18 Days South India Tour
( Tour ID SI 05 P&E 003 )
Discover Serenity and Grandeur. Call Us +91 484 3533 905,+91 484 3535 079,+91 82811 63433,+91 85928 17457
( Tour ID SI 05 P&E 003 )
This package intended for the visitor need a quick escape on 18 days picnic tour in South India offers an exquisite blend of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant cultural heritage, and lush natural landscapes. Package price include accommodation and breakfast, travel in A/c cabs/minibuses. The prices may be reduced for the groups who can travel together in a A/c mini bus. The actual prices and names of the hotel/resorts to stay and all other details will be specified final quotation and agreement.
Destinations Covered: Chennai, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Tirupati, Goa
Day 1
Guest will be received at Chennai airport or railway station. Check-in at a hotel in Chennai. Rest and relax after your journey. Have your dinner at a local restaurant in Chennai. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 2
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Visit Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, where the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal can be admired. Explore Fort St. George, the first British fortress in India. offers a glimpse into colonial history and houses a museum with fascinating artifacts. Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its towering gopuram (monumental entrance tower) and vibrant festivals. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Explore the Government Museum, one of the oldest in India, showcases a rich collection of archaeological and numismatic items, along with Roman antiquities outside Europe. Have your dinner at a traditional South Indian restaurant. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 3
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel and check-out from the hotel. Travel to Mahabalipuram. The distance between Chennai to Mahabalipuram is approximately 58 kilometres and it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach by road. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shore Temple, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, is an architectural marvel, while the Pancha Rathas are an exemplary set of monolithic rock temples. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Arjuna's Penance, the world’s largest bas-relief, tells tales of Hindu mythology through intricate carvings. Check-in to your hotel in Mahabalipuram. Have your dinner at a seaside restaurant. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 4
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel and check-out. Travel to Pondicherry. The distance between Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry is approximately 95 kilometres and it takes around 1 hour 49 minutes to reach by road. Morning drive to Pondicherry, a former French colony, where the French Quarter (White Town) enchants visitors with its colonial-era villas, chic boutiques, and leafy boulevards. Visit Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community, offers a peaceful retreat with its rich history and serene ambiance. Explore Auroville, envisioned as a universal town where people from different nationalities live in harmony. Its iconic Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere used for meditation, symbolizes the birth of a new consciousness. The beaches of Pondicherry, such as Paradise Beach, provide a tranquil escape with their golden sands and swaying palms. Enjoy lunch at a local café in Auroville. Check-in to your hotel in Pondicherry. Relax in your hotel room. Have dinner at a French-inspired restaurant. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 5
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Visit Promenade Beach, a popular waterfront stretching along the city. Explore the French Quarter with its colonial architecture and vibrant streets. Enjoy lunch at a local café. Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a beautiful Gothic-style church. Enjoy leisure time for shopping and exploring local markets. Have your dinner at a seaside restaurant. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 6
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel and check-out. Travel to Thanjavur. The distance between Pondicherry to Thanjavur is approximately 4 hours. Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its towering vimana (temple tower). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Explore Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery. The Thanjavur Royal Palace houses an extensive collection of manuscripts, books, and artwork in the Saraswati Mahal Library, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Check-in to your hotel in Thanjavur. Have your dinner at a traditional South Indian restaurant. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
Day 7
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Check-out from the hotel and travel to Madurai. The distance between Thanjavur to Madurai is approximately 185 kilometres and it takes around 3 hours to reach by road depending upon traffic conditions. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, at the heart of the city, is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture, famous for its intricately carved pillars and vibrant sculptures. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace, blends Dravidian and Rajput styles, offering a glimpse into the opulence of Tamil Nadu’s past rulers. Check-in to your hotel in Madurai. Relax at your hotel room. Have your dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 8
Check-out from the hotel in Madurai after your breakfast. Travel to Bangalore and it takes around approximately 7 hours drive. Enjoy lunch en route at a highway restaurant. Upon arrival in Bangalore, check-in to your hotel. Visit Bangalore Palace, inspired by England’s Windsor Castle, exhibits Tudor-style architecture with fortified towers, arches, and green lawns. Lalbagh Botanical Garden, home to a myriad of tropical plants, features a glasshouse inspired by the Crystal Palace in London. Have dinner at a local restaurant in Bangalore. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
Day 9
After the breakfast at your hotel in Bangalore, check-out and travel to Mysore. The distance between Bangalore to Mysore is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes drive by road. Drive to Mysore, a city known for its royal heritage and sprawling palaces. Visit Mysore Palace, a magnificent building with a blend of Hindu, Islamic, Gothic, and Rajput styles, illuminated by thousands of lights on Sunday evenings and during festivals. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Explore Chamundi Hill and Chamundeshwari Temple. The Chamundeshwari Temple, located atop the Chamundi Hills, offers panoramic views of Mysore city and is dedicated to the deity Chamundeshwari, a form of Goddess Durga. Check-in to your hotel in Mysore. Have your dinner at a traditional Mysorean restaurant. Overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 10
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Explore more of Mysore's attractions including Brindavan Gardens, St. Philomena's Church, and the Railway Museum. Brindavan Gardens is a renowned garden located near the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS Dam) in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. Brindavan Gardens is spread over an area of about 60 acres and is meticulously landscaped with terraced gardens, lush lawns, ornamental plants, and vibrant flower beds. The gardens are designed in the Persian-Chahar Bagh style, characterized by geometric patterns and symmetrical layouts. St. Philomena's Church is one of the largest churches in India, with a length of about 240 feet, a width of 100 feet, and a height of 175 feet. The church's imposing twin spires, soaring vaulted ceilings, and intricate stained-glass windows contribute to its grandeur and architectural beauty. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant. The Railway Museum in Mysore, a fascinating attraction that showcases the rich history and heritage of Indian railways. The museum boasts an impressive collection of vintage locomotives, coaches, and other railway memorabilia dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Have your dinner at local restaurant. Overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 11
After the breakfast at your hotel in Mysore, check-out and travel to Hampi. The distance between Mysore to Hampi is approximately 426 kilometres and it takes around approximately 7 hours. Enjoy lunch en route at a highway restaurant. Upon arrival in Hampi, check-in to your hotel. On reaching hampi, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set amidst the ruins of the ancient Vijayanagara Empire. Its landscape is dotted with temples, palaces, and market places, all set in a rugged, boulder-strewn environment that seems almost surreal. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Hampi.
Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, was a vibrant city renowned for its architectural splendor, religious tolerance, and flourishing trade
Day 12
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Visit Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, and the Vijaya Vittala Temple. The Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Hampi, with a history dating back to the 7th century AD. It is believed to have been originally built by the Chalukya dynasty but was later expanded and renovated by subsequent rulers, including the Vijayanagara Empire. The Hampi Bazaar, a historic market street leading to the temple, was once the thriving hub of trade in the Vijayanagara Empire. Enjoy at a local restaurant. Continue exploring the Hampi ruins, including the Elephant Stables and Lotus Mahal. Have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Hampi.
Day 13
After the breakfast at your hotel in Hampi, check-out and travel to Tirupati. The distance between Hampi to Tirupati is approximately 587 kilometres and it takes around 7 hours 30 minutes to reach by road. Enjoy lunch en route at a highway restaurant. Upon arrival in Tirupati, check-in to your hotel. Relax and freshen up in your hotel. Have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Tirupati.
Day 14
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Visit Tirupati, a major pilgrimage center known for the Sri Venkateswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located atop one of the seven peaks of Tirumala Hills and attracts millions of devotees annually, making it one of the most-visited sacred sites in the world. Early morning Darshan at Venkateswara Temple to witness the elaborate rituals and the morning aarti. Explore the temple’s magnificent architecture and the surrounding natural beauty of the Tirumala Hills. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Explore other nearby temples such as Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple. Visit the nearby Sri Varahaswami Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s boar incarnation, and the Akasaganga Teertham, a natural waterfall believed to have medicinal properties. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Tirupati.
Day 15
After the breakfast at your hotel in Tirupati, check-out and travel to Goa, a coastal state known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. The distance between Tirupati to Goa is approximately 812 kilometres and it takes around 11 hours 30 minutes to reach by road. Upon arrival in Goa, check-in to your hotel. spend the evening relaxing at one of Goa’s famous beaches, such as Calangute or Baga, where the sea, sand, and sky meet in a picturesque setting. Have your dinner at a beachside restaurant. Overnight stay in Goa.
Day 16
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Explore the Latin Quarter of Panjim (Fontainhas), where the Portuguese influence is evident in the colorful villas, cobbled streets, and quaint cafes. Explore Old Goa with its colonial churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds the relics of St. Francis Xavier, and admire the baroque architecture that makes it one of the most important churches in Goa. The Aguada Fort, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, is a testament to Portuguese military architecture. Enjoy lunch at a beach shack. Enjoy water sports activities or simply relax on the beach. Have your dinner at a beachside restaurant. Overnight stay in Goa.
Day 17
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring more of Goa's beaches, markets, or indulge in optional activities like a river cruise or visiting spice plantations. Enjoy your lunch. Goa’s culinary scene is a delight, with an array of seafood dishes and Portuguese-inspired cuisine to try. In the evening, embark on a river cruise on the Mandovi River to witness a beautiful sunset, marking a perfect end to your South Indian odyssey. Have your dinner at local restaurant. Overnight stay in Goa.
Day 18
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Check-out from the hotel. Depart from Goa, taking with your memories of the diverse cultures, architectural wonders, natural beauty, and spiritual depth that South India has to offer. This extended and enriched itinerary provides a comprehensive exploration of South India’s most captivating sights, culminating in the relaxing and joyful atmosphere of Goa, ensuring a memorable experience for the Guests.