{"id":2929,"date":"2026-02-16T04:31:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T04:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/?p=2929"},"modified":"2026-02-16T04:34:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T04:34:37","slug":"explore-21-days-south-india-temple-tour-packages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/explore-21-days-south-india-temple-tour-packages\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore 21 Days South India Temple Tour Packages – 2026-2027"},"content":{"rendered":"

Duration :<\/b>\u00a020 Nights \/ 21 Days
\nDestinations :\u00a0<\/b>Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Cochin – Ooty- Mysore – Somnathpur – Mysore – Sravanabelgola – Hassan – Hospet – Hampi – Hospet – Pattadakal – Aihole – Badami – Belgaum – Goa – Mumbai<\/p>\n

Day 1 – Arrival Chennai<\/b><\/a>
\nUpon your arrival at the Chennai International airport you will have a reception at the airport and then be transferred to the hotel. Chennai is the capital of State Tamilnadu and one of the four largest metropolises of India.<\/p>\n

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Day 2 – Chennai
\n<\/b>After breakfast, you will go on a city excursion. Madras is a pulsating metropolis with over 6 million residents. Because many south Indian feature films are shot here, the town is called the “Hollywood of India”. On the city excursion, you will see the Kapaleshvara temple, which is dedicated to God Shiva and is a good example if the colorful south Indian temple architecture. After that you will visit the Fort St. George which was the trade post during 1639. You\u2019ll also visit the 16th century St. Thomas Church. At the National Museum, you will see sculptures out of the Pallava, Pandava and Chola time. Your excursion also includes a visit to the National Art Gallery and Marina Beach. After that you will return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Chennai.<\/p>\n

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Day 3 – Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
\n<\/b><\/a>After breakfast you will drive about 40 miles to the far temple city, Kanchipuram. It is among the “seven holy cities of” India. After each Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallava, the Chola and the Vijayanagar kings. While the country is dotted with fabulous temples, you will visit the three most important temples in South India: the Kailasanatha-temple, the Vaikunthaperumal temple, as well as the Ekambareshwara temple. Kanchipuram is also very well known for its hand woven silk materials. You\u2019ll then drive to Mahabalipuram which is well known for its 7th century Five Rathas. These are the world’s largest stone relief. You\u2019ll then arrive and be transferred to your hotel. You\u2019ll have the rest of the afternoon free to rest on the beach.<\/p>\n

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Day 4 – Mahabalipuram
\n<\/b>After breakfast you will start your tour by visiting the 7th-century Shore temple which is surrounded by lush gardens. In addition you\u2019ll visit the 7th- century Five Rathas, which are the world’s largest stone relief; Bhagiratha\u2019s Penance, a 1900-square-foot rock block; and rock cut caves from the 6th and 7th centuries. In the evening, you can explore this small town, where you can also see the soap stone workers making designs and sculptures with chisel and hammer. You will stay overnight in Mahabalipuram.<\/p>\n

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Day 5 – Mahaballipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore (Thanjavur)<\/b><\/a>
\nAfter breakfast, you will drive to Tanjore. En route you\u2019ll visit Pondicherry, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the city Auroville, which covers more than 2000 acres. Today also, you can see the influence of French rule in Pondicherry, because the Frenchmen strongly were represented here until 1954. Many residents still speak French in addition to Tamil. You\u2019ll then continue on to Tanjore where you\u2019ll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.<\/p>\n

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Day 6 – Tanjore – Trichy (Trichurapalli)<\/b>
\nAfter breakfast you\u2019ll visit the 9th-century Brihadeshwara Temple. This temple gave Tanjore it\u2019s name of the \u201cJewel of South India\u201d. The temple\u2013dedicated to the God Shiva\u2013features a 200-foot-high tower shaped like a pyramid. It is crowned by a heavy cupola weighing 88 tons. You\u2019ll also visit Raja Rajan Art Gallery which houses bronze statues of the 9th through 16th centuries. You\u2019ll continue on to Trichy where you\u2019ll be transferred to your hotel for refreshment and rest. During the afternoon you\u2019ll visit the famous Rock Fort Temple that is carved out of rock that is about 300 feet high. Wear your walking shoes because you\u2019ll have to climb 345 steps to get to the top of the temple. Once there, you will have a wonderful view of the city. You\u2019ll also have time to visit Srirangam, home to 21 temple towers on an island in the Kaveri River. The Ranganathasvami temple, dedicated to God Vishnu, is one of the largest temples in South India and is famous for its beautiful sculptures. After that, you will visit the Jambukeshwara temple, dedicated to God Shiva, and one of the oldest and largest in Tamil Nadu with five walls and seven Gopurams (soaring towers).<\/p>\n

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Day 7 – Trichy – Madurai<\/b><\/a>
\nAfter breakfast you will drive to Madurai where you\u2019ll be transferred to your hotel for refreshment and rest. Madurai is home to many: Pilgrims, beggars, business persons, cow vehicles and many awaiting Rickshaw drivers. It is one of the oldest cities of South India and a center for Pilgrimage. The main attraction which lies in the middle of town is the Sri Meenakshi Temple. It was built during the 17th century in the Dravidian style with many Gopurams (soaring temple towers)and features colorful pictures of God, Goddesses, animals and mystical figures. Religious ceremonies take place here from early morning to late night. Pilgrims from all over the world visit here and sometimes up to 10000 persons are at the Temple. One of the largest temple complexes of India, within the Sri Meenakshi Temple is a market. Evenings you can pursue a temple ceremony. You\u2019ll also have time to visit the 16th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace before retiring at your hotel for an overnight stay in Madurai.<\/p>\n

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Day 8 – Madurai – Periyar (Thekaddy)
\n<\/b>After breakfast you\u2019ll drive to Thekaddy. This trip through the mountains, spice plantations and tea plantations will definitely energize your senses. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for rest and refreshment. In the late afternoon you\u2019ll enjoy a boat trip in Periyar Wildlife National Park. This park is one of the world\u2019s best places to see elephants in their natural surroundings. Before sunset, you\u2019ll also be fortunate to see other wild animals visit the bank of Periyar Lake to drink and eat. You can also enjoy a pleasant walk in the markets before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.<\/p>\n

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Day 9 – Periyar – Kumarakom (Backwaters) – Cochin
\n<\/b><\/a>After breakfast you\u2019ll drive to Cochin. On the way you\u2019ll visit a Spice Farm (optional), where you can see various spice plantations such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, peppermint, clove, vanilla, ginger, chili, tea and coffee plants. Then you\u2019ll continue on to Kovalam where you will enjoy a boat ride in the Backwaters. Along the bank, you will see the traditional life of people living on the banks nestled in coves of coconut and palm trees. After the boat trip, you will continue your drive to Cochin. After your arrival, you\u2019ll be transferred to your hotel for a short break. That evening you will enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show which depicts 400 years of history and old legends in this breathtaking dance drama. The dancers wear painted fantastic costumes and color their faces with red, green and black inks. Every gesture and movement by every dancer has a special meaning. After the show you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay.<\/p>\n

Day 10 – Cochin -Ooty
\n<\/b>After breakfat you will travel on to Cochin where your first stop is at the St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by the Portuguese. Then you\u2019ll visit the Mattancherry Palace or “Dutch Palace” built by the Dutch and later on handed over to the local king. At the harbor, you can see unique Chinese fishing nets, which marks the visit of Chinese people in Cochin. You\u2019ll also visit the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1558. Around the Synagogue, you can buy many antique things. You\u2019ll then drive on to Ooty, which is a very beautiful hill station of Tamilnadu. Upon your arrival you\u2019ll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay in Ooty.<\/p>\n

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Day 11 – Ooty
\n<\/b><\/a>During the morning you will visit the botanical garden home to over 1000 different plant species. The garden was established in 1847 by Marquis of Tweed. After that, you will visit the cottages of the Toda tribe who are the descendants of Alexander the Great\u2019s army. The Toda tribe speaks their own language. The afternoon is free time, and may want to take a walk to the Ooty Lake before enjoying a delicious local meal, and retiring at your hotel for an overnight stay.<\/p>\n

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Day 12 – Ooty – Mysore
\n<\/b>After breakfast, you will drive to Mysore. On the way, you can visit a tea factory. Upon your arrival you\u2019ll be transferred to your hotel for rest and refreshment. Then you can explore Mysore which was a former capital and now is the second largest city in Karnataka. It is a beautiful city with palaces, gardens, parks and museums. Sandalwood incense sticks are made here. In the spring, jasmine flowers bloom here. Visit the Mysore palace which is the largest palace in the country, and once home to the Wodeyars during 1857. You\u2019ll then visit the Chamundi Hills where the temple of Durga (Chamundeswari) celebrates the victory over the buffalo God. On the way, you will pass the Nandi monolith of 1659, a large Bull Statue. You\u2019ll have time to visit the wonderful Brindavan Gardens before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.
\n
\nDay 13 – Excursion to Somnathpur
\n<\/b>After breakfast it\u2019s on to Somnathpur, about 136 miles east of Msyore. This small village is home to last surviving Hoysala temple out of 80 temples built during the 13th century. Then you will return to your hotel for rest and refreshment. Early afternoon be ready for an excursion to Sravanbelgola, one of the universally known Jain Pilgrimage center. You\u2019ll see the largest monolith in the world: the over 50-foot-high Gommatheswara statue, erected between 980 and 983 BC of granite. You\u2019ll then return to Mysore for an overnight stay.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Day 14 – Mysore – Sravanabelgola – Hassan<\/b>
\nAfter breakfast you\u2019ll drive to Hassan. On the way you\u2019ll visit Sravanbelgola, one of the universally known Jain Pilgrimage center. You\u2019ll see the largest monolith in the world: the over 50-foot-high Gommatheswara statue, erected between 980 and 983 BC of granite. You\u2019ll then continue on to Hassan where you\u2019ll be transferred to your hotel for rest and refreshment. You\u2019ll have time to visit Belur and Halebid, home to the most people temples built duirng the 12th and 13th centuries. You\u2019ll then return to Hassan for your overnight stay.<\/p>\n

Day 15 – Hassan – Hospet
\n<\/b>After breakfast you\u2019ll take a long trip to Hospet. After transfer to your hotel, you\u2019ll have the rest of the day free to explore the town or just rest.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Day 16 – Excursion to Hampi<\/b>
\nAfter breakfast it\u2019s on to Hampi. This gigantic city emerged in 1336, which was for 200 years the capital of the Vijayanagar. In 1565 it was conquered and plundered by the Moguls. Hampi is a world heritage site. You\u2019ll then return to Hospet for an overnight stay.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Day 17 – Hospet – Pattadakal – Aihole – Badami
\n<\/b>After breakfast you\u2019ll drive to Badami. On the way you will stop at Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole was the capital of the Chalukyas from the 4th to 7th century. Today this small village has more temple than houses. Around 70 temples are master works of the Hindu Temple art and architecture. You\u2019ll also visit Pattadakal, a world heritage site because of its temples on the banks of the river Malaprabha. You\u2019ll then drive on to Badami, a picturesque town between two rock spurs and an artificial lake. The caves carved during the 5th and 6th centuries depict the Gods of the Hindus, Jains and the Buddhists. You\u2019ll return to your hotel for an overnight stay.<\/p>\n

Day 18 – Badami – Belgaum – Goa<\/b>
\nAfter breakfast, you will drive to Goa. On the way, you\u2019ll visit Belgaum, a beautiful picturesque town. Upon your arrival in Goa, you\u2019ll be transferred to your hotel. You\u2019ll have the rest of the day free for relaxing on the beach.<\/p>\n


\nDay 19 – Goa
\n<\/b>After breakfast, you\u2019ll take a half-day sightseeing tour of Goa. You\u2019ll visit Miramar Beach, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the city of Panjim- bustling with shops and tourists. The afternoon is at leisure so you can relax on the beach. You\u2019ll have an overnight stay in Goa.<\/p>\n


\nDay 20 – Goa
\n<\/b>This is a day at leisure. Enjoy the water sports at the beach, go for a swim, and explore the shops for cashew nuts and other great finds in downtown Goa. You\u2019ll have an overnight stay in Goa.<\/p>\n

Day 21 – Goa
\n<\/b>Day at leisure. Enjoy the sun, sand and beach.<\/p>\n

Day 22 – Goa – Mumbai (By Flight)<\/b>
\nAfter breakfast, you will be transferred to the Goa airport for the flight to Mumbai. After your arrival, the day is free for excursion of Mumbai and personal activities. Late evening transfer to Mumbai International airport for your journey home.
\nNote: You can extend your tour by 2 more days so you can visit Mumbai and the Ajanta and Ellora caves (UNESCO world heritage sites) near Mumbai. You can also increase or decrease the number of days in Goa as per your requirement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Duration :\u00a020 Nights \/ 21 Days Destinations :\u00a0Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Cochin – Ooty- Mysore – Somnathpur – Mysore – Sravanabelgola – Hassan – Hospet – Hampi – Hospet – Pattadakal – Aihole – Badami – Belgaum – Goa – Mumbai […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2930,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[290],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-south-india"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2929","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2929"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2929\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2934,"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2929\/revisions\/2934"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2930"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2929"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2929"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahendraindiatravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2929"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}