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Ancient Caves with Temple & Backwater

0/5
Duration

15 Nights / 16 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on an enriching journey across India’s historic, spiritual, and scenic wonders in this 16-day immersive tour. Witness the breathtaking Buddhist murals of Ajanta and monolithic masterpieces of Ellora, and delve into Hyderabad’s regal past and cultural richness. Fly to South India for a deep dive into Dravidian temple architecture in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thanjavur, and Madurai. Continue into the tranquil Western Ghats at Thekkady, where wildlife and spice plantations awaken your senses. Cruise the legendary backwaters of Alleppey aboard a private houseboat for an unforgettable experience. End in Cochin, where colonial elegance meets Keralan charm.

Highlights

  • Explore Ajanta & Ellora Caves, ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites carved with sacred Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain iconography.
  • Experience South India's Temple Architecture, from Chola-era Brihadeshwara Temple to the sacred Meenakshi Amman Temple.
  • Cruise the Alleppey Backwaters, witnessing lush paddy fields and daily life in “Venice of the East” aboard a traditional houseboat.
  • Discover Hyderabad's Cultural Splendor, including Golconda Fort, Charminar, and the royal legacy of the Nizams.
  • Wildlife & Spice Plantation Tour in Thekkady, encountering elephants, exotic birds, and fragrant spice gardens in Periyar.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 42.6%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 41.0%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 50.1%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 47.6%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 53.8%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 51.5%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 56.7%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

• Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
• Mumbai, India's dynamic financial capital, blends Victorian grandeur with vibrant street life and modern energy.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai

• Breakfast at hotel
• Excursion to Elephanta Caves – 7th-century rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Ferry ride back to Gateway of India – a historic colonial monument on the waterfront.
• Drive past Marine Drive – the Queen’s Necklace along the Arabian Sea.
• Visit CST Station & Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya – showcasing Indian art, archaeology, and history.
• Explore Kala Ghoda Art District and Dhobhi Ghat – Mumbai’s colorful creative and traditional heritage.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to airport for flight to Aurangabad.
• Arrival and check-in at hotel.
• Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara – the ‘Mini Taj Mahal’ of the Deccan.
• Explore Panchakki – a medieval water-powered mill.
• Discover Aurangabad Caves – 6th–7th century Buddhist caves with carvings and sculptures.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Aurangabad – Ajanta – Aurangabad (210 km round trip)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Excursion to Ajanta Caves – 30 Buddhist caves with exquisite frescoes and sculptures, dating from 2nd century BCE.
• Admire depictions of Jataka tales and various avatars of Buddha in Viharas and Chaityas.
• Return drive to Aurangabad.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Aurangabad – Ellora – Daulatabad – Hyderabad (Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Ellora Caves – 34 monumental rock-cut temples of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain faiths.
• Explore Grishneshwar Temple – a sacred Jyotirlinga site.
• Visit Daulatabad Fort – an ingenious medieval fortress with moats, trapdoors, and a panoramic view.
• Transfer to airport for flight to Hyderabad. Arrival and check-in.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Hyderabad

• Breakfast at hotel
• Explore Golconda Fort – famed for acoustics and diamond trade history.
• Visit Qutub Shahi Tombs – Indo-Islamic mausoleums in serene gardens.
• Stop at Charminar – Hyderabad's iconic 16th-century arch and nearby Laad Bazaar.
• Explore Salar Jung Museum – housing global art, sculptures, and rare antiques.
• Visit Chowmahalla Palace and Birla Mandir – a dazzling marble temple overlooking the city.
• Drive past Hussain Sagar Lake – with a massive Buddha statue on a central island.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Hyderabad - Chennai (flight)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to airport for flight to Chennai. Arrival and check-in.
• Visit Fort St. George & St. Mary’s Church – British-era colonial bastions.
• Admire Kapaleeshwarar Temple – Dravidian architectural marvel in Mylapore.
• Visit Santhome Cathedral, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, and Government Museum.
• Drive past Marina Beach – one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (235 km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Pondicherry via temple towns.
• Visit Kailasanathar & Ekambareswarar Temples in Kanchipuram – spiritual and architectural landmarks.
• Stop at Mahabalipuram to visit Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Krishna's Butterball, and Arjuna’s Penance.
• Arrive in Pondicherry and check in. Relax by the beach.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Pondicherry

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Auroville and the Matrimandir – a global spiritual and architectural experiment.
• Explore Pondicherry Museum – bronze sculptures and French artefacts.
• Stroll through French Quarters – colonial mansions, churches, and local markets.
• Evening to relax on the beach.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangai Konda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjavur (185km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram – dedicated to cosmic dance of Shiva.
• Explore Gangaikonda Cholapuram & Airavatesvara Temples – Chola marvels and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Arrive in Thanjavur and check in.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Thanjavur - Trichy (60km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Brihadeshwara Temple – 11th-century Chola masterpiece with massive Nandi statue.
• Explore Vijayanagar Fort, Thanjavur Art Gallery, and Saraswati Mahal Library.
• Drive to Trichy and check in.
• Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – one of the world’s largest temple complexes.
• Explore Rock Fort Temple & Jambukeswarar Temple – symbols of spiritual and geological antiquity.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Trichy - Madurai (135km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Madurai and check in.
• Visit Meenakshi Temple – an architectural and spiritual marvel with towering gopurams.
• Explore Thirumalai Nayakar Palace – showcasing Indo-Saracenic elegance.
• Visit Alagar Koil and temples of Tiruparankundram & Palamuthirsolai.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Madurai - Thekkady (160km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu – with stunning views and Kuravan & Kurathi statue.
• Evening enjoy Kalaripayattu martial arts and Kathakali classical dance performance.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Thekkady

• Breakfast at hotel
• Boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – home to elephants, tigers, and rich birdlife.
• Take a spice plantation tour – learn about Kerala’s famed pepper, cardamom, and more.
• Explore local markets for fresh spices.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Thekaddy - Alleppey (135km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Alleppey and board a private houseboat.
• Sail through scenic backwaters lined with coconut palms and village life.
• Enjoy onboard lunch, dinner, and sunset from the sundeck.
• Overnight in deluxe houseboat.

Day 16: Alleppey - Cochin (60km)

• Breakfast on houseboat
• Disembark and drive to Cochin.
• City tour of Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church.
• Explore antique shops and cafes in Jew Town.
• Transfer to Cochin airport for onward flight.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 Night's accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Mumbai - Aurangabad - Hyderabad - Chennai flight fare approx INR 15,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels as part of the tour package. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, quality service, and prime locations to enhance your overall travel experience. In heritage towns, remote areas, or eco-sensitive regions where luxury options may be limited, the best available quality properties, boutique retreats, or heritage hotels are provided. If a listed hotel is unavailable, a similar standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 15 nights accommodation:
5 Star Hotels / Best Available
Mumbai – 2 Nights: Trident Hotel OR President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions
Aurangabad – 2 Nights: WelcomHotel Rama International OR Vivanta Aurangabad
Hyderabad – 2 Nights: ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection OR Trident Hotel
Chennai – 1 Night: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai OR Hilton Chennai
Pondicherry – 2 Nights: Palais De Mahe OR La Villa (Best Available)
Thanjore – 1 Night: Svatma (Best Available)
Trichy – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott
Madurai – 1 Night: Courtyard by Marriott OR The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Thekkady (Periyar) – 2 Nights: Spice Village OR Hills & Hues (Best Available)
Alleppey – 1 Night: Luxury Houseboat (Full-Time AC, Best Available)

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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