Deccan & Dravin Architectural Wonder in Stone
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA355
Embark on the Deccan & Dravidian Architectural Wonder in Stone tour, a captivating journey through South India’s rich history and heritage. Begin in Hyderabad, exploring its iconic forts, palaces, and bustling markets, then travel to Gulbarga, Bijapur, and Badami to witness remarkable forts, mosques, and UNESCO-listed temples. Discover the ancient city of Hampi, home to magnificent ruins and architectural marvels of the Vijayanagara Empire. Continue to Chennai, Mahabalipuram, and Pondicherry, experiencing exquisite rock-cut temples, colonial charm, and serene coastal towns. Explore the spiritual treasures of Thanjavur, Chettinad, Madurai, Rameshwaram, and Kanyakumari, immersing yourself in South India’s devotional and cultural legacy. Conclude with the tranquil beaches of Kovalam, a perfect finale to an unforgettable journey through history, art, and architecture.
Day 1: Arrive Hyderabad
Upon arrival at Hyderabad airport, our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Hyderabad, famously known as the "City of Pearls," beautifully blends modernity with tradition. Check-in at your hotel and relax after your journey, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. You can take an evening stroll to nearby markets, experiencing the local cuisine and culture firsthand. The day offers a gentle introduction to the rich heritage awaiting you in the coming days. Overnight stay in Hyderabad.
Day 2: Hyderabad
After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Hyderabad, discovering its rich history and iconic landmarks. Begin at Golconda Fort, an architectural marvel renowned for its acoustics and fortifications. Explore Chowmahalla Palace, with its intricately carved halls and royal charm. Visit the iconic Charminar, where bustling bazaars reflect the city’s lively spirit, and continue to the Salar Jung Museum, home to a vast collection of art and antiques. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through the local markets, soaking in the sights and sounds of the old city. Overnight stay in Hyderabad.
Day 3: Hyderabad – Gulbarga (260km)
After breakfast, drive to Gulbarga with an enroute stop at Bidar, celebrated for its historical architecture. Visit Bidar Fort, the Bahmani Tombs, and Bidar Fort Museum to explore the city’s rich past. Continue the journey to Gulbarga and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to explore the city’s local culture or relax and enjoy the surroundings. Overnight stay in Gulbarga.
Day 4: Gulbarga – Bijapur (170km)
Begin the day with Gulbarga’s historical sites, including the impressive Gulbarga Fort, the grand Jama Masjid, and the revered Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah. Proceed to Bijapur, renowned for its magnificent architectural heritage. Explore the iconic Gol Gumbaz with its whispering gallery, marvel at the Ibrahim Rauza, and visit other notable historical sites. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Bijapur’s monuments before checking in at your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Bijapur – Badami (120km)
After breakfast, further explore Bijapur, visiting the majestic Bijapur Fort and the historic Jumma Masjid with its exquisite design. Later, drive to Badami, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its rock-cut cave temples. Check-in at your hotel and relax before preparing for the next day’s exploration of the architectural wonders of Badami, Pattadakal, and Aihole. Overnight stay in Badami.
Day 6: Badami
Today, discover Badami’s rock-cut cave temples with their intricate carvings and historical significance. Visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to a group of majestic temples showcasing Chalukyan architecture. Explore Aihole, often called the cradle of Indian temple architecture, and marvel at its ancient monuments. Learn about the evolution of Dravidian and Deccan architectural styles while enjoying the serene surroundings. Return to Badami for overnight stay.
Day 7: Badami – Hampi (180km)
Drive to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with stops in Gadag to explore ancient temples and medieval architecture, including the Trikuteshwara Temple and Lakkundi’s temple ruins and stepwells. Arrive in Hampi and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic town. Overnight stay in Hampi.
Day 8: Hampi
Explore Hampi’s UNESCO-listed ruins, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Visit the Vittala Temple with its iconic stone chariot, Virupaksha Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Royal Enclosure, Mahanavami Dibba, and the local bazaars. Immerse yourself in the grandeur and cultural richness of the ancient city. Return to your hotel for overnight stay in Hampi.
Day 9: Hampi – Hubli / Chennai
After breakfast, transfer to Hubli airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour including Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Santhome Cathedral. Enjoy the evening at leisure, exploring the local markets or relaxing at your hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 10: Chennai – Mahabalipuram (120km)
Drive to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram, known for its silk sarees and ancient temples. Explore Kanchipuram’s temples and continue to Mahabalipuram, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut monuments. Check in at your hotel and relax before exploring the local area. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 11: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (100km)
Explore Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and other UNESCO World Heritage sites. Later, drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its serene beaches and colonial architecture. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening exploring the French Quarter or Auroville. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 12: Pondicherry – Thanjavur (175km)
Visit Aurobindo Ashram and Promenade Beach in Pondicherry. Drive to Thanjavur, renowned for its ancient temples and cultural heritage. Explore the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and local art and craft traditions. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Day 13: Thanjavur – Chettinad (100km)
Visit the iconic Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram before proceeding to Chettinad, famed for its unique cuisine and cultural heritage. Explore Chettinad’s mansions and architectural treasures. Overnight stay in Chettinad.
Day 14: Chettinad – Madurai (90km)
Explore Chettinad’s temples and heritage homes, savor local cuisine, and then drive to Madurai. Visit the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple and explore the vibrant city streets. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 15: Madurai – Rameshwaram (170km)
Drive to Rameshwaram, visiting the Ramanathaswamy Temple and taking a dip at Agni Theertham. Explore Dhanushkodi and the Pamban Bridge before checking in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Rameshwaram.
Day 16: Rameshwaram – Kanyakumari (310km)
Drive to Kanyakumari, witnessing sunrise and sunset at Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Visit Kumari Amman Temple before overnight stay in Kanyakumari.
Day 17: Kanyakumari – Kovalam (85km)
Drive to Kovalam, a scenic beach town, and check in at your beachfront hotel. Enjoy leisure time by the sea and relax amidst the tranquil surroundings. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 18: Kovalam
Tour Trivandrum, visiting Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, and Kuthira Malika Palace. Return to Kovalam for leisure time on the beach or local market exploration. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 19: Kovalam
Spend a full day at leisure in Kovalam. Relax on the beaches, indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments, or explore nearby villages. Engage in water sports or take serene strolls along the shore. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 20: Kovalam – Departure
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Trivandrum airport for your onward journey, carrying cherished memories of South India’s architectural wonders and serene backwaters.
- Assistance on arrival at airport.
- 19 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 19 night accommodation
Hyderabad x 2 nights
3* - Aditya Park/ Lemon Tree Hotel
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ Fortune Park Vallabha
5* - ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection/ Trident Hotel
Gulbarga x 1 night
3* - Atharva Hotel/ Hotel Heritage Inn
3* / 5* - Citrus Hotel
Bijapur x 1 night
3*/4*/5* - - The Fern Residency/ Sun Hotel
Badami x 2 nights
3* - Rajsangam Hotel/ The Heritage Resort
4* / 5* - Badami Court/ Krishna Heritage
Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Krishna Palace/ Kishkinda Heritage Resort
4* - Heritage Resort / Royal Orchid Central Keerti
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders
Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace
Mahabalipuram x 1 night
3* - INDeco Hotels/ Mamalla Beach Resort
4* - Ideal Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
5* - Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove
Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa
Thajore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma
Chettinad x 1 night
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth
Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Rameshwaram x 1 night
3* & 4*- Daiwik Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place Rameswaram
Kanyakumari x 1 night
3* - Sea Shore/ Hotel Seaface
4* & 5* - Anantya Resorts/ Annai Resorts and Spa
Kovalam x 3 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/ Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach
- Hubli - Chennai flight fare approx INR 5,500 per person in economy class.
- 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.