Deccan & Dravin Temples in South India

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15 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Embark on an enriching journey through the cultural and architectural wonders of South India, exploring the historic cities, royal capitals, and sacred temple towns of the Deccan and Tamil Nadu. Discover the heritage of Hyderabad, Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Badami, and the magnificent ruins of Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Travel through the temple heartland of Tamil Nadu, visiting Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Chettinad, and Madurai, home to some of India's most celebrated monuments and pilgrimage sites. Marvel at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient cave temples, grand palaces, and intricately carved Dravidian temples that showcase centuries of artistic excellence. Along the way, experience diverse cultures, architectural styles, and living traditions that continue to shape South India today. This carefully curated tour offers the perfect blend of history, spirituality, culture, and unforgettable travel experiences.

What's Included

Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
Government taxes.
Bottled drinking water in the car.
14 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
Breakfast (Optional[14])
Breakfast
Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
Assistance on arrival at the airport.
Any flight ticket.
Camera charges at monuments if any.
Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
Gratuities and optional activities.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).

Itinerary

Duration: 15 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Welcome to Hyderabad

    1 stop
  • Hyderabad (Pass by)

    Arrive in Hyderabad, a city renowned for its royal heritage, vibrant culture, and remarkable architecture. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your journey or exploring the city's lively atmosphere independently. Hyderabad's unique blend of Persian, Islamic, and South Indian influences makes it one of India's most fascinating destinations.

    • Day 2

    Exploring Historic Hyderabad

    1 stop
  • 1
    Hyderabad

    After breakfast, set out to discover the city's most celebrated landmarks. Visit the impressive Golconda Fort, once one of India's richest fortified cities. Continue to the beautifully preserved Qutb Shahi Tombs, where generations of rulers were laid to rest. Later, explore the iconic Charminar and the bustling bazaars that surround it. Visit the historic Mecca Masjid before continuing to the renowned Salar Jung Museum, home to an outstanding collection of global art and antiques. Conclude the day at the elegant Chowmahalla Palace, which reflects the grandeur of the Nizam dynasty.

    9 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 3

    Hyderabad to Gulbarga via Bidar (Drive: Approx. 260 km | 5–6 hrs)

    2 stops
  • 2
    Bidar Fort

    Following breakfast, depart Hyderabad and travel into Karnataka. En route, stop at Bidar, a historic city known for its magnificent monuments and medieval heritage. Explore the impressive Bidar Fort, visit the celebrated Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, and admire the Bahmani Tombs.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Gulbarga Fort

    Continue to Gulbarga, one of the earliest capitals of the Bahmani Sultanate. Upon arrival, visit Gulbarga Fort and the historic Jama Masjid before checking in at your hotel.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 4

    Gulbarga to Bijapur (Drive: Approx. 170 km | 4 hrs)

    1 stop
  • 4
    Bijapur

    After breakfast, drive to Bijapur, a city famous for its extraordinary Islamic architecture. Discover the magnificent Gol Gumbaz, one of the largest domed structures in the world. Continue to Ibrahim Rauza, often considered one of the most elegant monuments in the Deccan region. Explore Jama Masjid, Bara Kaman, Mehtar Mahal, and the impressive Malik-e-Maidan Cannon. The city offers a remarkable glimpse into the power and artistic achievements of the Adil Shahi rulers.

    5 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 5

    Bijapur to Badami (Drive: Approx. 120 km | 3 hrs)

    1 stop
  • 5
    Badami Fort

    After breakfast, drive to Badami, the former capital of the Early Chalukya Empire. Upon arrival, begin exploring some of South India's most significant archaeological treasures. Visit Aihole, often described as the birthplace of temple architecture in India, followed by Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extraordinary collection of temples. Return to Badami to explore its famous rock-cut cave temples overlooking Agastya Lake, where centuries-old carvings reveal the artistic excellence of the Chalukya period.

    8 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 6

    Badami to Hampi (Drive: Approx. 180 km | 4 hrs)

    1 stop
  • 6
    Hampi

    After breakfast, continue to Hampi, one of India's most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Once the flourishing capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is now an extraordinary landscape of ancient temples, royal structures, and dramatic granite boulders. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Later, visit the scenic Tungabhadra Dam before enjoying a traditional coracle ride on the river. In the evening, head to Matanga Hill to witness an unforgettable sunset over the ruins and surrounding countryside.

    6 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 7

    Hampi World Heritage Tour

    1 stop
  • 7
    Hampi

    Today is dedicated to discovering the wonders of Hampi. Visit the sacred Virupaksha Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple, Mahanavami Dibba, King's Balance, Lotus Mahal, and Elephant Stables. Continue to the giant Ugra Narasimha statue before visiting the celebrated Vittala Temple Complex, famous for its Stone Chariot and intricately carved pillars. Throughout the day, learn about the rise and fall of one of the greatest empires in Indian history.

    8 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 8

    Hampi – Hubli – Chennai (Drive: Approx. 170 km | 4 hrs)

    1 stop
  • Chennai (Madras) (Pass by)

    After breakfast, transfer to Hubli Airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Chennai, located on the Bay of Bengal, is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and an important center for classical music, dance, and traditional arts.

    • Day 9

    Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (Drive: Approx. 160 km | 4–5 hrs)

    3 stops
  • 8
    Chennai (Madras)

    Begin the day with sightseeing in Chennai. Visit Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Santhome Basilica.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Mahabalipuram

    Later, travel along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO-listed site known for its ancient stone monuments. Explore the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and Krishna's Butter Ball.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • Pondicherry (Pass by)

    Continue south to Pondicherry, a charming former French colony known for its unique atmosphere and coastal setting.

    • Day 10

    Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (120kms/ 3hrs approx)

    1 stop
  • 10
    Pondicherry

    After breakfast, spend the day exploring Pondicherry's distinctive blend of French and Indian culture. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and stroll through the charming French Quarter, lined with colonial villas and colorful bougainvillea. Walk along the seaside Promenade and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes Pondicherry one of South India's most unique destinations. The city offers a refreshing change of pace and a fascinating cultural contrast to the historic sites visited earlier in the journey.

    6 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 11

    Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Thanjavur (Drive: Approx. 180 km | 4–5 hrs)

    3 stops
  • 11
    Nataraja Temple - Chidambaram

    After breakfast, continue deeper into Tamil Nadu's temple heartland. Visit the sacred Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, one of the most important centers of Shaivite worship in India.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Gangaikonda Cholapuram

    Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the former capital of the mighty Chola Empire.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 13
    Airavatesvara Temple

    Later, visit the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, celebrated for its remarkable stone carvings and UNESCO recognition. Arrive in Thanjavur and transfer to your hotel.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
    • Day 12

    Thanjavur – Trichy – Chettinad (Drive: Approx. 140 km | 3–4 hrs)

    3 stops
  • 14
    Thanjavur

    Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, one of India's finest examples of Dravidian architecture.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 15

    Continue to Trichy to explore the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple complex at Srirangam and the famous Rockfort Temple.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • Chettinad (Pass by)

    Later, drive to Chettinad, a region renowned for its distinctive merchant mansions, culinary traditions, and cultural heritage. The area provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the prosperous Chettiar community.

    • Day 13

    Chettinad to Madurai (Drive: Approx. 90 km | 2 hrs)

    1 stop
  • 16
    Chettinad

    After breakfast, visit one of the region's grand heritage mansions before departing for Madurai. Known as the Athens of the East, Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, where colorful towers, intricate carvings, and centuries-old traditions create a truly unforgettable experience.

    8 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 14

    Madurai – Hyderabad (Flight)

    1 stop
  • 17
    Madurai

    After breakfast, continue exploring Madurai's rich heritage. Visit the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, followed by excursions to Alagar Kovil and the sacred Murugan temples at Tirupparankundram and Pazhamudircholai. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in South India.

    6 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 15

    Departure from Hyderabad

    1 stop
  • Hyderabad (Pass by)

    After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Hyderabad International Airport for your onward flight.

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Agora Voyages Pvt. Ltd.

Tags

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Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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