South India Culture Tour

If you want to have a unique experience while on vacation, then the South India Cultural Tour is for you. This 17 day-exploration will give you a chance to immerse yourself in South India's distinct culture. Following a culturally-diverse circuit, from Mumbai down to Hyderabad, then Chennai, then off to Goa and back to Mumbai, you will definitely depart India more enthralled with its culture.

The urban sprawl of Mumbai where all cultures of India are well-represented is the best place to begin this tourr. Then you're off to Hyderabad by plane where you can explore the legacy of Nijams, visiting the Mecca Mosque, Salar Jung Museum and Charminar, taking you to Golconda Fort. From there, the Dravidian Citadel of Chennai awaits where you can make your sacred passage to Tirupati. This tour will take you to Mysore, known for its sandalwood, silk and magnificent stone expressions at Sravanbelagola, Halebid and Belur. Then you're off to Bangalore, rich in Indian history, embodied by Sri Ranganatha Temple.

Day 01 : Chennai
On arrival, Indian Vacation Travel representative tour manager would be greeting you and assisting with hotel check-in. A brief up on your tour plan would be provided. Chennai is popularly regarded as the "Gateway to the South". Overnight stay.

Day 02 : Chennai
Post breakfast, visit Kapaleeshwara temple, Triplicane - Sri Parthasarathy temple, St.Thomas Cathedral, Fort, Museum. In the evening, visit the world’s second largest beach, the Marina Beach. Overnight stay.

Day 03 : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mamallapuram
Enjoy breakfast and check out to proceed to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram was the historical capital of the Pallavas. Kanchipuram is also known centre of the finest silk sarees made in the country. On reaching some of the most Visit temples are Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareshwara temple, Kailasanatha temple, Vaigundha Perumal temples. Have delicious South Indian lunch at the local restaurant, visit to local silk weaving factory. After exploring the sacred city of Kanchipuram, proceed to Mamallapuram. Check-in at the property and overnight stay.

Day 04 : Mamallapuram - Pondicherry
After breakfast, explore Arjuna penance, Sri Krishna butter ball, cave temples, five Rathas and famous sea shore temple. Drive to Pondicherry which was the former French colony. On arrival, check into hotel. After some relaxation, by evening, proceed to the well known Sri Manakula Vinayagar temple, Aurobindo ashram and later drive to worship world peace Mandir - Auroville. After visiting these must see places in Pondicherry, time to head back to the hotel for Overnight stay.

Day 05 : Pondicherry - Tanjore
Today post breakfast drive to Tanjore, enroute visit Chidambaram - famous lord Shiva temple and continue drive to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Dharasuram and after exploring continue drive to Tanjore, upon arrival check in to hotel. Rest hours free and night stay.

Day 06 : Tanjore - Trichy
Today visit big temple - dedicated to lord Shiva and big bull, visit Tanjore museum, art gallery, and palace and after drive to Trichy, upon arrival check in to hotel. Trichy witnessed the carnatic wars fought between the French and the English. Lord Robert Clives house is still there to see and so is the Danish church. The rock-fort is the landmark of Trichy. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganesha with a stop over at Shiva temple. Post lunch visit Amma Mandapam, Srirangam – Sri Ranganatha swami temple, rock fort – Sri Ganesha temple. Over night stay.

Day 07 : Trichy - Karaikudi (ancient traditional small town)
Drive to Karaikudi, the head quarters for around 70 + villages around. It is famous for its ancient building (big houses). Upon arrival, check in to Karaikudi bungalow. Take tour around small temples around Chettinad house. Visit the famous Chettinad museum and Athangudi, famous for terracotta tiles. Overnight stay.

Day 08 : Karaikudi - Madurai
Post breakfast, drive to Madurai. Check-in at the hotel. Visit the great Meenakshi Amman temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopuram (rising high above the surrounding country side). Later, visit the Thirumalai Naik Palace - a gracious building in the Indo Saracen style, famous for the stucco work on its domes & arches. Overnight stay.

Day 09 : Madurai - Periyar
Post breakfast; take a drive to Periyar. Check-in at the property and relax. In the evening, take a boat ride in the lake. Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake. Amongst the animals which can be seen are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, languor monkeys. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10 : Periyar - Munnar
Post breakfast; take a 4 hrs drive to Munnar. Check-in at the property and relax. Today explore around Mattupatty dam, Eravikulam Park, Rajamalai National park and other scenic places in and around.

Day 11 : Munnar - Alleppey - Kumarakom (House Boat)
Post breakfast, drive down to Kumarakom to embark your Kettuvellam - house boat and start your thrilling experience through the backwater beauty of Kerala. While on your journey you can view lush green paddy fields, coconut farms, small churches and you can observe the life orientation of villagers in the backwaters. On board your crew will serve you delicious food, prepared from fresh vegetables purchased from the floating market. Later in the evening the houseboat will anchor on the Vembanad Lake. Over night stay in your - air conditioned deluxe house boat.

Day 12 : Kumarakom - Cochin
Post breakfast you will be disembarking from the house boat at Alleppey finishing point boat jetty, from there your car will pick you up and continue drive to Cochin. Check in to hotel. Visit Fort Cochin, Mattancherry palace, Jewish synagogue, St. Francis church and view the operation of the Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, visit Cochin cultural centre for enjoying the Keralas traditional.

Day 13 : Cochin - Ooty
Post breakfast 7hrs drive to Coonoor for boarding on Hills Train to Ooty. Check in to the property and overnight stay.

Day 14 : Ooty - Mysore
Post early breakfast, visit botanical garden and view point. Drive down to Mysore. Check-in at the hotel and relax.

Day 15 : Mysore
In the evening, take a look at Mysore palace, Jaganmohana palace, art gallery, Chamundi hills, and Devraja market. Evening, visit KRS - Brindavan Garden. After enjoying the best of this imperial city we drive back to hotel for night stay.

Day 16 : Mysore - Bangalore
Enroute to Bangalore, visit Srirangapatnam - Tipus palace, fort, and Sri Ranganathaswami temple. Drive to Bangalore. Check-in at the property. Amble in the happening and colorful MG Road & Church Street. Overnight stay at hotels.

Day 17 : Bangalore
Post breakfast, visit bull temple, big Shiva Mandir, Lal Bagh and ISKON temple.
Overnight stay.

Tour Ends