Incredible Tour Of South India 19 days

Day 1 Arrive Bangalore

On arrival at Bangalore airport, assistance & transfer to the hotel (check in/out time 12 pm). Rest time is free for personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Bangalore (B)

Visit Lal Bagh Garden, which houses over 1800 species of flora, including the rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. Cubbon Park is a landmark area located within the heart of the city. The Bangalore Fort is a living testimony to the notorious struggle of the Mysore Empire against the mighty Britishers. Tippu`s Summer Palace is the magnificent accommodation of the valiant ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan. Bangalore Palace is an epitome of great architecture and beauty, a mixture of Tudor & Scottish Gothic architecture. The Bull Temple is one of the oldest temples in the city. Also drive past the Government buildings, Vidhana Soudha & the Secretariat. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 Bangalore - Vellore (220km) (B)

Drive to Vellore, check in at the hotel.

Visit Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, situated at the foot of a small range of green hills. This temple is gilded with 1500kg of pure gold, double the dome of the Golden Temple at Amritsar. Also visit the 16th-century Vellore Fort & Jalakandeswarar Temple, inside which the fort features many ornate sculptures. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Vellore - Chennai (145km) (B)

Drive to Chennai via visiting Kanchipuram temples.

On arrival, check in at the hotel. Visit Fort St. George & St Mary`s Church inside the fort, built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD. Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a holy shrine of Lord Shiva, originally built by the mighty Pallavas and rebuilt in the 16th century by the Vijayanagar kings. Vadapalani Murugan Temple is one of the most frequented places of worship for Hindus in Chennai. The Government Museum, built in the Indo-Sarcenic style it houses a rich collection of works of Raja Ravi Varma. Dakshinachitra Museum, one of the living-history museums. Santhome Cathedral is a historical and ancient pilgrim centre, which was built during the 14th to the 15th century AD by the then reigning Portuguese. Drive past Marina Beach, a 13 km long natural urban beach along the Bay of Bengal. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 Chennai - Pondicherry (160km) (B)

Drive to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram. In Mahabalipuram, visit Monolithic Temples, Five Rathas, excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. Krishna's Butterball is a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline. 7th century Cave Temples cut and decorated with panels in the Mamalla style. Shore Temple was built with blocks of granite in the 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha. The temple complex consists of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. The Arjuna`s Penance is an enormous rock-cut relief, one of the largest in the world.

Continue driving to Pondichery and check in at the hotel. Later, visit Auroville, an experimental community founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa as a town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Pondicherry Museum houses a fantastic collection of bronze sculptures of gods and goddesses, a wide range of temple lamps, handicrafts and art. Drive past or walk through stunning French Quarters, charming mustard streets, colonial villas and vibrant Tamil settlements. Besides a very picturesque view of the lovely alleys and narrow lanes, you can also marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the French colonial settlements, which include the French consulate, Raj Nivas, Government Square, Churches & French schools. Evening to relax on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 Pondicherry - Thanjavur (180km) (B)

Drive to Thanjavur via visiting the Nataraja Temple dedicated to the dancing posture of Lord Shiva at Chidambaram. Constructed during the 10th century when Chidambaram used to be the capital of the Chola dynasty, the architecture of the temple represents the link between arts and spirituality. Also visit the Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built in the Tamil style of architecture with a square plan. The temple complex includes Nandi Mandapa, Alankar Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, Mukha Mandapa and Ardha Mandapa. And Darasuram is a storehouse of art and architecture with an 85-foot-high vimana. The front mandapam itself is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses. The temple has some exquisite stone carvings. The main deity's consort, Periya Nayaki Amman temple, is situated adjacent to Airavateshwarar temple. Arrive at Thanjavur, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 Thanjavur - Chettinad (140km) (B)

Visit Brihadeshwara Temple, built in the 10th century, it is an outstanding example of Chola architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The shrine is a 216-foot structure, the sanctum is dotted with paintings from the Chola and Nayak periods and the statue of Nandi the Bull welcomes at the entrance. Vijayanagar Fort was built by Nayaks and partly by Maratha rulers during the early 1550 AD. The Thanjavur Art Gallery, located in the Thanjavur Palace, has an exquisite collection of ancient sculptures and coins. Saraswathi Mahal Library is another section of the Palace where over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts are preserved.

Drive to Chettinad via visiting Trichy Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functional temple in the world. The temple complex, along with the surrounding area, covers a total area of 156 acres. There are 22 gopurams, including India`s tallest, 72 meters, 13 storeys high. Many people have had a hand in its construction, including the Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and rulers from Vijayanagar. The 83m high Rock Fort Temple is the only outcrop in the flat land of the city. The rock is one of the oldest in the world-approximately 3800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. Also visit Jambukeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which houses five concentric walls and seven gopurams.

Continue driving to Chettinad, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 Chettinad - Madurai (90km) (B)

Chettinad, the region well known for its 19th-century mansions, whose wide courtyards and spacious rooms are embellished with marble and teak. Construction materials, decorative items, and furnishings were mostly imported from East Asian countries and Europe. The marble was brought from Italy, chandeliers and teak from Burma, crockery from Indonesia, crystals from Europe and wall-to-wall mirrors from Belgium. Many of these mansions were built using a type of limestone known as Karai. They were built by men who once traded in everything from salt to gems. But in the mid-20th century, most Chettiar families moved to cities. Their palatial homes were left in the custody of caretakers, who maintained them for those rare occasions, such as weddings or Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival, when the family came to visit.

Drive to Madurai, check in at the hotel. Rest time is free and easy to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Madurai - Hyderabad (B)

Visit Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India, built between the 16th to 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees and glittering market stalls. Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, built in 1636 AD by King Thirumalai Nayak, the palace depicts the perfect blend of Dravidian and Rajput styles. Also visit Alagar Koil, Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple & Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple.

Transfer to the airport to board the flight for Hyderabad. Arrival, transfer to the hotel, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 Hyderabad (B)

City tour of Hyderabad, explore a 400-year-old metropolitan city teeming with bustling bazaars & Muslim monuments. Visit Golconda Fort, renowned for its diamond mines that have given the world famous Kohinoor and Darya-i-noor diamonds. The ancient fort complex of Golconda will charm you with its history, tinged with legends and anecdotes. Qutub Shahi Tombs is a group of small and big mosques and tombs built by the rulers of the Qutub Shah dynasty on a raised platform and have a dome-shaped structure. Charminar, built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah, is an identifying landmark of Hyderabad. It is also famous for the market that sprawls around it called the Laad Bazaar. Salar Jung Museum (Friday closed) is a treat for tourists, famous for being the third largest museum in the country, having the largest antiques collection dating back to the first century. Chowmahalla Palace (Friday closed) is the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Birla Mandir, made of pure white Rajasthani marble, is a temple of beauty that leaves you awestruck. Also drive past Hussain Sagar Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes, renowned for its monolith of Lord Buddha placed right at the centre of the lake. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Hyderabad - Gulbarga (260km) (B)

Drive to Gulbarga via visiting Bidar Fort, one of the magnificent forts rebuilt by Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali of the Bahmani Dynasty, when his capital was moved from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1430 AD, along with several Islamic monuments. The Bidar fort is a specimen of the Persian architecture, surrounded by three miles long walls and comprising 37 bastions, a triple moat & seven gates. The 12 tombs of the Bahmani Sultans are huge structures with beautiful arches, niches and lofty domes. The Rangeen Mahal, built in the mid-16th century, the tile work and granite with mother-of-pearl inlay work are exclusive features of the citadel walls. Narasimha Jhira, a wonderful cave temple situated on the outskirts of Bidar town dedicated to the lion god Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Temple is known for its natural beauty and is considered to be very sacred. Arrive Gulbarga, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Gulbarga - Bijapur (170km) (B)

Visit Gulburga Fort, a leftover of the Brahmani era, which was originally built by Raja Gulchand. Later, 15 towers were added by Allah-ud-din Bahmani to the existing structure of the fort. The fort contained 15 towers and 26 guns, of which one was 8 metres long. Jama Masjid is a 14th-century mosque in the Fort, which marks the establishment of the Bahmani Kingdom in the Deccan. Jama Masjid's interior is similar to the Great Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba in Spain. The Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, built in the twelfth century, this temple is a marvel of Hindu stone carvings. The pillars, walls and towers of the site are covered with intricate carvings of Hindu gods, goddesses, demigods, damsels, animals and events from local lore. The tomb of Sufi mystic Khwaja Bande Nawaz is a unique confluence of religious diversity. The Persian, Indo-Saracenic and Arabic influences on the building are evident from the dome and towers that surround the tomb.

Drive to Bijapur, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 Bijapur - Badami (120km) (B)

City tour of Bijapur. Visit the Bijapur Fort, which has a plethora of historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Prominent attraction includes Asar Mahal built in 1640 used to serve as a Hall of Justice, Bara Kaman the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II, Gol Gumbaz the second largest dome in the world, Jama Masjid noted for graceful twin minarets, Malik-e-Maidan the biggest cannon ever made in the history of world & Mehtar Mahal built in 1620 the most elegant structure within the fort & the Ibrahims Rouza built in the 15th century. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Badami, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 Badami (B)

Excursion to visit Aihole, a historical site & home to over 125 beautiful Chalukyan temples and monuments from the 6th to 12th centuries. A few important monuments in Aihole include the Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Ravanaphadi Cave Temples, Huchimalli Temple, Meganagudi Group Temple, Gowda Temple and the Huchappayyagudi Temple, amongst numerous others. And Pattadakal is a treasure trove of Hindu and Jain temple complexes built in the 7th and 8th centuries CE. The various temples that one must visit are Virupaksha Temple, Jain Temple, Papanatha Temple, Galaganath Temple, and Sangameshwara Temple. Also visit Badami Cave consists of four separate temples, each holding intricate carvings & depictions. Badami Fort is perched on the top of a cliff, accompanied by two Shivalaya complexes dating back to the 5th century & watchtower atop the hill. And Agastya Lake is surrounded by red sandstone temples. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 Badami - Hampi (180km) (B)

Drive to Hampi. En route, visit Gadag, a place of historical importance, famous for its ancient Hindu & Jain temples and medieval architecture. Constructed between the 10th to 12th centuries CE by the Kings of the Chalukyan Empire, the Trikuteshwar Temple is famous for its style of architecture, and the temple has three Shivalingas carved out of a single rock. And Lakkundi is a heaven of ancient temple ruins and step wells. It is a place of antiquarian interest with more than 50 ancient temples scattered all over the village, 101 stepped wells built during the rule of the Chalukyas, Seuna, Kalachuris and Hoysalas. These temples are most famous for their ornate and elaborate furnishing.

Arrive at Hampi, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 Hampi (B)

City tour of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire on the bank of the River Tungabhadra. Although the city was destroyed by marauding Moghul invaders in the 16th century, much of it remains today. The vast site of monuments and ruins is a mute witness to an era of glories, triumphs and tragedies. The ruins of Hampi are so majestic and imposing that they leave the visitor dumbfounded, awestruck and humbled. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, Kings Balance, Mahanavami Dibba, Royal enclosures, Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple Complex, Lotus Mahal & ASI Museum. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17 Hampi - Hassan (330km) (B)

Drive to Hassan en route to visit Belur, once the capital of the Hoysala Empire is known for its exquisite temples. The celebrated temple of Chennakeshava, built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD, is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. Everything is carved in black stone, looking like metal. Kappe Chennigaraya Temple is another majestic 12th-century CE temple built next to a pond. The stone architecture has splendid carvings and bas-relief work. The temple complex includes two ornate pillars, one of the Garuda built during the Vijaynagar period and one with a lamp built during the Hoysala period. Lakshmi temple, Sowmyanayaki temple & Ranganayaki temple are other temples in the same complex. In Halebedu, visit the Hoysaleswara Temple built in the 12th century CE, surrounded by ponds, mantapas and lakes. It is well known for the sculptures and architecture of the Hoysala period, standing on a platform like a casket, richly endowed with the most finely detailed scroll work in stone. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses. Other temples in Halebedu are Kadareswara Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Ishvara Temple, Koravangala Temple, Lakshmi Devi Temple & Hulikere Pond. Also, visit the Jain basics.

Drive to Hassan, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 18 Hassan - Mysore (140km) (B)

Drive to Mysore via visiting Shravanabelagola, one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites. Visit Vindhyagiri Hill, where a 17m high naked Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara), the world's tallest monolithic statue, is placed. And Chandragiri Hill, which is also a seat of several ancient Jain centres, is much older than the Gommateshwara statue.

Arrive in Mysore, check in at the hotel. City tour visit Mysore Palace, built in 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is counted amongst one of the biggest palaces in the country. Chamundi Hills, site of the Chamundeswari Temple, one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, located on the eastern edge at a height of 1000ft. The temple also has statues of Nandi Bull and Mahishasura, the demon. City Palace, which was rebuilt by Henry Irwin in 1897 in an Indo-Saracenic style. The palace contains astonishing wall paintings, authentic stained glass work and ornamented doors. St. Philomena`s Church is the second-tallest in Asia, built in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture. Jaganmohan Palace, which housed the royals before the construction of The Mysore Palace, this structure displays various paintings of the past kings of Mysore and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19 Mysore - Bangalore (140km) (B)

Drive to Bangalore and drop off at the airport to board the flight for the onward destination.