Tour Details

 Destinations : Mumbai, Aurangabad, Goa, Badami, Hospet, Hassan, Mysuru, Bandipur, Ooty, Kochi, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Madurai, Chettinadu, Trichy, Kumbakonam, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, Chennai

 Duration : 34 Days

 Tour Code : NTP South Special 34 days with Mumbai

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 : Arrival at Mumbai

Welcome to Maharashtra State! Upon your arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, you will be received and transferred to the hotel! Check-in to the hotel and spend the day free to relax! Overnight stay in Mumbai

DAY 2 : Mumbai

Mumbai is the city of dreams and hardened workers, starlets and gangsters, creative minds and servants, beggars and billionaires and more different people than you can imagine. Ask any Mumbaikar, and they'll tell you that they can't imagine being in another city. They are true indeed! Once you belong to Mumbai, you cannot belong anywhere!. Start Exploring Mumbai Metropolitan City Tour by visiting Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and the temple was originally built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil on November 1801 AD. The old temple had an ancient architectural style, consisting of a hall, a sanctum sanctorum, some free open space, the temple's administrative office to the right and a water tank in the front. It is one of the most beloved temples among Mumbai people. Prince of Wales Museum, is one of the premier art and history museums situated on the southern tip of Mumbai. It was built to honor and commemorate the visit of King George V to India.

Gateway of India is a national heritage monument located at the waterfront facing Arabian Sea. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the foundation stone was laid on 1911 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is the most important train station & heritage building situated in Dadabhai Naoroji Road. Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on July 2004, Victoria Terminus is Mumbai's historical landmark of Mumbai City. Designed by Frederick William Stevens, a British architect, Victoria Terminus is a wonderful example of the Indo-Victorian Gothic architectural style. The construction of this iconic landmark was commenced in 1787 CE to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria and work went on till 1887 CE, when it was finally opened for public use. The terminus was officially renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996. Also visit Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai's 140 year-old, open-air laundromat, and that approximately half a million pieces of clothing are sent there from hotels, hospitals, and homes daily. One more night stay in Mumbai

DAY 3 : Mumbai

  Finish your breakfast and do day excursion to Elephanta Caves, a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri in Mumbai Harbour. The Caves, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Mumbai's oldest historic sites. It is believed that the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas were behind the creation of the caves and sculptures. The island was ruled by the Chalukyas and later by the Gujarat sultanate. It was later handed over by the Gujarat Sultan to Portuguese in 1534 AD. Return back to hotel and relax! Bandra-Worli Sea Link, officially called Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, is a cable bridge linking Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai with Worli in South Mumbai. It is now the longest sea bridge surpassing the previous record of Rameswaram-Pamban sea link!. Two more nights stay in Mumbai

DAY 4 : Mumbai - Fly - Aurangabad

 This morning, you will be transferred to Mumbai Airport for your internal flight to Aurangabad! Arrive Aurangabad Airport and get transferred to the hotel! Overnight stay in Aurangabad

DAY 5 : Aurangabad - Ajanta Caves - Aurangabad

This is the day for you to have Ajanta Cave Temple Tour.  Ajanta Caves are one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and also one of the top historical places in Maharashtra. The Caves were carved between 2nd Century BC and 6th Century AD. Construction of the caves was carried out in two phases; the first group of caves was built around 2nd Century BC, while the second group was built between 4th & 6th centuries. Ajanta Caves are excavated in horse-shoe shaped bend of rock surface nearly 76 m in height overlooking the Waghur River. These caves were rediscovered by an Army Officer in Madras Regiment of British Army in 1819 during one of his hunting expeditions. The complex consists of 29 rock-cut cave monuments built in two distinct periods, out of which one part of the complex was developed during the Satavahana period and the other was done during Vakataka period. One more night stay in Aurangabad

DAY 6 : Aurangabad - Ellora Caves - Aurangabad Airport - Fly - Goa

   In the morning, Get set for Ellora Cave Temple Tour. Ellora Caves are ancient historical caves locally known as 'Verul Leni'. They were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Ellora Caves are an impressive complex of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain Cave temples. The caves have a slightly less dramatic setting than those at Ajanta, but more exquisite sculptures. The cave complex comprises of 34 caves that were hewn out of solid rocks of the Charanandri hills. The Ellora complex includes 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain Caves. The coexistence of structures from three different religions serves as a splendid visual representation of the prevalent religious tolerance of India.

 Late in the evening, you will be transferred to Aurangabad Airport for your flight to Goa. Arrive Goa Airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Goa

DAY 7 : Goa

Full day free to relax in the beach resort! One more night stay in Goa

DAY 8 : Goa

Finish your breakfast and have the UNESCO's World Heritage Monumental Trip in old Goa. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. The Construction of the church began in 1594 and completed in May 1605. The church is called 'Bom Jesus' meaning 'good Jesus' or 'infant Jesus'. This church is the first Minor Basilica in India and is regarded as one of the best examples of baroque architecture. St. Francis of Assisi Church is a Roman Catholic Church situated in the main square of Old Goa. The Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi were established by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who landed in Goa in 1517. After their arrival in 1517 with their consistent efforts they constructed a small chapel with three altars and a choir. Eventually in the year 1521 the chapel was modified into a church and dedicated to the Holy Ghost in 1602. Later the church was pulled down and the present church was constructed on the same spot in 1616. The Church and Monastery of St Augustine were built in 1572 by 12 Augustines when they arrived in the city of Goa. The construction of the church was completed in 1602 AD. They also built a convent besides the church. A ban was imposed by the Portuguese government against the Augustines. The church and the convent thereafter were deserted. Two more nights stay in Goa

DAY 9 : Goa - Badami

Finish your breakfast and drive to Badami. Check-in to the resort and relax. Overnight stay in Badami

DAY 10 : Badami

 Finish your breakfast and travel to have another Cave Temples Tour in Badami. The Badami cave temples are considered as an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Chalukya Architecture.They are composed of four caves, all carved out of the soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff in the late 6th to 7th centuries. The temple caves represent different religious sects. The Agastya Lake (Tirtha) is a huge lake located beneath the cave temples. Constructed in 5th century, the lake is considered holy due to the healing powers of its water. A bath in it is believed to destroy all sins according to Hindu mythology. Bhoothanatha Temple is a magnificent structure situated on the banks of Agasthya Lake. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Boothanatha Temple is most striking structure of Badami and prime promotional element of Badami Tourism. The temple is surrounded by water on three sides. The temple was constructed in early 8th century by Chalukya's. Constructed in Dravidian style, the temple is emerged into the Agastya Lake and becomes inaccessible during peak monsoons when the water level in the lake reach the full capacity. One more night stay in Badami

DAY 11 : Badami - Aihole - Pattadakal - Hospet

 Start this day to have Architectural Trip. Have a back to travel to two villages Aihole and Pattadakal. The former consists of heritage temples like Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, while the latter consists of cluster of temples like Galganatha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Sangameshwara Temple etc. These temples belonged to 05 & 06th centuries and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. Check-in to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Hosapete

DAY 12 : UNESCO Monuments around Hampi

 Visiting Karnataka remains incomplete without a trip to these UNESCO village. Hampi is an extremely significant place in terms of history and architecture. The first settlement in Hampi dates back to 1st century AD and a number of Buddhist sites belonging to that time have been found nearby. The seat of the Vijayanagara Empire was established by Saint Vidyaranya in 1336 AD with the help of two of his disciples, Hakka Raya and Bukka Raya. The kingdom flourished under the rule of Emperor Krishnadevaraya and stretched over the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Visit the important places like Virupaksha Temple, Kadalekalu Ganesha Statue, Ugra Narasimha Statue, Badavi Linga Temple. Then have a short drive to visit the Hazara Rama Temple, Underground Shiva Temple, Stepped Tank, Mahanavami Dibba etc. Return back to the hotel. One more night stay in Hosapete

DAY 13 : UNESCO Monuments around Hampi

 Visit the rest of the UNESCO World Heritage Monumental Tour. Have a visit to Vittala Temple complex, the most extravagant relic amid the ruins of Hampi. Built in the form of a huge complex with an outer wall and gateway towers, the place has many halls, pavilions and temples. Have a short drive to Zanana Enclosure to visit the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables, Queen's Bath. In the evening have a walk in the bazaar streets. Return back to hotel and relax. Two more night stay in Hosapete

DAY 14 : Hospet - Chitradurga Fort - Hassan

 Finish your breakfast and drive to Hassan. Enroute have a stop for historical Tour at Chitradurga Fort! The fort is fortified by seven circular walls, three of which are on the ground and four on the hill. Chitradurga fort is said to have had 19 majestic doors, 38 smaller doors, 35 special entry points and four secret entrances. Though the construction of this fort commenced during 10th Century A.D it was completed only in 18th Century A.D during the rule of Palegars, with the latest additions being in the years leading to the 19th century, during the reign of Hyder Ali and later Tipu Sultan. Continue your drive and check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Hassan

DAY 15 : Hassan - Halebid - Belur - Mysuru

This is the day to feast your eyes with Sculptural Travel to Hassan. The temples at Halebid and Belur are known for its typical South Indian architecture. There are carvings from the scripts of Hindu Mythology and there are many pillars of varied designs. The Halebid & Belur temples has been proposed to be UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, one of the largest shrines in South India that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction of this beautiful looking temple began in the middle of the 12th century. The remarkable structure of this temple has been seen as a perfect example of Hindu style of architecture. The exterior of the temple is very complex as there are many projections and recesses on the wall. Also visit the Chennakeshava Temple, situated on the Yagachi River at Belur. There is an emblem of the Royal dynasty in the entrance of the temple and this feature is the hallmark of each and every Hoysala temple. Drive to Mysuru (Mysore) and relax. Overnight stay in Mysuru

DAY 16 : Mysuru

 Finish your breakfast and start your travel for Mysore Heritage Trip. Visit Devaraja Market, an apt place to get a flavor of the local people's ( Mysoreans, as they are called ) daily life. With more than 100 years of history, this market is well knitted into the heritage of Mysore. Have a short drive to visit Somnathpur Temple. Located on the banks of Cauvery River, this temple was built in 1268 by Somnatha, a general of King Narasimha III. The temple stands on a raised platform like other Hoysala temples. The temple is famous for its elaborate and intricate sculptures. Afternoon visit Chamundeshwari Temple, located on the Chamundi Hills. Considered as one of the many Shakti Peethas, the temple has an impressive seven-storied Gopuram, decorated with exquisite carvings. In the evening, visit the famous Mysore Maharaja Palace, a huge complex belongs to 19th century designed by an Italian architect "Henry Irwin" and built by the Wodeyars. It was the official residence of the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, the Wodeyars, and has two giant durbar halls, massive courtyards, gardens and buildings. One more night stay in Mysuru

DAY 17 : Mysuru - Bandipur

Travel to have an Adventure Trip in Bandipur. Located on the trijunction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, Bandipur National Park (and Tiger Reserve) is one of the wilderness areas in the country. It is the places where you can sight the extint tiger species easily. Since it comes under Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it is a well protected jungles of the state. Stay for atleast 2 nights in the available resorts will surely bring wild experience. Safaris are arranged by the resorts and carried out by Karanataka forest deparment in the mornings and in the afternoons. Overnight stay in Bandipur.

DAY 18 : Bandipur

Full day to explore the wildlife with safaris scheduled morning and afternoon! One more night stay in Bandipur

DAY 19 : Bandipur- Ooty

Finish your breakfast and get set for Hill Station Trip to Udagamandalam. The Queen of the Hill Stations, also known as Blue Mountains, Ooty is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. This hill station has splendid green downs and lofty hills of extraordinary scenic beauty and is endowed with a salubrious climate similar to the English summer! Check-in to the hotel and relax. The terraced layout of the Botanical Garden has thousands of exotic plant species, ranging from medicinal shrubs to fascinating bonsai trees. There is a fossilised tree trunk in the center of the garden, and it is said to be over 20 million years old. The Ooty Centenary Rose Garden is the largest rose garden in the country and is a 10-acre spectacle housing over 20,000 different kinds of roses, including Floribunda, Hybrid Tea Roses, Miniature Roses, Papagena and Polyanthus, among others. Dating back to 19th century, St. Stephen's Church is a place to visit in Ooty for its architectural beauty and religious importance. Although comparatively simpler, this church has beautiful interiors. Overnight stay in Ooty

DAY 20 : Ooty - Cochin

  This will be the longest drive in your tour! Finish your breakfast and drive to Fort Cochin (Kochi). Check-in to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Cochin

DAY 21 : Cochin

After having your breakfast, Start your travel to enjoy Cochin City Trip. Located in Ernakulam district, Kochi is also known as the "Queen of the Arabian sea" and it is the commercial capital of Kerala. Visit the famous Mattancherry Palace which was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Located next is the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Visit the famous St. Francis Church, believed to be the oldest European-built church in India. However, it's most famous for the fact that it was once the burial site of explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524. Have a short walk to Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, one of the eight basilicas present in India. It is not only one of the oldest churches in Kochi, but also in the country. In 2004 the cathedral completed 500 years of its existence. Chinese Fishing Nets, undoubtedly Kochi's most recognizable sight, have been there since the 14th century and are remarkably still in use today. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Also don't miss to witness the traditional Kathakali dance show in the evening. One more night stay in Cochin

DAY 22 : Kochi - Alappuzha

This is the day to enjoy the Alleppey House Boat Tour. Alappuzha (Alleppey) is the hub of Kerala's spectacular backwaters and home to a vast network of waterways. The town center is busy, and the number of canals is not really enough to earn it the 'Venice of the East' tag, but just outside the town center, towards the beach or the backwaters, Alappuzha presents a different sight altogether. Check-in to the houseboat and finish your lunch there itself with a typical Keralan cuisines. Cruise through Vembanad lake by houseboat till evening where the boat will stick in one place. You can finish your dinner in the boat and your sleep will be in an air-conditioned houseboat. Overnight stay in Alappuzha

DAY 23 : Alappuzha - Kumarakom

 Do check-out from the resort and drive to have Kumarakom Backwater Trip! Check-in to the backwater resort and relax. The beautiful backwater destination Kumarakom is basically an archipelago of picturesque islets on the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake, considered to be the largest freshwater lake in the state. This exotic backwater destination owes much of its present-day popularity to Englishman Alfred Baker who claimed a large mass of land in the mid 18th century and beautified it with gardens and paddy fields. Kumarakom is popular for its mangrove forests, historic monuments, and pristine ambiance. It is also noteworthy to mention about Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary that offers different kinds of migratory birds within it! Overnight stay in Kumarakom

DAY 24 : Kumarakom - Thekkady

   One of Kerala's most beautiful and amazing destinations is Thekkady (Periyar), located in the Idukki district. Thanks to its location on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border which enables Thekkady to enjoy a cultural and ecological mix. Check-in to the resort and relax! It is optional for you to experience the traditional ayurvedic massage here! Overnight stay in Thekkady

DAY 25 : Thekkady

 Start your Wildlife Tour And Spice Plantation Tour. Full day to indulge in the wildlife activities like Boat Ride in Forest Lake, Guided Spice Plantation Walk, Jeep Safari (optional), "Kalaripayattu" martial art show! One more night stay in Thekkady

DAY 26 : Thekkady - Madurai

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. Visit the famous Thirumalai Nayaka Palace built in 16th century with grand pillars is the most attractive one. The palace, built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, was considered an architectural marvel during its construction. It has a fusion of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture. Overnight stay in Madurai

DAY 27 : Madurai

In the morning, you can have a Madurai Heritage Walk Tour along the streets of Madurai to imply the daily activities of the common people of the city! Thiruparankundram Temple is one of the six abodes of Murugan and considered as the first and foremost temple of Lord Muruga. There are several architectural features of interest, especially the rock cut portions of this hill temple dating back to the Pandya period and the life sized sculptures in the mandapams of the Nayakar period. Gandhi Museum is a great master piece in Southern India and it has great historical background and mythology. The museum houses a Picture Gallery, which presents Gandhiji visual biography. The history of Freedom struggle is depicted with 265 illustrations in the Special Exhibition section. Evening visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and a thousand pillared hall with eye-catching sculptures. The complex is adorned with many shrines and sculptures. You can visualize the Night Ceremony inside the Meenakshi temple! One more night stay in Madurai

DAY 28 : Madurai - Chettinad

After the breakfast, start your travel to Chettinadu Traditional Trip, the native land of Tamil Nadu's rich merchant community "Chettiars" (The Nagarathars) who were businessmen travelled far to make their fortunes. The houses built in the early 20th century reflect the social, ritual needs of the community as well as shows the economic status. The houses remain closed but still in use for any family ceremonies. Some of the interesting activities are Village Visit by Bullock Cart, Ceramic Tiles Making in Athangudi Village, Weaving Centre, Public School etc Overnight stay in Chettinad

DAY 29 : Chettinad - Trichy

Start your drive to Trichy (Tiruchirappalli). Have a stop for Cultural Trip at 'Amma Mandapam' - the holy banks of River Cauvery, where you can see the Hindu rituals after the cremation. It's quite interesting to see the rituals performed by the Hindus with the help of the priest. Proceed your travel for Srirangam Spiritual Tour. Often listed among the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam was built between the 6th and the 9th centuries by the Azhwar Saints. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the 1st of the 108 Divya Desams or Vishnu Temples in the world. The temple complex is spread across 156 acres and is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. Rockfort Uchchipillayar Temple refers to an ancient fort and the temple which is situated in the fort's highest reaches. The temple was built by the Pallavas in 508 AD are the oldest structure in the fort and is also a must be seen attraction. Overnight stay in Trichy

DAY 30 : Trichy - Thanjavur - Kumbakonam

Finish your breakfast and travel to enjoy the Sculptural Tour in Tanjore (Thanjavur). Thanjavur Art Gallery, situated within the Thanjavur Royal Palace, is one of the main attractions of Thanjavur town. Thanjavur Art Gallery, which is housed in the Nayak Hall of the place, has an extensive collection of stone and bronze statues and idols belonging to the Chola period (8th - 9th centuries). Bronze statues belonging to the Pallava period are also displayed here. Art Gallery also displays murals, paintings, sculptures and other artifacts that can be dated to the period in between 8th and 18th centuries. Visit the famous Brihadeeswara Temple also known as Big Temple, built in the year 1010 AD by the mighty Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola. It remains as one of the greatest glories of Indian architecture. Also visit Darasuram Temple. This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture and has some exquisite stone carvings. Although this temple is much smaller than the Brihadeeswara Temple or the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple, it is more exquisite in detail. This is because this temple is said to have been built with nitya-vinoda, "perpetual entertainment", in mind. Both the temples are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as 'Great Living Chola Temples'. Check-in to the hotel and relax! Overnight stay in Kumbakonam

DAY 31 : Kumbakonam - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Pondicherry

 Finish your breakfast and travel to Pondicherry (Puducherry). Enroute stop and visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple. The person who can be credited with the erection of this temple is King Rajendra Chola, son of Raja Raja Chola. Rajendra built this temple to recreate his father's achievement, the Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur. This temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as 'Great Living Chola Temples'. Check-in to the hotel and start your Pondicherry City Trip. Visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Despite the crowd, the members maintain discipline within the complex, restoring its peaceful environment. The ideals of the ashram are based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa. Visit the Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus, established in 1908 by the French missionaries and attained the status of basilica in 2011. This Catholic Church is one of the finest churches of Pondicherry and an excellent example of Gothic architecture. In the evening, you can have Rickshaw Ride through French colonies and Commercial Streets. Overnight stay in Puducherry

DAY 32 : Pondicherry - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram

Finish your breakfast and start your drive for Kanchipuram Temple Tour. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Ekambareswarar Temple has been spoken about by Tamil poets who lived in the 2nd century. During the rule of Pallavas, the original structure was pulled down and new temple was built. During Chola dynasty, the temple was improvised. The temple in its present form was the work of Krishnadevaraya, the most famous Vijayanagar King in the year 1509. Belonging to the 8th century, Kailasanathar Temple is one amongst the oldest structures in the city and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pallava kings were famous for their love for architecture and one glance at the temple would suffice to understand the importance they attached to arts and architecture. The stone carvings with intricate and dedicated workings are beyond words. Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) and relax in the hotel. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram

DAY 33 : Mahabalipuram - Chennai

In the Morning, start your travel to UNESCO World Heritage Monumental Sites. Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram is a historic town that finds mention in ancient Hindu mythology and legends. It was a bustling port city from 1st century BC till the time of the Pallavas in 9th century BC. Present day Mahabalipuram is a modern town replete with the glorious vestiges of its heritage. You can experience the competitive art works like Sea Shore Temple, Five Chariots, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna's Butter Ball, Varaha Cave etc. These are the monuments included in UNESCO's heritage site lists. Start your drive to Chennai and relax in the hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai

DAY 34 : Departure from Chennai

Inclusions

Package Include

Arrival and Departure flight transfers by car

Accommodation with breakfast and dinner at the hotel

Sightseeing as per the itinerary

All hotel tax

Package Exclude:

Guide, entry tickets, portage , tips, GST 5% , puja booking , medical insurance, emergency expense, extras not mentioned as inclusions

Price

Cost: On Request

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