Best of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Tour

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with breakfast at the hotel in Chennai.
• Check-Out and Depart for Pondicherry: Check out from your hotel and prepare for your drive to Pondicherry. Enjoy the scenic East Coast Road (ECR) drive along the coastline.

En Route:

• Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram): Stop at Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and monuments. Here are the key sites to visit:
  • Five Rathas: Explore these five monolithic rock temples, each carved in the form of a chariot. They are named after the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
  • Mahishasuramardini Mandapa: Visit this rock-cut cave temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, showcasing impressive 7th-century Indian rock-cut architecture.
  • Krishna Mandapam: See this cave temple featuring intricate carvings depicting scenes from Lord Krishna’s life, including the famous Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill.
  • Shore Temple: This iconic temple complex, located right on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, is known for its beautiful architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Penance (Descent of the Ganges): View this famous bas-relief sculpture that narrates the story of the descent of the holy river Ganges to earth.
  • Mahabalipuram Lighthouse: Visit the lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and the coastline.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Mahabalipuram or on the way to Pondicherry.
• Drive to Pondicherry: Continue your drive to Pondicherry. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, with views of the coastal roads and rural Tamil Nadu.

Evening:

• Arrival in Pondicherry: Arrive in Pondicherry and check in to your hotel.
• Relaxation: After checking in, take the rest of the day to relax at the hotel.

Night:

• Overnight Stay: Enjoy a restful night at your hotel in Pondicherry, preparing for the next day’s exploration of the city.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
• Visit Matrimandir:
  • Matrimandir: Begin your day with a visit to the Matrimandir, a prominent spiritual edifice located in the center of Auroville. This structure is significant for practitioners of Integral Yoga and is surrounded by serene gardens. Note that entry to the inner chamber of Matrimandir requires prior permission, so check in advance if you wish to visit inside.
• Explore Auroville:
  • Auroville: Next, explore Auroville, an international township founded by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The city is dedicated to human unity and peace, and you can walk around the township, visit the visitor center, and learn about its unique concept and community.

Afternoon:

• Visit Arikamedu:
  • Arikamedu: Proceed to Arikamedu, an ancient archaeological site that was once a bustling Chola port city. Explore the ruins and artifacts that reveal the historical significance of this site in trade and culture.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling some of the region's cuisine.
• Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Visit this stunning church known for its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. It is a significant landmark in Pondicherry and offers a peaceful ambiance.
• Promenade Beach:
  • Promenade Beach: Stroll along the Promenade Beach, a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Enjoy the sea breeze and the scenic beauty of the coastline.
• Shri Aurobindo Ashram:
  • Shri Aurobindo Ashram: Visit the ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. It’s a center of spiritual practice and meditation. Spend some quiet time here to reflect and experience the tranquil environment.

Evening:

• Return to Hotel: Drive back to your hotel after a day of sightseeing.
• Overnight Stay: Relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Pondicherry.
• Check-Out and Depart for Tirupati: Check out from your hotel and proceed to Tirupati by surface.

En Route:

• Visit Kanchipuram:
  • Kamakshi Temple:
    • Kamakshi Temple: Begin your visit to this ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Kamakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati. The temple is renowned for its intricate Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.
  • Ulagalantha Perumal Temple:
    • Ulagalantha Perumal Temple: Visit this significant temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It’s known for its grand architecture and the large statue of Vishnu in a reclining posture.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kanchipuram or during the journey.
• Drive to Tirupati: Continue your drive to Tirupati, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

Evening:

• Arrival in Tirupati: Arrive in Tirupati and check in to your hotel.
• Rest and Relax: After checking in, take some time to rest and freshen up.

Night:

• Overnight Stay: Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Tirupati, preparing for the next day’s visit to the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

Early Morning:

• Tirumala Temple Darshan:
  • Tirumala Temple: Begin your day early to visit the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, situated atop the Seven Hills. This temple is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus worldwide and is renowned for its deity, Lord Venkateswara. The temple is one of the most visited in the world, so it’s advisable to pre-book darshan tickets online to avoid long waiting times.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Bangalore:
  • Departure from Tirupati: After your temple visit and darshan, start your journey to Bangalore. The drive from Tirupati to Bangalore typically takes around 3 to 4 hours.
• Lunch: Have lunch on the way or upon arrival in Bangalore.

Evening:

• Arrival in Bangalore: Check in to your hotel in Bangalore.
• Rest and Relax: Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel after your journey.

Night:

• Overnight Stay: Enjoy a restful night at your Bangalore hotel.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Bangalore.
• Check-Out: Check out from your hotel and proceed for a day of sightseeing in Bangalore.

Sightseeing in Bangalore:

1. Cubbon Park:
   • Cubbon Park: Begin your exploration at this lush green park established in 1870. Enjoy a walk along the well-maintained paths, explore the landscaped gardens, and relax in the serene environment.
2. Vidhana Soudha:
   • Vidhana Soudha: Visit this iconic building that houses the state legislature of Karnataka. The Vidhana Soudha is known for its impressive Neo-Dravidian architecture and is a prominent landmark in Bangalore.
3. Bangalore Palace:
   • Bangalore Palace: Explore this grand palace built in the Tudor style. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the erstwhile royal family and features beautiful interiors and grounds.
4. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace:
   • Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace: Visit this historical palace which served as a summer retreat for Tipu Sultan. The palace is known for its ornate wooden architecture and historical exhibits.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bangalore.
• Botanical Garden:
  • Botanical Garden: Visit the Lalbagh Botanical Garden or the Bangalore Turf Club’s botanical area. Both are excellent spots to experience Bangalore’s rich plant diversity and well-maintained landscapes.
• Nandi Temple:
  • Nandi Temple: Visit this ancient temple dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva. It is located near the Bull Temple and is known for its tranquil atmosphere.

Late Afternoon:

• Drive to Mysore:
  • Departure for Mysore: Start your drive to Mysore. The journey usually takes around 3 hours.

Evening:

• Arrival in Mysore: Arrive in Mysore, check in to your hotel, and refresh.
• Brindavan Gardens:
  • Brindavan Gardens: In the evening, visit the famous Brindavan Gardens, known for its musical fountain and beautifully lit gardens. Enjoy the spectacular light and sound show that takes place in the gardens.

Night:

• Return to Hotel: After the Brindavan Gardens visit, return to your hotel in Mysore for a restful night.
• Overnight Stay: Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Mysore.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Mysore.
• Check-Out (If Needed): Depending on your travel arrangements, check out of your hotel if you need to move to a new accommodation or if you are proceeding to a new location later in the day.
• Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS):
  • Krishna Raja Sagara Dam: Start your day with a visit to the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, also known as KRS. The dam creates a large lake and is an important landmark in Mysore. Explore the dam area, enjoy the views of the lake, and learn about its significance in irrigation and water supply.

Late Morning:

• Chamundeswari Temple:
  • Chamundeswari Temple: Proceed to the Chamundeswari Temple, located on Chamundi Hill. This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari (a form of Durga) and offers panoramic views of Mysore from the hilltop. It is a significant pilgrimage site and an architectural marvel.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a local meal at a restaurant in Mysore.
• Jaganmohan Palace:
  • Jaganmohan Palace: After lunch, visit the Jaganmohan Palace, a grand palace built in 1861. It was originally used by the Wodeyar kings as a royal residence and now houses an art gallery with a collection of traditional and modern Indian art.
• Mysore Palace:
  • Mysore Palace: Visit the Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace. This grand palace, built in the Indo-Saracenic style, is a major attraction in Mysore. Explore its opulent interiors, including the Durbar Hall, private quarters, and the intricate artwork. The palace is especially beautiful when illuminated in the evenings (though daytime visits are also spectacular).

Evening:

• Return to Hotel: After a day of sightseeing, return to your hotel in Mysore.
• Rest and Relax: Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

Night:

• Overnight Stay: Relax and stay overnight at your hotel in Mysore.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel in Mysore.
• Check-Out: Check out from your hotel and prepare for the journey to Ooty.
• Drive to Mudumalai National Park:
  • Mudumalai National Park: En route to Ooty, visit Mudumalai National Park, which is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Mysore. This wildlife sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the majestic Bengal tiger. Enjoy a safari or explore the park’s natural beauty (note that safari availability and timings may vary, so it's good to check in advance).

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant or a designated spot near Mudumalai National Park.
• Proceed to Ooty:
  • Drive to Ooty: Continue your drive to Ooty, which typically takes about 2 to 3 hours from Mudumalai National Park.
• Arrival in Ooty: Arrive in Ooty and check in to your hotel.

Evening:

• Sightseeing in Ooty:
  • Botanical Garden: Visit the Ooty Botanical Garden, renowned for its diverse collection of plants and beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk amidst lush greenery.
  • Ooty Lake: Explore Ooty Lake, a popular spot for boating and relaxing by the water. You can enjoy a boat ride or simply take in the scenic surroundings.
  • Doddabetta Peak: Head to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills. The peak offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a great spot for photography.
  • Children’s Park: Visit the Children’s Park, which is a small park with recreational facilities. It’s a nice place to unwind and enjoy the cool Ooty weather.

Night:

• Return to Hotel: After a day of sightseeing, return to your hotel in Ooty.
• Overnight Stay: Relax and stay overnight at your hotel in Ooty.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Ooty.
• Toy Train Ride:
  • Toy Train Ride: After breakfast, proceed for a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, commonly known as the toy train. The train journey between Mettupalayam and Ooty offers a unique and scenic experience, winding through picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and charming tunnels. Note: Tickets for the toy train ride need to be purchased on your own in advance. It's advisable to book your tickets early due to high demand.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or café in Ooty.
• Local Market Visit:
  • Ooty Local Market: After lunch, head to the local market in Ooty. The market is a great place to experience local life and shop for unique souvenirs, including homemade chocolates, tea, spices, and handcrafted items.

Evening:

• Return to Hotel:
  • Relax and Leisure: After your market visit, return to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the serene environment of Ooty.
• Overnight Stay: Stay overnight at your hotel in Ooty.

Morning:

• Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel in Ooty.
• Check-Out: Check out of your hotel after breakfast.
• Transfer to Coimbatore Airport:
  • Travel to Coimbatore: You will be transferred to Coimbatore Airport. The drive from Ooty to Coimbatore typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Afternoon:

• Arrival at Coimbatore Airport:
  • Check-In for Flight: Arrive at Coimbatore Airport in time for your flight. Proceed with check-in and security procedures.
• Departure: Board your flight for your next destination or return home.