Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and having some time to freshen up, enjoy a hearty breakfast to kick-start your South India adventure.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided city tour of Chennai. Your first stop will be Fort St. George, a historic fortress that houses several colonial-era buildings, including the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Fort Museum. Explore the fascinating history of this fort, which was established by the British East India Company in the 17th century.

Next, head to Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore, taking in the sea breeze and watching the locals go about their daily activities.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's intricate Dravidian architecture and vibrant surroundings make it a captivating sight.

Wrap up your day with a visit to the Santhome Basilica, a beautiful Catholic church built on the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Explore the serene interiors and learn about the history of Christianity in India.

 

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

After a delicious breakfast, depart from Chennai for the charming coastal town of Pondicherry. En route, you will make a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram.

Here, you'll visit the impressive Shore Temple, an ancient rock-cut temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Explore the intricate carvings and marvel at the temple's stunning location.

Next, explore Arjuna's Penance, a massive open-air bas-relief depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology and daily life. It's a remarkable artistic treasure and a great spot for photography.

Visit the Five Rathas, a set of monolithic rock-cut temples representing various architectural styles. These temples are named after the Pandava brothers and their common wife, Draupadi.

Continue your journey to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. In the evening, embark on a city tour of Pondicherry, where you'll discover the unique blend of French and Indian cultures. Explore the French Quarter, stroll along the vibrant streets, and visit the Aurobindo Ashram to learn about the spiritual teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.

Take a leisurely walk along the Promenade, a charming seaside boulevard, before heading back to your hotel for a comfortable night's rest.

 

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

After breakfast, depart for Thanjavur with fascinating stops along the way. Your first destination is Chidambaram, renowned for its Nataraja Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as the Cosmic Dancer, Nataraja, and is a masterpiece of South Indian architecture.

Next, explore the Great Living Chola Temples in Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram. These temples, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are exemplary of Chola dynasty architecture and artistry.

Upon arrival in Thanjavur, check in at your hotel and unwind. Later in the day, visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple. This magnificent temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcases Dravidian architecture at its finest.

Explore the Vijayanagar Fort, an imposing historical fortress, and the Thanjavur Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library, housing a valuable collection of ancient manuscripts.

 

Day 4: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

Begin your day with a visit to the Brihadeshwara Temple, giving you another chance to admire this architectural marvel in the soft morning light.

Continue exploring Thanjavur with visits to the Vijayanagar Fort and the Thanjavur Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library, where you can delve deeper into the region's rich history and culture.

Afterwards, drive to the neighboring city of Trichy and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, set out to explore this historic city. Visit the iconic Rock Fort Temple, a 7th-century temple perched on a massive rock outcrop, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Don't miss a visit to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

 

Day 5: Trichy - Madurai (140kms)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then embark on a picturesque drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Check in at your hotel and refresh yourself.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. This vast temple complex is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Explore its intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and vibrant temple rituals.

Next, head to the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a magnificent palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and stunning light and sound show in the evening. Spend some time exploring the bustling local markets to experience the lively atmosphere of Madurai.

 

Day 6: Madurai - Munnar (160km)

Bid farewell to Madurai after breakfast and set off for the enchanting hill station of Munnar. The journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including winding roads, lush green tea plantations, and misty mountains.

Check in at your Munnar hotel and relax after the scenic drive. In the afternoon, visit a local tea estate, where you'll gain insight into the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to the final product. Enjoy a tea-tasting session and savor the flavors of freshly brewed tea.

 

Day 7: Munnar

Today is dedicated to exploring the natural beauty of Munnar. Start with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a guided walk through the park, taking in the lush landscapes and spotting the wildlife. The park is especially famous for its springtime blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers, which occurs once every 12 years.

Continue to the serene Mattupetty Dam, a popular picnic spot offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding hills and the opportunity to take a boat ride on the dam.

Visit Echo Point, a scenic location where your voice echoes, providing great photo opportunities and a fun acoustic experience.

Learn about the history and production of tea at the Tea Museum, which showcases the evolution of Munnar's tea industry. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the tea plantation culture that is central to this region.

 

Day 8: Munnar - Ooty (250kms)

After breakfast, leave Munnar and drive to Ooty, often referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations." The journey to Ooty is a scenic one, passing through winding roads and lush landscapes.

Upon your arrival in Ooty, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax and enjoy the pleasant climate of this beautiful hill station. You can explore the surroundings and take in the fresh mountain air, or simply unwind in the comfort of your hotel.

 

Day 9: Ooty

Today, you'll embark on a city tour of Ooty, known for its stunning natural beauty and charming attractions.

Begin your day with a visit to the Botanical Gardens, where you can explore a wide variety of exotic plants and colorful flowerbeds. The gardens also house a fossilized tree trunk, believed to be over 20 million years old.

Stroll through the Rose Garden, a colorful paradise with a vast collection of roses in various hues and fragrances.

Next, visit Ooty Lake, a picturesque lake where you can enjoy a boat ride or a leisurely walk around the promenade. The lake is surrounded by eucalyptus trees, adding to the serene ambiance.

Don't miss a visit to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains. You can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys from here.

Experience a joy ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel on one of the vintage steam locomotives. The train ride offers picturesque views of the Nilgiri hills and is a memorable experience.

 

Day 10: Ooty - Mysore (150kms)

After breakfast, you'll drive to Mysore, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and grand palaces. Check in at your hotel and relax for a while.

In the afternoon, embark on a city tour of Mysore. Your first stop will be the magnificent Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace. This grand palace is a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture and a visual treat, especially when illuminated in the evening. Explore the opulent interiors and learn about the history of the Wadiyar dynasty.

Visit the Brindavan Gardens, known for its musical fountains. In the evening, the gardens come alive with synchronized music and colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

 

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

After breakfast, you'll drive to Hassan, with fascinating stops along the way.

Your first stop is at the Chennakesava Temple in Somanathapura, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture known for its intricate stone carvings.

Continue your journey to Srirangapatna, a historic town that was the capital of the warrior king Tipu Sultan. Visit key attractions, including the Dariya Daulat Palace (Summer Palace), Gumbaz Mausoleum, and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.

Arrive in Hassan and check in at your hotel, where you can relax and unwind.

 

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

Today, embark on an excursion to explore the famous temples of Belur and Halebeedu, both known for their stunning architecture.

In Belur, visit the renowned Chennakeshava Temple, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture, known for its intricate sculptures and detailed craftsmanship.

Continue to Halebidu to explore the Hoysaleswara Temple, another remarkable example of Hoysala architecture. The temple's intricate carvings and sculptures are a testament to the artistry of the time.

Later, drive to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. Check in at your hotel and enjoy a comfortable night's stay.

 

Day 13: Bangalore - Vellore (220kms)

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bangalore, the vibrant and bustling metropolis.

Visit the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a sprawling garden that houses a diverse collection of plant species. Explore the serene landscapes and the iconic glasshouse.

Next, visit the Bangalore Palace, an architectural marvel that resembles the castles of Europe. Explore the palace's opulent interiors and learn about its history.

Make a stop at the Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, Lord Shiva's mount. The temple is home to a massive granite statue of Nandi.

In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time exploring the city's bustling markets and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Later in the day, drive to Vellore, where you'll check in at your hotel and rest for the night.

 

Day 14: Vellore - Chennai (150kms)

After breakfast, depart Vellore and drive to Chennai, your final destination on this incredible journey. En-route, you'll visit Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as the "City of Thousand Temples."

Explore some of the famous temples in Kanchipuram, including the Kailasanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as well. Kanchipuram is also famous for its exquisite silk sarees, and you can explore some of the local silk shops.

Continue your journey to Chennai and check in at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a city tour of Chennai, including a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and a final stroll along the beautiful Marina Beach.

 

Day 15: Chennai - Departure (flight)

After breakfast, embark on a final city tour of Chennai, giving you the opportunity to explore any remaining attractions or soak in the vibrant culture of the city.

Later in the day, as per your flight schedule, your tour guide will transfer you to Chennai airport for your onward journey, marking the end of this enriching tour of South India.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 14 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 14 nights accommodation

Chennai x 2 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

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

- 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.