Magical temples of Southindia with Backwaters & Goa

From $100.00

Trip Type
SOUTH INDIA
Activities
Activities Included
Group Size
2 Min - 100 Max
Reviews
0 Reviews
Locations
ALLEPPY , BADAMI , BANGALORE , CHENNAI , COCHIN , GOA , Hampi , HASSAN , HOSPET , KANCHIPURAM , MADURAI , MAHABALIPURAM , MYSORE , PERIYAR , Pondicherry , TANJORE
Trip Duration
22 Day(s) 21 Night(s)

Trip code WT-CODE 569

The history of the southern part of India covers a span of over four thousand years during which the region saw the rise and fall of a number of dynasties and empires.

The period of known history of the region begins with the Iron age (1200 BCE to 24 BCE) period until the 14th century CE. Dynasties of Satavahana, Chalukya, Pallava, Rashtrakuta, Kakatiya and Hoysala were at their peak during various periods of history. These kingdoms constantly fought amongst each other and against external forces when Muslim armies invaded south India. Vijayanagara Empire rose in response to the Muslim intervention and covered the most of south India and acted as a bulwark against Mughal expansion into the south. When the European powers arrived during the 16th century CE, the southern kingdoms resisted the new threats, and many parts eventually succumbed to British occupation. The British created the Madras Presidency which covered most of south India directly administered by the British Raj, and divided the rest into a number of dependent princely states.

After Indian Independence South India was linguistically divided into the states of Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the union Territory of Pondicherry

NOTES:

Validity: From 01^st October to March 31^st.

Diwali & Christmas Peak season supplementary hike as per actual basis.

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Itineraries

Day 01

Madras (Chennai)

On arrival at Madras international airport, welcome and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast drive to Chennai The history of Chennai illustrates that the city is about 400 years old and is also the 36th metropolitan city all across the world. The historical past of the city begins from the ancient rulers which were there in South India through colonization to the development in the 20th century. The Kapaleeshwarar temple, the Pallava Port and the Parthasarathi Temple of the 7th century are the effervescent facts to prove that the Chennai city has been present since the time immemorial. In early days though, Chennai was a group of many villages, hovering among the paddy fields, outlined by palm trees. The city was ruled by all the well-known dynasties of South India such as the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Vijaynagar kingdom. However, it was in the beginning of the 16th century that things started to shape up for the future.
It all started with the Portuguese, who came here in 1522 and constructed a port known as Sao Tome, after the Christian apostle, St. Thomas. Then in 1612 came the Dutch, who settled near Pulicat, the northern part of the city, followed by the East India Company. The previous name Madras which was taken from Madrasapattnam was the site selected by the British East India Company for an enduring settlement in 1639. This conurbation was set up by the two merchants of the East India Company, Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, to establish the factory. Besides this, a colony was built to serve as the headquarters, which got completed on 23rd April 1640, also known as St George's Day, and hence it was called as St. George's Fort. Later on, the province was formally called as the George Town which included various over-crowded streets with particular businesses, serving the British.
In Chennai visit Kapaleshvara Temple dedicated to God Shiva and offers a good example of South Indian colorful temple architecture. Fort St. George & the 16th century Portuguese old Cathedral of St. Thomas Church in which the remnants of St. Thomas is buried who came to India in 52 AD.
Overnight stay in the hotel

Day 02

Madras / Mahabalipuram (By surface / 60 km / 01 hrs)

After breakfast leave for Mahabalipuram On arrival check in to the hotel. Afternoon city tour of Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram also called Mahabalipuram or Seven Pagodas, historic town, northeast Tamil Nadu state, southeastern India. It lies along the Bay of Bengal 37 miles (60 km) south of Chennai (Madras). The town’s religious centre was founded by a 7th-century-ce Hindu Pallava king, Narasimhavarman, also known as Mamalla, for whom the town was named. Ancient Chinese, Persian, and Roman coins found at Mamallapuram point to its earlier existence as a seaport. It contains many surviving 7th- and 8th-century Pallava temples and monuments, chief of which are the sculptured rock relief popularly known as “Arjuna’s Penance” or “Descent of the Ganges,” a series of sculptured cave temples, and a Shiva temple on the seashore. The town’s five rathas, or monolithic temples, are the remnants of seven temples, for which the town was known as Seven Pagodas. The entire assemblage collectively was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.

Day 03

Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram (By surface 70 kms / 02 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, Kancheepuram District had been administered by the Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayanagar rulers, Muslim Kings, and the British before Independence.
Tondaimandalam was an ancient division of Tamil country comprising roughly the present districts of Kancheepuram, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Vellore and Tiruvannamalai. The capital of Thondaimandalam was Kancheepuram.
The Major breakthrough in the district administration was in 1788 when, for the first time, Collector was appointed to the district. The district was split up into two divisions, Northern and Southern and placed fewer than two Collectors. The names of the Collectors during 1790's were Clerk and Balfour.
Lionel Place, the Collector in (1794-1799), created the posts of Sharistadars under the control of the Collector. Clerks were also appointed to assist the Sharistadars. The famous Madurantakam and Uthiramerur tanks were created by Place.
Later proceed back to Mahabalipuram
Overnight in the hotel

Day 04

Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry (168 kms / 4 hrs approx)

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry On arrival check-in hotel. Later sight-seeing of Pondicherry
The City of Pondicherry has recorded history after the advent of the Colonial Powers like the Dutch, Portuguese, English and the French. Though nearby places like Arikamedu, Ariyankuppam, Kakayanthoppe, Villianur, Bahur which were annexed by the French East India Company over a period of time and which became the Union Territory of Pondicherry after Independence have history predating the Colonial History.
A marketplace named Poduke or Poduca is recorded as a Roman trading destination from the mid 1st century. The area was part of the Pallava Kingdom of Kanchipuram in the 4th century. The Cholas of Thanjavur held it from the 10th to 13th centuries, only to be replaced by the Pandya Kingdom in the 13th century. The Vijayanagar Empire took control of almost all the South of India in the 14th century and lasted until 1638, to be supplanted by the Sultan of Bijapur. The French acquired Pondicherry in 1674 and held control, with occasional interruption from the British and Dutch, until 1954 (de jure in 1956), when it was incorporated into the Indian Union along with the rest of French India.
Overnight in hotel

Day 05

Pondicherry / Tanjore (177 kms / 5 hrs approx)

After breakfast drive to Tanjore. Afternoon visit the famous 11th century Brihadeswara temple which is the Jewel of South India, built in 9th century. The magnificent main temple has a 62 meter height Tanjoremana (tallest in India), which is topped by dome carved from an 80 ton lock of granite. A 6.5-km long wooden ramp was built to climb it. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
After the visit drive to drive to hotel
Overnight in the hotel

Day 06

Tanjore / Madurai (182 kms / 6 hrs approx).

After breakfast leave for Trichy which was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century it witnessed the carnatic wars fought between the French & the English, Lord Robert Clive's 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 Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple. Proceed to Madurai (182 kms / 6 hrs approx). On arrival in Madurai check-in hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07

Madurai

After breakfast city tour visiting the great Meenakshi temple dedicated to the consort of lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - a gracious building in the Indo Saracen style, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches.

Day 08

Madurai / Periyar (160 kms / 4 to 5 hrs aprox).

After breakfast drive to Periyar Afternoon enjoy boat ride on Lake Periyar to see wildlife.
The Periyar Valley was under the reign of the Pandyas who ruled from Madurai until the 12th century. In 1895, the Mullaperiyar dam was constructed. The dam, built across the west-flowing River Periyar, stops the river to form a reservoir. It also resulted in the creation of an artificial lake, which enhanced the charm of the valley. The lake, in the centre of the sanctuary, is the nucleus of the reserve and the place where the elephants and the avifauna come to frolic, to drink water and to cool themselves with dips in the hot months. Down to play by creating this artificial lake, the dam changed the landscape and the features of the valley drastically.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the reserve was the hunting ground of the Travancore kings. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern-day southern Kerala, the district of Kanyakumari, and the southernmost parts of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. After India's independence, Travancore merged with Cochin to form Travancore-Cochin which again, sometime later, joined with Malabar district of Madras State to form Kerala.
Overnight in hotel

Day 09

Periyar / Alleppey (By surface 160 kms / 04 to 05 hrs)

After breakfast Check out from the hotel & drive to Thekkady (155 KM / 04 Hour 30mns). A perfect rural place is bounded with large water bodies named as Venice of the East. Alleppy Alleppey (Alappuzha) district occupies a prominent place in the tourist map of Kerala interlocked with lakes and canals. The Vembanad Lake stretching up to Kochi, the rivers Achankovil, Manimala and Pamba and a net work of canals in the district are used for inland navigation. On arrival, check into houseboat and spend the day at leisure. Houseboat cruise is the best way to explore the beauty of backwaters. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy lunch, evening tea/coffee with snacks and dinner on it. Stay overnight in houseboat. Over Night stay at House Boat

Day 10

Cochin

After breakfast drive to Cochin .sightseeing of Cochin, a city till today influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England You visit St. Francis Sightseeing Cochin - Chinese Fishing Nets Church, the Mattancherry Palace or "Dutch Palace" (closed on Fridays and Saturdays) And the amazing Chinese fishing nets. You also see the Jew City with the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays), constructed in 1568, with hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid-18th century by a Rabbi, who had trading interest in that city. In the evening enthrall yourself with a special presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali Dance Drama in a local theatre.
Overnight in the hotel

Day 11

Cochin – Bangalore- Mysore (By flight / 1 hrs 30 minutes)

Morning transfer to airport for Bangalore flight. Arrive and drive directly to Mysore, enroot visit Srirangapatnam. Srirangapatnam is about 20 kms from Mysore. While visiting Mysore it would be a good idea to visit Srirangapatnam as well. Srirangapatnam was the capital of the Mysore State under Tippu Sultan. As a result there are a number of historical monuments related to the life and times of Tippu Sultan. After the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799AD the British shifted the capital back to Mysore.
The Daria- Daulat- Palace, the Palace of Tippu Sultan in Srirangapatnam is a beautiful Palace built mainly of teakwood. The walls of the Palace are covered with colorful frescoes that represent the reign of Tippu Sultan and the different battles that he fought. Tippu built the Masjid-e-Ala or the Juma Majid at Srirangapatna as well. This mosque has tall lofty minarets that dominate the skyline of Srirangapatna. The Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangapatnam is very famous. It has the idol of Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha.
The tombs of Tippu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and mother Fatima Begum are laid out in the Gumbaz. The Gumbaz is a major tourist attraction because of its architecture and craftsmanship. It has enormous ebony door inlaid with ivory. The dungeons of Srirangapatna where the British soldiers were held captive also attract tourists. One should visit Tippu's Fort, where he launched his attack on the British and died there fighting them.
Overnight in hotel

Day 12

Mysore

After breakfast visit the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades, sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the art gallery,
Mysore (or Mysuru) is the third largest city in the state of Karnataka, India, which served as the capital city of Mysore Princely Kingdom (Kingdom of Mysore) for nearly six centuries, from 1399 until 1947. Located at the base of the Chamundi Hills about 146 km (91 mi) southwest of the state capital Bangalore, it is spread across an area of 128.42 km2 (50 sq mi). The Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, except for a brief period in the late 18th century when Hyder Ali andTipu Sultan were in power. Patrons of art and culture, the Wodeyars contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city. The cultural ambience and achievements of Mysore earned it the sobriquet Cultural capital of Karnataka.
Later drive upto Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back, see the Nandi bull.
Overnight in hotel

Day 13

Mysore / Hassan (By surface 120 kms / 03 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Hassan, The history of Hassan involves two of the greatest dynasties that ruled Karnataka, Western Ganga Dynasty of Talkad (350 - 999 CE.) and the Hoysala Empire (1000 - 1334 CE). Hassan was the seat of power for the Hoysala Empire that ruled large parts of south India in the 11th to the 13th century. The Hoysala rulers had built a huge number of temples during their reign and as many as fifty of these amazing sculptures and architectural structures survive today and are being looked after by the Archeology Survey of India. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hassan became a land of contention between the Keladi Nayakas of Shimoga and the Mysore Kingdom

Day 14

Hassan– Belur – Halibedu (By surface 50 kms / 02 hrs)

After breakfast visit the temples of Belur and Halibedu temple. The Chennakesava Temple was built on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, by the Hoysala Empire King Vishnuvardhana. Belur, which was an early Hoysala capital, is in the Hassan district of Karnataka state, India. It is 40 km from Hassan city and 220 km from Bangalore. Chennakesava (lit, "handsome Kesava") is a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. Belur is well known for its marvelous temples built during the rule of the Hoysala dynasty, making it and nearby Halebidu favored tourist destinations in Karnataka state.
Halebidu (literally "old city") is located in Hassan District, Karnataka, India. Halebidu (which was previously called Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra) was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. It is home to some of the best examples ofHoysala architecture. Most notable are the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples. The city got the name "Halebidu" because it was ransacked two times during the invasion of Mallik Kafur.
Halebidu was the 12th-13th century capital of the Hoysalas. The Hoysaleswara temple was built during this time by Ketamala and attributed to King Vishnuvardhana,[1] the Hoysala ruler. It enshrines Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara, named after King Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his Queen Shantala Devi.

Day 15

Hassan – Hospet ( By surface 320 kms / 06 to 07 hrs )

After breakfast drive to Hospet or Hosapete, is a city in Bellary District in central Karnataka, India. It is on the Tungabhadra River, 12 km from Hampi, the World Heritage site consisting of the ruins of the medieval city of Vijayanagara, former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The city was built by Krishna Deva Raya in 1520 AD, one of the rulers of Vijayanagara in memory of his mother Nagalambika. While the city was named Nagalapura, people referred to the city as Hosa Pete meaning New City. An area between Hampi and Hospet is still called Nagalapura. It was the entrance gate to the city of Vijayanagara for all travelers coming from Goa and West Coast.
On arrival check in to the hotel
Overnight in the hotel

Day 16

Hospet – Hampi – Hospet (13 kms – 20 mins)

After breakfast drive to the day excursion of Hampi. Hampi was the capital of Vijaynagar Empire. The Vijaynagar rulers were the great lovers of art and architecture which can be known from the carved temples, monuments and sculptures in Hampi and all over the South. The Vijayanagar rulers patronized a variety of Hindu cults and also permitted the practice of other religions. Under their enlightened leadership, the city became rich and a cosmopolitan blend of people with a wide variety of linguistic, ethnic and religious background. The Krishnadeva Raya, who raised his empire to the Zenith of its glory during 1509-1529, was the most outstanding ruler. But in 1565, the combined armies of the Muslim Sultanates defeated the Vijayanagar ruler and plundered, burnt and sacked the abandoned city mercilessly, and left some ruins for the treasure seekers. Today, the temples and palaces are scattered over an area of 25 square km.
The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of the famous Hampi Bazaar. The temple has a 120 feet tall tower on its eastern entrance. The temple contains the shrines of Shiva, Pampa and Bhuvaneswari.Parts of this temple is older than the Vijayanagar kingdom itself. The work of this style dates back to the 11th or 12th century.
Nearby is the 6.7m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha. An inscription nearby states that it was hewn from a single boulder in 1528 during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya
Vithala Temple Complex - The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly the Vithala Temple Complex with its 56 musical pillars.
To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve. In front of the shrine stands the great mandapa. Nearby is the 'Purandra Dasara Mantapa' which has been also declared a monument
House of Victory- It was built when Krishnadeva Raya came back from his victorious expedition against the King of Orissa. The spaces between the rows of the plinth-moldings here are most elaborately and elegantly carved. The kings of Vijayanagar used to sit on a grand throne in the House of Victory and witness the nine-day Dasara festival.
Westwards from the House of Victory, leading through two ruined gates, the path leads to the Hazara Ram swami temple. This temple is believed to have been the private place of worship of the royal family.

Day 17

Hospet – Badami

After breakfast drive to Badami, Badami once called Vatapi, magnificently nestled in a canyon, and was the Chalukya capital from 543 - 757 A.D. The ancient city has Several Hindu and Jain temples; a Buddhist caves and remains peaceful and charming.
On arrival in Badami, check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit the Badami caves.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 18

Badami – Pattadakal (By surface22 kms –01 hrs drive) – Aihole (By surface 25 kms / 01 hrs)

After breakfast day excursion to Pattadakal and Aihole
Pattadakal is a small town that is renowned for its ancient temples. Located near Badami and Aihole, Pattadakal Temple can be easily reached by regular buses or private taxis from the major towns and cities of Karnataka. The Temples of Pattadakal, exhibit the zenith of 'Vesara' style of Hindu temple architecture. Owing to its incredible temples, Pattadakal was titled a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. Pattadakal had once been the rich capital of the Chalukyas. During 7th - 8th century, Pattadakal Temples were got constructed by the Chalukya rulers. Portraying the rare specimen, the temples depict a wonderful blend of Dravidian (South-Indian) and Negara (North-Indian) architectural styles. The phrase 'beauty in ruins' goes exactly with the town of Pattadakal. The beautiful settlement appears majestic with its series of nine temples.
Aihole is a historical town situated on the banks of Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Earlier, this historical town was also called as "Ayyavole" and "Aryapura". Aihole was once capital of the early Chalukyan dynasty (6th to 8th centuries).
Aihole is rewarded as "the cradle of Hindu rock architecture". There are about 125 temples divided into 22 groups spread all over the villages and nearby fields. Most of these temples at Aihole were built between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Day 19

Badami – Goa (By surface 256 kms / 06 to 07 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Goa. On arrival check-in hotel Rest of the day free at leisure. is a small state on the western coast of the Asian subcontinent India that was a Portuguese territory of the Empire from 1510. Though the smallest Indian state after 1974, Goa has played an influential role in Asian and European history Goa was one of the major trade centers in Asia, thus it had always been attracting the influential dynasties, seafarers, merchants, traders, monks and missionaries since its earliest known history. Throughout its history Goa has undergone continual transformation, leaving an indelible impression on various aspects of its cultural and socio-economic development.
Overnight in hotel

Day 20

Goa

After breakfast leaves for half day tour of North Goa.
Afternoon free at leisure to enjoy the beaches
Overnight in hote

Day 21

Goa

After breakfast leaves for half day tour of North Goa.
Afternoon free at leisure to enjoy the beaches
Overnight in hotel

Day 22

Goa/ Onward destination

After breakfast transfer to international airport for flight to onward destination

Accommodation in well-appointed rooms with TWN/DBL room basis.
Assistance, toll, taxes
Transport services as per itinerary by A/C Medium Car for Package.
Daily Breakfast in Hotels
All Meals in House Boat

Train/Flight Fares.
Guides / Entrances
Extra Supplements from Hotels.
Meals other than specified.
Items of personal nature viz. telephone calls, drinks, laundry bills, etc.
Anything which is not mentioned under “INCLUDES” header
05% Government Service Tax.

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