South India Temples 15 Days 14 Nights Private Tour

Ziua 1 · Arrival in Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (Approx. 140 km | 4–5 hours)

1. 1

   Oprirea 1

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Upon arrival in Chennai, proceed to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India and a major center of temple architecture. Visit Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati and known for its spiritual importance.

2. 2

   Oprirea 2

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Continue to Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, one of the Divya Desams, admired for its tall gopurams and stone carvings.

3. 3

   Oprirea 3

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Explore the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, famous for its early Dravidian style.

4. 4

   Ekambareswarar Temple

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, representing the Earth element among the Pancha Bhoota shrines, with its sacred mango tree. You may also stop at local silk weaving centers before driving to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay.

   Highlights: Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple.

   Please note: Hotel checkin will be available after 2:00 PM.

3* - Mammalla Heritage / Similar

Ziua 2 · Mahabalipuram – Tiruvannamalai (Approx. 195 km | 4.5–5.5 hours)

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   Arjuna's Penance

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram, renowned for Pallava-era rock-cut architecture. Visit Arjuna’s Penance, a giant open-air relief carved on a rock face depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

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   Oprirea 2

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Continue to the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), monolithic temple structures carved from single stones, each dedicated to a Pandava brother.

3. 3

   Oprirea 3

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the iconic Shore Temple, standing by the sea and one of the earliest stone temples in South India. Later, drive to Tiruvannamalai and check in at your hotel.

   Highlights: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance.

3* - Hotel Himalaya / Similar

Ziua 3 · Tiruvannamalai – Yercaud (Approx. 165 km | 4–5 hours)

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   Oprirea 1

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the sacred Annamalaiyar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the largest temple complexes in Tamil Nadu. The temple is especially significant for devotees of Lord Shiva and is famous for its massive gopurams and spiritual atmosphere.

2. 2

   Yercaud

   2 ore

   After the visit, drive to Yercaud, a peaceful hill station surrounded by coffee plantations and forests. Overnight stay in Yercaud.

   Highlights: Annamalaiyar Temple.

3* - TGI Star Holidays / Similar

Ziua 4 · Yercaud – Tiruchirapalli (Approx. 195 km | 4.5–5 hours)

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   Oprirea 1

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Enjoy Yercaud’s natural attractions, beginning with the Botanical Garden, which displays a variety of rare plants and flowers.

2. 2

   Pagoda Point

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the Orchidarium, showcasing different orchid species, and proceed to Pagoda Point, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the hills and valleys. Later, drive to Tiruchirapalli and check in at your hotel.

   Highlights: Botanical Garden, Orchidarium, Pagoda Point.

3* - Grande Inn / Similar

Ziua 5 · Tiruchirapalli – Thanjavur (Approx. 60 km | 1.5–2 hours)

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   Rock Fort Temple

   4 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the historic Rock Fort Temple, built atop a massive rock formation and offering stunning views of the city. The complex includes temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Continue to the Danish Church, one of the oldest churches in Tamil Nadu, reflecting early European influence. In the afternoon, drive to Thanjavur for overnight stay.

   Highlights: Rock Fort Temple, Danish Church.

3* - Hotel Gnanam / Similar

Ziua 6 · Thanjavur – Madurai (Approx. 190 km | 4–4.5 hours)

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   Oprirea 1

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Begin with a visit to the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture, famous for its towering vimana and massive stone Nandi statue.

2. 2

   Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Explore the Thanjavur Palace Complex, once the residence of Nayak and Maratha rulers.

3. 3

   Oprirea 3

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the Art Gallery, displaying bronze and stone sculptures,

4. 4

   Oprirea 4

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   and the Saraswati Mahal Library, one of Asia’s oldest libraries with rare manuscripts. Later, drive to Madurai.

   Highlights: Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur Palace, Saraswati Mahal Library.

3* - MMR Gardens / Similar

Ziua 7 · Madurai – Munnar (Approx. 160 km | 4.5–5 hours)

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   Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, known for its colorful towers and detailed sculptures.

2. 2

   Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Explore the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

3. 3

   Oprirea 3

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Visit Alagar Hills, a sacred and scenic area, and Tiruparankundram Temple, one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan. Later, drive to Munnar, a hill station famous for tea plantations.

   Highlights: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Tiruparankundram Temple.

3* - Lake N Hills / Similar

Ziua 8 · Munnar (Local Sightseeing)

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   Oprirea 1

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Munnar, starting with Attukad Waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery.

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   Oprirea 2

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Visit Chithirapuram, known for its old tea estates and viewpoints, and the Floriculture Centre, displaying seasonal flowers. Continue to Top Station, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and valleys below. Optional activities include tea estate visits or an elephant ride.

   Highlights: Attukad Waterfalls, Top Station, Tea Gardens.

3* - Lake N Hills / Similar

Ziua 9 · Munnar – Alappuzha (Houseboat Stay) (Approx. 175 km | 4.5–5 hours)

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   Alleppey Backwaters

   o zi Intrarea inclusă

   Drive to Alappuzha and board your private Kerala houseboat. Cruise through calm backwaters lined with coconut palms, paddy fields, and village life. Enjoy freshly prepared traditional Kerala meals on board. Overnight stay on the houseboat for a unique backwater experience.

   Highlights: Backwater cruise, Houseboat stay.

3* - Standard Houseboat

Ziua 10 · Alappuzha – Kochi (Approx. 55 km | 1.5–2 hours)

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   Oprirea 1

   5 ore

   After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Kochi. Enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city, passing colonial-era buildings, waterfront areas, and local markets reflecting Kochi’s multicultural heritage.

   Highlights: Kochi city orientation.

3 * -Hotel Broadbean / Similar

Ziua 11 · Kochi (Local Sightseeing)

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   Oprirea 1

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Explore Kochi’s historic landmarks including St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India.

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   Oprirea 2

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the Jewish Synagogue, known for its hand-painted tiles and chandeliers.

3. 3

   Chinese Fishing Nets

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   See the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, a symbol of Kochi’s coastal culture. The afternoon is free for leisure or shopping.

   Highlights: St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets.

3 * -Hotel Broadbean / Similar

Ziua 12 · Kochi – Kozhikode (Approx. 185 km | 5–5.5 hours)

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   Kappad Beach

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Drive to Kozhikode and visit Kappad Beach, where Vasco da Gama first landed in India.

2. 2

   Oprirea 2

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Explore the Pazhassi Raja Museum, showcasing Kerala’s history and freedom struggle.

3. 3

   Oprirea 3

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the Planetarium and Dolphin’s Point, offering scenic views of the Arabian Sea.

   Highlights: Kappad Beach, Pazhassi Raja Museum, Dolphin’s Point.

3 *- Welcare Business Hotel / Similar

Ziua 13 · Kozhikode – Mysore (Approx. 235 km | 6–7 hours)

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   Oprirea 1

   30 de ore Intrarea inclusă

   Arrive in Mysore and visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, renowned for its grand architecture and royal interiors.

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   Chamundi Hills

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the Art Gallery and proceed to Chamundi Hill, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple.

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   Oprirea 3

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Stop at the impressive Nandi Bull Statue, carved from a single rock. Optional visit to Brindavan Gardens in the evening.

   Highlights: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, Nandi Bull.

3* - Hotel Roopa / Similar

Ziua 14 · Mysore – Bengaluru (Approx. 145 km | 3–3.5 hours)

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   Oprirea 1

   30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Drive to Bengaluru and visit Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, famous for its landscaped gardens and glass house.

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   Oprirea 2

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Explore the elegant Bangalore Palace, inspired by European architecture. Enjoy a drive past major government buildings and city landmarks.

   Highlights: Lal Bagh, Bangalore Palace.

3* - Ramanashree Richmond Hotel / Similar

Ziua 15 · Departure from Bengaluru

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   Oprirea 1

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Transfer to Bengaluru Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your memorable South India Temple & Heritage Tour.