experience the lively atmosphere and witness the evening prayer ceremony.

 

Day 6: Madurai - Munnar (160km)

Today, after breakfast, depart for the picturesque hill station of Munnar. Set amidst lush green tea plantations and misty mountains, Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and production of tea in this region. Enjoy a tea tasting session and indulge in the aromatic flavors. Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful surroundings and capturing the breathtaking views.

 

Day 7: Munnar

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Munnar. Explore the sprawling tea plantations, visit the famous Echo Point where your voice echoes back to you, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the aromatic spice gardens. Discover the enchanting Mattupetty Dam and its reservoir, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. You can also opt for an optional visit to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, return to your hotel and relax.

 

Day 8: Munnar - Ooty (250kms)

Today, bid farewell to Munnar and embark on a picturesque drive to Ooty (Udhagamandalam), known as the "Queen of Hill Stations." As you reach Ooty, check in at your hotel and enjoy the serene surroundings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the charming town, or simply relaxing amidst the cool climate and lush greenery.

 

Day 9: Ooty

After a delicious breakfast, set out to explore the captivating attractions of Ooty. Visit the beautiful Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy boating amidst the tranquil surroundings. Explore the enchanting Botanical Gardens, showcasing a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers. Take a joy ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the picturesque landscapes. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and colonial charm of Ooty.

 

Day 10: Ooty - Mysore (150kms)

After breakfast, drive to the royal city of Mysore, known for its magnificent palaces, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax for a while. Later, embark on a city tour of Mysore, visiting the grand Mysore Palace, an architectural marvel blending Indo-Saracenic and Gothic styles. Explore the majestic Chamundi Hills, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Visit the St. Philomena's Church, known for its neo-Gothic architecture. In the evening, witness the illuminated Mysore Palace, a truly magical sight.

 

Day 11: Mysore - Somanathapura - Srirangapatna - Hassan (135kms)

After breakfast, proceed to Hassan, a city renowned for its ancient temples and architectural marvels. En route, visit the magnificent Chennakesava Temple in Somanathapura, known for its intricate Hoysala architecture and exquisite sculptures. Explore Srirangapatna, a historic island fortress and the capital of Tipu Sultan. Continue your journey to Hassan and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings.

 

Day 12: Hassan - Belur - Halebeedu - Bangalore (250kms)

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to visit the temples of Belur and Halebeedu. Marvel at the architectural brilliance of the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. Explore the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebeedu, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and cultural heritage. After the sightseeing, drive to Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax.

 

Day 13: Bangalore - Departure (flight)

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bangalore, also known as the "Garden City" for its beautiful parks and gardens. Visit the magnificent Bangalore Palace, inspired by England's Windsor Castle, and explore its stunning architecture and interiors. Discover the enchanting Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, known for its diverse flora and the iconic Glass House. Explore the vibrant markets of the city, such as the Commercial Street or Brigade Road, where you can shop for souvenirs or indulge in some local cuisine.

Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your memorable journey through South India.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 12 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 12 nights accommodation

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

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thanjavur x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Trichy x 1 night
3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
4* & 5* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort

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

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

Ooty x 2 nights
3* - Monarch Hotel/ Hotel Darshan
4* - Fortune Resort Sullivan Court/ Sinclairs Retreat
5* - Savoy - IHCL SeleQtions/ Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

Mysore x 1 night
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

Bangalore x 1 night
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

- Any flight tickets.

- 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.