South India with the Holy River Ganges.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will proceed to visit Kanchipuram. Accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, you will be guided on this sightseeing tour. This ancient city dates back to the 2nd century and was the capital of the Chola rulers and later the Pallava rulers in the 6th and 8th centuries. Kanchipuram is dotted with temples, the most famous of which is the Kailasanatha Temple, built in the early 8th century. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this is the oldest temple in Kanchipuram and is considered the most beautiful. See the tablet depicting Shiva and his consort. There are smaller shrines dedicated to his sons, Ganesha and Murugan. Your guide will give you more information about the temple and its history.

Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk weaving industries, and the silk saris made here are renowned worldwide.

There will be a lunch break (payable separately).

Later, proceed to Mahabalipuram, a World Heritage Site due to its brilliant rock-cut temples. You'll see:

The Shore Temple: Situated on a rocky promontory, the main shrine faces the sea in the east. The temple is dedicated to two Hindu gods: Shiva and Vishnu. Interconnected cisterns around the temple made it possible to let the sea in, transforming the temple into a water sanctuary. However, in recent times, a stone wall has been added to protect the shrine from rising seas and further erosion.

The Rathas: The eight rathas are monolithic temples shaped like chariots. Of the eight rathas, five have been named after the Pandava brothers, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata, and their wife, Draupadi. The largest is the Dharmaraja Ratha, and the Draupadi Ratha is the smallest and most picturesque. Listen to your guide tell you more about the history and mythology associated with Mahabalipuram.

After a full day of sightseeing, we'll return to the hotel. Experience an exclusive classical Bharatanatyam performance during your stay in Mahabalipuram, with dinner in the hotel's banquet hall. Overnight at your hotel in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Pondicherry. Drive to Pondicherry. En route, visit Tiruvannamalai. Explore the beautiful temples of this city. Visit Arunachaleswara Temple: Located at the foot of Arunachala Hill and dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the largest temples in India. Sri Ramana Ashram: Dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, this Ashram is adorned with flowering trees, providing a relaxing atmosphere. Afterward, have lunch (based on direct payment) and continue your journey to Pondicherry. Upon arrival in Pondicherry, check-in at your hotel.

Overnight at your hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast at your hotel, we continue with a full-day city tour of Pondicherry. We visit Aurobindo Ashram, the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, the Pondicherry Museum (holiday Mondays), and the Chunnambar Water Sports Complex. Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant (payable directly). Later, visit the Handmade Paper Factory, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Auroville (Matrimandir - exterior view), and Panchavati (Hanuman Temple). Return to your hotel for the night.

Overnight at your hotel in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to your hotel. Proceed to Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. Visit the famous temple, an ancient South Indian temple, in Chidambaram. (We will arrange a special Pooja ceremony at Chidambaram Temple during your tour.) Afterward, proceed to Tanjore.

Overnight at your hotel in Tanjore.

After breakfast at your hotel, proceed to Tanjore for a half-day visit to the beautiful Brihadeeshwara Chola Temple. This temple is also called the Great Temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The great Chola king Raja I (985–1012 AD) built this temple. It is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. Its unique architectural excellence has led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site. The 64.8-meter-tall vimanam, or tower above the sanctum sanctorum, is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Cholas. In keeping with the immensity of the temple, the gigantic Mahalingam within the sanctuary measures 4 meters in height. The monolithic Nandi, or bull mount of Lord Shiva, has been chiseled from a single rock. It is the second largest Nandi in India. The Chola paintings on the temple's interior walls are in no way inferior to those at Ajanta. Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant (payable on a first-come, first-served basis) and then proceed to Madurai.

Overnight at a hotel in Madurai.

After breakfast at your hotel, visit one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in India. St. Mary's Cathedral is known for its classical European architecture and Romanesque bell tower.

Founded in 1840, the church was rebuilt in the early 20th century. In 1969, it was elevated to cathedral status. Today, the site is one of the city's star attractions, and art, history, and architecture lovers admire the details and influences so prominently seen in its design. We will continue to the Gorippalayam Dargah, built by King Thiruvalai Nayak, and remains one of the most peaceful places to visit in Madurai.

The mosque houses the tombs of two sultans of Yemen: Hazrat Khaja Syed Sultan Alauddin Badusharazi and Hazrat Khaja Syed Sultan Shamsuddin. Both sultans contributed to the spread of Islam in the region. The Gorippalayam Dargah welcomes people from all over to experience its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere. We will then proceed to an artificial water lake formed when the area was mined to build Nayyak Thiruvalaim Palace. Vandiyoor Mariamman Teppakulum shines best during the evenings, when the entire lake reflects the city. A sight to behold during festivals, the entire tank is perfect for a peaceful evening stroll. The tank has a pair of granite steps leading into the water, perfect for experiencing the temple city atmosphere by seeing the Mariamman Temple reflected in it. Afterwards, lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant (direct payment). We will continue to Samanar Hill, located 11 kilometers from Madurai. The Samanar Hills are home to ancient Jain carvings dating back to the 9th century. The caves have two main sculptures: Settipodavu (Mahavira) and Pechipallam (Thirthankara).

It was here that hundreds of Jain monks undertook "sallekena" or "fasting unto death." The incident is mentioned in 2,000-year-old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions and Vatteluttu writings recovered by archaeologists. After that, we will proceed to the caves. These caves are an intrinsic part of the region's history and a must-see when in Madurai.

One of the oldest (believed to have been built before the 7th century) and ornately carved temples in South India, the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple leaves first-time visitors speechless just by its gigantic size. The colors that burst at the entrance give you a glimpse of what lies within, and the history behind the temple only adds to the charm of the place. Mythology says that this is where Lord Murugan married Deivayanai, the daughter of the King of Heaven, Indra. The entire temple is a pleasure to walk through, each wall and pillar adorned with intricate carvings of gods and goddesses from Indian mythology. The main idol Overnight at a hotel in Madurai.

After breakfast at your hotel, proceed to explore Madurai, the second oldest city in Tamil Nadu. The first place to visit is the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple, located in the city center. This is the center of the city's religious and cultural life. Spread over a large area, the temple is an exceptional example of Vijayanagar temple architecture. Your guide will explain the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Visit the Kilikootu Mandapam (Parrot Hall), where some beautiful sculptures can be seen. The shrine dedicated to the goddess is beyond this hall, and entry is restricted to Hindus only. Next, you can visit the art gallery located in the 1000-Pillar Hall. The gallery contains beautiful stone and metal images. To the north of the temple is the city of Madurai. Markets, and at some point during the tour, your guide may show you the beautiful flower market. Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant (payable on a first-come, first-served basis), and then proceed to Kanyakumari.

Overnight at your hotel in Kanyakumari.

The sacred city of Kanyakumari is the tongue of India and the meeting point of the three seas: the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. Named after Kumari Kanya, or the Virgin Goddess, Kanyakumari is famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. After breakfast, embark on a spectacular sightseeing tour of Kanyakumari. Visit the Kumari Amman Temple dedicated to the Virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari, an ancient Konerishwarar temple, the Gandhi Memorial, the Vivekananda Memorial, and the Tiruvalluvar statue.

Overnight at your hotel in Kanyakumari.

After breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer you to the New Delhi airport at the scheduled time. You will then depart to the Hotel. Take some rest and then, take a thrilling ride in a traditional rickshaw, feeling the vibrant energy of the city. Next, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi's oldest and most famous markets. Explore the intricate streets and alleys, discovering local treasures and souvenirs. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

After Breakfast , visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, and experience the spiritual heart of the city. Pay your respects at Rajghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, and reflect on India's journey to independence. In the afternoon, discover the architectural wonders of New Delhi, including the towering Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Take a stroll through the impressive government buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Parliament. Afterwards we will transfer you to the New Delhi Airport to catch the flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, experience the sensory richness of the Ganges River and its environs. In the Evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a revered Hindu ritual that combines music, dance, and fire offerings. Witness the devotion and fervor of the pilgrims and residents as they pay homage to the goddess Ganga.Return to your hotel, having experienced the essence of Varanasi's spiritual heritage. Accommodation.

Rise before dawn and embark on a spiritual journey to the sacred Ganges River, revered by Hindus as a symbol of purification and enlightenment. Take a boat ride and witness the mesmerizing rituals performed by devotees, as the first light of dawn breaks over the river. As the sun rises, explore the nearby temples, steeped in history and spirituality. Visit the breathtaking Ganga Suryoday, a spectacle that showcases the sunrise over the Ganges. After a morning of spiritual exploration, return to your hotel for a hearty breakfast and some relaxation time. Afterwards we will transfer you to the Varanasi Airport to catch the flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival, take a comprehensive tour of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, renowned for its pink-colored buildings and romantic ambiance. Explore the city's diverse attractions, and subsequently, transfer to your hotel for accommodation and relaxation.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, and then embark on an exciting journey to the majestic Amer Fort Palace with the opportunity to ride an elephant up the hill to the main entrance (if not possible, go up by jeep). Explore the intricate architecture and stunning views of this historic complex. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent City Palace, which showcases the grandeur of the Maharajas and features a fascinating live museum. Discover the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, a symbol of Jaipur's rich heritage. Visit the Astronomical Observatory, and wander through the vibrant bazaars, immersing yourself in the local culture and richness of India. Finally, experience the spiritual ambiance of Birla Mandir, where you can witness the Puja Aarti ceremony, a truly enriching experience. Transfer to your hotel for accommodation and relaxation.

After breakfast at your hotel, we hope you'll rest and relax your body and mind. Depart to New Delhi by Surface, before taking your flight home. At the scheduled time, we'll transfer you to the airport.