Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore

Arrive at Bangalore Airport, where a warm welcome awaits you. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Unwind and rest after your journey. Prepare for the adventure ahead with a refreshing evening at your leisure.

Day 2: Bangalore City Tour

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a lush green haven featuring a grand glasshouse, diverse plant collections, and the stunning Lalbagh Rock, one of the oldest rock formations on Earth. Explore Cubbon Park, home to vibrant flora, lush landscapes, iconic statues, and walking paths for a refreshing stroll. Discover Bangalore Palace, inspired by English Tudor architecture, with stunning woodwork, intricately designed ceilings, and grand halls adorned with royal portraits. Visit the Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, known for its massive bull statue carved from a single granite rock. Conclude with ISKCON Temple, a magnificent structure known for its intricate architecture, serene ambiance, and vibrant devotional atmosphere.

Day 3: Bangalore - Vellore (220 km)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your journey to Vellore. Arrive in Vellore, check in at your hotel, and prepare for exploration. Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, a breathtakingly beautiful temple adorned in gold, known for its intricate designs and serene surroundings that inspire spirituality. Explore Vellore Fort, a grand 16th-century fortress encircled by a deep moat, with ancient walls that echo tales of battles and royal heritage. Visit Jalakandeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing stunning Dravidian architecture, intricate sculptures, and carvings depicting Hindu mythology.

Day 4: Vellore - Chennai (145 km)

After breakfast, depart for Chennai, with a stopover at Kanchipuram. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram, a sacred temple of Lord Shiva featuring a towering gopuram and elaborate carvings. Explore Kailasanathar Temple, an architectural gem adorned with intricate carvings that narrate stories from Hindu mythology. Visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple, celebrated for its exquisite architecture, divine sanctum, and spiritual significance. Continue to Chennai, where you'll visit Fort St. George, India’s first British fort, home to a museum filled with colonial artifacts and historical exhibits. Discover Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing Dravidian architecture and bustling market streets. Explore the Government Museum, renowned for its vast collection of historical artifacts, archaeological finds, and art pieces.

Day 5: Chennai - Pondicherry (160 km)

Start with breakfast before heading to Pondicherry, with a stop at Mahabalipuram. Visit the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Bay of Bengal, known for its intricate rock-cut structures. Explore Arjuna’s Penance, a massive bas-relief sculpture depicting tales from Hindu mythology, an exceptional display of ancient artistry. Arrive in Pondicherry, check in at your hotel, and prepare for a city tour. Discover the French Quarter, a charming area known for colonial-era architecture, vibrant cafes, and quaint boutiques.Visit Auroville, an experimental township dedicated to unity and spirituality, featuring the serene Matrimandir, a golden meditation dome. Explore Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful spiritual center founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. End your day with a stroll along Promenade Beach, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and picturesque views.

Day 6: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180 km)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, stopping en route at Chidambaram. Visit Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, renowned for its unique portrayal of Lord Shiva in a cosmic dance pose, with intricate temple architecture. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Chola-era architecture with grand temples and intricate sculptures. Visit Darasuram Temple, another UNESCO-listed Chola masterpiece adorned with finely detailed carvings and remarkable stone sculptures. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at your hotel, and unwind.

Day 7: Thanjavur - Chettinad (140 km)

Begin with breakfast at the hotel before exploring Thanjavur. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring grand architecture and exquisite sculptures that exemplify Chola architectural brilliance. Explore Vijayanagar Fort, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region's medieval history. Visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library, which house rare manuscripts, sculptures, and traditional art pieces. Drive to Trichy and visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of India's largest and most intricate temple complexes, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Explore Rock Fort Temple, perched atop a massive rock, offering scenic views and a unique architectural experience. Arrive in Chettinad, check in at your hotel, and relax.

Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai (90 km)

After breakfast, explore Chettinad’s famed heritage mansions, known for their unique blend of Dravidian and colonial architecture. Drive to Madurai, check in at your hotel, and prepare for sightseeing. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a grand temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, celebrated for its detailed sculptures and vibrant gopurams (towers). Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a historical palace showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture and grand pillars. Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which documents India’s struggle for independence with insightful exhibits. End the day with leisure time to explore Madurai’s bustling markets and enjoy local delicacies.

Day 9: Madurai - Hyderabad (Flight)

Begin your day with breakfast and transfer to Madurai Airport for your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival in Hyderabad, you’ll receive a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel.

Day 10: Hyderabad City Tour

After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive city tour. Explore Golconda Fort, a sprawling fort complex with an intriguing past, renowned for its acoustic marvels and panoramic views of Hyderabad. Visit the Qutub Shahi Tombs, a collection of tombs and mosques with intricate architectural designs that reflect Indo-Persian influences. Discover the Charminar, a historical symbol of Hyderabad, surrounded by vibrant bazaars, offering a glimpse into the city’s cultural life. Visit Chowmahalla Palace, an opulent palace with intricate interiors and a rich heritage reflecting the grandeur of the Nizam era. Conclude at Salar Jung Museum, home to an extensive collection of rare art, manuscripts, and antiques from around the world. Visit the Paigah Tombs, celebrated for their intricate marble inlays and unique fusion of Mughal and Persian architecture.

Day 11: Hyderabad - Gulbarga (260 km)

After breakfast, depart for Gulbarga with a stopover in Bidar. Visit Bidar Fort, a massive fort showcasing Persian architectural influences and historical significance. Explore the Bahmani Tombs, the resting place of Bahmani sultans, featuring intricately carved tombs and domes. Visit Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site known for its serene surroundings. Arrive in Gulbarga, check in at your hotel, and explore Gulbarga Fort, a remarkable fortress with majestic towers and remnants of its royal past.

Day 12: Gulbarga - Bijapur (170 km)

Start with breakfast at the hotel, then check out and depart for Bijapur. Your first stop will be the iconic mausoleum known for its massive dome and remarkable acoustics, Gol Gumbaz, where whispers echo across the interior. Next, explore the stunning tomb complex of Ibrahim Rauza, which features Mughal architectural influences, intricate carvings, and beautiful gardens. Discover the colossal cannon known as Malik-e-Maidan, one of the largest in the world, showcasing the engineering feats of the Bijapur Sultanate. Continue to view the unfinished mausoleum, Bara Kaman, notable for its grand scale and intricate designs. Visit one of India’s largest mosques, the Jama Masjid, renowned for its impressive architecture and peaceful courtyard. Enjoy a stroll through Bijapur’s local markets for traditional handicrafts and local delicacies. Return to the hotel for dinner and rest.

Day 13: Bijapur - Badami (120 km)

Start with breakfast at the hotel, then depart for Badami. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and begin exploring the area's remarkable rock-cut temples. Visit the Badami Cave Temples, a series of four magnificent caves carved out of sandstone, each dedicated to Hindu deities and adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures. Explore the Bhutanatha Group of Temples, located by a serene lake, known for their unique architecture and peaceful surroundings. Visit Badami Fort, perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views and insights into the region's ancient defense systems.

Day 14: Badami - Pattadakal - Aihole - Badami

After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Pattadakal and Aihole, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and renowned for their incredible Chalukyan architecture. Discover Pattadakal Temple Complex, with temples showcasing a harmonious blend of North and South Indian architectural styles, including the celebrated Virupaksha Temple. Visit Aihole, the cradle of South Indian temple architecture, featuring a variety of structures like the Durga Temple and the Lad Khan Temple, with impressive carvings and historical significance. Conclude at the Mahakuta Group of Temples, a serene complex known for its peaceful ambiance and intricate stone carvings.

Day 15: Badami - Hampi (180 km)

Begin your day with breakfast before departing for Hampi. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, then visit Anagundi Village for an authentic cultural experience, enjoying a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River. End the day exploring Hampi Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with handicrafts, traditional clothing, and souvenirs that capture Hampi’s cultural essence.

Day 16: Hampi Exploration

After breakfast, prepare for a full day of sightseeing in Hampi. Visit Vijaya Vittala Temple, famous for its impressive stone chariot and exquisite carvings that showcase the grandeur of Vijayanagara architecture. Explore Virupaksha Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site featuring stunning sculptures and murals that narrate mythological tales. Discover the Royal Enclosure, an ancient complex of palaces, bathing areas, and administrative buildings that reflect the Vijayanagara Empire's former glory. Visit Queen’s Bath, a grand bathing complex with intricate architectural details and an expansive pool. Explore the Lotus Mahal, a delicately designed pavilion with Indo-Islamic architectural elements. Marvel at the Hazara Rama Temple, adorned with intricate carvings that depict scenes from the Ramayana.

Day 17: Hampi - Hassan (330 km)

Enjoy breakfast and depart for Hassan.En route, stop at Belur to explore the Chennakesava Temple, celebrated for its exquisite Hoysala architecture and intricate carvings. Visit Halebidu, home to the Hoysaleswara Temple, known for its stunning sculpture work depicting deities, animals, and mythological scenes. Arrive in Hassan, check in at your hotel, and relax after a day of travel and exploration.

Day 18: Hassan - Mysore (140 km)

After breakfast, drive to Mysore, famous for its grand palaces and gardens. Visit the iconic Mysore Palace, a splendid example of Indo-Saracenic architecture with richly decorated interiors, stained glass, and ornate pillars. Discover Jaganmohan Palace, which now houses an art gallery showcasing one of the largest collections of South Indian paintings and artifacts. Explore Devaraja Market, an age-old bazaar known for its vibrant displays of flowers, spices, and traditional goods.  Visit St. Philomena's Church, a neo-Gothic masterpiece and one of the largest churches in India, with beautiful stained glass windows and tall spires.

Day 19: Mysore - Bangalore (140 km)

Start with breakfast at the hotel, then journey back to Bangalore. En route, visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangapatna, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with significant architectural and cultural value. Upon reaching Bangalore, visit ISKCON Temple, known for its grand design, spiritual ambiance, and peaceful environment.Conclude your South India exploration with an airport transfer for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through historical, architectural, and spiritual marvels.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 18 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 18 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

Vellore x 1 night
3* - Hotel Khanna Fiesta/ POPPYS Anukula Residency
4* & 5* - Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotels/ Fortune Park

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

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

Chettinad x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth

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

Hyderabad x 2 nights
3* - Aditya Park/ Lemon Tree Hotel
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ Fortune Park Vallabha
5* - ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection/ Trident Hotel

Gulbarga x 1 night
3* - Atharva Hotel/ Hotel Heritage Inn
3* / 5* - Citrus Hotel 

Bijapur x 1 night
3*/4*/5* -  - The Fern Residency/ Sun Hotel

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

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

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

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
Note: There are no 4* or 5* hotels in Vellore, Gulbarga, Bijapur & Badami.

- Madurai - Hyderabad flight fare approx INR 5,500 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.