Overview
‘The Heritage of Maharashtra with South India’ will give you the chance to explore the major historical destinations of southern part of India along with The Maharastra.You will get the chance to explore the two renowned World Heritage Site: Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora truly reflects the religious harmony which prevailed during the 5th and 11th century AD. Ellora Caves renowned for its beautiful carvings. Ajanta Caves is renowned for its rock cut caves and alluring paintings. This beautiful cave is dated back to 2ndcentury BC. During this tour you will also get an opportunity to explore the major attractions of Mumbai as well.During this tour you will explore the glorious history of the region while visiting the various monuments, Apart from the history you will also get an opportunity to take blessings from various oldest temples. You will also explore the colonial heritage, scenic beaches and historical museums as well. The duration of the tour is 11 nights and 12 days covering the places such as Mumbai,Ajanta, Ellora, Madurai, Chettinad, Trichy, Tanjore, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram and Chennai.
Itinerary
Day 1:Mumbai (Arrival)Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, meet our representative, after welcome, proceed to the hotel. Check-in to the hotel. After freshen up, proceed to visit the famous Siddhivinayak Temple and seek blessings of Lord Ganesh.
Later, visit to Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Haji Ali ki Dargah and Juhu Beach. After sightseeing, return back to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 2: Mumbai – Aurangabad (By flight) - Ellora Caves – Aurangabad (By Road-35 Kilometres)Sightseeing
Today after breakfast, check-out the hotel and drive to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival at Aurangabad, proceed to the hotel. Check in to your pre booked hotel. After freshen up, proceed to visit Ellora Caves. It is a World Heritage Site. The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora truly reflects the religious harmony which prevailed during the 5th and 11th century AD. Ellora Caves renowned for its beautiful carvings.
After visiting Ellora Caves, explore the other historical places such as Bibi ka Maqbara and Daulatbad Fort. After full day sightseeing, return back to Aurangabad and have dinner.
Overnight stay at Aurangabad.
Day 3: Aurangabad - Ajanta caves – Aurangabad (By Road-107 kilometres)(Excursion Tour)
After having an early breakfast, drive to Ajanta Caves. It is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site which is renowned for its rock cut caves and alluring paintings. This beautiful cave is dated back to 2ndcentury BC. Explore the beautiful ancient caves. After visiting this historical sites, drive back to Aurangabad city. Evening is free at leisure, you may stroll around the place.
Overnight stay at Aurangabad.
Day 04: Aurangabad - Madurai (By Flight)
After breakfast, the morning is free to relax. Later, get on-time transfer to the airport to board a flight to Madurai. On arrival, complete the check-in formalities at your hotel. Madurai is one of the oldest city of India, which is the third largest city of Tamil Nadu. The city is popular for its vibrant culture, tradition and rich history.
On arrival at Madurai, proceed to the hotel. Check in at your pre booked hotel. Rest day is free at leisure.
Overnight stay at the Madurai.
Day 05: Madurai Sightseeing
Today after breakfast leave for visiting the city of temples such as, covering Mariamman Teppakulam temple, Meenakshi Temple and the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak. In the evening attend the prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi temple.
Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 06: Madurai - Chettinad – Madurai (By Road-93 Kilometres)Sightseeing
Post breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Chettinad, it is the land of Heritage and Devotion. Known for its artistic houses, Chettinad is located in the Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu. Explore the Chettinad Palace- an architectural heritage that is well-known for its beautiful mansions and other monuments around. Do not miss to taste the sumptuous delicacies of Chettinad cuisine.
Return to Madurai hotel for night stay.
Day 07: Madurai - Trichy (By Road-135 Kilometres)Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive to Trichy also known as Tiruchirapalli. Upon arrival, check in your hotel. After freshen up, proceed for sightseeing tour of Trichy including the Rock Fort- a fort and temple complex erected on a rock, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple or Tiruvarangam, the temple is devoted to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu and Jambukeshwara Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the Pancha Bhootha Lingas and a Jala (water) Linga.
Overnight in Trichy.
Day 08: Trichy – Tanjore (By Road-57 Kilometres) - Pondicherry(About 167 Kilometres)Sightseeing
After having an early breakfast, drive straight to Tanjore. It is the popular city of Tamil Nadu and an important centre of South Indian Art, culture and religion. It is the home of Tanjore paintings. Apart from this Great Living Chola Temples is one of the most popular temple of the region which come under UNESCO World Heritage Monuments.
On reaching Tanjore, proceed for a guided city tour of Tanjore including major tourist destinations such as the Vijayanagar Fort, Shiva Ganga Garden, Aalangudi temple, Brahadeshwara temple.
After temple visit, resume the drive to Pondicherry, Puducherry (previously called Pondicherry) charms tourists with its three lined avenues, painted colonial buildings and sea breeze. In 1974, the French built a base here.
Upon arrival at Pondicherry, Check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry.
Day 09: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram (By Road-100 Kilometres)Sightseeing
Today after an early breakfast, proceed to visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram- a spiritual community established by Sri Aurbindo Ashram and Auroville - an experimental township dedicated to human unity.
Later, drive to Mahabalipuram. , It is also known as Mamallapuram, it is a historical town and this 7th century former port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. It is also a great destination for lazy beach holiday with sea, sand and sun
Check in at a hotel upon arrival. Rest day is free at leisure, If you want then you can explore the surroundings on foot.
Spend the night at the hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Day 10: Mahabalipuram - Chennai (By Road-56 Kilometres)Sightseeing
Today after breakfast, proceed to visit the major attractions the town, visit Mahishasurmardini caves, the Five Ratha temple and The Shore Temple. Also visit the other major attractions such as Arjuna’s Penance and the Tiger caves.
After visiting the major attractions of Mahabalipuram, proceed for Chennai, It is the capital of Tamil Nadu, which is known for its rich culture and traditions. Earlier the city was known as Madras, layers of history that made this city as one of the most vibrant city of southern part of India. Its spectacular beaches, enhanced the beauty of the city.
En-route visiting Kanchipuram, The major Kanchipuram tourist attractions include visits to the Kailasanthar Temple and Ekambareshwarar Temple
Upon arrival in Chennai, check in at your pre booked hotel.
Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 11: Chennai Sightseeing
Today after breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Chennai, you will cover the major tourist attractions of Chennai include the Fort St. George, St. Thomas Mount, San Thome Cathedral, Kapaleeswar Temple and the National Art Gallery. In the evening visit the beautiful Marina. Don’t try swimming at Marina beach since there are strong currents present along the shoreline and no rescue equipment’s and lifeguards are available at this beach.
In the evening, attend an exclusive classical dance performance.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 12: Departure from Chennai
Today is the last day of the trip, after an early breakfast, proceed to the Chennai airport to go aboard a flight for your onward destination.