Chennai to Bangalore South India Rich Temples, Tea Estate & Palaces Tour

Day 1 – Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After some rest, begin a gentle introduction to the city by exploring its colonial and cultural highlights. Visit Fort St. George, a significant British-era landmark, followed by a visit to Kapaleeshwarar Temple reflecting classic Dravidian architecture. Later, take a leisurely drive along Marina Beach, enjoying the lively coastal atmosphere. Spend the evening at leisure exploring local markets or relaxing at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 2 – Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (150 kms / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry along the scenic East Coast Road. En route, stop at Mahabalipuram and begin sightseeing of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Arjuna’s Penance, and the Five Rathas showcasing monolithic rock architecture. Continue your drive to Pondicherry and check in at the hotel. In the evening, explore the French Quarter, visit Aurobindo Ashram, and stroll along the Promenade Beach. Experience the unique blend of French and Tamil culture. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 3 – Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Darasuram – Thanjavur (180 kms / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur with multiple heritage stops en route. Visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples, known for intricate carvings and architectural excellence. Proceed to Thanjavur and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the local surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 4 – Thanjavur – Trichy (60 kms / 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Thanjavur with a visit to the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Chola architecture. Explore the Thanjavur Palace complex, Art Gallery, and Saraswathi Mahal Library housing ancient manuscripts. Later, drive to Trichy and check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the Rock Fort Temple perched atop a rock hill offering panoramic views. Also visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Overnight at hotel in Trichy.

Day 5 – Trichy – Madurai (140 kms / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, one of India’s oldest temple cities. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Later, begin the city tour visiting the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its towering gopurams and intricate sculptures. Explore the bustling temple market and witness the cultural vibrancy of the city. Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, known for its grand architecture. In the evening, attend the temple Aarti ceremony for a spiritual experience. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 6 – Madurai – Munnar (160 kms / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar through scenic Western Ghats landscapes filled with waterfalls, plantations, and winding roads. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax amidst cool mountain air. Later, visit a tea plantation and learn about tea processing and production. Enjoy panoramic views of lush green hills and valleys. The rest of the day is at leisure to soak in the serene environment. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 7 – Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offering spectacular views. Continue to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point, known for scenic landscapes and echo phenomenon. Visit the Tea Museum to understand the history of tea plantations. Enjoy photography and nature walks in the beautiful surroundings. Return to hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 8 – Munnar – Ooty (250 kms / 7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Ooty through scenic mountain routes and forested landscapes. Enjoy beautiful views of tea plantations and valleys along the journey. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Spend the evening at leisure exploring the charming hill station or enjoying the pleasant climate. Overnight at hotel in Ooty.

Day 9 – Ooty Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Ooty. Visit Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden showcasing exotic plants and flowers. Proceed to Ooty Lake for a relaxing boat ride. Visit Doddabetta Peak for panoramic views of the Nilgiri hills. Enjoy a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (subject to availability). Spend the evening at leisure exploring local markets. Overnight at hotel in Ooty.

Day 10 – Ooty – Mysore (150 kms / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mysore via scenic countryside and forest areas. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Begin the city tour visiting Mysore Palace, one of India’s most magnificent palaces. Continue to Chamundi Hills for panoramic views and visit St. Philomena’s Church. In the evening, witness the illuminated Mysore Palace (on weekends/holidays). Overnight at hotel in Mysore.

Day 11 – Mysore – Somanathapura – Srirangapatna – Hassan (135 kms / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Hassan with en route visits. Visit Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura known for intricate carvings. Continue to Srirangapatna to explore Tipu Sultan’s historical sites including Dariya Daulat Palace and Gumbaz. Proceed to Hassan and check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure to relax. Overnight at hotel in Hassan.

Day 12 – Hassan – Belur – Halebeedu – Bangalore (250 kms / 6 hrs)

After breakfast, visit Belur and Halebeedu temples, famous for Hoysala architecture and detailed carvings. Explore Chennakeshava Temple and Hoysaleswara Temple, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. Later, drive to Bangalore and check in at your hotel. Evening free for leisure or shopping. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 13 – Bangalore – Departure

After breakfast, begin a city tour of Bangalore. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Bangalore Palace showcasing royal architecture. Explore vibrant markets like Commercial Street for shopping. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Tour concludes with unforgettable memories.

• Warm assistance on arrival and departure at airport
• 12 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily buffet breakfast at all hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, sightseeing, and intercity travel
• Professional English-speaking local guides in each city
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• All applicable parking, tolls, fuel, and driver allowances
• Bottled drinking water in vehicle throughout the tour
• All government taxes (GST)

Hotels used or similar for 12 nights accommodation

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

Thanjavur x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Trichy x 1 night
3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
4* & 5* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Ooty x 2 nights
3* - Monarch Hotel/ Hotel Darshan
4* - Fortune Resort Sullivan Court/ Sinclairs Retreat
5* - Savoy - IHCL SeleQtions/ Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

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

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

Bangalore x 1 night
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

• International and domestic airfare
• Any camera/video fees at monuments
• Lunches and dinners unless specified
• Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, minibar, telephone, tips, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities (boat rides, toy train, cultural shows, safaris, etc.)
• Early check-in or late check-out charges at hotels
• Any increase in taxes, fuel surcharge, or entrance fees
• Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions