South India Architecture Tour

Day 01 Chennai
Highlights : Kapaleeswarar temple, Santhome Church, Fort Museum, ...etc.
Detail Itinerary : Arrive in Chennai, the capital city of Chennai and the gateway of South India. Tour the tourist places in Chennai namely, the Kapaleeswarar temple, Santhome Church, Fort Museum and National Art Gallery.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02 Mahabalipuram
Detail Itinerary : Drive to Mahabalipuram, the only shore temple surviving in India. Tour this world heritage site for the whole day.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 03 Kanchipuram /Vellore /Tiruvannamalai
Detail Itinerary : Drive to Kanchipuram, one of the sacred 7 cities of India famous for its thousand temples. Also visit the numerous temples like Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Varatharaja Temple and Ekambareswara Temple, which give the city its name as 'the temple city'. Vellore houses one of the Tippu Sultan's forts and Jalakandeswara temple. Then proceed to Tiruvannamalai to visit the Arunachaleeswarar temple and the Ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04 Gingee / Pondicherry
Detail Itinerary : Gingee is known for the beautiful fort that dates back to the 14th century. Go to the former French Colony in Pondicherry famous for Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville and the beach.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05 Chidambaram / Gangaikondacholapuram / Darasuram / Kumbakonam / Tanjore
Detail Itinerary : In the morning visit the 9th Century Shiva temple in Chidambaram which houses a unique Emerald lingam statue. After attending the afternoon prayer, move to Gangaikondacholapuram. Dharasuram is known for its old monuments that reflect Chola architecture. Tanjore is known for its temple architecture and paintings. Visit the temples at Tanjore.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06 Trichy
Detail Itinerary : Drive to Trichy was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. See the Lord Robert Clive's house, Srirangam temple, Rock-Fort temple, Ganapati temple on hilltop and Shiva temple.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07 Madurai
Detail Itinerary : Reach Madurai, known for 1000-pillared Meenakshiamman temple. You are also taken to the special religious night ceremony held in the temple. Also visit Thirumalai Nayak's Palace and Gandhi Museum.
Overnight stay at the temple.

Day 08 Periyar
Detail Itinerary : Go to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best game sanctuaries in India. Also cover Thekkady enroute visiting all important tourist places. Enjoy boating on the Lake Periyar top explore the sanctuary at its best. Drive past the spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. You can shop at the local market.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09 Kochi
Detail Itinerary : Reach the commercial capital and the natural harbour in Kerala - Kochi/Cochin. . The tourist places in the city include a Jewish synagogue - The Dutch Palace, Portuguese Churches, Mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese Fishing Nets. In the evening attend the traditional Kathakali Dance Show.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10 Ooty
Detail Itinerary : Drive to Ooty - 'the queen of hill stations'. A full day excursion to Ooty and Coonoor. Visit Botanical Gardens, the Ooty Lake, Dodabetta peak offering you panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains in Ooty. You can also opt for a toy train tour to Coonoor to enjoy the scenic surroundings and visit the vegetable market at Karamadai enroute. Overnight stay at Ooty.

Day 11 Mudumalai / Mysore
Detail Itinerary : Drive to Mysore, the Sandalwood City of India. Visit Mysore Palace, the Art Gallery, Brindavan Gardens etc. Aslo cover the Mudumalai and Bandipur Wild life sanctuaries on the way. Overnight stay at Mysore.

Day 12 Mysore / Srirangpatna / Somnathpur
Detail Itinerary : Have a full day excursion to Srirangapatna and Somnathpur. Return to Mysore and visit the stone temples with intricate carvings. Afternoon visit to Devaraja vegetable and flower market.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13 Hassan / Sravanbelagola
Detail Itinerary : Drive towards Hassan and visit Sravanabelagola, the most popular Jain pilgrimage enroute. Situated on a small hill, there are 600 rock cut steps leading you to the top. Visit Belur and Halebid in the afternoon to witness fine examples of Hoysala Architecture temples. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14 Hospet
Detail Itinerary : Return to Bangalore. A full day drive from Bangalore takes you to the historical city of Hospet.The touristic importance of the Hospet city lies in its proximity to Hampi.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15 Hampi
Detail Itinerary : From Hospet move to Hampi, once the capital of Vijayanagar Empire and the largest Hindu Kingdom. Visit the temples, the panoramic hills, ancient markets and the boat ride by the riverside.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 16 Aihole / Pattadakal
Detail Itinerary : Aihole and Pattadakal built during the Chalukya's dynasty is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the Southern Dravida School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan temple of the 5th century A.D and other 70 temples in this group are the major tourist attractions. The Meguti temple and Ravanaphadi Cave can also be visited. Pattadakal has the oldest temple named Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars showcasing the life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures of the Ramayana & Mahabharata era. The Papanatha Temple with impressive carvings on pillars and ceiling captures your attention anyway.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 17 Badami
Detail Itinerary : Morning tour of Badami or Vatapi takes you to a culturally rich Hindu and Jain temples carved from sand stone hills. The Fort atop the hill encloses large granaries, treasury and a watch tower. Also the Malegitti Shivalaya temple is not to be missed out.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 18 Bijapur
Detail Itinerary : Bijapur is ingrained with the Muslim influence in its buildings and architecture. Gol Gumbaz, the major landmark of the city should be visited in your first lot.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 19 Bijapur / Gulbarga
Detail Itinerary : Gulbarga is a perfect blend of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. Jumma Masjid is a huge mosque on the lines of Spanish mosque of Cordoba. The Khwaja Banda Nawaz tomb is also an architectural marvel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 20 Gulbarga / Hyderabad
Detail Itinerary : Visit Charminar, the Mecca Mosque, the Salar Jung Museum and High Court Buildings - the best collection of Manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and curios.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 21 Hyderabad
Detail Itinerary : Your day is free or you can also opt for an optional tour to Golconda Fort. Golconda Fort was built in the 13th century on the outskirts on Hyderabad. Also visit the Tombs of Qutab Shahi Kings surrounded by verdant gardens.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 22 Departure
Detail Itinerary : Board a flight from Hyderabad airport to your onward destination or way back home.