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Divine South India: Temples, Forts & Palaces

0/5
Duration

9 Nights / 10 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through South India’s rich heritage with our “Divine South India: Temples, Forts & Palaces” tour. Begin in Bangalore, where vibrant markets and historic landmarks set the stage for your adventure. Travel to Vellore to marvel at the resplendent Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple and the historic Vellore Fort. Continue to Chennai, exploring colonial forts, ancient temples, and bustling city life. Experience the coastal charm of Pondicherry and the intricate craftsmanship of Mahabalipuram’s monuments. Delve into the grandeur of Thanjavur’s Chola temples and the unique architecture of Chettinad. Conclude your journey in the serene hill station of Yercaud before returning to Bangalore, filled with memories of South India’s divine treasures.

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 Bangalore

Upon landing at Bangalore airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring Bangalore’s bustling markets, aromatic eateries, and lively streets. Overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full day of sightseeing. Visit Lal Bagh Garden, a botanical haven featuring over 1,000 species of plants, a beautiful glasshouse, and a serene lake. Explore Cubbon Park, a sprawling green space in the heart of the city, ideal for a peaceful stroll amidst Bangalore’s urban landscape. Discover Bangalore Fort, originally built by Kempe Gowda in 1537, with its remnants showcasing the city's historical importance. Tour Tippu's Summer Palace, known for its distinctive Islamic architecture, ornate wooden pillars, and historical significance as Tippu Sultan's residence. Visit the Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, featuring a massive granite statue and vibrant local markets nearby.

Day 3: Bangalore - Vellore (220kms)

After breakfast, set off for Vellore, arriving and checking in at your hotel. Visit the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, an architectural marvel gilded with 1500kg of pure gold, known for its opulent design and spiritual ambiance. Explore Vellore Fort, a massive fortress built by the Vijayanagara Empire, housing the ornate Jalakandeswarar Temple with its exquisite sculptures. Enjoy a tranquil evening stroll around the fort’s ramparts, taking in views of the surrounding landscape. Overnight in Vellore.

Day 4: Vellore - Chennai (145kms)

After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, known as the 'City of a Thousand Temples'. Visit the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, renowned for its elaborate carvings and vibrant sculptures dedicated to the goddess Kamakshi. Explore Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a towering gopuram and sacred mango tree. Continue your journey to Chennai and check in at your hotel. Visit Fort St. George, a historic fort built by the British East India Company, housing a museum with colonial artifacts. Explore St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, known for its historic significance and beautiful stained glass windows. Discover Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant temple activities. Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Government Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, and Dakshinachitra Museum, showcasing South Indian heritage and crafts. End the day with a serene visit to Santhome Cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Thomas, and a leisurely walk along Marina Beach. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 5: Chennai - Pondicherry (160kms)

After breakfast, journey to Pondicherry, stopping in Mahabalipuram to explore its historic temples and rock-cut wonders. Admire the Monolithic Temples, such as the Pancha Rathas, intricately carved monolithic structures dedicated to various deities. See Krishna's Butterball, a gigantic boulder perched precariously on a hill, and the Cave Temples with their ancient carvings. Visit the Shore Temple, an ancient marvel overlooking the Bay of Bengal, renowned for its intricate carvings and architectural significance. Explore The Arjuna Penance, a massive bas-relief depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including the descent of the Ganges. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, visit Auroville, an international community dedicated to peace and sustainable living, and explore its unique architecture and philosophy. Discover the rich history of Pondicherry Museum, which showcases artifacts from French colonial times, and take a scenic drive through the quaint French Quarters. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 6: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180kms)

Start with breakfast before driving to Thanjavur, making stops at Chidambaram to visit the Nataraja Temple, famous for its magnificent bronze statues of Lord Shiva performing the cosmic dance. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, known for the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its grand architecture and detailed sculptures. Visit Darasuram to see the Airavatesvara Temple, another UNESCO site, renowned for its intricate carvings and architectural elegance. Arrive in Thanjavur and enjoy the town’s serene ambiance. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 7: Thanjavur - Chettinad (140kms)

Discover Thanjavur’s architectural wonders, beginning with the Brihadeshwara Temple, a grand Chola temple famous for its massive dome and intricately carved sculptures. Proceed to Trichy for a brief visit, including the Rock Fort Temple, set atop a granite hill with panoramic views and the Ranganathaswamy Temple, known for its grand gopurams and extensive temple complex. Continue your journey to Chettinad and check in at your hotel. Relax after the journey. Overnight in Chettinad.

Day 8: Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

After breakfast, visit a few of Chettinad’s grand mansions, known for their opulent architecture, exquisite marble, and teakwood details. Drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Explore Madurai’s cultural gems, starting with the grand Meenakshi Temple, famous for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures. Visit Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, known for its majestic hallways, massive dome, and intricate stucco work. Discover the serene ambiance of Alagar Koil, a hill temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with beautiful surroundings and historical significance. Conclude with visits to Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, offering spiritual solace amidst natural beauty. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 9: Madurai - Yercaud (250kms)

After breakfast, journey to the tranquil hill station of Yercaud, known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Visit Sugavaneswarar Temple, a serene temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, set amidst lush greenery. Explore Christ Church, known for its beautiful stained glass windows and peaceful environment. Enjoy nature at the cascading Kiliyur Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by dense forests. Relax at the Japanese Garden, a beautifully maintained garden with serene landscapes and water features. Embrace the hill station’s tranquility before concluding the day. Overnight in Yercaud.

Day 10: Yercaud - Bangalore (235kms)

Drive back to Bangalore after breakfast, arriving and checking in at your hotel. Explore Bangalore’s vibrant markets, visit local attractions, or relax at the hotel, reminiscing about your South India temple tour. Overnight in Bangalore.

Day 11: Bangalore Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your enriching South India temple tour. Carry back cherished memories and experiences from this journey through time.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 9 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?
Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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