Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore
Arrive at Bangalore Airport and receive a warm welcome from our representative who will escort you to your hotel for check-in. Unwind and relax after your journey, taking some time to freshen up and settle in. Enjoy a peaceful evening at your leisure, soaking in the city’s ambiance. Prepare mentally and physically for the exciting exploration ahead. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your hotel, ensuring a restful start to your South India adventure.

Day 2: Bangalore City Tour
After breakfast, begin your city tour with Lalbagh Botanical Garden, featuring a grand glasshouse, diverse plant collections, and the Lalbagh Rock, one of Earth’s oldest rock formations. Explore Cubbon Park, filled with lush greenery, iconic statues, and walking paths for a refreshing stroll. Visit Bangalore Palace, inspired by English Tudor architecture, with stunning woodwork, intricately designed ceilings, and regal halls adorned with portraits. Continue to the Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, noted for its massive granite statue. Conclude the day at ISKCON Temple, enjoying its spiritual ambiance, intricate architecture, and vibrant devotional activities.

Day 3: Bangalore – Vellore (220 km)
After breakfast, drive to Vellore, checking into your hotel upon arrival. Visit the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, an exquisite temple adorned with gold, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Explore the historic Vellore Fort, a 16th-century fortress encircled by a deep moat, echoing tales of battles and royal heritage. Visit Jalakandeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and admire the intricate Dravidian architecture, sculptures, and carvings. Spend the evening at leisure before enjoying dinner at your hotel and resting for the next day’s journey.

Day 4: Vellore – Chennai (145 km)
Depart for Chennai after breakfast, stopping at Kanchipuram, the temple city. Explore Ekambareswarar Temple, renowned for its towering gopuram and detailed carvings depicting Hindu mythology. Visit Kailasanathar Temple, a magnificent architectural gem, followed by Varadharaja Perumal Temple, celebrated for its sanctum and exquisite design. Continue to Chennai to visit Fort St. George, India’s first British fort housing a fascinating museum of colonial artifacts. End the day with Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the Government Museum, immersing yourself in Chennai’s religious and cultural heritage.

Day 5: Chennai – Pondicherry (160 km)
Begin with breakfast before driving to Pondicherry, stopping at Mahabalipuram. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Shore Temple and marvel at Arjuna’s Penance, a massive bas-relief sculpture depicting Hindu mythology. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, check in at your hotel and explore the French Quarter with its colonial charm, vibrant cafes, and boutiques. Visit Auroville, featuring the serene Matrimandir, and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a center of spirituality. End the day strolling along Promenade Beach, enjoying the sea breeze and scenic sunset views, followed by dinner at your hotel.

Day 6: Pondicherry – Thanjavur (180 km)
After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur with a stop at Chidambaram to visit Nataraja Temple, famous for its depiction of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its grand Chola-era temples and intricate sculptures. Visit Darasuram Temple, another Chola masterpiece with detailed stone carvings. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at your hotel, and relax. Spend the evening at leisure before dinner, enjoying the city’s cultural and historical ambiance.

Day 7: Thanjavur – Chettinad (140 km)
After breakfast, explore Thanjavur’s highlights, including the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with grand architecture and exquisite sculptures. Visit Vijayanagar Fort for panoramic views and historical insights. Explore Thanjavur Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library to witness rare manuscripts and traditional art. Drive to Trichy and visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of India’s largest temple complexes, followed by Rock Fort Temple atop a massive rock with scenic views. Arrive in Chettinad, check in at your hotel, and enjoy a restful evening.

Day 8: Chettinad – Madurai (90 km)
After breakfast, explore Chettinad’s heritage mansions showcasing a blend of Dravidian and colonial architecture. Drive to Madurai, check in at your hotel, and visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, celebrated for its vibrant gopurams and detailed sculptures. Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an Indo-Saracenic architectural marvel with grand pillars. Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum, documenting India’s independence struggle. Spend the evening exploring Madurai’s bustling markets and savoring local culinary delights before returning to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 9: Madurai – Hyderabad (Flight)
Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Madurai Airport for a flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel. Take some leisure time to rest or explore the nearby surroundings. Prepare for an exciting city tour in the following day. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel ensure a comfortable and relaxed evening.

Day 10: Hyderabad City Tour
After breakfast, explore Golconda Fort, a sprawling complex with historical significance and acoustic marvels. Visit Qutub Shahi Tombs, reflecting Indo-Persian architecture and royal heritage. Discover the iconic Charminar, surrounded by vibrant bazaars and local culture. Explore Chowmahalla Palace, known for its opulent interiors and Nizam-era grandeur. Conclude the day at Salar Jung Museum, home to rare art and manuscripts, and visit the Paigah Tombs with intricate marble inlays and unique architectural designs.

Day 11: Hyderabad – Gulbarga (260 km)
Depart Hyderabad after breakfast for Gulbarga with a stop at Bidar. Explore Bidar Fort, showcasing Persian-influenced architecture and historical significance. Visit Bahmani Tombs, resting place of sultans with intricately carved domes. Pay homage at Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, a serene Sikh pilgrimage site. Arrive in Gulbarga, check in at your hotel, and visit Gulbarga Fort, a remarkable fortress with majestic towers, before retiring for the evening.

Day 12: Gulbarga – Bijapur (170 km)
After breakfast, depart for Bijapur and visit the iconic Gol Gumbaz, famous for its massive dome and acoustic marvels. Explore Ibrahim Rauza, a beautiful tomb complex with Mughal influences. Witness the colossal Malik-e-Maidan cannon and Bara Kaman, an unfinished architectural marvel. Visit Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, and stroll through local markets for handicrafts and delicacies. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13: Bijapur – Badami (120 km)
After breakfast, drive to Badami and check in at your hotel. Explore the Badami Cave Temples, four sandstone caves dedicated to Hindu deities with intricate carvings. Visit the Bhutanatha Group of Temples beside a serene lake, showcasing peaceful surroundings and unique architecture. Explore Badami Fort atop a hill, providing panoramic views and insights into ancient defense systems. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 14: Badami – Pattadakal – Aihole – Badami
Embark on a full-day exploration after breakfast, visiting Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Chalukyan architecture. Explore the Virupaksha Temple and other temples blending North and South Indian styles. Continue to Aihole, the cradle of South Indian temple architecture, with the Durga Temple and Lad Khan Temple. Visit the Mahakuta Group of Temples, noted for its serene ambiance and intricate stone carvings. Return to Badami for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 15: Badami – Hampi (180 km)
After breakfast, drive to Hampi and check in at your hotel. Visit Anagundi Village for a cultural experience and enjoy a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River. Explore Hampi Bazaar, a vibrant market offering handicrafts, traditional clothing, and local souvenirs. Savor the local atmosphere and prepare for the next day’s extensive sightseeing. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 16: Hampi Exploration
After breakfast, explore Vijaya Vittala Temple, renowned for its stone chariot and exquisite carvings. Visit Virupaksha Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site with intricate sculptures. Discover the Royal Enclosure, Queen’s Bath, Lotus Mahal, and Hazara Rama Temple, each reflecting the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire with detailed architecture and mythological carvings. Spend the day immersing yourself in history, culture, and spirituality. Return to your hotel for a restful evening.

Day 17: Hampi – Hassan (330 km)
After breakfast, depart for Hassan with stops at Belur and Halebidu. Explore Chennakesava Temple at Belur, renowned for Hoysala architecture and intricate carvings. Visit Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, celebrated for detailed sculpture work. Arrive in Hassan, check in at your hotel, and relax after the day’s sightseeing and travel. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay.

Day 18: Hassan – Mysore (140 km)
Drive to Mysore after breakfast and explore Mysore Palace, a splendid Indo-Saracenic marvel with richly decorated interiors. Visit Jaganmohan Palace, now an art gallery housing South Indian paintings. Stroll through Devaraja Market, famous for flowers, spices, and traditional goods. Explore St. Philomena's Church, a neo-Gothic masterpiece with beautiful stained glass windows. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 19: Mysore – Bangalore (140 km)
After breakfast, journey back to Bangalore, stopping at Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangapatna, an ancient temple with architectural and cultural significance. Upon reaching Bangalore, visit ISKCON Temple to conclude your South India tour with a serene spiritual experience. Enjoy an airport transfer for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of history, architecture, and culture across South India.

- Assistance on arrival at airport.

- 18 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 18 nights accommodation

Bangalore x 2 nights
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

Vellore x 1 night
3* - Hotel Khanna Fiesta/ POPPYS Anukula Residency
4* & 5* - Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotels/ Fortune Park

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

Thanjore x 1 night
3star - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4star - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5star - 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

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

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

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
Note: There are no 4* or 5* hotels in Vellore, Gulbarga, Bijapur & Badami.

- Madurai - Hyderabad 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.