Grand Tour Of South India

  Tags:

17 Nights / 18 Days

SUMMER PRICE (Apr-Sep)
Price on Request
WINTER PRICE (Oct-Mar)

Price on Request

Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Pondicherry-Chidambaram-Darasuram-Kumbakonam-Trichy-Thanjavur-Madurai-Periyar-Alappuzha-Kochi-Kozhikode-Mysore-Belur-Halebidu-Hassan-Hospet-Aihole-Pattadakal-Badami-Hubli-Goa-Mumbai

Embark on an incredible journey through south India's most iconic destinations, blending ancient history, stunning temples, serene backwaters, and vibrant coastal towns. Starting in Chennai, explore the sculpted wonders of Mahabalipuram and the silk city of Kanchipuram before immersing yourself in the French charm of Pondicherry. Marvel at the spiritual splendor of Chidambaram, Darasuram, and Kumbakonam, and uncover the majestic legacy of Trichy, Thanjavur, and Madurai. Cruise through Alleppey’s backwaters, experience the charm of Kochi and Kozhikode, and soak in Mysore’s royal heritage. Dive deep into history with visits to the ancient ruins of Belur, Halebidu, Hampi, Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami. Finally, unwind in the beach paradise of Goa before wrapping up in cosmopolitan Mumbai. This itinerary promises a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation, making it a must-experience adventure.

  • Traditional Indian Welcome Ceremony
  • Visit UNSCO heritage site of Mahabalipuram
  • Visit to Kanchipuram the “City of seven Pagodas”
  • Enjoy the sights of Auroville and Aurobindo Ashram
  • Enjoy the UNESCO monument at Darasuram
  • Visit to Shiva Nataraja and Kumbeswarar temple
  • Visit to Brihadisvara temple in Thanjavur
  • Visit to Nectar City of Madurai – Meenakshi temple and Tirumal Nayak’s Palace
  • Countryside drive to tea, cinnamon, and clove & cardamom plantations
  • Visit to aromatic spice plantation
  • Motor launch safari in Periyar to see the wildlife
  • Experience backwaters of Kerala
  • Visit Blue Mountains- Ooty
  • Game viewing in Periyar
  • Life time experience to stay in houseboat
  • Experience Kathakali dance performance in Kochi
  • Boat ride to see the rural life
  • Visit Temples of Madurai
Accommodation No. of Night(s)
Mahabalipuram 02
Pondicherry 01
Kumbakonam 01
Thanjavur 01
Madurai 01
Periyar 01
Alapuzzha 01
Kochi 01
Mysore 02
Hassan 01
Hospet 02
Hubli 01
Goa 02
Meals
    Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel

Transfers & Sightseeing
  • All transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary by air conditioned vehicle
  • Flight from Goa to Mumbai
  • Services of local english speaking guides
  • All applicable government taxes
  • Mineral Water
  • Indian Visa Fee
  • Travel Insurance
  • Domestic Air Fare
  • Major Meals - Lunch & Dinner
  • Services of Language Speaking Guides
  • Video, film & professional still camera fees
  • Anything which is not mentioned in inclusions above
  • Expenses of personal nature like Telephone Calls, Laundry, Porterage, Tips, Alcoholic Beverages, etc.

Arrive Chennai - Mahabalipuram

Upon arrival at Chennai international airport, you will be meet & greeted by our representative. Then transfer to the little Seaside town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour’s drive from Chennai situated on the east coast of Tamil Nadu. Here time stands still; and presents meets the past. A serene town nestled amidst the historical stone sculptures and medieval architecture, that stands witness to the rich heritage – Mahabalipuram. Overnight stay.

Mahabalipuram

Today visit the Shore temple: The most renowned landmark of Mamallapuram is the Shore Temple. Standing alone on the shore, this temple is protected by a wall constructed to minimise erosion.

Arjuna's Penance: This quaint little town of Mamallapuram in enriched with ancient and splendid sculptures. Each of the beautiful works of art has a story to tell. Arjuna here is shown standing on one leg to please Lord Shiva into helping him winback the Pandava empire. A fascinating combination of humans, animals and celestial beings seem to be rushing to the revered scene. Most prominent among them is a 4.8 m majestic elephant leading a procession. Also known as the Descent of the Ganga, this impressive canvas portrays the life giving river ganges flowing out from its high source in the Himalayas. Overnight stay.

Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Pondicherry 182 kms / 4h 20m

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry, en route visit Kanchipuram, the “City of seven Pagodas” where we see outcroppings of rock that have been delicately carved into temples and life-sized replicas of elephants, lions and bulls. Discover Tirukalukundram hill- "hill of the sacred eagles", important center of popular pilgrimage where a 16th century temple is also dedicated to SHIVA of which the panorama is exceptional. Then visit the Ekambareswarar  temple dedicated to SHIVA, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture Our drive continues to Pondicherry, it presents an unusual combination of european culture & indian traditions. An added attraction fair is the township of Auroville, an oasis of peace & enlightenment. Later visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight stay.

Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Darasuram - Kumbakonam 141 kms / 3h 10m

After breakfast depart by road through the delta of the Kaveri to Chidambaram, you will discover the magnificent sanctuary dedicated to Shiva Nataraja, the god of dance. True religious city, it covers 13 hectares, has four Gopuram and a remarkable basin. Then, proceed to Kumbakonam and visit the city, its 18 temples dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu, filled with several richly coloured Gopuram. Visit the Sarangapani temple, the largest, dedicated to Vishnu, dating from the 12th century, in the shape of a trolley, with a portal 50 meters high. Visit to the biggest Kumbeswarar temple, dedicated to Shiva in which one penetrates by a huge Gopuram with 9 levels. In the temple you will see a lingam that would have been modeled by Shiva with sand and nectar of immortality.

Kumbakonam is located among the two rivers Kaveri & Arasalar. The town is famous for brass, vessels, betel leaves. Explore the unique village of Kumbakonam. You will visit the UNESCO monument at Darasuram, the famous Iravadeswarar temple, the handicraft making units etc. Overnight stay.

Kumbakonam - Trichy - Thanjavur 160 kms / 3 hrs

After breakfast drive to Thanjavur, en route visit to Trichy, it was a Chola Citadel during the Sangam age & was also briefly ruled by the Pallavas & the Pandyas. Visit Rock fort, the 83-meter high rock fort is in the center of the Trichy. Its 344 rock-cuts steps take one to the Ucchi Pillayar temple, dedicated to lord Vinayaka. Half way up is the temple of Jambukeswaram temple, here the Shiva lingam is almost submerged in water. In Thanjavur visit the 9th century Chola temple of Brihadisvara, an UNESCO world heritage site. Overnight stay.

Thanjavur - Madurai 185 kms / 3 hrs

After breakfast drive to Nectar city of MaduraiMeenakshi temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day, another terrific photographic opportunity. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s palace which is in a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 - foot high stone pillar, still stands.  Overnight stay.

Madurai - Periyar 150 kms / 3h 30m

We leave Madurai & drive to a tranquil hill retreat, the spicy village. Along the way we pass through tea, cinnamon, clove & cardamom plantations -beautiful to see & smell. Upon arrival check into the hotel.


Today's visit to an aromatic spice plantation, we enjoy a guided walking tour, uncovering the secrets of southern India's spices. This evening enjoy safari cruise in Periyar game sanctuary– the best way to see & enjoy the wildlife activities, cruise in the Periyar lake in the cool surroundings and the panorama spreads around tropical jungles, wild elephants & birds of myriad varieties, with an area of 777 sq kms. in the hills of western ghats. Overnight stay.

Periyar - Alapuzhha

After breakfast board the Kettuvalam - An authentic Kerala Houseboat - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. The fully furnished and palm covered boats (single & double) bedrooms with attached bath, sit out, kitchen and living room made of traditional wood. Punters stand on each end of the boat for punting and directing the boat. Kerosene-lit lamps along will be available for light and mosquito nets will be provided. Traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala cuisines are served. You will see lush palm groves and stretches of rice fields. Overnight stay at the houseboat.

Alapuzhha - Kochi 52 kms / 1h 30m

Breakfast on board. Later drive to Kochi – it is one of the India’s most colorful cities, the Dutch palace built by the Portuguese in 1557 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663 with its beautiful murals and Jew town including the antique warehouses and shops, spices trading house and the Jewish synagogue built in 1568, the oldest in the commonwealth. This interconnected series of islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of cultures & religions.  

Kochi is the only place in the country where you can see St. Francis church, Jewish synagogue, Hindu temples, Dutch palace & Mosque nearly side by side. 
This evening enjoy a boat trip along the palm fringed lakes & backwaters of the area. As you will sail along the shady canals,  you will see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Later attend the performance of the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous classical dance. Lavish costumes & exotic makeup & masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight stay.

Kochi - Kozhikode - Mysore

After breakfast transfer to the station to board the train to Kozhikode and then drive to Mysore, the former capital of a princely kingdom with a rich heritage, through spectacular mountain landscapes, spice plantations and eucalyptus forests. Overnight stay.

Mysore

After breakfast an excursion to Somnathpur, 35 kms east is famous for its 13th century Hoysala temple. The village is famous for its splendid and grand Keshava temple that has been built in the Hoyasala style. The temple is famous for its elaborate and intricate sculpturing. The temple is enclosed in a walled courtyard that has a gate and a porch. The temple is built on an elevated star shaped platform. Overnight stay.

Mysore - Belur - Halebidu - Hassan 198 kms / 4h 30m

In the morning drive to Hassan, en route visit Belur - This quaint hamlet is 30 kms from Hassan-is located on the bank of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of Hoysala Enpire, Today unforgettable for its exquisite temples.


Halebidu- It is 27 kms north-west of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebidu like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, culture heritage of Karnataka, which dates back to 13th century during Hoysala Dynasty, and Hoysaleswara temple at Halebidu. Upon arrival, overnight stay at Hassan.

Hassan - Hospet 311 kms / 5h 50m

After breakfast departure to Hospet near the splendid site of Hampi, ancient capital of the last Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar, inscribed on the world heritage by UNESCO. Overnight stay

Hospet - Hampi - Hospet 25 kms / 1 hr

After breakfast today explore the spectacular Vijayanagara ruins. In the afternoon, visit Hampi- it is one of the most fascinating historical sites in south India. The superb ruins are set in a strong and beautiful boulder-strewn landscape, which has an almost magical quality. One can still glimpse the splendor of Vijaynagar in its ruins where Hospet’s Virupaksha temple rises majestically. The most splendid monuments of Hampi are, undoubtedly the Vittala temple complex.  Overnight stay.

Hospet - Aihole - Pattadakal - Badami - Hubli 266 kms / 5h 45m

After breakfast drive to Hubli, en route visit the sites of Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole, which is 46 kms away from Badami where the Hindu temples architecture can be seen in its embryonic stage -50 temples within the fort wall and 50 outside. Also visit Pattadakal, 29 kms away from Badami. It has 10 major temples representing early chalukya architecture, where coronations took place and where most of the temples were built between the 7th and 9th centuries. The Virupaksha, Mallikarjuna and jain temples are quite marvellous to behold.


Our drive continues to Badami. In Badami visit the 4 caves of which the oldest one, built in the 6th century is dedicated to Shiva. You will admire the 81 dance postures to the right of the entrance. Discovery of the ruins of the old fort that dominated the city, offer superb views. Visit of the temples of Mahakuta, which is an important place of pilgrimage, because the sage Agastya lived there. Our drive continues to Hubli. Overnight stay.

Hubli - Goa 150 kms / 3h 40m

After breakfast drive to Goa - a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, a stretch of coastline where, from October to April, the skies are unbelievably blue and the days long, warm and sunny. Where dolphins leap out of the Arabian sea in the morning, and where beyond the long, sandy beaches, lay tropical gardens of flowers and coconut groves caressing hotels of charm where healthy living and good food habits come naturally. Illness & stress are banished with natural therapies like Ayurveda & Naturopathy. Where time stands still & happiness is a state of mind. This paradise is Goa! Overnight stay.

Goa

Today enjoy a private tour in Goa, renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture. Visit beautiful temples and churches, a lush spice farm, and learn about the region's history from Portuguese administration to the present day. Overnight stay.

Goa - Mumbai

Morning is free for own activities. Later fly to Mumbai to catch the flight for hometown or onward destination.

The above itinerary can be further customized as per your travel requirements.

Need Customization?

We specialize in tailor-made tours. Give us a call or drop a message anytime, our travel experts will be happy to design an itinerary that caters to your unique interests & preferences.

Call / WhatsApp: +91 9810538853

Why Tour with Us?

Estd. 1983 Global Expertise

Government Recognition

Licensed Multilingual Guides

Quick Response Time

Multilingual Staff

Tailormade Tours

Top Rated Hotels

Safety & Security

License No. 86/2016

© All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
Let's socialize
Payment Modes
  • banking
  • wire-transfer


This site is best viewed on Safari & Chrome

Members of
  • departmentoftoursim
  • Incredible India
  • IATO
  • ADTOI
  • IRCTC
Luxury Train Partners