Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, our representative will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel, where you can check in (standard check-in 12 pm; early check-in subject to availability) and relax. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets of Chennai, soaking in its culture and history. Drive along the iconic Marina Beach, a 13-kilometer-long urban beach along the Bay of Bengal, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Visit historic landmarks and appreciate the blend of modern and colonial influences across the city. Conclude the day with leisure time at the hotel, preparing for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (150kms)

After breakfast, drive towards Pondicherry, stopping en route at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its rock-cut temples and intricately carved stone sculptures. Continue to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel, then explore the city’s unique French-Tamil architecture in the French Quarter. Stroll through the charming streets, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and soak in the peaceful ambience. Observe the colonial-era buildings, quaint cafes, and vibrant local markets that make Pondicherry distinctive. The day concludes with leisure time to enjoy the seaside town’s serene beauty.

Day 3: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjavur (180kms)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, visiting the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its grandeur and spiritual significance. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, celebrated for exquisite stone carvings and historical importance. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at your hotel, and relax. Explore the city’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying the scenic journey through South India’s temple towns. This day provides a perfect blend of architecture, history, and spiritual immersion.

Day 4: Thanjavur - Trichy (60kms)

Begin the day with a visit to Thanjavur’s Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic example of Dravidian architecture. Explore the Vijayanagar Fort, notable for its massive walls and sculptures, and visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to ancient manuscripts and artworks. After the cultural immersion, drive to Trichy and check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the famous Rockfort Temple, perched atop a rock offering panoramic views of the city. Enjoy the serene evening atmosphere and vibrant cityscape.

Day 5: Trichy - Madurai (140kms)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, known for its cultural vibrancy. Check in at your hotel upon arrival and prepare to explore the city. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, and marvel at its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Explore the bustling temple market and experience the evening prayer ceremony, witnessing the city’s spiritual heartbeat. The day provides an immersive cultural and religious experience, highlighting Madurai’s rich heritage.

Day 6: Madurai - Munnar (160kms)

Depart for Munnar, a picturesque hill station set amid tea plantations and misty mountains. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax, soaking in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in the region, followed by a tea tasting session. Explore the beautiful landscapes, enjoy the panoramic views, and capture the natural beauty through photographs. The day is designed to combine relaxation with scenic exploration in the lush Western Ghats.

Day 7: Munnar

Spend the day immersed in Munnar’s scenic beauty and natural attractions. Explore the sprawling tea plantations, visit Echo Point to experience the unique sound reflections, and stroll through aromatic spice gardens. Visit the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy the serene reservoir views. Optionally, visit Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr in its natural habitat. Return to your hotel in the evening and relax, enjoying the cool climate and tranquil environment of this hill station paradise.

Day 8: Munnar - Ooty (250kms)

Today, drive to Ooty, known as the "Queen of Hill Stations," enjoying the scenic Western Ghats en route. Check in at your hotel upon arrival and spend the day at leisure. Explore the charming town at your own pace, soaking in the cool climate and lush greenery. Relax amidst the serene surroundings or take a short stroll through the picturesque streets. This day serves as a comfortable transition to the next hill station adventure.

Day 9: Ooty

After breakfast, explore Ooty’s attractions, starting with a visit to Ooty Lake for boating amidst tranquil surroundings. Visit the Botanical Gardens, home to diverse exotic plants and flowers. Experience a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the scenic landscapes along the route. Spend time exploring the town’s colonial charm and natural beauty. Return to your hotel in the evening for leisure and relaxation.

Day 10: Ooty - Mysore (150kms)

Drive to Mysore, the royal city of Karnataka, and check in at your hotel upon arrival. Begin a city tour exploring the grand Mysore Palace, an architectural marvel blending Indo-Saracenic and Gothic styles. Visit Chamundi Hills, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, and enjoy panoramic city views. Explore St. Philomena's Church, noted for its neo-Gothic architecture. In the evening, witness the illuminated Mysore Palace, a magical spectacle that highlights the city’s royal heritage.

Day 11: Mysore - Somanathapura - Srirangapatna - Hassan (135kms)

After breakfast, drive towards Hassan, visiting the Chennakesava Temple in Somanathapura, renowned for its intricate Hoysala architecture. Continue to Srirangapatna, the historic island fortress and former capital of Tipu Sultan. Explore its historic sites and absorb the rich heritage. Proceed to Hassan and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the calm surroundings and preparing for the next day’s temple excursions.

Day 12: Hassan - Belur - Halebeedu - Bangalore (250kms)

Embark on a sightseeing trip to Belur and Halebeedu, visiting the Chennakesava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebeedu, both renowned for exquisite carvings and historical significance. After exploring these architectural marvels, drive to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, and check in at your hotel. Relax and unwind after the day’s journey. This day combines heritage exploration with a scenic drive through Karnataka’s countryside.

Day 13: Bangalore - Departure (flight)

After breakfast, explore Bangalore with a city tour highlighting the Bangalore Palace, inspired by Windsor Castle, and the beautiful Lalbagh Botanical Gardens. Visit the vibrant local markets such as Commercial Street and Brigade Road, perfect for shopping and sampling local cuisine. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your memorable South India tour through rich temples, scenic hill stations, and royal palaces.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 12 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

- Daily breakfast at hotels.

- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.

- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

- Bottled drinking water in car.

- Government taxes.

Hotels used or similar for 12 nights accommodation

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thanjavur x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Trichy x 1 night
3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
4* & 5* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Ooty x 2 nights
3* - Monarch Hotel/ Hotel Darshan
4* - Fortune Resort Sullivan Court/ Sinclairs Retreat
5* - Savoy - IHCL SeleQtions/ Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

Mysore x 1 night
3* - Southern Star/Sandesh The Prince
4* - Fortune Park JP Palace/ Grand Mercure
5* - Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden/The Windflower Resort & Spa

Hassan x 1 night
3* - Candy Southern Star/ Pavanputra Resort & Spa
4* & 5* - Hosyala Village Resort/ The Ashok

Bangalore x 1 night
3* - Ramada/ The Rialto
4* - Fortune Select JP Cosmos/ Lemon Tree Premier Ulsoor Lake
5* - ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection/ ITC Windsor a Luxury Collection

- Any flight tickets.

- Camera charges at monuments if any.

- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.

- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

- Gratuities and optional activities.

- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.