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Temples & Treasures: Bangalore to Madurai Heritage Drive

0/5
Duration

8 Nights / 9 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on an enriching journey through the heart of South India with our “Temples & Treasures: Bangalore to Madurai Heritage Drive” tour. Begin in Bangalore, where lush gardens and historic forts set the stage for exploration. Traverse to Vellore and Chennai, delving into centuries-old temples and vibrant cityscapes. Continue to Pondicherry’s French quarters and Mahabalipuram’s ancient monolithic marvels. Discover Thanjavur’s Great Living Chola Temples and Chettinad’s opulent mansions before culminating in Madurai, renowned for the majestic Meenakshi Temple. This tour promises a tapestry of spiritual discovery and architectural splendor, woven across nine captivating days.

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 48.8%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 56.6%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 58.5%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 60.9%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 61.7%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 65.5%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

Arrival at Bangalore airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest and relax after your journey.

Day 2: Bangalore

Breakfast at the hotel. Lal Bagh Garden: Botanical garden known for its diverse flora, including the famous Lalbagh Rock. It's a serene retreat in the heart of the city. Cubbon Park: Green oasis featuring landscaped gardens, fountains, and walking paths, perfect for a morning stroll. Bangalore Fort: Historical fort built by Kempe Gowda I, showcasing remnants of Bangalore's colonial past. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace: Elegant palace with teak interiors and historic artifacts, offering insights into Tipu Sultan's reign. Bull Temple (Nandi Temple): Ancient temple dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, known for its massive Nandi statue. Drive past Vidhana Soudha and the Secretariat: Iconic government buildings showcasing architectural grandeur.

Day 3: Bangalore - Vellore (220kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Vellore. Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple: Intricately designed temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, renowned for its golden facade and spiritual ambiance. Vellore Fort: 16th-century fort known for its ramparts, moat, and impressive architecture, reflecting its historical significance.

Day 4: Vellore - Chennai (145kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Chennai via Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram: Ancient city known as the "City of Thousand Temples," famous for its silk sarees and architectural marvels. Kailasanathar Temple: Oldest temple in Kanchipuram dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing Pallava architecture. Ekambareswarar Temple: One of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the element Earth, with a majestic mango tree in its courtyard. Varadaraja Perumal Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its grand architecture and intricate carvings. Fort St. George: First English fortress in India housing St. Mary's Church and a museum displaying colonial artifacts. St. Mary's Church: Oldest Anglican church in India, featuring stained glass windows and historical plaques. Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its vibrant gopurams (gateway towers) and annual festivals. Vadapalani Murugan Temple: Famous temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, bustling with devotees and adorned with colorful sculptures. Government Museum: Houses a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics, offering insights into Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage. Dakshinachitra Museum: Living museum showcasing South Indian heritage through traditional homes, crafts, and performing arts. Santhome Cathedral: Neo-Gothic style cathedral built over the tomb of St. Thomas, offering tranquility amidst bustling Chennai. Marina Beach: India's longest urban beach, ideal for an evening stroll or witnessing the vibrant local life.

Day 5: Chennai - Pondicherry (160kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple: UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Arjuna's Penance: Massive rock relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and daily life, carved on two monolithic rock boulders. Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas): Monolithic rock-cut temples in various architectural styles, showcasing Pallava craftsmanship. Krishna's Butterball: Natural rock formation resembling a giant butterball, defying gravity for centuries. Auroville: Experimental township promoting unity and peace, known for its Matrimandir and tranquil ambiance. Pondicherry Museum: Houses artifacts from French colonial era, showcasing Pondicherry's cultural and historical evolution. French Quarters: Explore French consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, Churches, and French schools, reflecting Pondicherry's colonial charm.

Day 6: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thanjavur via Chidambaram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple: Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, famous for its celestial dance pose. Gangaikonda Cholapuram: Temple complex built by Rajendra Chola I, known for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Darasuram: UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for Airavatesvara Temple, showcasing intricate carvings and spiritual significance. Arrive in Thanjavur and check-in at the hotel.

Day 7: Thanjavur - Chettinad (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Brihadeshwara Temple: UNESCO World Heritage site, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring one of the largest lingams and intricate frescoes. Thanjavur Palace: Historical palace complex with art galleries, museums, and the famous Saraswati Mahal Library. Drive to Chettinad via Trichy. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: One of the largest functioning temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Rock Fort Temple: Ancient fortification with temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva, offering panoramic views of Trichy. Jambukeshwara Temple: Famous for its underground sanctum and water tank, representing one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas. Check-in at the hotel in Chettinad.

Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Chettinad Mansions: Explore the architecture and lifestyle of the Chettiar community through visits to heritage mansions. Athangudi Tile Factory: Witness traditional tile-making techniques, known for vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Drive to Madurai. Meenakshi Amman Temple: Iconic temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, showcasing Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures. Thirumalai Nayakar Palace: 17th-century palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, featuring grand halls and intricate carvings. Alagar Koil: Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, nestled in the picturesque Alagar Hills. Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple: One of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, situated on a hilltop offering panoramic views. Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple: Hill temple known for its serene atmosphere and spiritual significance. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 9: Madurai - Bangalore (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Gandhi Memorial Museum: Exhibits relating to Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings, including his personal belongings and photographs. Transfer to Madurai airport for flight to Bangalore.

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

3 Star Hotels
Bangalore x 2 nights: Royal Orchid Central/ Ramada Bangalore
Vellore x 1 night: Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotel
Chennai x 1 night: ZONE By The Park/ Raj Park
Pondicherry x 1 night: Shenbaga Hotel/ Anandha Inn Convention Centre
Thanjore x 1 night: Sangam Hotels
Chettinad x 1 night: Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
Madurai x 1 night: JC Residency/ Hotel Royal Court

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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from $ 2,683.00

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