Grand South India Tour

Vittala Temple Hospet Day 01 Arrive Chennai
Our executive will receive you at the Chennai airport and escort you to the hotel for hassle free check in. Overnight stay

Flower Market in Chennai Day 02 Chennai-Mahabalipuram ( 1 ½ Hrs drive)
Morning half day sightseeing of Chennai . Visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays). We also visit the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwar Temple, that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here non-Hindus are only allowed as far as the outer courtyard. Later, we drive past Fort St. George, Marina Beach and Santhome Cathedral. After sightseeing will leave for Mahabalipuram for 02 night stay Overnight stay

Mahablipuram Temple Day 03 Mahabaipuram
Today full day explore Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram situated on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Here visit The Shore Temple, now a UNESCO world heritage site, was constructed on the water’s edge, its altar facing east to catch the rays of the rising sun. Kanchipuram- Kanchipuram is important center of Hinduism and known as the city of 1000 temples. Kanchipuram silk is famous worldwide specially Kancheevaram Saris. Overnight stay

Beaches in South India Day 04 Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry ( 03 Hrs drive)
Today after breakfast leave for Pondicherry.Pondicherry now known as the Puducherry was the former capital of the French colonial territories in India. It is also known as French Riviera. Pondicherry’s history can be traced back for thousands of years, to its origins with Saint Gasthya, a revered sage. Here we visit Auroville, an ashram dedicated to peace and harmonious living that was founded by Sri Auribindo, a revered saint and philosopher. The Pondicherry Museum has an outstanding collection of artifacts relating to the history of the French in India. Overnight stay

Auroville Ashram Pondicherry Day 05 Pondicherry-Thanjavur ( 05 Hrs drive)
Today we head out for Thanjavur enroute visiting Chidambaram famous for beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja, Darasuram is home to the UNESCO protected Shiva Shrine built by Raja Raja Chola II. It is a peaceful place with extraordinary Chola Sculptures. and Gangaikondacholapuram- see another temple to Brihadeeswara, one that rivals the big temple at Thanjavur. Built by the Rajendra Chola after visit continue drive to Thanjavur for overnight stay

tamilnadu-kerala-tour-silde2 Day 06 Thanjavur -Trichy-Madurai
Thanjavur is famous for its UNESCO world heritage site Brihadeeswara Temple which was built by Raja Raja Chola 1st. Thanjavur was the capital of Chola dynasty period between 10th to 14th centaury.Our sightseeing takes us the beautiful Chola Brihadeeswara Temple, whose beautifully sculpted gopurams (or towers) are over 90 ft high (27 m).Later drive for Temple city Madurai and enroute visit Tiruchirapalli Tiruchirapalli is also known as Trichy which is famous for wonderful the Rock Fort temple. Here we visit the Rock Fort temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop, from which there is a magnificent view.After visit continue drive to Madurai. Overnight stay

Brihedshwara temple Tanjore Day 07 Madurai -Sightseeing
Madurai is known as the Temple City, Madurai was the capital of the ancient Pandya kingdom. It was during the long reign of the Nayaks (10th-18th century) that the magnificent Meenakshi Temple was constructed. Our half-day sightseeing tour takes us to the Meenakshi Temple, whose towering gopurams rise above the surrounding countryside. The temple is dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. Later, we visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace, a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style, decorated with stucco work domes and arches. In Evening you can participate in Aarti ceremony in Meenakshi Temple. Overnight stay

Chidambaram Temple Day 08 Madurai-Periyar ( 03 Hrs drive)
Today morning leave Madurai for Periyar. Periyar is situated on higher elevation of western Ghats, is the largest National Park and Tiger Reserve. The picturesque Periyar Lake at the heart of sanctuary is one of the major attraction of Periyar. Here you can see herds of elephants with in the Park and other species you can see gaur, sambar or spotted deer. Evening visit to a Spice garden to watch different varieties of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, peeper, clove, vanilla, ginger, tea and coffee growing in their natural environment Overnight stay

Brihedshwara temple Tanjore Day 09 Periyar-Kumarakom ( 04 Hrs drive)
Morning you will be taken for Nature Walk with naturalist in the forest area. Learn more about the local flora & fauna as you walk through the dense forest trails. The rich forests of Periyar are home to many species of plants and you will be amused by the rich bio-diversity of this region. Later leave Periyar for Backwater village Kumarakom. Kumarakom is tiny village on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Here you can go for Ayurveda or spa treatment at resort. Overnight stay

Herds of Elephant Day 10 Kumarakom-Alleppey -Kochi
Today morning you will embark upon your personal houseboat for day cruise journey across the backwaters. The houseboat cruise takes you through the intricate maze of backwaters, mesmerizing and surprising you at every turn with its serene beauty & simple charm. Enjoy the countryside of Kerala at its best. Soak your eyes & soul with array of coconut trees & endless paddy fields. You will also get chance to take a small stroll through the villages & interact with the locals. After lunch disembark the houseboat at Alleppey boat jetty and head out for Kochi.

Kerala Backwaters Day 11 Kochi- Munnar ( 03 ½ Hrs drive)
Here we visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and rive past Dutch and Portuguese buildings. While driving along the coastline, at the mouth of the harbour we see Chinese fishing nets, unique to Cochin and still very much in use. Later leave for Munnar hill station. Munnar is not only South India’s most sought-after hill station but also the center of Kerala’s premiere tea-growing center. Munnar is situated at a height of 1525 meters, the hill station of Munnar offers a breathtaking view of the hills and tea gardens, and the rich tropical forests beyond, abounding in exotic flora & fauna. Overnight stay

Kerala day cruise Day 12 Munnar -Ooty ( 06 Hrs drive)
Today morning drive to Ooty. Ooty (Udhagamandalam) which is known as queen of all Hill Station. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills (or Blue Mountains) is the hill station town of Ooty, perched at an altitude of 2286 m. Famed for its salubrious climate, it has fabulous gardens, tea plantation and pretty cottages.Ooty was discovered by the British in 1800 who built its first railway line and made it summer headquarters of Madras Presidency.Our half day sightseeing tour takes us to the Botanical Gardens, established in 1847, where there is a large variety of exotic and colourful plants. We also visit the Lake, where boating is a favourite pastime. Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri mountains (2623 metres high) offers spectacular views of the valleys. Overnight stay

Fishing in Marari Day 13 Ooty-Mysore ( 04 Hrs drive)
Today take joy ride of Nilgiri Mountain railway from Mettupalayam to Coonnor . The steam train takes a very scenic route, which passing through tunnels and the valley where you can take scenic picture of Nilgiri Hills Later head out for Mysore for overnight stay. Overnight stay

Tea Plantation Day 14 Mysore-Hassan ( 03 Hrs drive)
Today morning sightseeing of Mysore we visit the palace of the Maharaja of Mysore, built in 1911-12, a synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures combining to form an impressive and harmonious whole. After visiting the Art gallery, we drive up to Chamundi Hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple, an ancient temple and the 16-foot Nandi (Siva’s bull) carved out of a single huge boulder. We get a panoramic view of Mysore from the hilltop.Later leave for Hassan enrtoute visit Sravanbelgola.At Sravanabelgola, cut out of a single rock and visible from 25 km away, a massive statue of Lord Gomteshwara is bathed with milk and honey once every 12 years. On arrival at Hassan check in at hotel Overnight stay

Tea Plantation Day 15 Hassan-Hospet ( 07 Hrs drive)
Today ready for long drive towards Hospet enroute visit Belur and Halebid Belur, a city which flourished under the Hoysala Kings 800 years ago and the sole reminder of this grandeur is the Chennakesava Temple.After visit continue drive for Hospet where we stay for two nights Overnight stay

Nandi Bull Day Hospet - Hampi – Badami ( 03 Hrs drive)
Today morning visit to Hampi ruins. Hampi –The ruin city was the capital of Vijay Nagar Empire in 16th centaury. Hampi was the shell of the proud royal city of Vijaynagar - the City of Victory. Now this is UNESCO world heritage site. The ruins of Hampi spread over 26 sq. km. include temples, palaces, baths and pavilions; the sculptured Hazara Rama, once the king’s private place of worship, the great hall, the Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath, Lotus Pavilion, a huge and mutilated Narasimha image and the sculptured stone chariot are some of the sights in this ghostly capital of departed glory. Hampi hosts 'Hampi Utsav' every year during first week of November. Later continue drive for Badami. Overnight stay

Shravanabelgola Day 17 Badami-Bijapur ( 03 ½ Hrs drive)
Morning visit Badami caves. Badami once known as Vatapi, lies between two hills and is dominated by a fort, the walls of which rise up from the cliffs. The town is known for its ancient cave temples carved out of the sandstone hills above.Later leave for Bijapur enroute visiting Aihole & Pattadakal.Aihole - Founded around 450 AD, the ancient capital of the Chalukyans has more than seventy temples dedicated to various deities of the Hindu pantheon.Pattadakal - This is where the Chalukyan kings were crowned. The clusters of temples at the foothills are delicately chiselled and rich in detail. After visit continue drive to Bijapur. Overnight stay

Somnath Temple Day 18 Bijapur- Hyderabad via Gulbarga ( 07 Hrs drive)
Today morning visit Gol Gumbaz - the vast mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah and later head out for long drive to Hyderabad enroute visit Gulbarga Fort and Jumma Masjid with its elegant domes and arched columns reminiscent of the great mosque of Cordoba Spain. Finally after long drive you reach at Hyedarabad. Overnight stay

Vittala Temple Hospet Day 19 Hyderabad-Sightseeing
Hyderabad which is also known as Cyberabad. After Bangalore this is second growing city in India where you found IT and BPO’S offices. Microsoft and Google have their India headquarters here.Today we visit to the Charminar, the Mecca Mosque and the Salar Jung Museum, which is a one-man collection of manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and curios. Later, we drive past the High Court buildings. Golconda was once famed for its diamond mines, from which the famous and historic Kohinoor diamond was mined. It is the site of a historic and strategically built fort dating back to the 13th century.

WP_20130807_115 Day 20 Leave Hyderabad
Today in time transfer to Hyderabad airport to board return flight to home.