9-Day Bangalore to Madurai South India Temple Trail Tour: Vellore, Chennai, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and Chettinad | Small Group Tour | Monument Entrances and Daily Breakfast

What you'll experience

Highlights

9 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Arrive Bangalore

   Upon arrival at Bangalore airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. After check-in (check-in time is 12 pm), take time to relax and rejuvenate at the hotel.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Royal Orchid Central/ Ramada Bangalore or Similar
2. 2

   Day 2 — Bangalore City Tour

   After breakfast, begin your city tour of Bangalore, the Garden City. Visit the beautiful Lalbagh Botanical Garden, famous for its vast collection of plants and the iconic Glass House. Explore the royal Bangalore Palace, a stunning example of Tudor-style architecture. Visit the historic Bangalore Fort, dating back to the 16th century, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, which offers insights into the region's royal past. End the day by shopping in the vibrant markets of Brigade Road and Commercial Street. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Royal Orchid Central/ Ramada Bangalore or Similar
3. 3

   Day 3 — Bangalore - Vellore (220kms)

   After breakfast, check out and drive to Vellore, known for its spiritual and historical significance. Visit the awe-inspiring Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, one of the largest golden temples in India. Explore the Vellore Fort, a 16th-century fort with impressive architecture and ancient carvings. Pay a visit to the Jalakandeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and admire the intricate carvings and sculptures. After the day’s sightseeing, return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Regency Sameera Vellore by GRT Hotel or Similar
4. 4

   Day 4 — Vellore - Chennai (145kms)

   After breakfast, depart for Chennai, the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu. Enroute, stop at Kanchipuram, the "City of Thousand Temples," and explore two of its most renowned temples, Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple, which are masterpieces of Dravidian architecture. Upon arrival in Chennai, check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Chennai.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: ZONE By The Park/ Raj Park or Similar
5. 5

   Day 5 — Chennai - Pondicherry (160kms)

   After breakfast, begin your journey to the coastal town of Pondicherry. Enroute, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, known for its rock-cut temples and detailed sculptures. Explore Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and The Five Rathas, which depict ancient Indian mythology. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour to visit the serene Aurobindo Ashram, the spiritual hub of the town, and Auroville, a universal township. Take a stroll through the French Quarter with its colonial architecture, and relax at Promenade Beach. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Shenbaga Hotel/ Anandha Inn Convention Centre or Similar
6. 6

   Day 6 — Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjavur (180kms)

   After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur, the heart of Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage. Enroute, visit the sacred Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva and famous for its annual Natyanjali Dance Festival. Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Upon arrival in Thanjavur, check in at your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Thanjavur.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sangam Hotels or Similar
7. 7

   Day 7 — Thanjavur - Chettinad (140kms)

   After breakfast, explore the cultural treasures of Thanjavur. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeshwara Temple, a marvel of Chola architecture. Explore the Vijayanagar Fort, a historic structure that houses various temples and relics within its walls. Visit the Thanjavur Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library, home to ancient manuscripts and artworks. Later, drive to Chettinad, famous for its heritage mansions and distinctive cuisine. Enroute, visit Trichy and explore the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples. Also, visit the Rock Fort Temple and Jambukeswarar Temple. Arrive in Chettinad and check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Chettinad.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion or Similar
8. 8

   Day 8 — Chettinad - Madurai (90kms)

   After breakfast, explore the traditional Chettinad mansions, famous for their grand architecture and artistic designs. Later, drive to Madurai, a city with deep historical and cultural significance. After checking in at your hotel, spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Madurai.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: JC Residency/ Hotel Royal Court or Similar
9. 9

   Day 9 — Madurai (The Flight from Madurai to Bangalore is Not included)

   After breakfast, explore the spiritual and cultural wonders of Madurai. Visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva, renowned for its architectural beauty and vibrant rituals. Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an impressive structure blending Dravidian and Islamic styles. Afterward, you will be transferred to Madurai Airport for your onward journey or flight to Bangalore.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator