Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and freshen up before enjoying a hearty breakfast. Visit Fort St. George, a historic fort with colonial-era buildings including the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Fort Museum, showcasing artifacts from the British East India Company era. Discover Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Hindu temple with elaborate Dravidian architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. End your day at Santhome Basilica, a historic church built on the tomb of St. Thomas, with serene interiors and a rich Christian heritage in India.

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples. Visit the Shore Temple, a 7th-century temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, noted for its intricate carvings and dual shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Explore Arjuna's Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology, including the Descent of the Ganges. Discover the Five Rathas, a group of rock-cut temples named after the Pandava brothers and their wife, showcasing diverse architectural styles. Continue to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. In the evening, explore Pondicherry's French Quarter with its colonial buildings, visit Aurobindo Ashram to learn about the spiritual teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, and enjoy a walk along the Promenade to soak in the coastal charm.

After breakfast, depart for Thanjavur with fascinating stops en route. Visit Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, renowned for its architectural brilliance and intricate bronze sculptures of Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer. Explore the Great Living Chola Temples in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a grand temple complex dedicated to Shiva, with impressive sculptures and expansive courtyards. Continue to Darasuram to visit the Airavatesvara Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its detailed carvings and exquisite Dravidian architecture. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at your hotel, and later visit Brihadeshwara Temple, an architectural marvel with a massive dome and elaborate frescoes, celebrated for its grandeur. Explore Vijayanagar Fort and the Thanjavur Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library, which houses a significant collection of ancient manuscripts and historical artifacts.

Revisit Brihadeshwara Temple to appreciate its architectural marvels in the morning light. Continue your exploration of Thanjavur with additional visits to Vijayanagar Fort and the Thanjavur Art Gallery & Saraswathi Mahal Library. Drive to Trichy and check in at your hotel. Explore Rock Fort Temple, a historic temple complex perched on a rock outcrop offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a sprawling temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with its grand architecture and vibrant pilgrimage atmosphere.

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India. Check in at your hotel and later visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, a grand temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, known for its intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and bustling temple rituals. Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and stunning light and sound show in the evening. Visit the Gandhi Museum, housed in the historic Tamukkam Palace, which exhibits artifacts and photographs related to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and India's independence struggle. Wander through Madurai’s local markets to experience the vibrant culture and shop for local handicrafts.

Bid farewell to Madurai and drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations and lush landscapes. Check in at your Munnar hotel and relax after the scenic drive. In the afternoon, visit a local tea estate to witness the tea-making process, from plucking tea leaves to processing, and enjoy a tea-tasting session to savor the fresh flavors.

Explore Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a guided walk through the park, known for its lush landscapes and seasonal blooming of Neelakurinji flowers. Visit Mattupetty Dam, a popular spot offering beautiful views and opportunities for a boat ride on the serene waters. Discover Echo Point, known for its unique acoustic effects where your voice echoes back, providing fun photo opportunities and a tranquil setting. Learn about the history and production of tea at the Tea Museum, which showcases the evolution of Munnar’s tea industry and offers insights into local tea culture.

After breakfast, drive to Ooty, the "Queen of Hill Stations," known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Check in at your hotel and unwind after the drive. Explore the local area or relax in the comfort of your hotel.

Visit the Botanical Gardens, featuring a wide array of exotic plants, colorful flowerbeds, and a fossilized tree trunk believed to be over 20 million years old. Explore the Rose Garden, a sprawling garden with a vast collection of roses in different colors and fragrances. Enjoy a boat ride on Ooty Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by eucalyptus trees, or take a leisurely walk along the lake's promenade. Visit Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Experience a joy ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with vintage steam locomotives, offering picturesque views of the Nilgiri hills.

Drive to Mysore, a city known for its royal heritage and grand palaces. Check in at your hotel and relax. Visit Mysore Palace, an opulent palace with Indo-Saracenic architecture, stunning interiors, and illuminated in the evening, showcasing the grandeur of the Wadiyar dynasty. Explore Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountains that light up in the evening with synchronized music and colorful lights.

Drive to Hassan with stops at Somanathapura and Srirangapatna. Visit Chennakesava Temple in Somanathapura, renowned for its intricate Hoysala architecture and elaborate stone carvings depicting various deities and mythological scenes. Explore Srirangapatna, including Dariya Daulat Palace, the summer residence of Tipu Sultan, and Gumbaz Mausoleum, a mausoleum for Tipu Sultan and his family, and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, an important pilgrimage site. Arrive in Hassan and check in at your hotel.

Drive to Belur and visit Chennakeshava Temple, an architectural gem of Hoysala design, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures. Continue to Halebidu to explore Hoysaleswara Temple, known for its detailed carvings and elaborate architecture. Drive to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, check in at your hotel, and enjoy a comfortable night's stay.

Explore Bangalore with a visit to Lalbagh Botanical Garden, an expansive garden with a diverse collection of plant species and a glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. Visit Bangalore Palace, an architectural marvel resembling European castles with richly decorated interiors and historical artifacts. Stop at Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi with a massive granite statue, offering insight into local religious practices. In the afternoon, drive to Vellore, check in at your hotel, and relax for the night.

Depart Vellore and drive to Chennai, visiting Kanchipuram en route. Explore Kanchipuram’s famous temples, including Kailasanathar Temple, known for its early Dravidian architecture, and Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and famous for its massive temple complex and large mango tree. Discover local silk shops in Kanchipuram known for their exquisite sarees and traditional craftsmanship. Continue to Chennai, check in at your hotel, and enjoy a final city tour, including a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple and a stroll along Marina Beach.

After breakfast, enjoy a final city tour of Chennai or revisit any remaining attractions. Later, your tour guide will transfer you to Chennai airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your enriching South India tour.