Best of South India

India's commercial and business capital of Mumbai welcomes you to begin the tour. Check-in to your hotel and relax. The day is free of plans. Go exploring the beaches or try out lip-smacking street food or the exciting nightlife of the city that never sleeps.

On the 2nd day of the tour, you will leave for the Mumbai sightseeing tour. Early morning, you will be transferred to the Gateway of India from where you will head towards Elephant Caves. You will be transferred to the ferry from the jetty on the Gateway of India. Elephanta Caves located on an island about 10 kilometers away from the shores of Mumbai. These caves comprise of temples carved from solid rock dating back to the 7th century. The main attraction is the three-headed bust of Lord Shiva, famously known as ‘Trimurti’. Thereafter, proceed on a city tour. Later, halt at the Gateway of India for a photo stop, drive past monuments built during the British era such as Mumbai University, Rajabai Clock Tower, High Court, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (VT).

You may choose to stroll across Fashion Street, a stretch famous for its export clothing and accessories. Later drive past Marine Drive also known as the Queen’s Necklace. Later, ascend Malabar Hill to visit the beautifully adorned Jain Temple, Kamala Nehru Park, and the Hanging Garden. Later, return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Board the morning flight to Madurai. On arrival in the city which is the soul of Tamil Nadu, check in to your hotel. The day is at leisure. You can explore the city on your own. The thriving heart of culture in South India has a myriad of delights to capture your liking.

Overnight stay in the hotel.

Proceed for a city tour. Spend the morning hours at the flower market followed by visit to the famous Meenakshi Temple (excluding the inner sanctum). The temple complex is one of the largest and busiest in the world. Pay your regards to the Goddess's shrine and marvel at the intricate handwork adorning every inch of the temple. A car and driver is at your disposal for the afternoon. Return to Meenakshi Temple in the evening to witness the soulful Aarti ceremony.

Return to the hotel for the night.

Start the drive to Thanjavur. Stop at the ornate Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple. It is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu. After you have paid your regards, continue with your journey.

On arrival in Thanjavur, check-in and rest for the night.

Begin the half day city tour of this ancient Chola capital. Thanjavur is known for the mighty Brihadeeshwara Temple. One of the 'Great Chola Living temples', the magnificent temple pays obeisance to the mighty Lord Shiva. Rest of the day is at leisure. Explore the city pleasures, you will feel light.

Begin the full day drive to Puducherry with interesting halts. En-route stop at exquisite and unique temple complexes at Darasuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Chidambaram. The temple complexes are blessed with marvellous architecture and are refreshing for your minds and souls.

On arrival in Puducherry, check-in to your rest for the night.

Puducherry is one of India's prettiest cities with French colonial flavours. Spend the day in exploration of this pretty, peaceful town. The French quarter is blessed with some exceptional colonial buildings, restaurants, mansions, etc. The Auroville Ashram is a popular place to visit where you soul finds solace and reinvigoration. The town is easy to explore on foot, therefore quite easy to find your own adventures.

Return to the hotel for the night.

In the morning, embark on drive to Chennai. En-route, stop at Mahabalipuram. The visit to the fabulous shore temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites are wonderful. Marvel at the wonderful work of artisans, craftsmen and sculptures.

On arrival in Chennai, check-in to the hotel for a restful night.

Spend the morning exploring the city. Chennai has a multi-ethnic personality reflected in the temples, colonial churches and the modern pleasures. The day is at your leisure. Spend time on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Shopping and food are added delights.

Take an early morning train to Bengaluru. On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Eave for afternoon city tour. Some popular spots include Lal Bagh, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, Bannerghatta National Park, Vidhan Soudha, etc.

Overnight rest in your hotel.

In the morning drive to Nagarhole National Park. The blessed wildlife sanctuary is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. It houses a large variety of flora and fauna. On arrival, check into a jungle resort. Embark on a jungle safari for exploring the wildlife in the park in the afternoon. Spot some of the ferocious wild animals in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Spend the day in the lap of pristine nature. Nagarhole is undoubtedly one of Karnataka's best wildlife getaways. Owing to the Kabini Lake, the sanctuary forms an important animal corridor that runs through neighbouring Bandipur National Park, making up a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy game drives either by boat, by jeep or by elephant back. The area is home to a rich variety of wildlife.

After an early morning game drive, proceed to Mysore. The Sandalwood city is a pleasant escape in the mountains. Explore the city this afternoon, visiting the Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Palace, St. Philomena's Cathedral, The Chamundeshwari Temple, etc. Mysore Zoo, Jaganmohan Palace, Karanji Lake, Folk Lore Museum are other popular tourist attractions.

Start the morning with a drive to nearby Srirangapatnam. The site boasts of the ruins of Tipu Sultan's summer palace, worth exploring. In the afternoon visit to the Hoysala Temple at Somnathpur. It is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.

Return to the hotel for the night.

Morning is at leisure. Board the afternoon train/flight to Chennai.