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Deccan & Dravin Temples in South India

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Product Code : AGORA356

Embark on an unforgettable journey through South India’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, exploring the historic kingdoms of the Deccan Plateau and the magnificent temple towns of Tamil Nadu. This carefully curated tour showcases UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient cave temples, grand forts, royal palaces, and some of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. Travel through the legendary cities of Hyderabad, Hampi, Thanjavur, Madurai, and Pondicherry, each offering a unique glimpse into India's diverse history and traditions. From the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire to the majestic temples of the Cholas, every destination reveals a fascinating chapter of South India's past. Ideal for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and architecture lovers, this journey offers an immersive experience of the region's timeless treasures.

 

Day 1: Arrive Hyderabad

Upon arrival at Hyderabad Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Hyderabad, the former capital of the Nizams, offers a fascinating mix of royal legacy, old-world charm, and modern energy. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for relaxation and recovery after your journey. You may choose to explore the nearby surroundings at a leisurely pace or simply unwind at the hotel. The city’s warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere provide an excellent introduction to South India.
Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.


Day 2: Hyderabad Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your full-day city tour of Hyderabad. Start with the impressive Golconda Fort, known for its grand architecture, acoustic design, and sweeping views of the city. Continue to the Qutb Shahi Tombs, where the elegant domes and landscaped surroundings reflect the refined taste of the dynasty. Later, visit the iconic Charminar and enjoy time around the bustling surrounding bazaars. Proceed to the historic Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and later visit the Salar Jung Museum, home to a remarkable collection of art and antiques. End the day with a visit to the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace, once the ceremonial residence of the Nizams.
Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.


Day 3: Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga (Drive: Approx. 260 km | 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive towards Gulbarga in Karnataka. En route, stop at Bidar, an important medieval city that once served as the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate. Visit the imposing Bidar Fort, admired for its strong defenses and Indo-Persian character. Continue to the celebrated Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, an important center of learning in medieval India. Explore the Bahmani Tombs, which stand as a graceful reminder of the dynasty’s architectural style. Later, continue your journey to Gulbarga and check in at the hotel upon arrival. In the evening, visit Gulbarga Fort and the Jama Masjid inside the fort complex, both significant landmarks of Deccan history.
Overnight at hotel in Gulbarga.


Day 4: Gulbarga – Bijapur (Drive: Approx. 170 km | 4 hrs)

After breakfast, begin your drive to Bijapur, now known as Vijayapura, one of the most important heritage cities of the Deccan. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and continue with sightseeing of the city’s major monuments. Visit the world-famous Gol Gumbaz, celebrated for its massive dome and remarkable acoustics. Continue to Ibrahim Rauza, often regarded as a masterpiece of Deccan architecture. Explore Bara Kaman, Jama Masjid, Malik-e-Maidan Cannon, Asar Mahal, and Mehtar Mahal, each reflecting the artistic excellence of the Adil Shahi rulers. The city offers a rich combination of military architecture, royal elegance, and Islamic heritage.
Overnight at hotel in Bijapur.


Day 5: Bijapur – Badami (Drive: Approx. 120 km | 3 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Badami, the former capital of the Early Chalukyas. On arrival, check in at your hotel and begin the excursion to the nearby heritage sites. Visit Aihole, often called the cradle of Indian temple architecture, where over 100 temples display the early evolution of temple styles. Continue to Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its harmonious blend of northern and southern temple forms. Return to Badami and explore the spectacular rock-cut cave temples carved into red sandstone cliffs overlooking Agastya Lake. Later, visit Badami Fort for panoramic views of the ancient town and surrounding landscape.
Overnight at hotel in Badami.


Day 6: Badami – Hampi (Drive: Approx. 180 km | 4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Hampi, the magnificent former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Later, visit the scenic Tungabhadra Dam and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. Continue to the Tungabhadra River for a traditional coracle ride, offering a unique experience amidst Hampi’s historic setting. In the evening, proceed to Matanga Hill to witness a spectacular sunset overlooking the ancient ruins, temples, and rocky terrain of Hampi. Return to the hotel after sightseeing.


Day 7: Hampi Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided exploration of Hampi’s extraordinary ruins. Begin with the Hazara Rama Temple, known for its detailed carvings illustrating scenes from the Ramayana. Continue to the Royal Enclosure, where the remains of palaces, audience halls, and ceremonial platforms reveal the grandeur of Vijayanagara power. Visit the Mahanavami Dibba and King’s Balance before proceeding to the magnificent Ugra Narasimha statue. Later, explore the sacred Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest functioning temples in South India. End the day at the famous Vittala Temple Complex, home to the iconic Stone Chariot and musical pillars. A visit to the archaeological museum adds further insight into the glorious Vijayanagara period.
Overnight at hotel in Hampi.


Day 8: Hampi – Hubli – Chennai (Drive: Approx. 170 km | 4 hrs to Hubli Airport)

After breakfast, drive to Hubli Airport for your flight to Chennai. On arrival in Chennai, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day can be kept free for relaxation after your journey. Depending on flight timing, a brief orientation to Chennai may also be possible. Chennai, the gateway to Tamil Nadu, combines colonial heritage, temple traditions, and a lively coastal character.
Overnight at hotel in Chennai.


Day 9: Chennai Sightseeing – Drive to Pondicherry (Drive: Approx. 160 km | 4 hrs to Pondicherry)

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit Fort St. George, an important colonial landmark, followed by St. Mary’s Church inside the fort complex. Continue to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture, and then visit Vadapalani Murugan Temple, a popular place of worship among devotees. Later, explore the Government Museum, which houses a valuable collection of art, archaeology, and natural history. Visit Santhome Basilica before driving along the scenic Coromandel Coast toward Pondicherry. Arrive and check in at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.


Day 10: Pondicherry

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Pondicherry. This former French settlement offers a unique colonial charm with tree-lined streets, pastel-colored buildings, peaceful promenades, and a relaxed atmosphere. You may explore the French Quarter, visit local cafés, stroll along the beach road, or simply enjoy a slow and refreshing day. Pondicherry is an ideal place to experience a different cultural rhythm before continuing further into the temple trail.
Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.


Day 11: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Thanjavur (Drive: Approx. 180 km | 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive towards Thanjavur. En route, visit the sacred Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer and renowned for its religious importance and architectural beauty. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, one of the finest examples of Chola temple architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, proceed to Darasuram to visit the Airavatesvara Temple, another masterpiece of the Chola era known for its detailed carvings. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at the hotel. The evening is free for relaxation.
Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.


Day 12: Thanjavur – Trichy – Chettinad (Drive: Approx. 140 km | 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast, visit the grand Brihadeeswara Temple, the most celebrated monument of Thanjavur and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple stands as one of the greatest achievements of Chola architecture. Later, drive to Trichy and visit the magnificent Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, one of the largest functioning temple complexes in the world. Continue to the Rockfort Temple, perched on a rocky hill and offering excellent views over the city. In the afternoon, drive to Chettinad, a region famous for its heritage mansions and culinary traditions. Arrive and check in at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Chettinad.


Day 13: Chettinad – Madurai (Drive: Approx. 90 km | 2 hrs)

After breakfast, explore Chettinad’s elegant mansions, known for their spacious courtyards, decorative tile work, carved wooden pillars, and a unique blend of traditional and colonial influences. These homes reflect the wealth and artistic taste of the Chettiar merchant families. Later, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in India. On arrival, check in at the hotel. In the evening, visit the spectacular Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of South India’s most important spiritual and architectural landmarks. The temple complex becomes especially vibrant during evening rituals.
Overnight at hotel in Madurai.


Day 14: Madurai – Hyderabad (Flight)

After breakfast, continue sightseeing in Madurai. Visit the splendid Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, admired for its grand pillars and regal courtyards. Later, enjoy excursions to Alagar Kovil and the sacred Murugan temples at Tirupparankundram and Pazhamudircholai, both located in scenic surroundings and deeply revered by devotees. After the sightseeing, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hyderabad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.


Day 15: Hyderabad Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Hyderabad International Airport as per your flight schedule for your onward journey. Your journey through the royal, spiritual, and architectural wonders of South India concludes with lasting memories of magnificent temples, historic cities, and timeless heritage.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 14 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 14 Nights Accommodation

3? Hotels
? Hyderabad x 3 Nights: Hotel Abode / Aditya Park
? Gulbarga x 1 Night: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga by OTHPL / Mastiff Select
? Bijapur x 1 Night: The Fern Residency / Kyriad Hotel Vijayapura by OTHPL
? Badami x 1 Night: Badami Court / Clarks Inn
? Hampi x 2 Nights: Malligi Hotel / Clarks Inn
? Chennai x 1 Night: ZONE By The Park / Raj Park
? Pondicherry x 2 Nights: Shenbaga Hotel / Hotel Annamalai International
? Thanjavur x 1 Night: Sangam Hotels
? Chettinad x 1 Night: Chettinadu Mansion
? Madurai x 1 Night: JC Residency / Hotel Royal Court

4? Hotels
? Hyderabad x 3 Nights: The Golkonda Hotel / Lemon Tree Hotel
? Gulbarga x 1 Night: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga by OTHPL / Mastiff Select
? Bijapur x 1 Night: The Fern Residency / Kyriad Hotel Vijayapura by OTHPL
? Badami x 1 Night: WADA1 / Morpho Banashree Resort
? Hampi x 2 Nights: Heritage Resort Hampi / Royal Orchid Central Keerti
? Chennai x 1 Night: Accord Metropolitan / The Park Chennai
? Pondicherry x 2 Nights: The Residency Towers Puducherry / Accord Puducherry
? Thanjavur x 1 Night: GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
? Chettinad x 1 Night: Chettinadu Mansion
? Madurai x 1 Night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel / Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels

5? Hotels
? Hyderabad x 3 Nights: ITC Kakatiya / Vivanta Hyderabad
? Gulbarga x 1 Night: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga by OTHPL / Mastiff Select
? Bijapur x 1 Night: The Fern Residency / Kyriad Hotel Vijayapura by OTHPL
? Badami x 1 Night: WADA1 / Morpho Banashree Resort
? Hampi x 2 Nights: Evolve Back Hampi
? Chennai x 1 Night: Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels / Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai
? Pondicherry x 2 Nights: Palais de Mahe / La Villa
? Thanjavur x 1 Night: Svatma
? Chettinad x 1 Night: Visalam CGH Earth
? Madurai x 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott Madurai / The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Note: Hotels mentioned above are subject to availability at the time of booking. Similar category hotels may be provided if the listed hotels are unavailable.

- Hubli - Chennai & Madurai - Hyderabad flight fare approx INR 9, 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.