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Grand South India: A Journey Through Temples, Palaces, and Scenic Hill Stations

0/5
Duration

11 Nights / 12 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through South India with our “Grand South India: A Journey Through Temples, Palaces, and Scenic Hill Stations” tour. Begin in Bangalore, exploring its lush gardens, historic fortresses, and iconic temples. Travel to Vellore to marvel at the golden temple and fort before heading to Chennai, where you’ll experience the grandeur of colonial and temple architecture. Discover the cultural richness of Pondicherry and the architectural marvels of Thanjavur and Chettinad. Continue to the vibrant city of Madurai, renowned for its ancient temples, before ascending to the hill station of Ooty for breathtaking views and a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Conclude your journey in Mysore and Bangalore, blending royal heritage with the scenic beauty of South India.

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 46.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 46.6%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 55.3%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 55.9%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 59.2%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 59.0%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 63.2%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

Arrival transfer to the hotel. The hotel check-in/out time is 12 pm. Rest time is free for personal activities, allowing you to relax and explore the surroundings at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Bangalore

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Lal Bagh Garden, a sprawling botanical garden featuring diverse plant species and a historic glasshouse. Explore Cubbon Park, a large green space offering tranquility and a variety of plant species amidst the urban environment. Discover the Bangalore Fort, a historic site with remnants from the 16th century, showcasing the city's rich heritage. Visit Tippu Sultan's Summer Palace, an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic architecture with intricate wooden carvings and vibrant murals. Explore the Bull Temple, renowned for its colossal granite Nandi statue, symbolizing the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. Drive past Vidhana Soudha, the grand state legislative building with its impressive Neo-Dravidian architecture, and the Secretariat. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Bangalore - Vellore (220kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Vellore, known for its historical and architectural marvels. Check in at the hotel upon arrival. Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, a magnificent temple adorned with gold, featuring intricate carvings and a serene ambiance. Explore Vellore Fort, a massive fortification with a moat, temples, and a mosque within its walls, reflecting the region's historical significance. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Vellore - Chennai (145kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Chennai, stopping en route to visit Kanchipuram, an ancient city famous for its numerous temples and vibrant silk weaving industry. Arrive in Chennai and check in at the hotel. Visit Fort St. George, a historic fort with a museum showcasing artifacts from colonial times, and St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in India. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a vibrant Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its colorful gopurams (gateway towers). Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, known for its vibrant festivals and colorful architecture dedicated to Lord Murugan. Discover Dakshinachitra Museum, a cultural center preserving the art and heritage of South India, featuring traditional crafts and exhibits. Visit Santhome Cathedral, a beautiful church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, with its neo-Gothic architecture. Relax at Marina Beach, a long sandy beach offering scenic views and a lively atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Chennai - Pondicherry (160kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry, stopping at Mahabalipuram to visit its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore Monolithic Temples, rock-cut shrines carved from single rock formations, showcasing ancient sculptural techniques. See Krishna's Butterball, a giant boulder balanced precariously on a slope, an intriguing natural wonder. Visit Cave Temples, intricate rock-cut shrines dedicated to Hindu deities, displaying detailed carvings. Admire the Shore Temple, a 7th-century temple complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal, with stunning views and historical significance. Marvel at The Arjuna Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, carved into a large rock face. Arrive in Pondicherry, check in at the hotel, and later explore Auroville, a unique community focused on sustainable living and spiritual growth. Visit Pondicherry Museum, featuring exhibits on local history, art, and culture. Stroll through the French Quarters, with charming mustard-colored streets and colonial architecture, including the French consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, and various churches and French schools. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, a city known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage. En route, visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its intricate carvings and spiritual significance. Explore the Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, showcasing the grandeur of Chola architecture with intricate sculptures and large temple complexes. Visit Darasuram Temple, known for its exquisite carvings and detailed architectural design, reflecting the Chola dynasty's artistry. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Thanjavur - Chettinad (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, an architectural marvel with its grand gopuram and massive central dome, built by the Chola king in the 10th century. Explore the Palace Complex, showcasing the grandeur of Chola architecture with its historical artifacts and intricate designs. Drive to Chettinad, stopping at Trichy to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functional temple in the world, known for its elaborate architecture and vibrant rituals. Visit Rock Fort Temple, situated atop a massive rock, offering panoramic views and showcasing ancient temple structures. Arrive in Chettinad and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore 19th-century mansions in Chettinad, known for their wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and elaborate marble and teak embellishments. Drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Madurai - Coimbatore (220kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, an iconic temple complex with intricate sculptures, colorful gopurams, and a vibrant atmosphere. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, known for its grand architecture, spacious courtyards, and historical significance. Visit Alagar Koil, a picturesque temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated on a hill with scenic views. Discover Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, an important shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan with historical and spiritual significance. Explore Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, another significant temple dedicated to the deity, surrounded by natural beauty. Drive to Coimbatore and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Coimbatore - Ooty (85kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Arulmigu Subramaniyaswami Temple, a serene temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, offering a peaceful atmosphere. Explore Gass Forest Museum, showcasing the region’s flora and fauna, with exhibits on local biodiversity and conservation. Drive to Ooty, check in at the hotel, and take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, offering stunning views of the Nilgiri Hills. Visit Botanical Gardens, featuring a diverse collection of plants, beautifully landscaped areas, and serene walking paths. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Ooty - Mysore (210kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mysore and check in at the hotel. Visit Mysore Palace, an opulent royal residence with grand architecture, stunning interiors, and historical artifacts. Explore Chamundeswari Temple, perched on Chamundi Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and a sacred atmosphere. See Nandi Bull Temple, featuring a large statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, with intricate carvings and religious significance. Visit City Palace, a historical complex with beautiful courtyards, museums, and artifacts showcasing Mysore's royal heritage. Explore St. Philomena's Church, known for its neo-gothic architecture, grandeur, and serene ambiance. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Mysore - Bangalore (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive back to Bangalore and transfer to the airport for your flight to your onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 11 Nights' accommodation in selected price category 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.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • 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 11 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Bangalore x 2 nights: Lemon Tree Premier/ Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa
Vellore x 1 night: Fortune Park Vellore
Chennai x 1 night: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
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
Coimbatore x 1 night: Lemon Tree Hotel/The Residency Towers
Ooty x 1 night: Fortune Resort Sullivan Court/ Accord Highland Ooty
Mysore x 1 night: Fortune Park JP Palace/ Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden

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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