Bangalore to Across The Temples in South India

Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore

Upon your arrival at Bangalore Airport, our representative will warmly receive you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. The rest of the day is free for leisure, allowing you to explore the lively atmosphere of Bangalore at your own pace. You may visit nearby cafés, markets, or simply enjoy the comfort of your hotel. Bangalore offers a pleasant introduction to your South India temple journey with its blend of modern city life and cultural richness. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your full-day city tour of Bangalore. Start with a visit to Lal Bagh Garden, one of the city’s most beautiful botanical gardens, known for its exotic plant collection and peaceful walking paths. Continue to Cubbon Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for enjoying the fresh air and shaded avenues. Visit Bangalore Fort and Tippu’s Summer Palace to explore the city’s historic past and Islamic architectural influences. Proceed to the Bull Temple, an important devotional site and one of Bangalore’s oldest landmarks. Drive past Vidhana Soudha and the Secretariat, two of the city’s most prominent government buildings. Return to the hotel in the evening after a day filled with history, greenery, and heritage. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 3: Bangalore to Vellore (Approx. 210 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Vellore through scenic highway stretches and changing landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and refresh before beginning your sightseeing. Visit the magnificent Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, a spectacular structure covered with gold and surrounded by beautifully landscaped pathways. Continue to Vellore Fort, one of the region’s most important historical landmarks, known for its massive stone walls and deep moat. Inside the fort, explore the beautifully carved Jalakandeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and admired for its Dravidian architecture. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps taking a calm walk around the fort area before returning to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Vellore.

Day 4: Vellore to Chennai via Kanchipuram (Approx. 140 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Chennai with an en route stop at Kanchipuram, famously known as the City of a Thousand Temples. Spend time visiting a selection of ancient temples and learning about the city’s religious significance, silk weaving tradition, and rich spiritual heritage. Continue your drive to Chennai and check in at the hotel on arrival. Later, begin the city tour with visits to Fort St. George and St. Mary’s Church, both important reminders of Chennai’s colonial past. Continue to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, one of the finest examples of Dravidian temple architecture. If time permits, visit the Government Museum or Dakshinachitra Museum for deeper cultural insight. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful stroll along Marina Beach and visit Santhome Cathedral before returning to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 5: Chennai to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram (Approx. 170 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, depart for Pondicherry with a memorable stop at Mahabalipuram, one of the most celebrated coastal heritage sites in India. Explore the Shore Temple, the iconic Krishna’s Butterball, the Cave Temples, and the Arjuna’s Penance sculpture, all of which reflect the artistic brilliance of the Pallava dynasty. Continue your journey to Pondicherry and check in at the hotel on arrival. In the evening, explore the French Quarter, where charming colonial streets, pastel-coloured buildings, and peaceful boulevards create a unique atmosphere. You may also visit Auroville or the Pondicherry Museum depending on time and interest. The day offers a beautiful mix of heritage, seaside charm, and cultural contrast. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 6: Pondicherry to Thanjavur via Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram & Darasuram (Approx. 230 km / 6–7 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive toward Thanjavur, making enriching stops at some of Tamil Nadu’s most important temple sites. Visit Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, a sacred Shaivite shrine known for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, both UNESCO-recognized Great Living Chola Temples that showcase the grandeur of the Chola dynasty. Admire the detailed carvings, towering vimanas, and sacred courtyards that reflect India’s glorious temple tradition. On arrival in Thanjavur, check in at the hotel and relax. The evening is free to enjoy the calm atmosphere of this historic temple town. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 7: Thanjavur to Madurai (Approx. 210 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Thanjavur with a visit to the iconic Brihadeeswara Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of South India’s greatest heritage monuments. Continue to the nearby palace complex if time permits, where the region’s royal past comes alive through its historical architecture and museum collections. Later, drive to Madurai, one of the oldest and most vibrant temple cities in India. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take time to unwind after the journey. In the evening, you may enjoy a short orientation around the city or relax at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 8: Madurai Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Madurai, a city deeply rooted in Tamil culture and spirituality. Start with the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, an iconic Dravidian temple complex with towering gopurams, sacred halls, and elaborate sculptures. Continue to Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, known for its grand Indo-Saracenic architecture and royal history. Proceed to Alagar Koil, a temple set amidst scenic surroundings and associated with Lord Vishnu. Visit Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, and, if time permits, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, located in a peaceful natural setting. The day offers a profound spiritual and cultural experience. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 9: Madurai to Chettinad (Approx. 90 km / 2–3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Chettinad, a region famous for its aristocratic mansions, heritage cuisine, and cultural richness. Upon arrival, explore the grand Chettinad mansions, adorned with carved teak wood, marble floors, spacious courtyards, and elegant architecture that reflects the wealth of the Chettiar community. Walk through the heritage lanes and learn about the region’s mercantile history and artistic traditions. Enjoy authentic Chettinad cuisine for lunch, known for its bold spices and rich flavors. If time permits, visit local markets or a heritage museum to learn more about the community’s lifestyle and craftsmanship. The day offers a memorable glimpse into one of Tamil Nadu’s most distinctive cultural regions. Overnight at hotel in Chettinad.

Day 10: Chettinad to Yercaud and Return to Bangalore (Approx. 270 km to Yercaud / 220 km to Bangalore)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Yercaud, a peaceful hill station nestled in the Shevaroy Hills. On arrival, visit Sugavaneswarar Temple and Christ Church, both offering a blend of spirituality and local heritage. Continue to Kiliyur Falls, where a refreshing natural setting creates a perfect break from the road journey, and explore the serene Japanese Garden if time permits. Enjoy the cool climate and scenic surroundings before beginning your return drive to Bangalore. Upon arrival in Bangalore, you will be transferred to the airport or your preferred location for departure. The tour concludes with unforgettable memories of South India’s temples, heritage towns, scenic coast, and hill station charm.

• Assistance on arrival at airport
• 9 nights’ accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program
• English-speaking tour guide on sightseeing days, as per program
• Monument entrance fees and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water in the car
• Government taxes

Hotels Used or Similar (10 Nights Accommodation)

3-Star Hotels

• Bangalore (3 nights): Royal Orchid Central / Ramada Bangalore
• Vellore (1 night): Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotel / Hotel Benzz Park Vellore
• Chennai (1 night): ZONE By The Park / Raj Park
• Pondicherry (1 night): Shenbaga Hotel / Hotel Annamalai International
• Thanjavur (1 night): Sangam Hotels
• Chettinad (1 night): Chettinadu Mansion
• Madurai (1 night): JC Residency / Hotel Royal Court
• Salem / Yercaud (1 night): ZIBE Salem by GRT Hotels / Sterling Yercaud

4-Star Hotels

• Bangalore (3 nights): Lemon Tree Premier / Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa
• Vellore (1 night): Fortune Park Vellore / Park Inn By Radisson Vellore
• Chennai (1 night): Accord Metropolitan / The Park Chennai
• Pondicherry (1 night): The Residency Towers / Accord Puducherry
• Thanjavur (1 night): GReaT Trails Riverview Resort
• Chettinad (1 night): Chettinadu Mansion
• Madurai (1 night): Fortune Pandiyan Hotel / Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
• Salem / Yercaud (1 night): Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels / Radisson Salem

5-Star Hotels

• Bangalore (3 nights): The Oberoi / ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection
• Vellore (1 night): Fortune Park Vellore / Park Inn By Radisson Vellore
• Chennai (1 night): Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels / Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai
• Pondicherry (1 night): Palais De Mahe / La Villa
• Thanjavur (1 night): Svatma
• Chettinad (1 night): Visalam Cgh Earth
• Madurai (1 night): Courtyard by Marriott / The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
• Salem / Yercaud (1 night): Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels / Radisson Salem

• Any flight tickets
• Camera charges at monuments, if any
• Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, liquor, and beverages
• Gratuities and optional activities
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions