ROOTS OF SOUTH INDIA - SAFFRON & SANDALWOOD 16 Days | 15 Days
Mysore, Somnathpur, Kabini, Bengaluru, Madurai, Chettinadu
- Nature
- 16 Days
- All weather
- Green
A Full Day Adventure
This exceptional journey concentrates predominantly on the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, providing a varied insight into their Dravidian roots and their princely and colonial past. The journey begins at the ancient dynastic capital and 'sandalwood city' of Mysore with its plethora of palaces, monuments and mausoleums. Leaving the city behind, travel to the wildlife parks and forests of Nagarhole National Park, and enjoy a few days on safari in search of the wild elephants and illusive leopards that populate the park. Then onto the temple towns of Tamil Nadu to explore the exotic temples of Madurai and Thanjavur and the antique manor houses of Chettinadu, before heading for the Coromandel coast and Puducherry (Pondicherry), with its relaxed atmosphere and proliferation of French colonial architecture. In contrast, Chennai had stronger links with the British, evidence of which can be seen clearly during the course of this tour.
Historic Landmarks
Fully Narrated Tour
Professional Guide
Easy Access
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: ARRICE BENGALURU - MYSORE
Arrive Bengaluru and then transfer by road to Mysore and check-in at Radisson Hotel. Rest of day at Leisure.
Day 2: MYSORE – SOMNATHPUR – MYSORE
Morning explore Mysore, Karnataka’s second largest city famous for royal palaces, gardens, silks and sandalwood. Visit the ornate city palace and drive to the top of Chamundi Hill, passing the huge monolith Nandi Bull, en route. Afternoon enjoy half a day excursion to Somnathpur, famous for 13th century Hoysala temple. Return to your hotel for evening at leisure.
Day 3: MYSORE – KABINI
Morning transfer to Kabini and on arrival check-in at Orange County Resort for a 2 night stay Afternoon game viewings in Nagarhole National Park by shared jeep or boat
Day 4: KABINI
Early morning and afternoon game drives either by shared jeep or boat. The area is home to a rich variety of wildlife.
Day 5: KABINI – BENGALURU
Transfer to Bengaluru for a 1 night stay at Taj West End Hotel. Afternoon enjoy the city tour of this “Garden City”
Day 6: BENGALURU – MADURAI
Transfer to Bengaluru airport for your flight to Madurai. On arrival check-in at The Gateway Hotel, Pasumalai for a 2 night stay. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 7: MADURAI
Spend the morning exploring this bustling city, including the famous Meenakshi Temple (excluding the inner sanctum). A car and driver is at your disposal for the afternoon.
Day 8: MADURAI – CHETTINAD
Today transfer to Chettinadu, known for the huge country homes of the Chettiars, a community of traders who flourished as financiers and entrepreneurs in the colonial-era. After WWII, the Chettiars’ businesses crashed leading many families leaving Chettinadu, and disused mansions decayed and were demolished or sold. Today several mansions have been converted into gorgeous heritage hotels that are some of Tamil Nadu’s best. Stay in one of such heritage mansion conversion Visalam for 2 nights Afternoon at leisure.
Day 9: CHETTINADU
Morning explore the village of Karaikudi and later visit Atthangudi tile making unit. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 10: CHETTINADU – TIRUCHIRAPALLY – THANJAVUR
Half day drive to Thanjavur, via the ornate Srirangam Temple at Tiruchirapally. On arrival stay 2 nights at the Svatma Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 11: THANJAVUR
Half day tour of this ancient Chola capital which is dominated by the mighty Brihadeeshwara Temple with its huge go purams. Afternoon free with car and driver at disposal.
Day 12: THANJAVUR – PUDUCHERRY
Full day’s drive en route visiting the exquisite and rarely visited temple complexes at Darasuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Chidambaram. On arrival in Puducherry stay 2 nights at Palai De Mahe Hotel.
Day 13: PUDUCHERRY
Morning exploration of this pretty, peaceful town. The French quarter boasts some exceptional old, colonial buildings and is easy to explore on foot.
Day 14: PUDUCHERRY – MAHABALIPURAM – CHENNAI
Morning drive up the coast to Chennai. Enroute visit the fabulous shore temples at Mahabalipuram. On arrival, stay 2 nights at the Taj Coromandel Hotel.
Day 15: CHENNAI
Spend the morning exploring the city which had strong colonial ties during the days of the East India Company. See the various sights before spending an afternoon at leisure.
Day 16: DEPART CHENNAI
Early morning departure for onward destination.
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