Best Of South India Tours

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Periyar – Munnar – Cochin – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kovalam – Bangalore – Mysore – Saravanbelgola - Chikmaglur – Hampi – Badami – Bijaipur – Bidar - Hyderabad – Chennai (26 Days)

Day 01: Arrive Chennai International airport
Assistance on arrival by our tour representative at Chennai International airport, transfer to hotel. Relax & overnight in Bangalore.
Day 02: Chennai (By air at 0900 hrs / arr at 1000 hrs)
After breakfast 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 03: 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 04: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (132 kms – 3 to 4 hrs drive)
After breakfast at beach resort, checkout & drive to Pondicherry, on arrival transfer to hotel. After freshen up take a sight seeing tour of Pondicherry which was once upon a time a French Colony visiting the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for the most parts of their lives. Later visit The Pondicherry Museum is home to some of the most exquisite collections on architecture and sculpture. Pondicherry also has a pleasant beach alongside promenade and historical monuments. Some of the other interesting sites include the Bharti and Bharthidasan Memorial museums and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. ALSO VISIT THE CATHOLIC SEMINARY- WHERE PEOPLE STUDY TO BECOME PRIESTS. Evening free for individual activities, overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 05: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Kumbakonam – Tanjore (203 kms – 4 to 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 – Munnar (110 kms – 3 to 4 hrs drive due to Hilly Terrain)
Optionally today early morning take a boat ride again in the Periyar Lake for Safari. After breakfast at the hotel, checkout and proceed to Munnar through lush green Cardamom, Coffee & Tea Plantations, on arrival transfer to hotel. Later in the afternoon take a sight seeing tour of Munnar visiting the Muttupatty Dam & Top Station, one can enjoy speed boat rides at the dam, drive back to hotel enroute driving through several tea estates, enjoy scenic view of the Munnar Valley from your room balcony or walk in the market of Munnar, relax & overnight in Munnar.
Day 10: Munnar – Cochin (134 kms – 3 to 4 hrs driv)
Early drive to Eravikulam National Park, on arrival board the Safari Bus which will take you inside the national park, this is the only Sanctuary in the country for housing the Indian-Ibex, though there are other animals like Deer, Monkeys, Giant Squirrel you can spot, but people throng this sanctuary to spot the Ibex. Drive back to the hotel for breakfast, checkout at your leisure & drive to Cochin on arrival in Cochin transfer to your prebooked hotel. Early evening meet your guide & start sight seeing tour of Cochin visiting 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 11: Cochin – Kumarakom (70 kms – 1 hr drive)
After breakfast at your hotel restaurant, get ready to visit the most famous spot of Kerala The 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 12: 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 13: Alleppey – Kovalam (175 kms – 3 to 4 hrs drive)
Enjoy Kerala Breakfast on board the houseboat while moving towards Alleppey Jetty, assistance on arrival at Alleppey Jetty by our company representative, drive to Trivandrum enroute visiting the Coir Villages, on arrival transfer to your beach resort. Rest of the day is kept free to gaze the waves in the peaceful location of Kovalam Beach. One can try & take the famous Kerala Ayurvedic Massages available at the hotel. Relax & overnight in Kovalam.
Day 14: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Kanya – Kumari – Kovalam
After breakfast a short drive will take you to city of Trivandrum visit Padamanbhaswamy Temple & Palace, Napier Museum & Chitra Art Gallery before heading to Cape Camorin – Kanya Kumari. Arrive Kanya Kumari & visit Kumari Amman Temple, Rock Temple & Swami Vivekananda Ashram. Enjoy the sunset over here where 3 seas meet The Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea. Later drive back to Kovalam, relax & overnight in Kovalam.
Day 15: Kovalam – Bangalore (By air at 0900 hrs / arr at 1000 hrs)
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Bangalore at 0900 hrs, assistance on arrival by our Bangalore Tour Manager at 1000 hrs at Bangalore airport, transfer to hotel. Relax for some time, meet your guide & start sight seeing tour of Bangalore driving by the Grand Vidhan Soudha – Parliament House, visiting the Government Museum full of Antiques from Table Clock to armoury from the Tipu Sultan clans – a must visit to this museum, later drive pass through the central library, Gardens of Lal & Cubbon Bagh – known for the famous rose flowers. Also visit the Bull Temple & M. G. Market of Bangalore which is very famous for Shopping Lovers. Relax & overnight in Bangalore.
Day 16: Bangalore – Mysore (139 kms – 3 to 4 hrs) – Back home
After breakfast checkout & drive to Mysore, enroute visiting the Summer Palace & Tomb of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatnam, later proceed to Mysore, on arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon relax for some time, meet your guide & start sight seeing tour of Mysore covering the Mysore Maharajas Palace & Palace Museum, here if you wish with a prior appointment you can meet & dine with the Maharaja of Mysore. Later visit the Chamundi Devi Temples & in the evening visit Brindavan Gardens very famous for its musical & litted fountains – one of a kind garden in India. Also you should visit the bazaars of Mysore which is famous for its Sandals Products. Relax & overnight in Mysore.
Day 17: Mysore – Saravanbelgola – Chikmagalur (200 kms – 4 hrs drive)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel & drive to Chikmagalur enroute visit the ancient 10th Century monument Statue of Prince Bahu Bali who stood in meditation for so long that plants grew up around him. Later proceed to Chikmagalur enroute driving through lush green coffee plantations. On arrival transfer to your prebooked hotel. Afternoon visit the Angadi & Belavadi to see the Temples of Hoysala Architecture, one can also trek to the Shrine of Baba Budan Hills atop a Mountain set in 3 caves, it is revered by both Hindus & Muslims over here. Relax & overnight in Chikmaglur.
Day 18: Chikmagalur – Belur – Halebid – Chikmagalur
After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will meet you to show you the temples of Belur & Halebid: Belur visit The Shenna-keshava temple is one of the best example of Hoy-sala architectures. It took 103 yrs to finish this architectural marvel. The facades of the temple are filled with intricate sculpture and fresco paintings. Vira-Narayana Temple and other small temples are worth a visit. Later visit Halebid visit The Hoya-saleswara Shrine to the 11th century is out standing for its sculptural detail. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods-Goddesses-animals-birds- dancing girls. This magnificent temple – guarded by a Nandi-Bull was never completed despite 86 years of labor. Later drive back to Hassan, relax & overnight in Hassan.
Day 19: Chikmagalur – Chitradurga – Hospet / Hampi (300 kms – 6 hrs)
After early breakfast checkout and drive to Hospet / Hampi, on arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free to walk in the ruins of Hampi to have a overview tour of Hampi Architectural marvels. Relax & overnight in Hampi.
Day 20: Hospet – Hampi – Hospet
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 at east in Hampi Bazaar. It was built in the 16th century and displays the architectural-marvel acquired by the artisan of Vijayanagar Empires. 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 Hema-kuta-hill and has been a place of worship since the 7th century. It began as a small-shrine but was expanded by the Vijaya-nagari Ruling King; Hema-kuta-hill-temples; Bal-Krishna-temples; Narsimha-statue; Zenana-enclosures; elephant-stables; stepped-tanks and Maharajas-Palace. Later in the evening visit the market of Hampi to see what the local offers to there tourist. Retire in the night at the hotel.
Day 21: Hampi – Aihole – Pattadakkal – Badami (240 kms – 5 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Badami, enroute visit Pattadakkal which lies on the banks of the Malaprabha-River. The original name for this place was Pattada-Kisuvolal, Pattada meaning coronation of the kings, which used to be conducted at this place. This second capital of the Chalukya Empire is a World Heritage site known for its temples, which were constructed in the 7 and 8 centuries A.D.. 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.
Later proceed to Aihole 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. Proceed to Badami, on arrival transfer to hotel, relax & overnight in Bijapur.
Day 22: Badami
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide & take the sight seeing tour of Badami the one time capital of the Chalu-kyas 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 23: Badami – Bijapur (150 kms – 3 to 4 hrs drive)
After breakfast checkout & proceed to Bijapur, on arrival transfer to hotel. Time free for freshen up, meet your guide & start 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 24: Bijapur – Bidar (220 kms – 4 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to the city of Bidar, on arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon take a sight seeing tour of Bidar visiting – the Bidar Fort with five Darwaza (gates) which lead into a town nestled within the ramparts; Rangeen Mahal, once the royal residence, has elaborately carved wooden pillars and Persian couplets engraved in encaustic tiles and exquisite mother-of pearl inlay work; the Madrasa of Mohammed Gawan; the tombs of the Bahamani and Barid kings. Evening free to relax, overnight in Bidar.
Day 25: Bidar – Hyderabad (132 kms – 3 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Hyderabad, on arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon take a sight seeing tour of Hyderabad city visiting the Charminar, built by Mohammad Quli Qutab Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of plague in Hyderabad, Mecca Masjid – one of the largest mosques in the world and is said to accommodate upto 10,000 worshippers, Salar Jung Museum to see the rare antiques collection of the Nawabs. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hyderabad.
Day 26: Hyderabad – Golcondo Fort – Chennai (BY air at 1600 hrs / arr at 1700 hrs) – Onward Destination or Home Country
After breakfast checkout & take an excursion tour to Golconda Fort – Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of the city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is considered as a place that is worth visiting. Golconda was famous for its diamond mines in olden days. The world-renowned ‘Kohinoor’ diamond is believed to have come from here. The Golconda fort is built on a granite hill 120m high. The fort has 8 gates or Darwaza as they are called in local language. The main gate is called Fateh Darwaza. The hills around the fort lend a very mysterious charm and colossal grandeur to the gigantic fort. Later drive to Hyderabad airport to board the flight for Chennai at 1600 hrs, assistance on arrival in Chennai at 1700 hrs, transfer to international airport to board the flight back home.

Book Now