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Sacred Sites & Historical Wonders: South India Temple Tour

5/5
Duration

8 Nights / 9 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through South India’s sacred and historical landmarks with the “Sacred Sites & Historical Wonders: South India Temple Tour.” Begin in Bangalore, exploring vibrant cityscapes and iconic sites like Lal Bagh Garden and the Bull Temple. Travel to Vellore to marvel at the shimmering Golden Temple and the imposing Vellore Fort. Continue to Chennai, where you’ll experience ancient temples in Kanchipuram and explore the historic Fort St. George. Discover Pondicherry’s French charm and ancient Mahabalipuram temples, then journey through Thanjavur to witness the grandeur of Brihadeshwara Temple. Finally, explore the cultural richness of Chettinad before concluding with the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. This tour combines spiritual heritage with architectural splendor across 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 46.2%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 47.1%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 55.7%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 56.5%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 59.6%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 59.6%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 63.7%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

Arrive at Bangalore airport for assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free for personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Bangalore

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Lal Bagh Garden, a sprawling botanical garden featuring a wide range of exotic plants, a glasshouse, and a historic Lal Bagh Lake. Explore Cubbon Park, a lush green space offering a serene retreat with tree-lined avenues, fountains, and numerous statues. Discover the Bangalore Fort, a historic fortification originally built by Kempe Gowda and later expanded by Tippu Sultan. Visit Tippu's Summer Palace, renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, ornate wooden pillars, and intricate frescoes depicting Tippu Sultan’s life. Explore the Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, featuring a colossal granite statue of Nandi. Drive past Vidhana Soudha, a majestic legislative building, and the Secretariat, known for their grandiose Neo-Dravidian architecture. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Bangalore - Vellore (220kms)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Vellore and check in at the hotel. Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, an opulent temple known for its shimmering gold-plated exterior and intricately detailed interiors. Explore Vellore Fort, an imposing structure with a moat, bastions, and historical temples like the Jalakandeswarar Temple and the Venkateswara Perumal Temple within its walls. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Vellore - Chennai (145kms)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Chennai, with a stop in Kanchipuram, an ancient city known for its numerous grand temples such as the Kailasanathar Temple and the Ekambareswarar Temple. On arrival in Chennai, check in at the hotel. Visit Fort St. George, the oldest British fort in India, featuring a museum with artifacts from the colonial era and St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its colorful gopuram and vibrant rituals. Discover Vadapalani Murugan Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, with its richly adorned gopuram and festive atmosphere. Visit the Government Museum, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures and coins from different periods of Indian history. Explore Dakshinachitra Museum, an open-air museum preserving South Indian art, culture, and craft traditions with exhibits from various states. Visit Santhome Cathedral Basilica, a significant Christian landmark built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, with its neo-Gothic architecture. Relax at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, famous for its golden sands and lively atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Chennai - Pondicherry (160kms)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry, with a stop at Mahabalipuram to see the Monolithic Temples carved from single rock masses, including the Pancha Rathas and the Shore Temple. Visit Krishna's Butterball, a giant, round boulder balanced precariously on a slope, an intriguing natural wonder. Explore the Cave Temples, ancient rock-cut temples featuring intricate carvings and sculptures. See the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its elegant Dravidian architecture facing the Bay of Bengal. Admire Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics. On arrival in Pondicherry, check in at the hotel. Visit Auroville, an experimental township focused on sustainable living, with its unique Matrimandir, a golden spherical meditation center. Explore Pondicherry Museum, housing artifacts related to the region’s colonial past, archaeological finds, and cultural heritage. Walk through the French Quarters, showcasing colonial-era architecture, including the French Consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, and charming churches. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180kms)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, stopping en route at Chidambaram to visit Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its intricately carved sculptures and vibrant rituals. Explore The Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, known for their architectural grandeur and historical significance. Visit Darasuram Temple, celebrated for its detailed carvings and the innovative architectural style of the Chola dynasty. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Thanjavur - Chettinad (140kms)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a monumental Chola-era temple renowned for its grand central dome and intricate frescoes depicting mythological scenes. Explore the Palace Complex in Thanjavur, including the Raja’s Museum which houses Chola-era art and artifacts. Drive to Chettinad, with stops in Trichy to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, an expansive temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Rock Fort Temple, known for its panoramic views from the top, and Jambukeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva with its significant water shrine. Arrive in Chettinad and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Explore the 19th-century mansions in Chettinad, known for their grand courtyards, teakwood carvings, and elaborate decorations. Drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Madurai - Bangalore (flight)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, an architectural marvel with its towering gopurams, vibrant sculptures, and extensive complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, famous for its grand columns and expansive courtyards reflecting the grandeur of the Nayak dynasty. Visit Alagar Koil, a scenic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on a picturesque hill. Explore Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, an ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, with significant historical and religious importance. Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, situated amidst lush green surroundings, known for its serene environment and spiritual significance. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bangalore. Overnight at the hotel.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 8 Nights' 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.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Madurai - Bangalore flight fare approx. INR 5,500 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 8 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

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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Bangalore to Madurai South India Temple Trail
zoritoler imol
11/12/2024

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