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Temple Trails & Tea Estates: A South Indian Journey

0/5
Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through South India with “Temple Trails & Tea Estates: A South Indian Journey.” Begin in vibrant Chennai, exploring historic landmarks such as Fort St. George and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Traverse to the serene coastal town of Pondicherry, with its French colonial charm and rich cultural sites. Witness the grandeur of ancient temples in Thanjavur, Trichy, and Madurai, before immersing yourself in the lush tea estates of Munnar. Experience the colonial beauty of Ooty and the historic treasures of Mysore, Hassan, and Bangalore. Conclude with a visit to the gilded Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple and the ancient city of Kanchipuram, leaving you with lasting memories of South India’s diverse heritage and natural beauty.

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 45.6%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 44.4%
4 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 53.4%
5 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 53%
6 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 57.2%
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 56.4%
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.8%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Arrival transfer to hotel (check in/out time 12pm). Visit Fort St. George, a historic fort built by the British in 1644, housing the St. Mary Church and a museum with colonial artifacts. Explore Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a vibrant Shiva temple known for its ornate gopuram (gateway tower) and elaborate sculptures. Visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, famous for its colorful murals and dedicated to Lord Murugan, an important deity in South Indian Hinduism. Discover Government Museum, featuring an extensive collection of archaeological and numismatic treasures from South India. Visit Santhome Cathedral, a historic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, featuring neo-gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass. Overnight at hotel.

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

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Pondicherry with a stop at Mahabalipuram to explore Monolithic Temples, including intricately carved rock temples like the Pancha Rathas. Marvel at Krishnas Butterball, a massive granite boulder balancing precariously on a slope, a popular geological wonder. Visit Cave Temples, ancient rock-cut temples featuring intricate carvings and inscriptions from the Pallava dynasty. Explore Shore Temple, an ancient temple complex dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, located right on the coastline with stunning ocean views. See The Arjuna Penance, a vast bas-relief depicting Arjuna’s penance to obtain divine weapons, adorned with various mythological figures. On arrival in Pondicherry, check in at hotel. Visit Auroville, an experimental community founded on principles of human unity, featuring unique architecture and a tranquil atmosphere. Explore Pondicherry Museum, showcasing a range of historical artifacts, including sculptures, coins, and colonial-era items. Drive or walk through French Quarters, appreciating colonial architecture, charming streets, and landmarks like the French consulate and Raj Nivas. Overnight at hotel.

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

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Thanjavur, visiting Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, known for its intricate carvings and rituals. Explore The Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, featuring grand architectural elements and historical significance from the Chola dynasty. Visit Darasuram Temple, renowned for its detailed sculptures and architectural finesse, representing Chola art and culture. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, a monumental Chola-era temple known for its massive dome, extensive carvings, and historical grandeur. Explore the Palace Complex, which includes the Royal Palace and its artifacts, reflecting the opulence of the Chola dynasty. Drive to Trichy, check in at hotel. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, an expansive temple complex dedicated to Vishnu, famous for its massive gopurams and detailed architecture. Explore Rock Fort Temple, perched on a rock outcrop, offering panoramic views and featuring ancient Shiva and Ganesh shrines. Visit Jambukeshwara Temple, dedicated to Shiva and known for its water feature symbolizing the element of water in worship. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Trichy - Madurai (140kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Madurai, check in at hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple, a sprawling temple complex known for its colorful sculptures, towering gopurams, and vibrant daily ceremonies. Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a grand palace with ornate ceilings, arches, and historical artifacts from the Nayak dynasty. Visit Alagar Koil, a temple dedicated to Vishnu, set in a scenic location with beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings. Explore Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its historical and religious significance. Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, another significant temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, set in serene natural surroundings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Madurai - Munnar (160km)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station, check in at hotel. Visit a tea estate for a guided tour and tea tasting experience, learning about the tea production process and sampling various teas. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Munnar

Breakfast at hotel. Explore Pothamedu, offering panoramic views of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations amidst lush green hills. Visit Mattupetty Dam, a concrete gravity dam with opportunities for boating and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. Explore Rajamala Hill in Eravikulam National Park, a natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, providing scenic views and wildlife spotting. Visit Mattupedi Dairy Farm, known for its Indo-Swiss dairy farming and high-quality dairy products. See Echo Point, a popular spot where you can shout and hear your echo return from the surrounding hills. Explore the Tea Museum, showcasing the history and development of tea cultivation in the region with interactive exhibits. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Munnar - Ooty (250kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Ooty, a charming hill station, check in at hotel. Spend the day exploring Ooty at your own pace, with options to visit local markets, enjoy the cool climate, and explore nearby attractions. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Ooty

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Botanical Gardens, featuring diverse plant species, manicured lawns, and a variety of thematic gardens. Enjoy a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a historic train journey offering stunning views of the Nilgiri Hills and tea estates. Take a boat ride on Ooty Lake, surrounded by scenic beauty and offering opportunities for leisurely boating. Overnight at hotel

Day 10: Ooty - Mysore (150kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Mysore, check in at hotel. Visit Mysore Palace, a grand royal residence with opulent interiors, intricate designs, and historical artifacts. Explore Jagan Mohan Palace, now an art gallery with a collection of traditional and contemporary Indian art. Visit Chamundeswari Temple, situated on Chamundi Hill, offering panoramic views and dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari. Explore Nandi Bull Temple, known for its massive granite statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva. Visit City Palace, showcasing Mysore’s royal heritage with its elegant architecture and museum exhibits. Explore St. Philomenas Church, a beautiful neo-gothic church with stunning stained glass windows and architectural details. Overnight at hotel.

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

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Hassan, visiting Somanathapura Chennakesava Temple, known for its elaborate Hoysala architecture and intricate carvings. Explore Srirangapatna Ranganathaswamy Temple, an important Vaishnavite temple with rich architectural and historical significance. Visit Shravanbelagla Gommateshwara Temple, featuring a massive statue of Lord Bahubali, an important Jain pilgrimage site. Arrive in Hassan, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

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

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, known for its exquisite Hoysala art and detailed carvings. Explore Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu, famous for its intricate sculptural work and historical importance. Drive to Bangalore, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Bangalore - Vellore (220kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Lal Bagh Garden, a botanical garden with a variety of plant species, a glasshouse, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Explore Cubbon Park, a large urban park with lush greenery, walking paths, and a tranquil environment. Visit Bangalore Fort, a historical fortification with significant heritage from the city's past. Explore Tippu Summer Palace, an ornate palace with historical exhibits related to Tippu Sultan. Visit Bull Temple, dedicated to the sacred bull Nandi, featuring a massive granite statue and a historical temple. Drive past Vidhana Soudha and Secretariat, iconic buildings housing the state legislature and government offices. Drive to Vellore, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Vellore - Chennai (150kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, a lavish temple gilded with 1500kg of pure gold, renowned for its opulence and spiritual significance. Explore Vellore Fort, a historic fort with impressive ramparts and the Jalakandeswarar Temple inside. Drive to Chennai, visiting Kanchipuram, famous for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. On arrival in Chennai, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Chennai - Departure (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Revisit Fort St. George, St Mary Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Government Museum, Dakshinachitra Museum, Santhome Cathedral, and Marina Beach. Transfer to airport as per flight schedule for onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 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.
  • 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 14 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Chennai x 2 nights: Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
Pondicherry x 1 night: Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry
Thanjavur x 1 night: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
Trichy x 1 night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Munnar x 2 nights: Elixir Hills Resort/ Tea County Munnar
Ooty x 2 nights: Fortune Resort Sullivan Court/ Accord Highland Ooty
Mysore x 1 night: Fortune Park JP Palace/ Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden
Hassan x 1 night: Hosyala Village Resort/ Rosetta By Ferns – Sakleshpur
Bangalore x 1 night: Lemon Tree Premier/ Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa
Vellore x 1 night: Fortune Park Vellore

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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