Sacred Stones: Exploring South India

Day 1: Bangalore – Tiruvannamalai – Pondicherry (Approx. 320 km / 7 hrs)

After breakfast, depart from Bangalore and begin your journey towards Puducherry. En route, visit the sacred Arunachaleshwar Temple, one of the most important Shiva temples representing the fire element among Pancha Bhoota temples. Continue to visit the peaceful Sri Ramana Ashram known for meditation and spiritual practices. Proceed towards Pondicherry enjoying scenic countryside views and coastal influences. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax after the long journey. Evening is free for leisure or a short walk near the beach area. Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 2: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai (Approx. 160 km / 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, explore the highlights of Puducherry including Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram known for spiritual learning and peaceful surroundings. Walk through the French Quarter showcasing colonial architecture and visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple for blessings. Later, drive towards Chennai with a stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Shore Temple and admire Arjuna’s Penance rock carvings reflecting ancient artistry. Continue your journey to Chennai and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

Day 3: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Vellore (Approx. 150 km / 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, explore key attractions of Chennai including Kapaleeshwarar Temple and San Thome Basilica reflecting cultural diversity. Proceed towards Kanchipuram, known as the City of Thousand Temples. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple showcasing classic Dravidian architecture. Continue your drive to Vellore and check in at the hotel. Evening is free to relax after the day’s sightseeing. Overnight stay at hotel in Vellore.

Day 4: Vellore – Bangalore (Approx. 220 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the famous Sripuram Golden Temple known for its gold-plated architecture and spiritual importance. Explore Vellore Fort and Jalakandeswarar Temple located within the fort complex reflecting historical significance. After sightseeing, begin your drive back to Bangalore enjoying scenic views along the way. Arrive in Bangalore and transfer to your hotel or airport. Tour concludes with memorable spiritual and cultural experiences.

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the itinerary
• Services of a professional and experienced driver throughout the journey
• 3 nights accommodation in selected category hotels (Pondicherry, Chennai, Vellore) on double/twin sharing basis
• Daily breakfast at all hotels during the stay
• English-speaking local guides for sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
• Monument entrance fees and activity charges as mentioned in the itinerary (if selected)
• Bottled drinking water provided in the vehicle throughout the journey
• All parking charges, toll taxes, fuel charges, and driver allowances
• Government taxes (GST) and service charges

Hotels used or similar for 3 nights accommodation

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Anandha Inn Convention Centre
4* - Le Pondy/ Accord Puducherry
5* -Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Chennai x 1 night
3* - ZONE By The Park/ Raj Park
4* - Accord Metropolitan/ The Park Chennai
5* - Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai/ Hilton Chennai

Vellore x 1 night
3*/4* - Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotel
5* - Fortune Park Vellore

• Any airfare, train tickets, or airport transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
• Lunches, dinners, and beverages unless specifically mentioned in inclusions
• Camera and video charges at monuments or temples, if applicable
• Personal expenses such as tips, gratuities, shopping, laundry, telephone calls, and beverages
• Optional activities or additional sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance, medical expenses, or emergency evacuation costs
• Any services not clearly mentioned under the “Inclusions” section