Grand South India Heritage, Temples with Goa Coastal Journey

After breakfast, drive towards Mahabalipuram with a stop at Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, famous for its ancient temples and silk weaving tradition. Visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in the city, known for its fine carvings. Also visit the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, an important Vishnu temple admired for its grand architecture. Later, continue your drive to Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock-cut monuments built by the Pallava dynasty. Visit the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), the impressive stone relief of Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna’s Butterball, a giant natural rock balanced on a slope. Later, drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Auroville, an international township focused on peace, unity, and sustainable living. Visit the Matrimandir (viewed from outside), the spiritual center of Auroville, set amidst calm and well-maintained gardens. Later, return to Puducherry and explore the charming French Quarter, known for its colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, and relaxed atmosphere. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, walk along the Seaside Promenade, and see beautiful churches and temples that reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk along the beach or explore local markets. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Puducherry.

After an early breakfast and hotel checkout, drive to Chidambaram to visit the sacred Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer. Continue to Darasuram to visit the Airavatesvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fine stone carvings. Later, drive to Thanjavur. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

After breakfast, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture, known for its massive tower and detailed sculptures. Later, drive to Gangaikonda Cholapuram (approx. 70 km / 1.5 hours), the former capital of the Chola dynasty, and visit its grand Shiva temple. After sightseeing, return to Thanjavur in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thanjavur.

After breakfast at the hotel in Thanjavur, drive to Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). Upon arrival, visit the Srirangam Temple, one of the largest and most important Vaishnavite temples in South India. Continue to the Jambukeshwara Temple, a Shiva temple known for its unique water element. End your sightseeing at the Rock Fort Temple, located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city. After sightseeing, continue your drive to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Madurai.

After breakfast, set out to explore Madurai, one of the oldest living cities in India and an important cultural center of Tamil Nadu. Begin your day with a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most famous and sacred temples in India. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), the temple is a symbol of divine feminine power and is deeply rooted in Indian culture and history. Its towering gopurams (gateway towers), covered with thousands of colorful sculptures, represent stories from ancient Hindu scriptures and showcase the brilliance of Dravidian architecture. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a center of art, music, festivals, and daily rituals that have continued for centuries, making it a living example of India’s spiritual heritage. Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century architectural masterpiece that reflects a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles and highlights the royal history of Madurai. Later, visit the Koodal Azhagar Temple, an ancient Vishnu temple known for its beautiful carvings and religious significance. In the evening, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Madurai.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. Upon arrival, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built on the rock where Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated. Continue to the Shri Bhagavathy Amman Temple,  a 3,000-year-old shrine dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari. Later, see the Triveni Sangam, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet, and visit the Gandhi Mandapam, built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. If time permits, visit the Suchindram Temple, known for its fine carvings and musical pillars. In the evening, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

After breakfast, drive to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Upon arrival, visit the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple (entry restricted for non-Hindus inside the sanctum), one of the most important and sacred temples in India. Later, explore the Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery, known for their fine collections of art and history. In the evening, relax at Kovalam Beach and enjoy the coastal views. Check in at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Trivandrum.

After breakfast in the morning, proceed to Alleppey, a serene backwater destination known for its picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, board your houseboat and settle in for a relaxing cruise through the tranquil waterways. As you glide past lush greenery and charming villages, soak in the breathtaking views of Kerala’s backwaters. By 13:30 hrs, the houseboat will pause for a delicious lunch on board, allowing you to savor local flavors while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. At 14:30 hrs, the journey resumes, covering a vast expanse of serene backwaters, offering an experience that feels like a dream. Enjoy tea and snacks onboard as the scenery continues to unfold around you. By 18:00 hrs, the houseboat will anchor, providing a unique and unforgettable overnight stay amidst the stillness of the backwaters.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kochi, a city known for its unique mix of history, culture, and seaside charm. Upon arrival visit Fort Kochi, famous for its colonial buildings and vibrant streets, and see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront. Continue to St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, and explore the historic Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town area. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance to experience Kerala’s classical art form. Later, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Ooty, a beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes. Enjoy a picturesque journey through tea plantations, forests, and winding mountain roads. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax after the long drive. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Ooty.

Early in the morning, experience a ride on the famous Nilgiri Toy Train (subject to availability), a UNESCO World Heritage mountain railway offering stunning views of the hills, valleys, and tea gardens. Later, explore Ooty, also known as the “Queen of Hill Stations.” Visit the popular Ooty Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, and enjoy the pleasant weather and natural beauty of the town. In the evening, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Ooty.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Mysore, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, majestic palaces, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Upon arrival, visit Mysuru Palace, the former royal residence of the Wodeyar dynasty, admired for its grand architecture and historic Durbar Hall. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mysuru.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Bangalore. En route, stop at the Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, an important pilgrimage site known for its historic Dravidian-style architecture. Continue your drive to Bangalore. If time permits, enjoy a brief sightseeing tour, viewing the Vidhana Soudha from outside, Bangalore Palace, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. Later, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay in Bangalore.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient ruins and rich history. Enjoy a scenic journey through the countryside of Karnataka. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax after the long drive. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Hampi

After breakfast, spend the day exploring the main attractions of Hampi, the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Visit the Vittala Temple, famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars, followed by the Royal Enclosure, where you will see the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables. Continue to the Hazara Rama Temple, known for its detailed carvings, and then visit the Queen’s Bath. Later, explore the riverside area and see the Achyutaraya Temple and the Matanga Hill area for panoramic views of the ruins. Also, enjoy a gentle walk around the Hampi Bazaar area and visit the Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in Hampi. In the evening, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hampi.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore important temples such as the Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, and Papanatha Temple. Continue to Aihole, known as the birthplace of Indian temple architecture, and visit the Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, and Ravana Phadi Cave Temple. Later, proceed to Badami and check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the famous Badami Cave Temples, carved into red sandstone hills overlooking Agastya Lake. Then visit the beautiful Bhutanatha Temples located beside the lake. Later leave for Goa. The journey takes you through scenic countryside and forested areas. Upon arrival in Goa, check in at your resort and relax after the long drive. The rest of the day is free to unwind. Overnight stay at the resort in Goa.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing covering Goa’s most popular churches, renowned for their magnificent architecture and historical significance. Visit Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and Church of St. Cajetan. Later, enjoy a boat cruise on the Mandovi River and explore Panaji, the capital city of Goa. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed day at leisure, soaking in the beauty of Goa’s sun-kissed beaches near your hotel. You may relax on the golden sands or indulge in water sports activities (available at an additional cost, payable directly). Overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast or as per your flight schedule, our driver will transfer you to Goa International Airport for your onward journey.