Complete South India Tour

Duration: 22 Days

Destination Covered: Chennai-Tamilnadu-Kerala-Cochin-Depart


Overview

Come to the enticing land - South India! The South India attracts tourists from all over India and the world on account of its territory dotted with tourist spots. The tourists throng the God's Own Country - Kerala to witness the enchanting backwater destinations and the breathtaking landscapes. The Tamil Nadu state is having the famous temples known for its exceptional art and Dravidian architecture.

Discover the history of the ancient land of India. Explore the magnificence of rock-cut cave temples, monoliths, forts, monuments belonging to diverse architectural styles evokes wonder at their sheer magnificence.

Trip Highlights
    • Visit the Ekambaram temple and the Kailashnath temples,
    • Visit city tour of Mahabalipuram covering the shore temples,
    • Visit Mother’s Ashram Pondicherry,
    • Visit Tanjore Temple, Srirangam and Rock Fort Temple & Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
    • Visit to Kanyakumari – the southernmost tip of India,
    • Visit Belur and Halebid temples
    • Visit the 9th Century Shiva temple in Chidambaram
    • Enjoy toy train journey from Ooty to Coonoor
Itinerary Details
Day - 1     Arrival in Chennai, India

Arrive in Chennai, the capital city of Chennai and the gateway of South India. Tour the tourist places in Chennai namely, the Kapaleeswarar temple, Santhome Church, Fort Museum and National Art Gallery.

Overnight will be in Chennai.

Day - 2     Chennai - Mahabalipuram by car

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, the only shore temple surviving in India. Tour this world heritage site for the whole day.

Overnight will be in Mahabalipuram.

Day - 3     Mahabalipuram -Kanchipuram -Vellore -Tiruvanamalai by car

After breakfast, drive to Kanchipuram, one of the sacred 7 cities of India famous for its thousand temples. Also visit the numerous temples like Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Varatharaja Temple and Ekambareshwara Temple, which give the city its name as 'the temple city'. Vellore houses one of the Tippu Sultan's forts and Jalakandeswara temple. Then proceed to Tiruvannamalai to visit the Arunachaleeswarar temple and the Ashram of Sri Ramana Maharishi.

Overnight will be in Tiruvannamalai.

Day - 4     Tiruvanamalai - Gingee - Pondicherry by car

Gingee is known for the beautiful fort that dates back to the 14th century. Go to the former French Colony in Pondicherry famous for Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville and the beach.

Overnight will be in Pondicherry.

Day - 5     Pondicherry-Chidambaram - Gangaikondacholapuram - Darasuram - Kumbakonam - Tanjore by car

In the morning visit the 9th Century Shiva temple in Chidambaram which houses a unique Emerald lingam statue. After attending the afternoon prayer, move to Gangaikondacholapuram. Darasuram is known for its old monuments that reflect Chola architecture. Tanjore is known for its temple architecture and paintings. Visit the temples at Tanjore.

Overnight will be in Tanjore.

Day - 6     Tanjore - Trichy by car

Drive to Trichy was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. See the Lord Robert Clive's house, Srirangam temple, Rock-Fort temple, and Ganapati temple on hilltop and Shiva temple.

Overnight will be in Trichy.

Day - 7     Trichy - Madurai by car

Reach Madurai, known for 1000-pillared Meenakshi Amman temple. You are also taken to the special religious night ceremony held in the temple. Also visit Thirumalai Nayak's Palace and Gandhi Museum.

Overnight will be in Madurai.

Day - 8     Madurai - Periyar by car

Go to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best game sanctuaries in India. Also cover Thekkady Enroute visiting all important tourist places. Enjoy boating on the Lake Periyar top explore the sanctuary at its best. Drive past the spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. You can shop at the local market.

Overnight will be in Periyar.

Day - 9     Periyar - Cochin by car

Reach the commercial capital and the natural harbour in Kerala - Kochi-Cochin. . The tourist places in the city include a Jewish synagogue - The Dutch Palace, Portuguese Churches, Mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese Fishing Nets. In the evening attend the traditional Kathakali Dance Show.

Overnight will be in Cochin.

Day - 10     Cochin - Ooty by car

Drive to Ooty - 'the queen of hill stations'. Full day is for excursion to Ooty and Coonoor. Visit to Botanical Gardens, the Ooty Lake, and Dodabetta peak offering you panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains in Ooty. You can also opt for a toy train tour to Coonoor to enjoy the scenic surroundings and visit the vegetable market at Karamadai Enroute.

Overnight will be in Ooty.

Day - 11     Ooty - Mudumalai - Mysore by car

Drive to Mysore, the Sandalwood City of India. Visit to Mysore Palace, the Art Gallery, Brindavan Gardens etc. Also cover the Mudumalai and Bandipur Wild life sanctuaries on the way.

Overnight will be in Mysore.

Day - 12     Mysore - Srirangapatanam - Somnathpur by car

Have a full day excursion to Srirangapatnam and Somnathpur. Return to Mysore and visit the stone temples with intricate carvings. In the afternoon visit to Devaraja vegetable and flower market.

Overnight will be Mysore.

Day - 13     Mysore - Shravanabelagola - Hassan by car

Drive towards Hassan via Sravanabelagola, the most popular Jain pilgrimage Enroute. Situated on a small hill, there are 600 rock cut steps leading you to the top. Visit Belur and Halebid in the afternoon to witness fine examples of Hoysala Architecture temples.

Overnight will be Hassan.

Day - 14     Hassan - Hospet by car

Morning after breakfast, drive to Hospet. It is a little town on the way to Hampi. On reaching Hospet check in hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight will be Hospet.

Day - 15     Hospet - Hampi - Hospet by car

From Hospet move to Hampi, once the capital of Vijayanagar Empire and the largest Hindu Kingdom. Visit the temples, the panoramic hills, ancient markets and the boat ride by the riverside.

Overnight will be in Hospet.

Day - 16     Hospet -Aihole - Pattadakal - Badami by car

Aihole and Pattadakal built during the Chalukyas dynasty is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the Southern Dravida School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan temple of the 5th century A.D and other 70 temples in this group are the major tourist attractions. The Meguti temple and Ravanaphadi Cave can also be visited. Pattadakal has the oldest temple named Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars showcasing the life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures of the Ramayana & Mahabharata era. The Papanatha Temple with impressive carvings on pillars and ceiling captures your attention anyway.

Overnight will be in Badami.

Day - 17     Badami

Morning tour of Badami or Vatapi takes you to a culturally rich Hindu and Jain temples carved from sand stone hills. The Fort atop the hill encloses large granaries, treasury and a watch tower. Also the Malegitti Shivalaya temple is not to be missed out.

Overnight will be in Badami.

Day - 18     Badami - Bijapur by car

Bijapur is ingrained with the Muslim influence in its buildings and architecture. Gol Gumbaz, the major landmark of the city should be visited in your first lot.

Overnight will be in Bijapur.

Day - 19     Bijapur - Gulbarga by car

Gulbarga is a perfect blend of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. Jumma Masjid is a huge mosque on the lines of Spanish mosque of Cordoba. The Khwaja Banda Nawaz tomb is also an architectural marvel.

Overnight will be in Gulbarga.

Day - 20     Gulbarga - Hyderabad by car

Visit Charminar, the Mecca Mosque, the Salar Jung Museum and High Court Buildings - the best collection of Manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and curios.

Overnight will be in Hyderabad.

Day - 21     Hyderabad

Your day is free or you can also opt for an optional tour to Golconda Fort. Golconda Fort was built in the 13th century on the outskirts on Hyderabad. Also visit the Tombs of Qutab Shahi Kings surrounded by verdant gardens.

Overnight will be in Hyderabad.

Day - 22     Hyderabad – Departure

Board a flight from Hyderabad airport to your onward destination or way back home.




DROP A MESSAGE




!-- Menu jQuery plugin -->