Glass house, Bangalore

The Southern Raj

Tour Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Incredible array of rock-hewn caves, spice farms, churches, temples, fanciful cities and 06 UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites is what sums up the Southern Raj. Explore the financial capital of India- Mumbai, the city which never sleeps. Continue to drench in the lengthened coastline running down to South and wander around the vast spice plantations spread across Goa. South encompasses the exquisite Badami caves; housing Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples all under same roof. Also witness the Hoysala architecture at Hassan. Visit the city of lights- Mysuru where fountains dance to the music beats every evening weaving a magical moment. Adjourn at the cultural capital of South India- Chennai jaunting through the majestic temples of Mahabalipuram built by the shore.

Tour Highlights

Unlike the Northern States of India, Southern India encapsulates some wonderful destinations. With umbrageous landscape, pristine coastal line, boundless tea and spice plantations and the soothing air over it, one has no choice but to delve in and seep in the mystical beauty of South India. Encapsulating the states of Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, travelers who wants to experience the peculiarity of cuisines and lifestyle across the peninsular India; must join us on this unique itinerary of Southern Raj.

The majestic tour commences at Mumbai, city teeming with life. Further, we trail all the way to Goa which is reminiscent of lifestyle lived by Portuguese in erstwhile era. Subsequently, endure the majestic architecture of Hoysala in Hassan. Explore the beauty of monuments at Hampi and Pattadakal making to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Delve into the verdant tranquility of parks and palaces in Mysuru and Bangalore. The journey completes with a visit to the Shore temples of Mahabalipuram (UNESCO’s World Heritage Site) in the last southern city called Chennai.

World Heritage Sites

Tour Itinerary at Glance

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai
Day 2: Mumbai
Day 3: Mumbai/Goa (Flight)
Day 4: Goa
Day 5: Goa/Badami (Drive: 350 Kms/07 Hrs)
Day 6: Badami/Aihole/Patadakal/Hampi (Drive: 170 Kms/05 Hrs)
Day 7: Hampi
Day 8: Hampi/Hassan (Drive: 380 Kms/07 Hrs)
Day 9: : Hassan /Mysore (Drive: 125 Kms/03 Hrs)
Day 10: Mysore
Day 11: Mysore/Bangalore (Drive: 145 Kms/03 & ½ Hrs)
Day 12: Bangalore/Chennai (by Train # 12028; Dep: 06:10 / Arr: 11:00 hrs Train)
Day 13: Chennai
Day 14: Chennai/Onward destination (Flight)
  • - Breakfast
  • - Lunch
  • - Dinner

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance

The tour package booking terms and conditions

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Essential Trip Information

Booking Deposit, Cancellation and Refund Policy

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  1. Day 1 - Arrive Mumbai
    Arrival. Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax. 
  2. Day 2 - Mumbai
    chhatrapati-shivaji-terminus-mumbai We start our day with a visit to the Gateway of India, Mumbai's most famous monument. Here we embark on our excursion to the Elephanta Caves*, located on an island in the Sea of Oman. The caves contain a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave. We return to Mumbai by motor launch and visit the Prince of Wales Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus*, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival Architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. The building, designed by the British Architect F. W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic City’ and the major international mercantile port of India. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. Our Next Stop is at Mani Bhawan, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed here during the Freedom Struggle. The house is now converted into a Museum. From here we leave for Hanging Gardens, the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, the bustling Crawford Market and drive past Haji Ali, the tomb of a wealthy Muslim merchant. We end our tour at the Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest outdoor laundry. The word Dhobi Ghat is used all over India to refer to any place where many washers are present. (B) 
    Please Note: Elephanta Caves are closed on Monday for visitors
     
    Meals Included
  3. Day 3 - Mumbai/Goa (Flight)
    victoria-terminus-mumbai Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Goa. Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 16th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. On arrival in Goa we are met by our local host and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day is free for relax.
    Meals Included
  4. Day 4 - Goa
    church-goa Today we visit the Churches and Convents of Goa*, the former capital of the Portuguese Indies, illustrate the evangelization of Asia. These monuments were influential in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the countries of Asia where missions were established. We will visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in the 16th century, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are enshrined; the Se Cathedral, which is the most imposing of all churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted interior overwhelms the visitors by its sheer grandeur. The cathedral has five bells of which one is the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the World. From here we are driven to Spice Farm where we are welcomed with fresh tender coconut water or lemon grass tea and some snacks. A guide will take us around the spice farm, where cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, herbs, fruits, areca nut, betel and medicinal plants grow. Lots of butterflies and many species of birds are found here. The tour ends with, a delicious buffet lunch of local Goan Cuisine & vegetable curries made with whole spices from the plantation. The remainder of the day is free to relax or for leisure activities.
    Meals Included
  5. Day 5 - Goa/Badami (Drive: 350 Kms/07 Hrs)
        After breakfast we drive to Badami. Badami formerly known as Vatapi. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. On arrive in Badami and we check in to our hotel.  
    Meals Included
  6. Day 6 - Badami/Aihole/Patadakal/Hampi (Drive: 170 Kms/05 Hrs)
    caves-sculpture-badami     After breakfast we visit the famous caves at Badami. There are four caves here. The first three belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain temple in Badami. Later we drive to Hampi en-route visiting Aihole & Pattadakal. Aihole is the cradle of ancient stone temple architecture of the southern Dravida School. We visit the Durga temple, noted for its sculptures and the Meguti temple, built of 630 small stone blocks. At the riverside village of Pattadakal, 20 Kms from Badami, lie some of the most interesting temples which have been recognized as World heritage site. Pattadakal was the second capital of the Chalukyan Empire after Badami. More than that, it was also the ceremonial center where kings were crowned and commemorated. It was never part of any town or village though it was on the banks of the Malaprabha River. Pattadakal was the dynastic cultural center of the Badami Chalukyas. The earliest temples of Pattadakal are from the 4th century AD and the addition of new temples continued there for around four more centuries. The latest architecture is a Jain temple of the Rashtrakuta period (9th century). The temples of Pattadakal display the blending of the Rekha Nagara Prasada and the Dravida Vimana styles of architecture. 
    Meals Included
  7. Day 7 - Hampi
        Today we take a full day excursion of Hampi - the magnificent city of ruins. A World Heritage Centre, Hampi is the most beautiful and evocative of all the ruins in Karnataka. This erstwhile capital of the Vijaynagar Empire boasts some exquisite examples of temple architecture of that period. The Vittala Temple, here is noted for its sculpted stone chariot and carved pillars that produce musical notes when struck. The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically and is the only temple at Hampi that is still used for worship. The Hazararama Temple, ornate with intricate carvings depicts scenes from the Ramayana. The other places of interest are Lotus Mahal: shaped like a lotus flower from above. Elephant Stables is a huge stable and a beautiful example of Hindu-Muslim style of architecture, housing 11 elephants in separate compartments. Pushkarini Tank, Mahanavami Dibba, and Mustard Ganesh: This is a 9 feet tall single stone statue, which is also known as Sasivikalu Ganesh. Noblemen's Palace: This place was recently discovered and they suspect this was for aristocrats and high-ranking officials. In the evening we return to Hospet. 
    Meals Included
  8. Day 8 - Hampi/Hassan (Drive: 380 Kms/07 Hrs)
    jain-pilgrimage-sravanabelagola After breakfast we drive to Hassan. On arrival we check in our hotel. 
    Meals Included
  9. Day 9 - : Hassan /Mysore (Drive: 125 Kms/03 Hrs)
    royal-palace-mysore After breakfast we take tour of Hassan visiting the exquisite temples of Belur and Halebid. The main structure of the temple in Belur, which is star-shaped, is a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Inside, even in the darkness, you can see the shining pillars, each unique in its own splendour. Halebid was known as Dwara Samudra, the wealthy capital of the Hoysala Empire during the 12th & 13th centuries, reflected in the strikingly beautiful Hoysala temples. Later we drive to Mysore. On arrival in Mysore, we check in our hotel. 
    Meals Included
  10. Day 10 - Mysore
    royal-palace-mysore     After breakfast we start the city tour in Mysore has never failed to mesmerize with its rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautiful gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Today we visit the Maharajah's Palace, Shri Chamundeswari Temple, the Nadi Shiva's Mount and Srirangpatanam, the island fortress that was once the capital of the warrior-kings Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore.  In the evening we visit the Brindavan Gardens famous for its dancing musical fountains. Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'
    Meals Included
  11. Day 11 - Mysore/Bangalore (Drive: 145 Kms/03 & ½ Hrs)
    the-majesti-vidhana-soudha-building-bangalore After breakfast, we drive to Bangalore. On arrival in Bangalore we check in to our hotel. Later we visit the Vidhana Soudha, an imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite, that houses the Legislative Chambers of the state government; the 3000 acres of verdant tranquility of Cubbon Park; Tipu Sultan's Palace, now a museum, and one of the most remarkable Islamic buildings in the city; Lal Bagh Garden, India's most beautiful botanical gardens with rare trees brought from far off Persia, Afghanistan and France. The evening is free for shopping. 
    Please Note: Cubbon Park remains closed on Monday for visitors
     
    Meals Included
  12. Day 12 - Bangalore/Chennai (by Train # 12028; Dep: 06:10 / Arr: 11:00 hrs Train)
    bangalore-palace (Train operates all days except on Tuesday)
    Early morning, we are transferred to railway station to take train to Chennai. Shatabdi Express trains are fully air-conditioned and travelers enjoy complimentary meals. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel. Afternoon we take city tour of Chennai, visiting the National Art Gallery & Museum, which contains some of the best collections of bronzes in the country including the famous icon of Natra    ja. We continue to India's oldest surviving British church, St. Mary's Church, built in 1680. We end our tour with a visit to People’s Park, the beautiful Marina Beach and clock towers. 
    Please Note: National Art Gallery and Museum remains closed on Friday for visitors
     
    Meals Included
  13. Day 13 - Chennai
    marina-beach-chennai Today we take an excursion to the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. After the tour, we return to our hotel. 
    Meals Included
  14. Day 14 - Chennai/Onward destination (Flight)
    Today we are transferred to International airport for our Flight to onward destination. We bid farewell to India after what would have been a memorable journey into history, culture, art, architecture, making new friends and lots of memories. 
    Meals Included
  • - Breakfast
  • - Lunch
  • - Dinner

* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED

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Overall Rating 5/5
Amazing Experience of The Southern Raj
Reviewed by on Jul, 2018
5/5
Had an amazing time in India. Best itinerary for the first timer to India who is looking for a short tour to The Southern Raj
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