Embarking on South India tours exposes you to the distinct type of architecture in the South Indian vicinities. Broadly we can classify types of architecture into four periods.
Pallava (AD 600-900), specializing in rock cut temples at Mahabalipuram with Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram, Chola (900-1150), with its milestone architecture at the Thanjavur, Hoysala (1100-1350), with numerous angled projections and Vijayanagara (1350-1565), with its Vijayanagara Empire.
On this day we make you interact with major architectural milestones such as Kapaleeswarar temple, Santhome Church, and Fort Museum along with others. As you arrive in Chennai, one of our representatives welcomes you in traditional Indian style. We take you to the major tourist places. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
Shore Temple -Mahabalipuram 7th century AD by Pallava dynasty –King Mahendra Varman
This day is kept for driving toward Mahabalipuram. You will be delighted by the only shore temple surviving in India. As you get the whole day to explore this temple, it falls in the category of world heritage site. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mahabalipuram remains on charts.
Kailasanathar temple – Kanchipuram 685-705AD by a Rajasimha ruler of the Pallava Dynasty.
This is day is kept for moving towards Kanchipuram. It is one of the sacred seven cities of India and very famous for its thousand temples . We also take you to visit the numerous temples like Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Varatharaja Temple and Ekambareswara Temple. These very temples make the city 'the temple city'. It is the city of Vellore that houses Tippu Sultan's forts and Jalakandeswara temple. We thereafter proceed to Tiruvannamalai and visit the Arunachaleeswarar temple. We also take you the Ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi. Overnight stay at the hotel only remains on the charts.
You will be delighted to witness the Gingee, recognized for the beautiful fort it homes. It dates back to the 14th century. We thereafter go to the former French Colony in Pondicherry, popular for Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville and the beach. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
Airavatesvara Temple - Darasuram Chola (900-1150) built by ruler Raja raja Cholan
This day’s morning is reserved to visit the 9th Century Shiva temple. As we finish attending the afternoon prayer, we thereafter take you to Gangaikondacholapuram. As Dharasuram is recognized for its old monuments reflecting Chola architecture , we get enthralled to the optimum. Tanjore on the other hand is well known for its temple architecture and paintings. We also take you to visit the temples at Tanjore. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
On this day we drive to Trichy as it is the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. We witness the Lord Robert Clive's house, Rock Fort Temple, Srirangam temple, Ganapati temple on hilltop and Shiva temple. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace – Madurai, Built by Thirumalai Nayak between A.D 1623 and 1659.
This day is kept for reaching the Madurai, recognized for 1000-pillared Meenakshiamman temple. You also get enthralled with the special religious night ceremony held in the temple. We also take you to Thirumalai Nayak's Palace and Gandhi Museum. Overnight stay at the temple remains on the charts.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
We go to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary , the best game sanctuaries in India. We also include Thekkady and en route visit all significant tourist places. We enjoy boating on the Lake Periyar and on the top explore the sanctuary at its best. We drive past the spice plantations like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, coffee and tea estates. You also get an opportunity to shop at the local market. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
Chinese Fishing Net – Cochin
This day is kept for reaching the commercial capital and the natural harbour in the city of Kerala. The tourist place includes the city include a Jewish synagogue. Places of interest include the Dutch Palace, Portuguese Churches, Mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese Fishing Nets. As the day passes greatly, the evening also remains sumptuous as we attend the traditional Kathakali Dance Show. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
Botanical Gardens - Ooty
On this day we drive to Ooty, 'the queen of hill stations' . With a full day excursion to Ooty and Coonoor we take you to gorgeous places such as the Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens , Dodabetta peak and other places. We also take you to the panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains in Ooty. You can also opt for a toy train tour that is simply amazing. It goes to Coonoor to enjoy the scenic surroundings and visit the vegetable market at Karamadai enroute. Overnight stay at the Ooty remains on the charts.
On this day, we drive to Mysore, recognized as the Sandalwood City of India . We visit Mysore Palace, Vrindavan Gardens, and the Art Gallery. We also cover the Mudumalai and Bandipur Wildlife sanctuaries on our way. Overnight stay at Mysore is on charts.
On this day, we undertake a full day excursion to Srirangapatna and Somnathpur. We thereafter return to Mysore and visit the stone temples with intricate carvings. In the afternoon we visit to Devaraja vegetable and flower market. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
Chanakesava temple – Halibedu, Built in 1268 C.E. under Hoysala king Narasimha III
On this day we drive towards Hassan and visit Sravanabelagola, the most popular Jain pilgrimage en route. As it is situated on a small hill, there are 600 rock cut steps that amazes you as you go to the top. We also visit Belur and Halebid in the afternoon and witness fine examples of Hoysala Architecture temples. Overnight in the hotel remain on the charts.
On this day, we return to Bangalore. A full day drive from Bangalore takes you to the historical city of Hospet , recognized for its scenic beauty. The touristic importance of the Hospet city lies in its proximity to Hampi. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Virupaksha Temple- Pattadakal, 7th century built by Lakkana Dandesha of Vijayanagar Empire.
We move from Hospet move to Hampi, once the capital of Vijayanagar Empire and the largest Hindu Kingdom. We visit the temples, the panoramic hills, ancient markets and the boat ride by the riverside. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
Lad Khan Temple - Aihole
Aihole and Pattadakal were built during the Chalukya's dynasty and form the cradle of stone temple architecture of the Southern Dravida School. You also get an opportunity to witness the oldest temple, Lad Khan temple of the 5th century A.D and other 70 temples in this group are the major tourist attractions . The Meguti temple and Ravanaphadi Cave can also be witnessed. We also take you to Pattadakal, Mallikarjuna Temple, Virupaksha temple, and the Papanatha Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
In the morning we take you to Badami. It is a culturally rich tour with Hindu and Jain temples carved from sand stone hills . We also take you to the fort atop the hill encloses large granaries, treasury and a watch tower. Also the Malegitti Shivalaya temple is not to be missed out. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
Gol Gumbaz - Bijapur Deccan architecture completed in 1656
Bijapur is largely influenced by the Islamic culture as its buildings and architecture speaks volumes. With Gol Gumbaz, the major landmark of the city should be visited in your first lot. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
Jumma Masjid - Bijapur
Gulbarga is a fine blend of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. To substantiate, there is Jumma Masjid, a huge mosque on the lines of Spanish mosque of Cordoba along with the two marvels, the Khwaja Banda Nawaz tomb. Overnight stay at the hotel remains on the charts.
This day is kept for visiting Charminar, the Mecca Mosque, the Salar Jung Museum and High Court Buildings - the best collection of Manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and curios. Overnight stay at the hotel is on the tour plan.
Charminar – Hyderabad, Qutb Shahi dynasty built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591
This day is kept free for opting for an optional tour to Golconda Fort . Golconda Fort was built in the 13th century on the outskirts on Hyderabad. We also visit the Tombs of Qutab Shahi Kings surrounded by verdant gardens. Overnight stay at the hotel is there on our tour plan.
We board a flight from Hyderabad airport on this day, the last day for your onward destination. The tour ends but not the sweet memories.
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