16 days South India Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through India with our curated tours.
Duration

16 days

Max People

20

Min Age

12+

INDIVIDUAL SOUTH INDIA TOUR FROM THE LAND OF AYURVEDA

Individual South India tour is a luxury trip:

Tour Highlights

  • 16 days / 16 nights [Included] – 16 x breakfast, 1 x lunch
  • The standard offer includes air-conditioned car (Toyota-Etios) with driver at your free disposal throughout your stay.
  • In deluxe and luxury, a high-quality air-conditioned car (Toyota Innova Crysta) with driver is at your leisure throughout your stay.
  • Experience temples like Chidambaram Natraja, Gagaikundacholapuram, Darasuram, Brihdeshwara, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Trichi Fort, Madurai Meenakshi.
  • Visit spice plantations with an explanation of your South India tour.
  • Backwaters in Kerala Houseboats stay with full board
  • If you wish, a bathing extension to Goa is also possible
  • Mahabalipuram
  • Chettinadu HeritageHouse stay
  • Bicycle rickshaw in Madurai
  • Kathakali dance performance
  • Visit Elephantkamp
  • Mysuru Palace visit
  • Admire Hoysala Temples
  • HAMPI (Former wealthiest city in the world) Unesco World Heritage Site, Brideshwara (Unesco Site)
  • Hike in the jungle.
  • 1 night in your India luxury travel in the Heritage category house.

Included/Excluded

  • 16 nights in authentic and comfortable hotels in South India.
  • 2 water bottles per person per day in the car, hand disinfectant and wet wipes throughout the entire trip
  • A local English or German speaking tour guide (where available) will be provided for the sightseeing tours
  • Houseboat accommodation with full board
  • Visit Srirangapatnam Temple, Chidambaram Temple, Kumbhakonam Temple, Brideshwara and Madurai Temple
  • The standard offer includes an air-conditioned car (Toyota-Etios) with driver at your leisure throughout your stay.
  • In deluxe and luxury, a high-quality air-conditioned car (Toyota Innova Crysta) with driver is at your leisure throughout your stay.
  • South India spice plantation visit with explanation
  • 15 x breakfast (B), 1 x lunch
  • All entry fees as described in the South India tour program.
  • A boat ride on Lake Periyar to admire nature.
  • Attend a Kathakali dance show.
  • A contact person in South India is available 24 hours a day.
  • All taxes and fees, including parking fees, interstate taxes and so on.
  • International as well as domestic flights and airport fees.
  • Any type of insurance such as trip cancellation costs, travel sickness, luggage or Corona travel protection. Visa fees are not included in the price of the South India tour.
  • Excess baggage fees. For domestic flights in India, all airlines except Air India (25 kg) allow a maximum of 15 kg per person plus 7 kg of hand luggage (only one item measuring not more than 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm, including laptops or Duty free shopping bags). Extra baggage fees must be paid upon check-in at the airport. The fees for extra baggage are usually 6 euros per kilo. All personal expenses.
  • Gratuities for local South Indian tour guides and drivers are not included in the price.
  • All expenses for personal purposes.
  • Early/Late Check-outs in South India Hotels
  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • India visa (to be applied for yourself) per person approx. 150 € or “e-Tourist Visa” (eTV, to be applied for yourself) per person approx. 25 US $
  • Any meals at specialty restaurants or any meals not mentioned.
  • Fees for photo and video cameras (approx. €10)
  • Personal expenses, such as tips for South India local tour guides and drivers
  • Any costs incurred due to South India program changes due to unforeseen circumstances will be borne by the customer.

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrive Chennai > Mahabalipuram
    • Today is the arrival in Chennai. You will be picked up from the airport or hotel depending on your arrival time.
      * If you arrive in Chennai a day before for your individual South India tour, we can also pick you up from a specific point (hotel).
      Then take a short orientation tour through Chennai.
      You will visit Kapileshwara Temple, St. Thomas Cherry. Take the photo break at the Marina beach.Later transfer to the beach hotel in Mahabalipuram.
Day 02 Mahabalipuram > Aurovile > Pondicherry (3 hours total drive)

You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex, which includes a beautifully located coastal temple and the “Five Rathas”.
Mahabalipuram was a major center of maritime trade with Southeast Asia during the heyday of the Pallava dynasty between the 5th and 8th centuries. Numerous impressive temples were built during this time, many of which have been very well preserved to this day. The Five Rathas, five monolithic mock temples and three animal figures (elephant, lion and bull), have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and are known worldwide.

The rock relief Arjuna's Penance, which describes the Hindu myth of the descent of the Ganges, is the largest rock relief in the world and attracts many visitors. The coastal temple (SHORE TEMPLE), dedicated to the god Shiva, one of the oldest stone temples in the south of the subcontinent, is the landmark of Mahabalipuram and impresses with its size and majestic appearance.
It was the first phase of stone carving in India.
From there you have a view of Bengaal Bay. The coast was previously called the Koremandala Coast. It was a port city and there were many traders from Arabia, China and South Asian countries there.

Then drive today in the direction of the former French colony. On the way you will visit Auroville. Auroville  is a spiritual community and experimental city in southern India, founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and Sri Aurobindo. It is known for its vision of unity, diversity and sustainability.
Auroville is famous for its unique architecture, the Matrimandir, cultural diversity, sustainable initiatives and social commitment. It is a place where people from different backgrounds live in peace and harmony and work together towards a sustainable and spiritual way of life.

Then drive to Pondicherry, where you visit the famous  Sri Aurobindo Ashram  , the spiritual center of the followers of Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa. Then you should go to Promenade Street, where you can notice the French influences on many buildings. 

Day 03 Pondicherry > Chidambaram > Gangaikundacholapuram > Kumbhakonam

You will drive in the direction of Chidambaram Temple(Natraja).

Today you will get the idea about the South Indian temples. Chidambaram Temple , also known as Nataraja Temple, is a famous Hindu temple in the city of Chidambaram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva and is often considered the spiritual center for Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form.

The Chidambaram Temple has a long history dating back to the 9th century and has been expanded and remodeled by various royal dynasties over the centuries. The temple is known for its impressive architecture, especially its magnificent gopuram, which forms the main entrance to the temple and is decorated with colorful sculptures and carvings.

The main altar of the temple is dedicated to the dance of Shiva, known as Nataraja. A golden statue of Nataraja is venerated at the center of the temple and attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. The temple is also known for its ritual dances and musical performances that take place in the temple building during various religious festivals and ceremonies.

Another notable feature of the Chidambaram Temple is the sacred hall theater known as Kanaka Sabha, which is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate paintings on the walls.

The Chidambaram Temple is not only an important spiritual place in South India but is also a significant cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. It attracts visitors with its rich history, impressive architecture, cultural performances and spiritual significance.

Then head towards former capital of Chola, Gangaikunda Cholapuram .

Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a historical place in Tamil Nadu, South India, known for its temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple was built in the 11th century by King Rajendra Chola I, one of the great rulers of the Chola dynasty. It was built as a symbol of power and glory of the Chola dynasty.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is known for its magnificent architecture and detailed sculptures. The temple complex consists of a main temple with a gigantic Shiva lingam, various shrines and pillared halls. The highlight of the temple is the large Nandi monument, which depicts the bull-riding attendant of Shiva and is considered one of the largest Nandi statues in India.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is also known for its artistic depiction of episodes from Hindu mythology and history on the walls and gopurams (gate towers) of the temple. The detailed sculptures depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Hindu eras.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant cultural heritage, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. The place also offers insights into the history, culture and architecture of the Chola dynasty, which once played a major role in South Indian history.

Today, get your own idea of ​​the great evidence of ancient Tamil civilization.
You drive to the resort hotel.

The place is called Kumbhakonam . Kumbakonam is also known for its delicious coffee served with pure cow's milk.

Try this special style, the filter café in the hotel.

Day 04 Kumbhakonam > Trichi > Darasuram > Kumbhakonam

You drive to the city-Trichy for the excursion. There are largest active Hindu temples in the world. The Ranganathaswamy Temple  , or Ranganatha Temple, is a Hindu temple in Srirangam. It is one of the largest temples in India and is considered one of the most important Vaishnava temples of the god Vishnu.

Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple is spread over an area of ​​around 63 hectares and is surrounded by seven concentric ramparts and 21 towers, making it one of the largest temple complexes in the world. The temple is known for its magnificent architecture that features a mix of Dravidian and Indo-Islamic style elements.

The main temple of Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to the god Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu. The main altar of the temple contains a gigantic reclination of the god, called Ranganatha, which is considered one of the largest sculptures of Vishnu in the world. The temple complex also contains numerous shrines to other deities such as Lakshmi, Rama, Krishna and Hanuman.

The Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple is an important site for Hindu pilgrimages and attracts devotees from all over India. The temple is known for its ritual ceremonies, festivals and processions that take place throughout the year and attract thousands of devotees.

The temple is also known for its religious significance, cultural significance and architectural beauty and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.

Then return back to the resort hotel.

Before arriving to the hotel, make a stop at Darasuram .

The Airavateswara Temple in Darasuram was built in the 12th century by King Rajaraja II of the Chola Dynasty and is dedicated to the god Shiva. The temple is part of the so-called “Great Living Chola Temples”, a group of temples in Tamil Nadu that have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The temple is also called Darasuram  .

The architecture of Airavateswara Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is known for its delicate stone carvings. The temple complex consists of a main temple with a vimana (dome), a mandapa (pillared hall) and a large courtyard. The walls and pillars of the temple are decorated with ornate sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals and mythological figures.

Particularly notable is the temple's mandapa, known for its 108 dancing Natarajas, the cosmic dance of Shiva. These sculptures are depicted in various poses and gestures and are considered a masterpiece of Indian sculpture art.

Then 15 minutes away it is Airavateswara Temple(Darasuram). It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims who are fascinated by its cultural significance and architectural beauty. A visit to the temple is an opportunity  to experience the magnificent architecture and spiritual atmosphere of this important South Indian  Hindu temple.

There is free time for personal activities. E.g. Ayurveda Message, etc.

Day 05 Kumbhakonam > Tanjore > Chettinad

Again new day will be ready to give you new impressions. Fifty minutes away is your destination.

You continue to Tanjore. The city is marked by the splendor of the Chola rulers. Here you will visit the famous Brihadeshwara Temple (UNESCO). It is considered a landmark of the city.

Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as Rajarajeswara Temple, is a Hindu temple. It is one of the most famous temples in India and is considered a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.

The Brihadeeswara Temple was built in the 11th century by King Rajaraja I of the Chola Dynasty and is dedicated to the god Shiva. It is known for its enormous size and impressive architecture. The temple complex is spread over an area of ​​about 27 hectares and consists of several shrines, halls, courtyards and pillars.

The main temple of Brihadeeswara Temple is the Shiva shrine, which is crowned by a huge dome, also called vimana. The Vimana is more than 60 meters high and is considered one of the largest solid granite domes in the world.

The temple is also known for its intricate stone carvings, including sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals and mythological scenes that adorn the temple walls and pillars.

Brihadeeswara Temple is also known for its religious rituals and festivals that take place throughout the year and attract large numbers of devotees. A particularly important day in the temple is Mahashivaratri, a Hindu festival honoring Shiva, which is celebrated with great devotion and splendor at the Brihadeeswara Temple.

The Brihadeeswara Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture. It attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world every year who are fascinated by its cultural significance, architectural splendor and spiritual atmosphere. A visit to Brihadeeswara Temple is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and cultural richness of this important Hindu temple. Perfect symmetries, numerous frescoes and paintings will delight you.

Then drive to Chettinad district. Chettinad is home to the Nattukottai Chettiar merchant caste and is known for its rich architectural and cultural heritage. Apart from its architecture, the Chettinad region is known for its culinary tradition. A particularly tasty variant of Indian cuisine is cultivated in the region. Chettinad cuisine is characterized by its meat dishes. Tamil cuisine is otherwise predominantly vegetarian.

Chicken Chettinad is the most famous dish of Chettinad cuisine. There are numerous Chettinad restaurants that specialize in non-vegetarian food. They are found throughout Tamil Nadu.

The rest of the day is free. You will stay overnight in a heritage house (Nattukotai Chettiar House).

Day 06 Chettinad > Madurai

Today's destination is the pilgrim city of Madurai. Here you will visit the 17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

Then drive to Meenakshi Temple. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, who is considered to be an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Built over several centuries, the temple is known for its magnificent architecture and detailed carvings depicting Hindu deities, mythical animals and episodes from Hindu legends.

One of the most striking features of the Meenakshi Amman Temple are the gopurams, the monumentally designed entrance towers that surround the temple. There are a total of 14 gopurams in the temple complex, of which the southern main gopuram is the most impressive at a height of over 50 meters. Decorated with a variety of sculptures, reliefs and paintings, the gopurams are true masterpieces of Dravidian architecture.

Inside the temple are several shrines, including the Meenakshi Shrine and the Shiva Shrine, as well as shrines to other Hindu deities. The temple is known for its religious rituals and ceremonies regularly performed by devotees, including prayers, offerings and processions.

Meenakshi Amman Temple also has great cultural significance as it is a center for the promotion of art, music and dance. The temple serves as a venue for various religious and cultural events, including music and dance performances, theater performances and religious festivals such as the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, which celebrates the marriage of Meenakshi and Shiva.

Meenakshi Amman Temple is not only a religious center but also an important tourist spot. Visitors can admire the fascinating architecture, experience the spiritual atmosphere and explore the rich Hindu culture and history. The temple is also a popular destination for photographers and art lovers who admire the intricate carvings and sculptures.

If you are interested, you can visit again in the evening to experience prayer ceremony.

Day 07 Madurai > Thekaddy

Today you continue to Periyar. An animal sanctuary, national park. Within the national park lies the 26 km² Periyar Dam and the national park and is close to the Periyar River, which rises in the Western Ghats and flows into the Arabian Sea after 244 km.

In the afternoon you can take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake.

You visit nearby spice plantations in a farm. The spice plantations in Kerala are fascinating farms to wander as different spices are grown in different sections of each plantation.
Then you can visit a restaurant and taste typical country dishes.

Day 08 Thekaddy > Houseboat

After breakfast you drive on the winding road to Kumarakom. On the way there are wonderful views of tea-coffee, cocoa and spice plantations.

In Kumarakom you can take a boat trip through the fascinating water landscape of the backwaters, an exotic labyrinth of palm-fringed lagoons, rivers and canals.

The air-conditioned boat has everything you need for a pleasant journey and an overnight stay; an air-conditioned bedroom with bath and shower. There is an airy lounge and a small galley.

( **** Note >>>> * The air conditioning is only turned on between 7 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the morning. * If you have large luggage, it is better to only take the things with you You only need for one night. E.g. toothpaste, toothbrush, mosquito repellent, medicine, etc. Your luggage can stay safely in your car.)

Lunch, dinner, breakfast and overnight stay in houseboat (called as Kettuvallams).

Day 09 Houseboat > Kochi

Enjoy the morning atmosphere on board and the sunrise in the backwaters. The fishermen come to the water to fish and the villages on the banks come to life with activity. Experience palm seas and paradisiacal silence before you dock your houseboat back in Alleppey and start the transfer to Kochi city.

Today, enjoy the charming port city of Kochi in all its facets and walk in the footsteps of its colonial past. You see the Chinese nets where the fishermen catch the fish.

Today's program includes the Mattancherry district with the Jewish synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the Franciscan Church. You will quickly notice that the city experienced a diverse colonial period and that a number of European influences still shape the cityscape today.

In the evening you will attend a Kathakali dance performance. Drama, dance, music and ritual – the stories of the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana sparkle with energy.

Day 10 Kochi > Kozhikode

You drive to Calicut, where Vasco-de-gama was landed on Kaapad beach.

On the way you visit an elephant camp where the elephants are kept. There are over 50 elephants there and they are looked after by the temple foundation.

Then stay overnight in Kozhikode.

Day 11 Kozhikode > Mysuru

Today you drive through the tiger reserve towards Mysuru. Where you have two next in a row.

First you check in at the hotel. Then drive to Devaraja market in the late afternoon. A true feast for the senses, the market offers a variety of flowers and fruits as well as conical piles of colorful kumkum powder to choose from.

You can also purchase spices, sandalwood products, essential oils and incense here. With 1,122 stores and over 3,000 employees, the market is an important economic factor in the region and attracts 8,000 to 10,000 visitors every day. As a famous tourist attraction, the market is also a popular place to take photos.

The market was built in 1886 and was originally designed as a weekly market. It was built over the Dewan Poornaiah canal which supplied drinking water to Mysore Palace. It was named after Dodda Devaraja Wadeyar in 1925 and is also known as Dodda Market. Visit this historic market and experience the abundance of colors, scents and flavors.

Day 12 Mysuru

You first go to the Bull Temple. It is largest monolith bull temple in the world. If you wanted to see the temple of Chamundeshvari, you can visit that.

Note: In general, in all temples, foreign guests are not allowed to visit the cell (where the main character is).

Then drive to Somnathpur. Somnathpur, near Mysore in Karnataka, India, is known for the Chennakesava Temple, an outstanding example of 13th-century Hoysala architecture.

This temple is known for its impressive stone carvings and detailed sculptures. The site is of cultural and religious significance and is a popular tourist destination in the region.

Then drive to Tipu-Sultan Garden. Visit the garden.

You will return in the afternoon.

Visit the magnificent Maharajah's Palace, built in 1857 and then the seat of the Wodeyars. With arches and colonnades of lustrous marble and large proportions, it is an outstanding example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, combining diverse elements from European, Rajput, Indo-Islamic and traditional Hindu architecture.

Here, the luxurious lifestyle of Mysore's turn-of-the-century rulers is reflected in exuberant splendor. You will have to memorize the priceless treasures without any technical aids, a treasure of ivory, precious stones, gold and silver as well as antiques.

If you want to see the palace lighting, you should come back in the evening to see it.

Day 13 Mysuru > Hassan

Just a short distance from Belur is the Hoysalesvara Temple at Halbid, dedicated to the auspicious Lord Shiva. Although the temple is not as big as the Dravidian temples, there is no shortage of fascinating works of art that can be seen at every corner. An impressive wall relief shows more than 2,000 elephants with their drivers, each figure unique.

There are also depictions of dancing gods as well as scenes from the well-known Hindu epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana. The temple also houses warriors, mystical creatures, lions, horses, birds, floral patterns and celestial maidens, all depicted with incredible grace. Here the myths and legends of the Indian world of gods come to life.

A visit to Belur and Halbid is a trip back in time that should not be missed. Stay overnight in Hassan to explore more of the region.

Near Hassan are Belur and Halebedu, which are known for Hoysala architectural style.
Belur in India is a historical destination famous for its Hoysala Dynasty Chennakesava Temple, built around 800 years ago.

The temple is a fascinating example of the creativity and skill of the Hoysala artisans. The polished black stones on the outer walls depict scenes from a bygone era, with each figure created with impressive precision. Particularly noteworthy is the interior decoration of the temple, which attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

Day 14 Hassan > Hospet

Your destination today is Hampi. There is some great scenery along the way. Hampi is the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire from the 14th to 16th centuries. It is a rocky landscape.
You drive directly to what was once the wealthiest city in the world.

In the late afternoon you can enjoy the sunset. It is located near Hampi Bazaar and Virupaksha Temple. The highest points are the highest point in Hampi and mainly known for sunrise and sunset. We will climb the steps.

It's not that difficult but it requires good endurance. In monsoon season the steps are slippery. You can see the best scenery and have the best view of Hampi. Rocks and the green belt of trees give you goosebumps to explore more the next day, the wealthiest city of its time.

Day 15 Hospet > Hampi

Our day trip will focus on the ancient village of Hampi. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 14th to 16th centuries. It lies in a rocky landscape. The bulwark against the Muslims was built in 1336. For about two hundred years the trade in spices, jewels and cotton brought great wealth to the city until it was conquered and plundered by the Mughals in 1565. Several wars against the Muslims, which were almost completely destroyed.

The city of Hampi, but also the ruins, tell their story and have many experts making comparisons with the pyramids of Hampi. The remains of fortresses, palaces, temples, pavilions, victory gates, aqueducts with a working water supply system, as well as baths and stables testify to the achievement and splendor of the bygone era.
The fall of Hampi has baffled archaeologists today. The remains of the city can be found over an area of ​​10 square kilometers. Therefore, it is easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of market crime in the bazaar, caravans and women in magnificent colorful saris on the Tungabhadra river. The story is told vividly here.

The highlight is a visit to the Queen's Bath, a rectangular Rajasthani bath with ornate balconies, veranda and gallery. In his day, cold water flowed into a basin in a small waterfall and then drained through an underground canal. The bathing experience was unique as one had a clear view of the open sky and was protected from all sides, an understandable example of the luxurious life in Hampi.

The Vithala Temple, designed by the artists of the Vijaynagar rulers and located 1.2 miles (1.93 km) west of the bazaar. The columns of this wonderful work of art are so cleverly tuned that they literally have musical properties and the walls are decorated with intricate carvings. Vithala Temple is a unique story; Legend has it that jewels, gold and food were weighed here before being distributed to the Brahmins.

Another example of Dravidian architecture is the Raghunath Temple, which offers a picturesque panorama at sunset. One of the oldest complexes in Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple near the bazaar. A huge temple dedicated to the god Vishnu also deserves attention. Here Vishnu is seen reclining on the coils of a serpent. The statue of Lotus Mahal at Zanana, a pavilion near the Hazara Lama Temple, is a major attraction.

Day 16 Hampi > ​​Banglore

Today the India luxury trip comes to an end. They go to Banglore.

In the afternoon you will reach Banglore. You will visit lal bagh botanical gardens. Then drive to the hotel.

*Note – Your room is available until your departure time.

Depending on your departure time, transfer to the airport.
We wish you a safe flight home.

Flight to Europe.


* If you want to do the beach extension to Goa , you can drive from Hospet, directly to Goa beach hotel or you can visit Badami and Pattadakal another day and from there you will drive to Goa beach hotel.

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