Heritage & Culture of South India

This tour can started from Chennai, Cochin, Mumbai & Bangalore & the tour routing can be modified as per your arrival & departure International or domestic flights.

Day 01: Arrive Bangalore International airport
Assistance on arrival by our tour representative at Bangalore International airport, transfer to hotel. Relax & overnight in Bangalore.
Day 02: Bangalore
After breakfast at the hotel start your sight seeing tour of Bangalore covering the Parliament House known as Vidhan Soudha, Central Library, Government Museum – a must see, Palace of Tipu Sultan, Bull Temple & drive pass through Cubbon Park & Lal Bagh. Evening free to venture into the markets of MG Road. Overnight in Bangalore.
Day 03: Bangalore – Chennai (By air at 0900 hrs / arr at 1000 hrs)
After early breakfast checkout & transfer to airport to board the flight for Bangalore at 0900 hrs, assistance on arrival in Chennai at 1000 hrs, after freshen up at 1200 hrs take a sight seeing tour of Chennai early known as Madras located at the Coromandel Coast of South India. The tour will cover Marina Beach known to be the second longest beach in the world. Saint George Fort built in 1653 AD and it is used as the state government secretariat office, later visit Santhome Cathedral which was built in the 14th & 15th century and is another colonial structure expecting a must see visit. Later visit the Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva – Kapaleeswara Temple and it is supposed to be the oldest temple in Chennai, also visit the Temple of Lord Krishna known as Parthasarthy Temple. If you are snake lover than do visit the Snake Park which has a large collection of snakes and many other reptiles. Evening free for independent activities, overnight in Chennai.
Day 04: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (2 to 3 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast checkout & head towards the Temple town of Mahabalipuram enroute visit the famous Kanchipuram town known to be the capital of the Pallavas and a city of 1000 Temples and still retain 124 shrines in the complex. The first temple built was dedicated to Lord Shiva in the 7th and 8th century AD and has paintings on the walls. Later visit the Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasnatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varada-Rajaswami which are worth visiting, if you are silk lover than don’t forget buy silk from Kanchipuram known for its best of Silk in India. Proceed to Mahabalipuram on arrival transfer to beach resort, after freshen up gear up for visiting the famous Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram famous for the seven pagodas & on the seashore you will see interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture. Walk on the shores in the evening, overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Day 05: Mahabalipuram – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam – Tanjore (243 kms – 5 hrs drive)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Tanjore, enroute visit Chidambaram which is one of the foremost Saivite shrines; the very name Kovil refers to Chidambaram, where Natarajan is enshrined in the Chit Sabha or the Hall of Consciousness, in the Ananda Tandavam (Dance of Bliss) pose. Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). The Moovar (Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar) as well as Manikkavacakar have sung praises of Chidambaram. Several literary works praise the glory of Chidambaram. Chidambaram is one of the 5 dance Halls of Shiva (Kanakasabhai). The five dance halls are Chithambram, Madurai, Tiruvalankadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam. Late continue driving to Tanjore, on arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon, visit Tanjore (Thanjavur) which was the ancient capital of Chola kings. Visit the Brihadeshwara temple which was built by Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. Visit the Thanjavur Palace which was constructed in 1550 and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers.
Day 06: Tanjore – Trichy
After breakfast checkout leisurely & drive to the Temple town of Trichy, on arrival transfer to your prebooked hotel. After getting fresh or a small nap take a sight seeing tour of Trichy visiting the most famous landmark Temple – the Rock Fort Temple a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It is reached by a flight of steep steps cut into the rock and from its summit you get a fantastic view of the town plus its other great Landmark the Sri Ranganathanswami Temple – This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering a staggering 2.5 sq km also visit and Jambukeshwara Temples. Rest of the day is free to explore or walking in the town of Trichy, overnight in Trichy.
Day 07: Trichy – Madurai (165 kms – 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Madurai, on arrival transfer to hotel. After freshen up take a sightseeing tour of Madurai visiting visit the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Later visit the Tirumalai Nayak palace – A gracious building in the Indo Saracenic style famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Evening free to visit the handicraft market of Madurai, overnight in Madurai.
Day 08: Madurai – Periyar (160 kms – 4½ hrs drive)
After leisurely breakfast checkout & drive to Periyar National Park the earliest sanctuary to be set up in 1934 AD it extends to 777 sq. kms and becomes the part of the high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. On arrival transfer to Jungle Resort. Afternoon visit the National Park Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Animals found here are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, langur monkeys, etc, though it is a guarantee that you will see elephants while your tour on the boat but to spot a tiger you have to be very lucky. After the safari visit the Spice Plantation Market where you get best of the Indian spices at a down to earth rate, evening free to relax, overnight in Periyar.
Day 09: Periyar – Kumarakom (130 kms – 3/4 hrs)
Optionally today Early morning take a boat ride again in the Periyar Lake for Safari. After breakfast at the hotel, checkout and proceed to Kumarakom – back water country, on arrival transfer to resort overlooking the Vembanad Lake. Believe it or not, on your arrival in Kumarakom you will be surprised to see the never ending lake of Vembanad Lake surrounded by greenery a peaceful location like paradise. Full day free to gaze the best scenes of your life or visit the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which houses a lot of migratory birds due to marshy lands in Kumarakom. Evening you can enjoy sunset cruise over here. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 10: Kumarakom – Alleppey – By House-Boats
After breakfast time free at the resort, our houseboats will report at 1200 hrs at the hotel directly, board the houseboat cruise taking you to Alleppey for an overnight journey enjoy the cruise in Vembanad Lake, the journey will cruise you through the tropical country-side enchanting backwater of Alleppey to Palm fringed narrow canal winding through the vast expanse of paddy field and the neat tiny hamlet, typical village, regattas – snake boats for which Kerala is very famous. The Deluxe houseboats have Sitting Area, Dinning Area, Sun Deck to enjoy sunset and fishing, Bed room with double & twin bed with attached English toilets and running hot & cold water. Typical Kerala Breakfast, Lunch & dinner will be served on board the houseboats to have a cultural feel, overnight cruising in the Vembanad Lake.
Day 11: Alleppey – Cochin (60 kms – 2 hrs)
Enjoy Kerala Breakfast on board the houseboat while moving towards Alleppey Jetty, assistance on arrival at Alleppey Jetty by our company representative, drive to Cochin enroute visiting the Coir Villages, on arrival in Cochin transfer to your prebooked hotel. After freshen up take a sight seeing tour of Cochin visiting Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue – one of the oldest in the country & Fort Cochin Beach to see the Chinese Fishing Nets. Evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Performance, overnight in Cochin.
Day 12: Cochin – Goa (By air at 1200 hrs / arr at 1400 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & transfer to airport to board the flight for Goa at 1200 hrs, assistance on arrival in Goa at 1400 hrs, transfer to Beach Resort. Day free to relax at the beach resort, overnight in Goa.
Day 13: Goa
After breakfast at the poolside restaurant of your resort start a sight seeing tour of Goa though greenery & beaches are the main sight but to know Goa you should know the history of its too. Drive to Old Goa & visit the Basilica of Born Jesus, the 16th century church dedicated to Infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, is one of the most important sights of Goa. The other churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church of Our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese commands the mouth of the Mandovi River and houses a lighthouse & also there is a beautiful hotel by the name of Taj Fort Aguada by the Fort. Return to the resort, day free to laze or visit the famous beaches of Goa including the Baga, Anjuna & Calangute. Tito’s Bar is the most famous North Goa night joint a visit is a must to admire the place, overnight in Goa.
Day 14: Goa
Day free to relax at the beach resort. If you want to enjoy Goa than you can contact the travel counter of the Resort to arrange motor bikes – this is the best way you can explore Goa with your partner visiting the beaches, markets & the famous restaurants. Overnight in Goa.
Day 15: Goa
Goa………… at your way……….full day is for you to either explore Goa or relax & have some quality time with your partner over here.
Day 16: Goa – Bijapur (300 kms – 5 to 6 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Badami, on arrival transfer to your hotel. Day free to relax, After freshen up take a walking tour of Bijapur village to overlook the monuments. Evening free to relax, overnight in Bijapur.
Day 17: Bijapur
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bijapur visiting The old city of Bijapur surrounded by fortified walls. Monuments of the city built during Adil Shahi Dynasty are its main attractions. The main attraction in the city is Gol Gumbaz or the Rounded Dome, located in the eastern end of the walled city. In Other attractions Ibrahim Roza is situated in the western outskirts of the city. Gagan Mahal, now mostly in ruins still has enough attraction to pull you there. Near the citadel you can have a good look on attractions such as Sat Manzil (Seven-storied palace), Bara Kaman (twelve arches), and Jala Manzil (water pavilion). Other important attractions in the city are Jama Masjid, Taj Bawdi (water tank), Upli Burj (watch tower), Mehtar Mahal (palace built by the sweepers), and Asar Mahal. Evening free to relax, overnight in Bijapur.
Day 18: Bijapur – Badami (150 kms – 3 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Badami, on arrival transfer to hotel. After freshen up take a sight seeing tour of Badami the one time capital of the Chalukyas with its noted several temples, some structural & other rock-cut of the 6th & 7th Centuries. Later visit Badami Caves which has 4 cave temples & have been carved out of the hill opposite Badami fort. The Chalukyan king Mangalesha 598-610 AD was responsible for the completion of these cave temples. Of the four, three are Brahmanical while the fourth is Jain. Nearly 2000 steps have to be climbed to reach the cave. Later visit Badami Fort strategically situated on top of the hill the fort encloses large granaries, treasury impressive temples on top of the northern end of the hill. Malegitti Shivalaya, perhaps the oldest temple of the lot, Evening free for individual activities, overnight at the hotel.
Day 19: Badami – Aihole – Pattadakkal – Hampi
After breakfast checkout & drive to Hospet – Hampi, enroute visit Aihole situated 51 kms after Badami on the banks of the Malapravha River and is the next phase of the Chalukyan temple architecture. It was the first capital of the Chalukyan Empire. On the road to Aihole, just outside this town, you see two temples dating to the 6th century; buried until recently, a French archaeologist uncovered them with the help of the local villagers. The remains of the city walls tell you of the importance this city once enjoyed. In 4 sq. kms. Both inside and outside the walls, there are approximately 100 temples varying in size and style, this is truly where the Chalukyan began experimenting with Temple architecture. The banks of the river have Nagara styled Temples of North India as well as Dravidian styled temples of the South. Some of the temples here also have a distinct flavor of Muslim architecture. Pattadakkal also lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River. The original name for this place was Pattada Kisuvolal, Pattada meaning coronation of kings, which was conducted here. This second capital of the Chalukya Empire is a World Heritage site known for its temples, which were constructed in the 7th and 8th centuries. There are ten temples here some built in the northern Nagara style and some in the Dravidian style of the south, though some of the temples incorporate both styles to a certain degree. A fine example of southern architecture is the Vijayeshwara temple, renamed Sangameshwara in honour of Lord Shiva. Though unfinished, this temple exhibits a nice parapet and multi-storey tower. After finishing the sightseeing Proceed to Hospet – Hampi, on arrival transfer to hotel, evening free to relax, overnight in Hampi.
Day 20: Hampi
After leisurely breakfast take a sight seeing tour of ancient Hampi Ruins. Hampi a World Heritage Site visit the Vitala Temple the temple is located 2 km east of Hampi Bazaar. It was built in the 16 century and displays the architectural splendour acquired by the artisans of Vijayanagar Empire. There are beautiful carvings on the walls of the temple and its columns are so balanced that they have musical qualities. Later visit Virupaksha temple this temple is located at the base of Hemakuta hill and has been a place of worship since the 7th century. It began as a small shrine but was enlarged by the Vijayanagara kings, Hemakuta hill temples, Bal Krishna temples, Narsimha statue, Zenana enclosures, elephant stables, stepped tanks and Kings’ palace. Evening free for individual activities, overnight at the hotel.
Day 21: Hampi – Chitradurga – Hassan (380 kms – 8 to 9 hrs)
After early breakfast checkout and drive to Hassan enroute visiting Chitradurga visit the famous fort and Ganesha Temple in Chitradurga. The city of Chitradurga itself is said to be named after the Fort of Seven Rounds (of walls). Later proceed to Hassan, on arrival transfer to hotel early evening; rest of the day is kept for relaxing after this long drive, overnight at the hotel.
Day 22: Hassan – Belur – Halebid
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Halebid & Belur: Halebid – 27 kms visit The Hoyasaleswara Temple, dating back to the 21st century, is astounding for its wealth of sculpture details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods and Goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple – guarded by a Nandi Bull – was never completed despite 86 years of labour.
Later visit Belur – 17 kms from Halebid, visit The Shennakeshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete this architectural marvel. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frescos, with no portion left blank. Viranarayana Temple and the smaller shrines are worth a visit. Evening drive back to Hassan, relax & overnight in Hassan.
Day 23: Hassan – Sravanbelgola – Mysore (165 kms – 3 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel checkout & drive to Mysore enroute visiting Shravanbelgola Statue This 17 meter high Jain statue was made in the 10 century It is the statue of prince Bahubali who stood in meditation for so long that plants grew up around him, later proceed to Mysore, on arrival transfer to hotel. After freshen up take a sight seeing tour of Mysore visiting Lalitha Mahal palace which has now converted to 5 star deluxe hotel, Mysore Palace & Museum, Chamundi Hills and visit Musical Gardens of Brindavan in the evening. Overnight in Mysore.
Day 24: Mysore – Bangalore (139 kms – 3 to 4 hrs) – Back home
After breakfast checkout & drive to Bangalore, enroute visiting the Summer Palace & Tomb of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatnam, later proceed to Bangalore, on arrival time free in Bangalore to pick up some souvenirs if you wish too, later in time transfer to International airport to board the flight back home.