Splendid south India Tour

Day 01 Chennai:
Welcome on board at Chennai airport/railway station, meet out tour representative who will escort you to the cab to be driven to the hotel. Chennai the capital and the principal port-city of Tamil Nadu and regarded to be the ‘Gateway to the South’. It is most of the time called as the cultural capital of India for its deep-rooted traditions and heritage. Chennai was earlier called as Madras or Madaraspatanam. The charming features of Chennai are its allegiance to ancient traditions, no matter how modernized it has become at present. Check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour of the city. Visit Fort St. George, the government museum complex, MGR film city, Birla Planetarium, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Marina beach – the second longest beach in the world, Crocodile bank, etc. Later in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02 Chennai – Kanchipuram:
Morning after breakfast, drive to the city of thousand temples – Kanchipuram. It is one of the seven most sacred cities of India and is also called as the ‘Varanasi of the South’. The city is a witness to the rise and fall of the Dravidian rulers and their style of architecture. In addition to being a pilgrimage centre, it was also the centre of learning, culture and philosophy. The temple town of Kanchipuram is famous for its temples and its hand woven silk and zari. On reaching Kanchipuram check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the Ekambareshvara temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, Devarajaswami Temple, Kailasnatha Temple, etc. Late in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 03 Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram also called as Mamallapuram. It was earlier a famous seaport which was found by the Pallavas however is today a fascinating archaeological site. The monuments of Mamallapuram, most of them rock-cut temple belong to the earlier phase of Dravidian temple architecture. There is a shore temple it is one of the oldest that has survived the ravages of time. On reaching Mahabalipuram check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the Shore temple, the nine rock-cut cave temples, Crocodile bank, Thirukkalukundram, Tiger Caves – it houses a shrine of goddess Durga, Arjuna’s Penance – one of world’s largest and finest stone bas-relief, etc. Late in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 04 Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Pondicherry – the charming coastal town with a few enduring pockets of French culture and an ashram. The architecture, cuisine and even the housing reflects the legacy of the French. Pondicherry also has an ancient history record of being home to Agastya Muni. On reaching Pondicherry check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Raj Niwas, The Museum, the botanical garden, Auroville, the churches and temples, etc. Late in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 05 Pondicherry – Chidambaram:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Chidambaram – it is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for the Shaivites. The city got its name from Chit Ambaram, which means the sky permeated with an atmosphere of intelligence and wisdom. This is one of the Pancha Linga Kshetras depicting Shiva in the Akasha Linga aspect. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Nateshwara or Lord Nataraja. On reaching Chidambaram check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the famous Lord Nataraja Temple, Tillai Kaliamman Temple, Annamalai University, Poompuhar, Paavai Manram, Vaideeswaran Kovil dedicated to Lord Shiva, Srimushnam – the famous Vaishnava temple, Seerkazhi – popular temple associated with Gnana Sambandhar, Vadalur, Parangi Pettai – the Port Nova, Poompuhar Beach, etc. Late in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 06 Chidambaram – Thanjavur:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Thanjavur. It was earlier the capital of the Chola, Nayak and the Maratha rulers. The city got its name as per the dying request of the demon, Thanja who was destroyed by Lord Vishnu. It is also referred as the ‘City of Refuge’ and is also popularly known as the ‘Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu’. The city has reached its zenith becoming the centre of Tamil learning and culture during the Chola rule. There are rare specimens of old art and architecture, inscriptions and paintings created centuries ago.  On reaching Thanjavur check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the Brihadishwara temple one of the finest contributions by the Chola dynasty, the Palace Building, Saraswati Mahal, Sangitha Mahal, Karundhittangadi Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kuthanur – rare temples of goddess Saraswati, Manora, Poovanoor, Thiruppugalur dedicated to Lord Shiva, etc. Late in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 07 Thanjavur – Tirchy:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Tirchy - it is the forth largest town of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri. The town and the rock fort temple were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. The rock fort temple looms at a spectacular height of 83 mts. on a massive rocky outcrop. This rock claims to be oldest in the world and is regarded to be older than the Himalayas. The Uchipillaiyar temple is the rock fort temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh is the main attractions here. On reaching Tirchy check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the Rock Fort, St. John’s Church, Vayalur, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, Jambukeshwara temple, Thiru Erumbur – a famous where Lord Shiva is worshipped, etc. Later on return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 08 Tirchy – Madurai:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the ancient most cities of India. It is one of south India’s oldest cities and has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. The city is said to be blessed by Mauram (nectar) from Lord Shiva’s lock. Sri Meenakshi Amman located at the heart of the city is the famous tourist attractions here. It is the best example for the Dravidian style of architecture. The gopurams are covered with beautiful profusion of multicolored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. Madurai is popularly known as the ‘Temple Town of South India’. On reaching Madurai check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, Mariamman Teppakulam tank, the government museum, etc. Late in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 09 Madurai – Kanyakumari:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari. The place got its name from the Virgin Deity. It is a place where the three great seas, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, leave an indelible impression. Thousands of visitors assemble on the tip of the sea shore to get the view of the sunset. Particularly on the Full moon day sunset and moon rise can be seen simultaneously. It is one of the best views of nature. The city is also famous for the temple Parashakti popularly known as Kanya Kumari Amman. On reaching Kanyakumari check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the Kumari Amman Temple, Konerishwarar Temple – it is about thousand years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Gandhi Memorial, Vivekananda Memorial, Tiruvalluvar Statue – a huge statue of Tamil Savant Poet has been instatlled on the minor rock adjacent to Vivekananda Memorial, St. Mary’s Church, Guganathaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Muttam, etc. Later on return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 10 Kanyakumari – Trivanduram:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Trivanduram also called as Thiruvananthapuram. It is the capital city of Kerala. The city got its name from Tiru Anantha Puram, which means the city of Anantha, referring to Vishnu as Padmanabhaswamy. The city also, known as the ‘Holy City of Anantha’. It is a beautiful sea-side city built on seven hills, which had past trading links with many countries outside India. On reaching Trivanduram check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kavadiar Palace, Government Museum, Chacha Nehru Children’s Museum, Zoological Garden, Veli Tourist Village, Thiruvallam – a temple dedicated to Lord Parasurama, etc. Later on return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11 Trivanduram – Bangalore:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Trivanduram airport to board your flight to Bangalore. On arrival at Bangalore airport, meet our tour representative who will escort you to the cab to be driven to the hotel. Bangalore also referred as Garden City or the Silicon Valley of India. It is regarded to be one of the India’s most progressive and liberal cities. This modern cosmopolitan and industrial city with its beautiful buildings, parks, gardens, broad tree-lined avenues welcomes the tourists. The official city of Bangalore was founded by Kempe Gowda. Check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the Bull Temple, Kempe Gowda Fort, Tipu’s Summer Palace, Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park, Lalbagh botanical garden, Vidhana Soudha, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Musical fountain, etc. Late in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 12 Bangalore – Mysore
Morning after breakfast, drive to Mysore – the second largest city in Karnataka. Mysore was earlier the capital of the Wodeyars and is situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau. The city was named after the mythical Mahisuru, where the goddess Chamndi slew the demon Mahishasura. This city of fragrance of sandal wood, musk and rose still retains it oriental aura of royal splendour. The city of Mysore comes alive to gaiety and grandeur during the ten day dusshera festival celebration held every year. The city today is a pleasant city with an old world charm. On reaching Mysore check in hotel and later on drive out for the local tour. Visit the Mysore Palace, St. Phelomena’s Church, Brindavan Gardens, Mysore zoo, the art gallery, the rail museum, Chamundi hills, etc. Late in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 13 Mysore – Shravanabelagola – Hassan:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Hassan via Shravanabelagola. It is a Jain centre and is famous for its colossal monolith statue of Gomteshwara. It is 17 mts in height and is carved out of a single boulder. It is also known as Bahubali and is said to be the tallest monolith statue in the world. The Mastakabhisheka which is performed once in 12 years, when the statue of Gomateshwara is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, honey, saffron and gold coins. Spend sometime here and later on proceed to Hassan. It is calm and peaceful place where one can find the Chalukyan style of architecture.  The Hoysala dynasty ruled the southern part of Karnataka who built nearly 150 temples and each one is a masterpiece. On reaching Hassan check in hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
 
Day 14 Hassan – Hospet:
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.

Day 15 Hospet – Hampi – Hospet:
Morning after breakfast, drive out for a day’s excursion to Hampi. It is just 12 kms from Hospet. Hampi is world famous ruins of Vijayanagar Kingdom and is considered as world heritage centre. Hampi is one of the most beautiful and captivating ruins of Karnataka. It is packed with surprises. The Lotus Mahal is a delightful two storeyed structure a synthesis of both Hindu and Islamic culture. The Elephant Stables is a row of eleven chambers which were one used for housing the elephants. The Narasimha sculpture and the images of lord Ganesha is the main attraction here. The Matanga hill is the most commanding natural feature within the capital. The Vittala temple complex is the hightest achievement of Vijayanagar art. The other important temples are the Raghunatha temple and the Hazara Rama Temple. Spend the day here and late in the evening drive back to Hospet for an overnight stay.

Day 16 Hospet – Bijapur:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Bijapur – the ‘City of Victory’. Bijapur was earlier the capital of a powerful Muslim dynasty and is known for its Islamic architecture. The city is known for the various historical old buildings which are the main attractions here. On reaching Bijapur check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit Gol Gumbaz – the tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah, Ibrahim Rouza – a Mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah, Jumma Masjid – one of the finest mosques in India, Malik-e-Maidan – the largest medieval cannon in the world, Gagan Mahal, Asar Mahal, Jahaz Mahal, etc. Later on return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 17 Bijapur – Badami:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Badami. It is nearly 130 kms from Bijapur. The city is situated at the picturesque mouth of a ravine between tow rocky hills and a beautiful expansive tank. The cave temple which belongs to the golden period of the Chalukyan rule is the main attraction here. There are four cave temples, all constructed out of sand-stone on the precipice of a hill. On reaching Badami check in hotel and later on move out for the local tour. Visit the cave temples where you can find the carving of Nataraja embodying 81 poses, the third cave is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the largest and most ornamental. The paintings in the cave resemble those of Ajanta. Later on return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 18 Badami – Pattadakal – Aihole – Badami
Morning after breakfast, drive out for a day excursion to Pattadakal and Aihole.  Pattadakal was earlier the capital of the Chalukyan kings of Badami and is recognized to be the World Heritage Centre for having ten major temples which represent the Chalukyan architecture. The annual dance festival which is held every year attracts large number of people. Visit the Virupaksha temple – the most beautiful and the greatest temples, Mallikarjuna and Papanatha temples. Later on drive to Aihole which is situated on the banks of river Malaprabha. There are over a hundred temples scattered all over the nearby fields. It is the cradle of the Hindu temple architecture. The oldest temple here is the Ladkhan. Visit the Durga temple, the Huchamasti temple, the Rawalphad, the Konthi temple complex, Uma Maheshwara temple, Jain Meguthi temple, etc. Late in the evening drive back to Badami for an overnight stay.

Day 19 Badami – Goa:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Goa – the Pearl of India. It is a unique and vastly different from the rest of India. The swaying palms, miles of golden sun and sands, lush abundant greenery and mangrove forests, blue skies and pale hills, etc makes Goa to be one of the unique destinations in India. The charm lies essentially in the fact that it’s possible for every tourist to find exactly what he is looking for in this little haven. It is famous for its beaches and is also famous for  its historic churches and temples. The unique culture of Hindus, Christian, Muslim and Portuguese makes it’s a fascinating place. On reaching Goa check in resort and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 20 North Goa:
Morning after breakfast, drive out for the local tour of North Goa. Visit Panjim – the capital of Goa, Sri Vital Mandir, Sri Kamakshi Saunsthan Shiroda, Dona beach, St. Cajetan church, Tower of St. Augustine, St. Francis Chruch, Sri Bhagavati Temple, Anjuna beach and Anjuna Flea market, Calangute beach, etc. Late in the evening return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 21 South Goa:
Morning after breakfast, drive out for the local tour of South Goa. Visit Vasco-da-gama popularly called as Vasco, the church of holy spirit, Sri Navdurga Saunsthan, Sri Damodar temple, Loutulim, etc. Later on return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 22 Goa:
Morning after breakfast, drive to Goa airport/railway station to proceed towards your onwards destination.