Splendid South India

Day 01: Chennai

On arrival, Passion to India 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". This city presents culture that is distinctly different from that of north. Visit Kapaleeshwara temple, Triplicane - Sri Parthasarathy temple, St.Thomas Cathedral, Fort, Museum. Overnight stay

Day 02: 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 must 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

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 03: Mamallapuram - Trichy (train)

Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas. Post breakfast; explore Arjuna penance, Sri Krishna butter ball, cave temples, five Rathas and famous sea shore temple. Pack up your bags to experience the Indian train journey to Trichy

Day 04: Trichy

Check in at 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. Visit Amma Mandapam, Srirangam Sri Ranganatha swami temple, rock fort Sri Ganesha temple. Over night stay

Day 05: Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai

Post breakfast; proceed to Madurai, enroute visiting Tanjore. In Tanjore visit big temple dedicated to lord Shiva and big bull, visit Tanjore museum, art gallery, and palace. Proceed to Madurai. Check in at the property. Overnight stay

Day 06: Madurai

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. Evening, visit Tiruparankundram rock temple, and try to catch a glimpse of white peacock in the evening time. Overnight stay at Madurai

Day 07: Madurai - Thekkady

Post breakfast; take a 4 hrs drive to Thekkady. 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 08: Thekkady - Kumarakom

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 09: Kumarakom Alleppey 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 art - Kathakali, performed by professional artist. Over night stay at Cochin

Day 10: Cochin - Departure Arrival Bangalore - Mysore

Post breakfast based on your flight schedule, departure transfer to Cochin airport to board your flight for your onward journey to Karnataka. Arrival at Bangalore, meet and greet assistance to transfer Mysore, enroute visiting Srirangapatnam, the city established by king Hider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. The city fell after three repeated wars fought against the British forces. Visit Tipus palace, fort, and Sri Ranganathaswami temple. Arrive Mysore and check-in hotel. Overnight stay

Day 11: Mysore

Take a look at Mysore palace, Jaganmohana palace, art gallery, Chamundi hills, and Devraja market. In the evening, visit to KRS - Brindavan Gardens. Overnight stay

Day 12: Mysore - Hassan

Post breakfast drive to Hassan; enroute visit Shravanabelagola. See the splendour of the colossal monolithic Gomatheeswara temple. It is hewn out of a single rock and visible from a distance of 25kms. It is the statue of Lord Gomatheeswara which is bathed with milk and honey once every 12 years. Proceed to Hassan. Check into the property.

After lunch visit to Belur (The 12th Century Hoysala Temple), drive to Halebid (The 12th Century Hoysaleswara Temple). Overnight stay at Hassan

Day 13: Hassan - Hospet

Drive to Hassan. Check-in at the property. Overnight stay

Day 14: Hospet - Hampi - Hospet

After breakfast, visit to the ruins of Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi -one of the most fascinating historical places in South India. Witness some of the interesting ruins remaining are the Virupaksha, Vittala and Hazara Rama temples, huge Ganesha and Narsimaha images, the elephant stables, the queen's bath, carvings on the Ramachandra temple & Lotus Mahal, return back to Hospet for overnight stay

Day 15: Hospet - Badami

Post breakfast drive to Badami. Check-in at the property. Post lunch, take a drive to Aihole. Visit the temple complex (108ancient temples prevails in this complex). Later, drive to Pattadakal and visit the 6th Century Temple. Overnight stay at Badami

Day 16: Badami

Continue excursion in Badami. Proceed to Badami cave temple. Overnight stay

Day 17: Badami - Hospet

Post breakfast, drive back to Hospet to enjoy an Indian rain journey to Bangalore. Overnight in the train

Day 18: Bangalore - Departure

Arrive at Bangalore. Transfer to hotel. Pack your bags up for onward journey