Treasures of the South

The tour takes you on a discovery of the lost kingdoms of the Deccan Plateau and the exciting beaches of Goa.

For centuries, kingdoms great and small rose, flourished and fell in the harsh environs of the great Deccan Plateau in the southern enclaves of the Indian sub-continent. Peppered with tales of heroism and battles galore of treasures & cultural folklore, even today the Deccan Plateau remains a mysterious wonderland for travelers seeking new horizons to explore. The port town of Madras along the famous Coromandel Coast of south eastern India, steeped in history itself, is an excellent base for exploring the heritage offerings of the Deccan region.

Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, within easy access, open up a treasure trove of ancient temples by the sea and a textile heritage dating back several centuries. Leaving the sea behind and moving past the verdantly picturesque hinterland set out for deep countryside to the city of Mysore which showcases its historic past in its stunning palaces and temples. To the north, wonder at the great temple sites at Belur and Halebid, and the baroque stylistic explorations situated in the Hoysala’s great temple ruins.

At Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the expanse brooding ruins of the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. Journey into the heartland of the Deccan to Bijapur, the walled Islamic enclave of power and glory, before heading out to the Chalukyan seats of power at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.

The architectural diversity and splendour of these excellently preserved sites document the Deccan’s fabulous past. Admire these awesome sites then head off for Goa for a leisurely sojourn amongst the tropical sands and the balmy sea breezes.

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Tour Highlights

  • Unlock the treasures of South India & the Deccan Plateau
  • The princely jewel kingdom of Mysore
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mahabalipuram & ruins of Hampi
  • Explore the old historic temples of Kanchipuram
  • Relax in luxury & comfort at Goa

Quick Specs

Duration : 17 Days

Price : Call +44 (0) 131 202 6438

Season : Aug-May

Level : Easy ( What's this?) Easy: Flights / Vehicle / First Class Train based touring or walking on flat or gently graded terrain for up to a 1 or 2 hours. Comfortable accommodations with private bath facilities.
Moderate: Longer days of more rigorous touring, perhaps very rough roads or longer, steeper walks, some travel by overnight or day trains. May include stay in simple hotels with basic facilities at some destinations in camps with good facilities.
Difficult: Strenuous horse or camel riding, walking in mountains or lowland jungle for more than five hours a day. May include extensive camping or stay in lodges with basic facilities.

Itinerary Brief

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To call our Indian subcontinent travel specialist on +44 (0) 131 202 6438

We will be happy to go though the tour costs, to what this tour includes, excludes and how we can customise it to your taste.

Add-on Options

Suggested Adaptations to this tour:

  • If keen on wildlife, a two or three nights stay at Project Tiger Nagarhole NP near Mysore is a must.
  • Once can also extend the tour and visit Golconda Fort and Hyderabad from Badami.
  • * From Goa - Fly via Mumbai to explore the ancient Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
  • * From Chennai - Set out for the legendary Chettinad region Fly to Madurai. Explore for 2 or 3 nights and then fly to Bangalore. Drive to Mysore.
  • * From Goa - Head for Kerala. Take overnight train to Cochin; spend a night on the backwater canals of Kerala on a rice boat and then continue to a beach resort.

How it works:

We can customise our tour programmes to make the journey to suit you. Our tours on the web site and e-brochure are based on a minimum of two persons travelling together by air, train and chauffeur driven cars. Throughout your tour, experienced representatives and knowledgeable local guides, will assist you where appropriate. Accommodation will be arranged in a luxury hotel or a charming heritage hotel.

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Note:

Upgrade to Hotel/Lodges marked with ** will be at additional cost.

The Hotels covered in this Itinerary are:
Hotel Trident Chennai / Taj Connemara
Hotel Metropole
Taj Garden Retreat
Malligi Tourist Home
Madhuvan Hotel
Soul Vacation / Taj Exotica

HOTEL TRIDENT CHENNAI

Located conveniently close to the airport, the new business districts of Sriperumbudur, Maramalianagar, Guindy and 10 minutes from the Chennai Trade centre, the Trident, Chennai welcomes its guests for a relaxing stay. Set amongst five acres of lush, tropical gardens, the elegant low-rise hotel caters to the business community and leisure travellers with 167 rooms, business facilities, bar, restaurants, gymnasium and spa.


TAJ CONNEMARA

Colonially elegant and infused with design touches hinting to its imperial past, the Taj Connemara, is Chennai’s only heritage hotel. Modern comforts, thoughtful service, soothing views and complete privacy help make your stay comfortable and memorable.


HOTEL METROPOLE

Royal Orchid Hotel Metropole is a Heritage Hotel located at the heart of Mysore (Karnataka, India), just a few minutes away from the Railway Station. It is also in close proximity to the city’s major tourist attractions like the Mysore Palace.

Hotel Metropole was built as a royal residence in the 1920’s to accommodate the British guests of the Maharaja of Mysore. Today the beautifully restored mansion, decorated with period antiques, continues the building’s legacy of gracious hospitality combined with the ease of modern comforts.


TAJ GARDEN RETREAT

Azure backwaters, swaying palms, and floating houseboats. These are a few of the things that inspired English Missionary Henry Baker, in the late 19th century, to acquire land on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Today, it is known as the Taj Garden Retreat, Kumarakom.

Often referred to as the little jewel of Kumarakom, it still maintains the beauty of its rustic surroundings. The 123-year-old colonial bungalow houses newly built Luxury Villas, heritage rooms and charming cottages. At this idyllic retreat, guests can look forward to practicing the art of doing nothing or keeping themselves busy with a variety of experiences, from nature to adventure, from culture to cuisine, and from rejuvenation to religion.


MALLIGI TOURIST HOME

Rediscover yourself by stepping into a world of timeless elegance at Malligi. The first and the only 3 Star Hotel in the World Heritage Sites of Karnataka. Malligi, Where past meets the present” is an epitome of classic elegance and warm hospitality, at Malligi we are dedicated to pamper our guests with exemplary personal services.

Representing luxury at its best, Malligi offers all the modern amenities for the 21st century traveler. Relax in your private guest room, dine on some of the finest cuisines, rejuvenate at the Spa and unwind at the Pool. Malligi is set amid 5 acres in the heart of Hospet, the hotel is a perfect blend of luxury and intimacy. Where you would arrive as a guest and leave as a friend.


MADHUVAN HOTEL

Hotel Madhuvan International is located at Bijapur (Karnataka, India) at 2 km from the station.


SOUL VACATION

Soul Vacation is not just your regular holiday resort. It is quintessentially your kind of place, where you have all the ingredients to unwind, rejuvenate, and pamper yourself all day. Soul Vacation is your home of comfort, where you can self-indulge into the now world-renowned ‘Shalom’ experience.

Soul Vacation offers you top-of-the-line niche restaurants with exotic and sumptuous cuisines, plus a plethora of rejuvenation activities that refresh both your mind and soul. Based in South Goa, Shalom embraces its customers with in a judicious amalgamation of world-class hospitality and relaxing atmosphere of Goa. Spa, Jacuzzi, med lounge bar, Yoga, Pottery, Painting and et al keep you smiling, refreshed and de-stressed all the time.

Come to soul vacation to get lost in the world where only the serene wind by the poolside bothers you and the pleasant smell of beach sand disturbs your sleep in the morning.

Note

Upgrade to Hotel/Lodges marked with ** will be at additional cost.

 

Itinerary:
Day 1 - Fly
Day 2 - Arrival / Chennai
Day 3 - Chennai
Day 4 - Chennai / Mysore
Day 5 - Mysore
Day 6 - Mysore / Chikamagalur
Day 7 - Chikmagalur
Day 8 - Chikmagalur / Hampi
Day 9 - Hampi
Day 10 - Hampi / Bijapur
Day 11 - Bijapur / Badami
Day 12 - Badami
Day 13 - Badami / Goa
Day 14 - Goa
Day 15 - Goa
Day 16 - Goa
Day 17 - Goa / Mumbai / Departure

Map to follow soon