South India Tour Package: Mumbai to Chennai Highlights

Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and acclimate to the vibrant city. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel, preparing for the exploration ahead.

Begin your day with a half-day city tour of Mumbai, immersing yourself in its bustling energy and colonial heritage. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Marine Drive, and Mani Bhawan (Gandhi House). Stroll through Kamla Nehru Park and the Hanging Gardens for panoramic views. Experience Mumbai’s vibrant nightlife and cultural diversity before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Check out from the hotel and transfer to Mumbai Airport for your flight to Bangalore. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before embarking on a sightseeing tour. Explore Bangalore’s lush parks, including Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Gardens, and admire architectural marvels like the neo-Dravidian Vidhana Soudha. Discover historical sites such as Tipu Sultan’s Palace and the ancient Bull Temple. Overnight stay in Bangalore.

Depart Bangalore and drive to Hassan, stopping en route at Shravanbelagola, a village famed for its Jain heritage. In Hassan, visit the UNESCO-listed Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid. Marvel at the intricate carvings of the 12th-century Chennakesava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid, remnants of the Hoysala Empire. Return to Hassan for an overnight stay. Belur – Situated on the banks of the Yagachi River, Belur was the capital of the Hoysala Empire 800 years ago. The town is home to one of the greatest monuments of medieval India, the 12th-century Chennakesava Temple, which commemorates the victory of the Hoysalas over the Cholas in the Battle of Talakad. The temple’s exterior is adorned with intricate sculptures and friezes, while its interior features exquisite panels and richly carved pillars. A tall stone pillar in the temple courtyard is balanced only by its center of gravity. Halebid – Halebid, once the capital of the Hoysala Empire known as Dwarasamudra, was founded in the early 11th century AD. After being raided by the Delhi Sultanate armies in 1311 and 1327, the city was deserted and came to be known as Halebid or the Old Capital. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a prominent surviving structure from the ancient city.

After breakfast, drive to Mysore, pausing at Srirangapatna to explore Tipu Sultan’s summer palace and island fortress. In Mysore, visit the opulent Maharaja’s Palace, adorned with a golden throne, and the Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery. Conclude the day with a visit to the illuminated Brindavan Gardens, famed for its musical fountains. Overnight in Mysore.

Journey to Ooty, a serene hill station nestled in the breathtaking Nilgiri Mountains, known for its lush greenery, picturesque valleys, and pleasant weather. As you make your way through winding roads and scenic landscapes, take in the fresh mountain air and mesmerizing views. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, where you can unwind and relax after your journey. Spend the evening at leisure, strolling through the charming town, exploring nearby attractions, or simply soaking in the cool climate and misty surroundings. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in Ooty, preparing for the adventures that await.

Start your day with a delightful sightseeing tour of Ooty, where the scenic hill slopes are adorned with lush tea estates, rolling downs, and tranquil lakes, all set against the backdrop of a refreshing climate. Begin by exploring the renowned Botanical Gardens, established in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweeddale, which boast an impressive collection of exotic and ornamental plants, along with a fascinating fossil tree trunk estimated to be 20 million years old. Next, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy a paddle boating experience, though parts of the lake have become weed-locked over time. Continue your journey to the enchanting Rose Garden, home to an astonishing 1,919 varieties of roses, creating a mesmerizing floral display. As you delve into the town’s rich colonial heritage, visit historic British landmarks such as the gothic-style St. Stephen’s Church, built in 1820, the iconic Stone House bungalow, and Raj Bhawan, a grand structure dating back to 1877. For those interested in religious history, a visit to Kandal Cross is a must. This Roman Catholic shrine is believed to house a relic of the True Cross, earning Ooty the revered title of the 'Jerusalem of the East.' As the evening approaches, take some free time to unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere at your own pace. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at your hotel, resting amidst the tranquil beauty of Ooty.

After an early morning check-out from the hotel, begin your journey toward Cochin, enjoying the scenic drive through lush landscapes and picturesque views. Upon arrival in Cochin, proceed with a smooth check-in at your hotel, where you can unwind and relax after your journey. Take some time to explore the hotel's amenities or step out to get a glimpse of the city's vibrant culture and historic charm. Later, return to your hotel for a comfortable and restful overnight stay, preparing for the adventures that await in this beautiful coastal city.

Begin your day in Cochin, a historic port city where the echoes of colonial past blend seamlessly with its dynamic present. Stroll through the bustling streets, where old-world charm meets modern vibrance, and take in the sights of heritage buildings and lively markets. Venture into the serene backwaters, where tranquil lagoons and golden-hued sunsets paint an idyllic scene, framed by swaying coconut palms. As you explore the city's waterfront, discover picturesque islands like Vypeen, Willingdon, Ramanthuruth, Vallarpadam, and Bolghatty, each adding to Cochin’s breathtaking cityscape. Step into history with a visit to the Jewish Synagogue, India’s oldest, adorned with exquisite Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted tiles. Nearby, the Mattancherry Palace, once the regal residence of the Maharajas, showcases captivating murals and royal artifacts. No visit to Cochin is complete without witnessing the iconic Chinese fishing nets, an ancient technique believed to have originated from Kubla Khan’s court and still practiced today by local fishermen. As the day winds down, check out from your hotel and embark on a scenic drive to Kumarakom, a charming backwater destination. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax, soaking in the serene atmosphere of this tranquil retreat. Spend a peaceful night at your hotel, preparing for more adventures ahead.

Begin your day with a leisurely morning, allowing yourself time to relax and soak in the surroundings. Later, check out from the hotel and embark on a journey to Periyar, a renowned wildlife sanctuary and one of Kerala’s most captivating destinations. As you arrive, check in at your hotel and prepare for an afternoon filled with adventure. A scenic boat cruise on the tranquil Periyar Lake awaits, offering a rare chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. As you glide through the waters, keep an eye out for wild elephants, the mighty gaur, graceful deer, wild boars, and the elusive Nilgiri langur. The sanctuary is home to an incredible variety of fauna, including tigers, sambars, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri tahr, wild dogs, porcupines, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, and sloth bears. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by the opportunity to spot vibrant species such as hornbills, blue-winged parakeets, whistling thrushes, flycatchers, and numerous water birds. As the day winds down, enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure, immersing yourself in the serene ambiance of Periyar before retiring for an overnight stay at your hotel.

In the morning, you'll check out of the hotel and proceed to Madurai. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The afternoon features a sightseeing tour of Madurai, including a visit to the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, located centrally within the town, where you can admire the immense gopurams and explore the intricately carved temple complex, a significant pilgrimage and tourist site. The tour also includes the Tirumalai Nayak Temple, known for its Indo-Saracenic architectural style, where you'll see its impressive pillars, ranging from 4 to 12 meters, and its enormous domes. You'll also visit the Palace Building within the Tirumalai Nayak Temple, noting its beautiful arches and unique ornamental workmanship, and Vandiyur Mariamman Tank, a large temple tank with a central mandapam measuring 304.8 meters on each side. Madurai's traditional handicrafts, particularly those made from brass and bronze, are also a point of interest. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, with an opportunity to explore the local market, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

Upon arrival, you'll check in at the hotel. The afternoon features a sightseeing tour of Tiruchirapalli, starting with the Rock Fort, which is perched on a massive rock 83 meters above the plains. You'll also visit the Rock Fort Temple, built by the Nayak of Madurai, and learn about its historical significance during the Carnatic battles of the 18th century. The tour includes Srirangam, a picturesque island between the Cauvery River and its tributary Kollidam, located north of Tiruchirapalli. You'll also get to see the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest Vaishnavite temples in South India, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, and marvel at its 21 magnificent towers, stone pillars with intricate carvings, and the seven walls surrounding the temple complex. The evening offers leisure time to explore the local town, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, you'll check out of your hotel and drive to Thanjavur, a city known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu and home to many ancient temple wonders. Upon arrival, you'll check in at the hotel. Later, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Thanjavur, where you can view the Brihadeeswara Temple (Big Temple of God), an architectural marvel constructed by the Cholas. The temple features a tower that rises 15 meters from a 28.8-meter square base, reaching a total height of 64.8 meters, and is capped by an 81.3-tonne monolithic stone slab with winged niches on four sides. You’ll also get to see The Palace near the temple, a grand structure partly built by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and later expanded by the Marathas, showcasing vast corridors, spacious halls, and two towers: the armory and observation towers. Additionally, you'll get to visit the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which houses over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages. The evening will be yours to enjoy leisure time in the local town, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, you will check out of the hotel and drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your new hotel. Later, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, taking in the famous landmarks of this former French colony. The tour includes a visit to the Aurobindo Ashram, which promotes a synthesis of Yoga and modern science to unite spirit and matter. You’ll also have the opportunity to see Auroville, a unique township founded by Shree Aurobindo and The Mother in 1926, dedicated to yoga, meditation, and spiritual growth. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, with time to get acquainted with the local town, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

The morning is at leisure before checking out of the hotel and driving to Mamallapuram. Upon arrival, you will check into a hotel. The day continues with a sightseeing tour that starts with The Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples housing shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. You'll also visit The Five Rathas, five monolithic temples, each crafted in a different style and also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, with four of them carved from a single rock. See Arjuna’s Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief measuring 27m x 9m, depicting gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds, and almost all of creation. The evening offers free time to explore the local market, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, you'll check out of the hotel and drive to Kanchipuram, one of India’s seven sacred cities, also known as the Golden City. Kanchipuram holds historical significance as the capital of the Pallavas, and later the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar dynasties. You'll visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, an ancient temple notable for its 57-meter high Rajagopuram, one of South India's tallest towers. Other important temples will be seen, such as the Kamakshi Amman Temple, a major site for Shakti worship in India. The journey then continues to Chennai (72 km / 2 hrs). Upon arrival in Chennai, you’ll check in at the hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing time to get acquainted with the local town before an overnight stay at the hotel.

The morning starts with a sightseeing tour of Chennai, offering a look into the city’s rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, festivals, fine crafts, and classical music and dance. Highlights include a visit to the Kapaleeswarar Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture dating back to 1250 AD, and the Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century. The tour also takes you to Fort St. George, the first stronghold of British power in India, constructed in 1640 AD, and St. Thomas Mount, the site of the Apostle St. Thomas's martyrdom in 72 AD. In the afternoon, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, where you will receive assistance and be transferred to the International Airport for your onward journey.