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Southern Splendor: Temples & Tea Estates Tour

0/5
Duration

12 Nights / 13 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Explore the essence of Southern India on the “Southern Splendor: Temples & Tea Estates Tour,” a captivating journey that blends ancient spirituality with serene natural beauty. Begin in Chennai, delving into the architectural marvels of Mahabalipuram and the tranquil charm of Pondicherry. Discover the sacred grounds of Chidambaram, the grandeur of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the intricate carvings of Darasuram. Move on to Thanjavur, a treasure trove of South Indian heritage, before venturing to Madurai, famed for its majestic temples. Immerse yourself in the lush tea plantations of Munnar, the colonial charm of Ooty, and the royal splendor of Mysore. Finally, trace the cultural legacy of Belur and Halebeedu, culminating in Bangalore’s vibrant cityscape. This tour promises an unforgettable blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty across Southern India’s most cherished destinations.

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 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Arrive at Chennai airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest and prepare for your journey ahead.

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

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. Visit the Shore Temple, a 7th-century temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, famous for its unique architecture and serene coastal views. Explore Arjuna's Penance, an enormous rock carving depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, showcasing intricate carvings and sculptures. Proceed to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its vibrant culture and colonial architecture. Visit Auroville, an experimental township promoting unity and sustainability, and explore its Matrimandir, a golden spherical temple dedicated to human unity. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

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

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as the Cosmic Dancer, renowned for its architectural grandeur and spiritual significance. Explore Gangaikonda Cholapuram, an ancient town showcasing the legacy of the Chola dynasty, including the Brihadisvara Temple with its imposing vimana (tower). Visit Darasuram to see the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite carvings and unique architectural elements. Proceed to Thanjavur. Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, an architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay in Thanjore.

Day 4: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple to admire its grand architecture and intricate sculptures depicting Hindu mythology. Explore the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, featuring a blend of Maratha and Nayak architectural styles, and houses a museum showcasing royal artifacts and paintings. Drive to Trichy. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning temples in the world dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its impressive gopurams (gateway towers) and religious significance. Overnight stay in Trichy.

Day 5: Trichy - Madurai (140kms)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Rock Fort Temple, an ancient fort complex atop a rock structure with temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva, offering panoramic views of the city. Drive to Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple known for its towering gopurams adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures depicting mythological tales. Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and grandeur, including a light and sound show in the evening. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 6: Madurai - Munnar (160km)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats known for its tea plantations and scenic landscapes. Visit Mattupetty Dam, a concrete gravity dam surrounded by lush greenery and offering boating facilities amidst serene views of the reservoir. Explore Kundala Lake and enjoy a leisurely boat ride surrounded by tea gardens and rolling hills. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea cultivation in the region. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 7: Munnar

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and explore its rolling grasslands and shola forests. Proceed to Top Station for breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Visit Tea Gardens to witness the tea-plucking process and understand the art of tea processing. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 8: Munnar - Ooty (250kms)

After breakfast, drive to Ooty, known as the Queen of Hill Stations, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills. Visit the Government Botanical Gardens, featuring a vast collection of exotic plants, ferns, and orchids amidst beautifully landscaped lawns. Explore Ooty Lake, a scenic artificial lake offering boating facilities amidst serene surroundings. Overnight stay in Ooty.

Day 9: Ooty

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Visit Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and plains. Explore the Rose Garden, home to thousands of varieties of roses and other floral species, ideal for nature enthusiasts and photography. Visit the Thread Garden, showcasing handcrafted artificial plants and flowers made from colorful threads, depicting the biodiversity of the region. Overnight stay in Ooty.

Day 10: Ooty - Mysore (150kms)

After breakfast, drive to Mysore, known for its royal heritage, palaces, and vibrant culture. Visit Mysore Palace, a grand royal residence showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture, and witness the dazzling spectacle of the palace illuminated with thousands of lights on Sundays and public holidays. Explore Chamundi Hill and Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, offering panoramic views of Mysore city. Visit Devaraja Market, a bustling marketplace offering a variety of local products, spices, and souvenirs. Overnight stay in Mysore.

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

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Visit Somanathapura Keshava Temple, an exquisite example of Hoysala architecture renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures. Explore Srirangapatna, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan, known for its fort, palaces, and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird lovers with diverse avian species amidst scenic riverbanks. Overnight stay in Hassan.

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

After breakfast, visit Belur Chennakeshava Temple, an architectural marvel showcasing Hoysala craftsmanship and intricate sculptures depicting mythological tales. Explore Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebeedu, famous for its detailed carvings, friezes, and sculptures depicting Hindu deities and epics. Drive to Bangalore. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, featuring a stunning collection of exotic plants, a serene lake, and the famous Glass House hosting flower shows. Overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 13: Bangalore - Departure (flight)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Visit Bangalore Palace, a magnificent palace blending Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture, showcasing royal artifacts and paintings. Explore Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, an elegant Indo-Islamic structure with ornate arches and beautiful frescoes depicting floral motifs. Optionally, visit Nandi Hills for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and indulge in activities like trekking or sightseeing. Transfer to Bangalore airport for your onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 12 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

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?
What is the standard of the hotels included in this tour?
Hotels used or similar for 12 nights accommodation
 
3 Star Hotels  
Chennai x 1 night: ZONE By The Park/ Raj Park  
Pondicherry x 1 night: Shenbaga Hotel/ Anandha Inn Convention Centre  
Thanjavur x 1 night: Sangam Hotels  
Trichy x 1 night: Red Fox Hotel/ Hotel Blossoms  
Madurai x 1 night: JC Residency/ Hotel Royal Court  
Munnar x 2 nights: Abad Copper Castle/ Elysium Garden Hill Resort  
Ooty x 2 nights: Gem Park Ooty/ Monarch Hotel  
Mysore x 1 night: Sandesh The Prince/ Regenta Central Herald By Royal Orchid Hotels  
Hassan x 1 night: The Ashhok/ Pearl Hotel  
Bangalore x 1 night: Royal Orchid Central/ Ramada Bangalore  

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