South India Temple, Hill Station & Palaces

Duration 11 Nights / 12 Days

Starting From On Request

Destination India

Tour Code AGORA378

This immersive South India tour offers a rich combination of spiritual exploration, architectural brilliance, and natural beauty. Starting from Bangalore, travel through Tamil Nadu’s temple towns, coastal heritage sites, and cultural hubs before heading into the serene Nilgiri hills and royal Mysore. The journey covers UNESCO-listed monuments, sacred temples, colonial settlements, and scenic hill stations, making it an ideal itinerary for travelers seeking diversity in a single trip. With comfortable drives, expert-guided sightseeing, and authentic local experiences, this tour showcases the very essence of South India.

Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

Upon arrival at Bangalore International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a private AC vehicle. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Bangalore, often referred to as the “Garden City,” offers a pleasant climate and a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. You may explore nearby markets or simply enjoy the hotel’s facilities at leisure. This day is kept light to allow proper acclimatization before the tour begins. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Bangalore. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a sprawling green oasis famous for its rare plant species and iconic glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. Continue to Cubbon Park, a serene retreat in the heart of the city with shaded pathways and colonial-era structures. Explore Bangalore Palace, known for its Tudor-style architecture, elegant interiors, and royal heritage. Proceed to Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture and intricate wooden carvings. Later, visit ISKCON Temple, a modern spiritual complex offering a tranquil atmosphere. Return to the hotel after a full day of sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 3: Bangalore to Vellore (220 km / approx. 4–5 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Vellore covering approximately 220 km in 4 to 5 hours through scenic countryside and small towns. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and freshen up. Begin sightseeing with a visit to Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, renowned for its gold-plated architecture and peaceful spiritual ambiance. Continue to Vellore Fort, a massive 16th-century fort surrounded by a moat, reflecting strong Dravidian military architecture. Inside the fort complex, explore Jalakandeswarar Temple, admired for its intricate carvings and towering gopuram. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Vellore.

Day 4: Vellore to Chennai via Kanchipuram (145 km / approx. 4–5 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Chennai with an en route visit to Kanchipuram, one of the holiest temple towns of South India. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and famous for its towering gopuram and sacred mango tree. Continue to Kamakshi Amman Temple, a revered Shakti shrine known for its spiritual significance. Proceed to Chennai and check in at your hotel. Later, begin a brief city tour including Fort St. George, a historic British-era landmark. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple and conclude with a relaxing visit to Marina Beach. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 5: Chennai to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram (160 km / approx. 4–5 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry along the scenic East Coast Road. En route, stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock-cut architecture. Visit Shore Temple overlooking the Bay of Bengal and admire the intricate carvings at Arjuna’s Penance. Continue to Pondicherry and check in at your hotel. Explore Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful retreat for meditation. Stroll through the French Quarter with its colonial buildings, cafes, and boutiques. End the day with a relaxing walk along the promenade. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 6: Pondicherry to Thanjavur (180 km / approx. 5–6 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur with culturally rich stops along the way. Visit Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a magnificent Chola-era temple reflecting architectural brilliance. Proceed to Airavatesvara Temple, known for its intricate stone carvings and artistic excellence. Arrive in Thanjavur, check in at your hotel, and relax. Evening free to enjoy the cultural ambiance of the town. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 7: Thanjavur to Chettinad via Trichy (140 km / approx. 4–5 hrs drive)

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Brihadeshwara Temple, an architectural masterpiece built by the Chola dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the palace complex and local art galleries showcasing traditional Thanjavur paintings. Later, drive to Trichy and visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning temple complexes in the world. Continue to Rock Fort Temple for panoramic city views and visit Jambukeswarar Temple. Drive onward to Chettinad and check in at your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chettinad.

Day 8: Chettinad to Madurai (90 km / approx. 2–3 hrs drive)

After breakfast, explore Chettinad’s heritage mansions, known for their unique architecture blending South Indian and colonial styles. Later, drive to Madurai and check in at your hotel. Begin the city tour with a visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture with colorful towers and intricate sculptures. Continue to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, famous for its grand pillars and Indo-Saracenic design. Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about India’s independence history. Enjoy evening shopping in local markets. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 9: Madurai to Coimbatore (220 km / approx. 5–6 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Coimbatore through scenic landscapes and rural countryside. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Later, visit Marudamalai Temple, located on a hill and offering panoramic views. Continue to Dhyanalinga Temple, a unique meditation space known for its tranquil energy. Spend the evening at leisure or explore local markets. Overnight at hotel in Coimbatore.

Day 10: Coimbatore to Ooty (85 km / approx. 3 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Ooty through winding hill roads and tea plantations of the Nilgiri Hills. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and begin sightseeing. Visit the Botanical Gardens featuring exotic plants and landscaped lawns. Explore Ooty Lake where you can enjoy boating amidst scenic surroundings. Experience the charm of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (subject to availability), offering panoramic hill views. Enjoy the cool climate and serene ambiance. Overnight at hotel in Ooty.

Day 11: Ooty to Mysore (210 km / approx. 6–7 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Mysore through forested routes and picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Begin the city tour with Mysore Palace, known for its grandeur and intricate interiors. Visit Chamundi Hills and Chamundeshwari Temple for panoramic views of the city. Continue to St. Philomena’s Church, a beautiful neo-Gothic structure. Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel in Mysore.

Day 12: Mysore to Bangalore (140 km / approx. 3–4 hrs drive) – Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Bangalore covering approximately 140 km in 3 to 4 hours. En route, visit Ranganathaswamy Temple, a historically significant temple located on an island in the Cauvery River. Continue your drive to Bangalore. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. The tour concludes with unforgettable memories of South India’s temples, landscapes, and royal heritage.

Assistance on arrival and departure
11 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
Daily breakfast at hotels
Private AC vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
English-speaking local guides as per itinerary
Monument entrance fees as mentioned
Bottled drinking water in vehicle
All applicable taxes

Hotels used or similar for 11 nights accommodation

Bangalore x 2 nights
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

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

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

Chettinad x 1 night
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth

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

Coimbatore x 1 night
3* - Gokulam Park Hotel/ ZIBE Coimbatore by GRT Hotels
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/The Residency Towers
5* - WelcomHotel Coimbatore/ Vivanta Coimbatore

Ooty x 1 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