South India Temple & Heritage Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Chennai & Transfer to Mahabalipuram

Arrival at Chennai International Airport or Railway Station. Our representative will meet you and drive you to Mahabalipuram (1.5 hours drive). Check-in at your beach resort.

Afternoon Sightseeing: Visit the world-famous Shore Temple, built in the 7th century, and Arjuna's Penance, a giant open-air bas-relief carved from two monolithic boulders.

Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Day 2: Mahabalipuram Exploration & Pondicherry Drive

After a healthy breakfast, explore the remaining wonders of the Pallava Dynasty including the Five Rathas (Chariot temples) and Krishna’s Butter Ball.

Evening: Proceed to Pondicherry. On arrival, enjoy a peaceful evening walk at the Promenade Beach (Rock Beach) and witness the French colonial architecture of the White Town.

Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

Day 3: Pondicherry to Thanjavur via Chidambaram

Morning visit to Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later, drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore).

En-route: Visit the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, unique for its representation of the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. Also, visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO site known for its exquisite carvings.

Overnight stay at Thanjavur.

Day 4: Thanjavur Big Temple & Trichy Srirangam

Morning visit to the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple (The Big Temple), a 1000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture.

Afternoon: Drive to Trichy. Visit Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning temples in the world with 21 grand Gopurams. Later, climb the 437 steps of Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Temple for a stunning city view.

Overnight stay at Trichy.

Day 5: Trichy to Madurai - The Temple City

After breakfast, drive to Madurai (Approx. 3 hours). Check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an architectural fusion of Italian and Dravidian styles. In the evening, witness the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple and the "Aarti" ceremony which takes place every night.

Overnight stay at Madurai.

Day 6: Madurai to Hospet (Gateway to Hampi)

This day involves travel from Tamil Nadu towards Karnataka. You can choose a scenic long drive or a comfortable train/flight connection to Hospet (The nearest town to Hampi).

Evening: Reach Hospet/Hampi and check-in at your hotel/resort. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the local Tungabhadra river banks.

Overnight stay at Hospet/Hampi.

Day 7: Full Day Hampi Ruins (Vijayanagara Empire)

A full day dedicated to the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Visit the Virupaksha Temple, the only functioning temple in the ruins, and Hemakuta Hill.

Highlight: Visit the Vittala Temple Complex to see the iconic Stone Chariot and the 56 "Musical Pillars". Explore the King’s Balance, Lotus Mahal, and the Elephant Stables.

Overnight stay at Hampi.

Day 8: Hampi Local & Departure to Bangalore

Visit the massive Ugra Narasimha and Badavilinga Temple. After an early lunch, drive towards Bangalore (Approx. 6 hours drive).

Evening: Drop-off at Bangalore International Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying memories of South India’s golden heritage.