Cultural and Historical Tour of South India

Duration:

10 Nights / 11 Days

Destination Covered:

Mumbai-Madurai-Chettinad-Trichy-Tanjore-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Chennai

Reviews

  • India Real Heritage Destinations ! Our tour was well organized and amazing. It was very quick and easy to work with our tour manager Mr. Pragya Chandra. Travel docket was well prepared with all of the details and information we needed, plus recommendations and suggestions. Our driver Anil was excellent, especially in India’s busy streets! He was very pleasant, respectful and always on time. We would love to have him as our driver again. Jodi Parker and Family, United States of America, January 2015
  • A wonderful travel agency! My son and I had a wonderful trip along with a fantastic driver and guide. I appreciate the care and attention you had given us in coming up with our itinerary. Thank you so much for your all positive effort! John, New York, USA, January 2015
  • Rapid Golden Triangle I had a wonderful experience in Golden Triangle Tour of North India! Everything was pre plan according to my itinerary, taken care of and I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to see and do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations from my tour desirner who made us program adaptable to my wishes and price range. My driver was knowledgeable about each locations and gave great suggestions on activities for me (photography related) Echo Blum, United Kingdom, December 2014
  • Nature and culture of Beyond with Sri Lanka I wanted to thank you for all your help in assisting with planning our India Beyond with Srilanka journey. We had a fantastic time in this tour package and our complaint is that our time in Sri Lanka was too short !!! we really enjoyed our holiday, once again thank you for all your help. Emir Avdic, Australia October 2014
  • The trip was great! Everything worked very well The travel itself was well elaborated, the hotels were very well equilibration, from the more basic ones to the luxury resorts as the Dune or the Taj Malabar in Cochin. A very special experience was the trip on the boat (Spice Coast Cruises) -> simply great!
    Also a very big compliment for Shiva, our driver. He was someone we could fully rely upon
    As a summary we were extremely satisfied with the travel and the organization from Shanti Travel.
    Thank you very much for your support, give her our warm regards. Claudia Reinhardt, German, September 2014
  • Rajasthan Royal Fantastic “Very happy with the trip. Rohit Poddar, our Tour Designer was very efficient and thorough! Accommodation was great and we’d like to travel again with Crocus Travel.” Michael, UK, Rajasthan, August 2014
  • Golden Triangle India “Awesome experience! Everything was taken care of & I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations always !” Miriam, Spain, July 2014
Tour Description

Overview

‘Cultural and Historical Tour of South India’ will give you the chance to explore the major historical destinations of southern part of India. 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 10 nights and 11 days covering the places such as Mumbai, Madurai, Chettinad, Trichy, Tanjore, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram and Chennai.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Mumbai 
 
Upon arrival in Mumbai, meet our representative, after welcome proceed to the hotel. Mumbai is one of the 6th largest and populated Megacity of the world which is known as the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. The city is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle, which conceded as the city that never sleeps.
 
Check in to the hotel. Rest day is free at leisure. Enjoy the nightlife of the colourful city, explore the Chowpatty beach and test the mouth-watering street foods. 
Overnight stay at the hotel.
 
Day 02: Mumbai Sightseeing
 
Today after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing in and Mumbai. You will visit the major tourist attractions such as Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens, Juhu Beach, Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Later Visit the Elephanta Caves, on Elephanta Island, transports you back 6th and 7th century centuries. The magnificent rock-cut carvings here are some of the most spectacular you will get to see anywhere. After sightseeing return back to the hotel. 
Overnight stay in Mumbai.
 
Day 03: Mumbai - 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 04: 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 05: Madurai - Chettinad– Madurai (By Road-93 Kilometres)Excursion Tour
 
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 06: Madurai - Trichy (By Road-135 Kilometres)
 
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 07: Trichy – Tanjore (By Road-57 Kilometres) - Pondicherry(By Road-167 Kilometres)
 
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 08: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram(By Road-100 Kilometres)
 
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 09: Mahabalipuram - Chennai (By Road-56 Kilometres)
 
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 10: 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. 
Overnight stay at the hotel.
 
Day 11: 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. 
Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights:
  1. Enjoy the guided tours to the Elephanta caves and Victoria Terminus, UNESCO World Heritage Site and Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai
  2. Visit MariammanTeppakulam temple, Meenakshi Temple and the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak.
  3. Explore Chettinad, it is the land of Heritage and Devotion and explore Chettinad Palace
  4. Explore Rock Fort and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple
  5. Enjoy the guided city tour of Tanjore including major tourist destinations such as the Vijayanagar Fort, Shiva Ganga Garden, Aalangudi temple, Brahadeshwara temple
  6. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  7. Visit Mahishasurmardini caves, the Five Ratha temple, The Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance and the Tiger caves, Kailasanthar Temple and Ekambareshwarar Temple
  8. Explore Fort St. George, St. Thomas Mount, San Thome Cathedral, Kapaleeswar Temple and the National Art Gallery.
Where Stay

Hotels Accommodations Envisaged:-

Subject to availability at the time of booking or else similar hotels will be suggested:-

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