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Deccan Heritage & Tamil Nadu Temples: A Journey Through Time

0/5
Duration

15 Nights / 16 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through South India with the “Deccan Heritage & Tamil Nadu Temples: A Journey Through Time” tour. Discover the grandeur of Deccan fortresses and palaces, including the majestic Golconda Fort and the intricately designed Bijapur monuments. Immerse yourself in the architectural marvels of ancient Chalukyan and Vijayanagara temples, from Badami’s cave temples to Hampi’s stunning ruins. Experience the vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu as you explore the sacred temples of Thanjavur, Chettinad, and Madurai, each showcasing intricate carvings and historical significance. This tour seamlessly blends historical exploration with spiritual discovery, offering a rich tapestry of India’s cultural heritage.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 45.8%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 46.0%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 54.5%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 55.2%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 58.8%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 58.7%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 62.8%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hyderabad

On arrival at Hyderabad airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel (check-in/check-out time 12pm). Rest time is free to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Hyderabad

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the 400-year-old city, beginning with Golconda Fort Complex, an imposing fortress with sophisticated acoustics and panoramic views. Visit the Qutubshahi Tombs, a series of elegant mausoleums that showcase the grandeur of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Admire Charminar, an iconic 16th-century mosque with four grand arches and intricate carvings. Explore Mecca Mosque, one of the largest mosques in India, built using bricks imported from Mecca. Discover Salarjung Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of art and artifacts in India, including the famous ‘Veiled Lady’ marble sculpture. Visit Chowmohalla Palace, a majestic palace once home to the Nizams, featuring lush courtyards and ornate rooms. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Hyderabad - Gulbarga (260km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Gulbarga, visiting Bidar Fort, a grand fortress known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. Explore Mahmud Gawan Madarsa, an ancient Islamic educational institution with Persian architectural elements and a tranquil ambiance. Visit Bahmani Tombs, the final resting places of Bahmani Sultans, showcasing intricate carvings and domed structures. Arrive in Gulbarga, check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Gulbarga - Bijapur (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Gulbarga Fort, notable for its imposing walls, bastions, and historical structures within. Explore Jama Masjid, a grand mosque with a large courtyard and ornate arches. Drive to Bijapur and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Bijapur - Badami (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Bijapur Fort, including Asar Mahal, known for its Islamic architecture and serene atmosphere. Explore Bara Kaman, an unfinished mausoleum with elegant arches and intricate carvings. Visit Gol Gumbaz, famous for its massive dome and acoustic marvels. Discover Jama Masjid, a grand mosque with impressive domes and a vast prayer hall. Admire Malik-e-Maidan Cannon, one of the largest medieval cannons. Explore Mehtar Mahal, a palace with ornate carvings and historical significance. Drive to Badami and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Badami

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Aihole, an ancient city with over 125 Chalukyan temples, including the Durga Temple and the Lad Khan Temple. Explore Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Hindu and Jain temples, such as the Virupaksha Temple and the Jain Narayana Temple, showcasing intricate sculptures and architectural styles. Discover Badami Fort, perched on a hill with stunning views of the surrounding region and the Badami Cave Temples. Visit Badami Cave Temples, featuring ancient rock-cut temples dedicated to Hindu gods, with elaborate carvings and artwork. Enjoy the scenic Badami Lake, surrounded by historic temples and fortifications. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Badami - Hampi (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Hampi, with stops at Gadag to see the temples of Kurgi and Lakkundi with their impressive step wells and ancient architecture. Arrive in Hampi and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Hampi

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich tapestry of ruined temples and palaces. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, known for its detailed bas-reliefs depicting the Ramayana epic. See the King’s Balance, an ancient structure used for weighing kings and queens during ceremonies. Explore Mahanavami Dibba, a large platform used for royal festivities with views of the royal enclosures. Tour the Royal Enclosures, featuring the remnants of palaces, administrative buildings, and ceremonial grounds. Admire the Statue of Ugra Narasimha, a colossal sculpture of a lion-headed deity carved from a single rock. Visit Virupaksha Temple, an active Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Explore Vithala Temple Complex, famous for its musical pillars and elaborate carvings. Discover the Lotus Mahal, a pavilion with lotus-shaped arches, and enjoy its serene surroundings. Tour the ASI Museum, showcasing a collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Vijayanagara Empire. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Hampi - Hubli (170kms)/ Chennai

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Hubli airport for a flight to Chennai. On arrival in Chennai, transfer to the hotel and check in. Visit Fort St. George, a historical fortification built by the British East India Company with a museum displaying colonial artifacts. Explore St. Mary’s Church, located within Fort St. George, one of the oldest churches in Chennai. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a vibrant Dravidian-style temple known for its colorful gopuram (tower) and intricate carvings. Discover Vadapalani Murugan Temple, an important shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its elaborate decorations and vibrant festivals. Tour the Government Museum, featuring a diverse collection of art, antiquities, and natural history exhibits. Explore Dakshinachitra Museum, a living museum showcasing traditional arts, crafts, and architecture from South India. Visit Santhome Cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, with its neo-gothic architecture and historical significance. Stroll along Marina Beach, renowned for its long stretch of sandy shore and bustling local life. Overnight at the hotel

Day 10: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel. Visit Kanchipuram, renowned for its ancient temples such as Ekambareswarar Temple and Kailasanathar Temple, noted for their architectural grandeur and historical importance. Explore Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Monolithic Temples carved from single rocks, Krishna’s Butterball, a massive boulder balanced precariously on a slope, and Cave Temples with intricate carvings. Visit Shore Temple, an iconic structure overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and The Arjuna’s Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting the epic tale of Arjuna. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry and check in at the hotel. Visit Auroville, an international community dedicated to human unity and sustainable living, with its unique architecture and tranquil environment. Explore Pondicherry Museum, featuring exhibits on local history, culture, and artifacts. Walk through the French Quarters, with its charming streets, colonial architecture, and landmarks such as the French consulate and Raj Nivas. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, visiting Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, famous for its vibrant dance sculptures and religious significance. Explore The Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, renowned for their exceptional architecture and intricate carvings representing Chola artistry. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Thanjavur - Chettinadu (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple and Palace Complex, a monumental example of Chola architecture with grand gopurams and detailed sculptures. Drive to Chettinad, with stops at Trichy to explore Ranganathaswamy Temple, known for its intricately carved towers and vibrant festivals. Visit Rock Fort Temple, a temple complex situated on a rock outcrop with panoramic views of the city. Arrive in Chettinad and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Chettinadu - Madurai (90kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit 19th-century Chettinad mansions, known for their exquisite marble and teak interiors and traditional design. Drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Madurai - Hyderabad (Flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, renowned for its elaborate Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures of Hindu deities. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, an impressive 17th-century palace with grand arches and historical exhibits. Visit Alagar Koil, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, an important shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Hyderabad. Arrival in Hyderabad, transfer to the hotel, and check in. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Hyderabad - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your departure.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 15 Night's accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Hubli - Chennai & Madurai - Hyderabad flight fare approx INR 9,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 15 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Hyderabad x 2 nights: The Golkonda Hotel/ Lemon Tree Hotel
Gulbarga x 1 night: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga by OTHPL/ Mastiff Select
Bijapur x 1 night: The Fern Residency/ Kyriad Hotel Vijayapura by OTHPL
Badami x 2 nights: Morpho Banashree Resort/ WADA1
Hampi x 2 nights: Heritage Resort/ Royal Orchid Central Keerti
Chennai x 1 night: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
Mahabalipuram x 1 night: Chariot Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
Pondicherry x 1 night: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry
Thanjore x 1 night: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Chettinad x 1 night: Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Hyderabad x 1 night: The Golkonda Hotel/ Lemon Tree Hotel

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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