South India Rich Temples, Tea Estate and Culture Tour from Chennai

Duration 14 Nights / 15 Days

Starting From On Request

Destination India

Tour Code AGORA706

Embark on an immersive journey across South India beginning in Chennai, where colonial charm meets cultural heritage, and continue to the UNESCO-listed wonders of Mahabalipuram before exploring the French-influenced streets of Pondicherry. Discover the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty in Thanjavur and experience the spiritual essence of Madurai. Journey into the scenic Western Ghats with the lush tea estates of Munnar and the charming hill station of Ooty. Continue to the royal city of Mysore and explore the intricate temple architecture of Hassan before concluding in Bangalore and returning to Chennai via Vellore and Kanchipuram. This journey seamlessly blends spirituality, culture, architecture, and natural beauty, offering a complete and enriching South India travel experience.

Day 1: Arrive Chennai

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Chennai exploring its colonial and cultural heritage. Visit Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India, followed by Kapaleeshwarar Temple known for its vibrant Dravidian architecture. Continue to Santhome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas. Later, stroll along Marina Beach to enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Overnight at hotel.

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

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry with an en route visit to Mahabalipuram. Begin sightseeing at Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Explore Arjuna’s Penance and Five Rathas, showcasing ancient rock-cut architecture. Continue the drive to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. In the evening, begin the city tour exploring the French Quarter and visit Aurobindo Ashram. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Promenade. Overnight at hotel.

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

After breakfast, drive towards Thanjavur with multiple heritage stops. Visit Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in cosmic dance form. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram to explore UNESCO-listed Chola temples. Arrive in Thanjavur and check in at your hotel. Later, begin sightseeing with the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple. Explore the palace complex and museum. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Thanjavur – Tiruchirappalli (60 km / 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, revisit key attractions of Thanjavur or explore local markets. Drive to Trichy and check in at your hotel. Begin the city tour with a visit to Rock Fort Temple offering panoramic views. Continue to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Explore its grand corridors and spiritual ambiance. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Trichy – Madurai (140 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Begin the city tour with Meenakshi Amman Temple, known for its towering gopurams and intricate carvings. Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture. Later, explore local markets to experience the vibrant culture. In the evening, witness the temple Aarti ceremony. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Madurai – Munnar (160 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar through scenic mountain roads and tea plantations. En route, enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats. On arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Later, visit a tea plantation to understand tea processing and enjoy tasting sessions. The serene landscapes and cool climate offer a refreshing experience. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Munnar

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Munnar visiting Eravikulam National Park, home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Continue to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point for scenic views. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea production history. Enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills and plantations. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 8: Munnar – Ooty (250 km / 7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Ooty through picturesque routes crossing tea estates and valleys. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Spend the evening enjoying the cool climate and scenic surroundings of this hill station. Optional walk around the town or local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Ooty

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Ooty visiting Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden. Continue to Ooty Lake for a boat ride. Visit Doddabetta Peak for panoramic views. Enjoy a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (subject to availability). Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10: Ooty – Mysore (150 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mysore and check in at your hotel. Begin the city tour visiting Mysore Palace, known for its grandeur. Explore Brindavan Gardens famous for musical fountains. Learn about royal heritage and architecture. Overnight at hotel.

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

After breakfast, drive to Hassan visiting Chennakesava Temple en route. Continue to Srirangapatna to explore Tipu Sultan’s sites. Arrive in Hassan and check in at hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.

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

After breakfast, visit Chennakeshava Temple and Hoysaleswara Temple known for intricate carvings. Later, drive to Bangalore and check in at hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 13: Bangalore – Vellore (220 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, begin Bangalore city tour visiting Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Bangalore Palace. Later, drive to Vellore and check in at hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 14: Vellore – Kanchipuram – Chennai (150 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, visit Vellore Fort and Golden Temple. Drive to Kanchipuram to explore temples and silk weaving centers. Continue to Chennai and check in at hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 15: Chennai – Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Later, transfer to Chennai airport for your onward journey. Your enriching South India temples, tea estate, and cultural tour concludes here.

Assistance on arrival and departure
14 Nights accommodation in selected hotels
Daily breakfast at hotels
Private AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
English speaking guides
Monument entrance fees
Bottled drinking water
Government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation

Chennai x 2 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

Vellore x 1 night
3* - Hotel Khanna Fiesta/ POPPYS Anukula Residency
4* & 5* - Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotels/ Fortune Park