Trip Overview: The Stone Heritage Trail
Journey through the most significant architectural milestones of South India in this 4-day expedition. From the massive granite moats of the Vellore Fort to the intricate silk-temples of Kanchipuram and the wave-swept monolithic wonders of Mahabalipuram, this trail is a tribute to the master builders of the past. Witness the transition from the golden spirituality of Sripuram to the 7th-century stone poetry of the Pallavas. It is a professionally curated odyssey designed for history buffs and culture seekers who appreciate the vishalta of India’s carved legacy.
Why This Experience is Unmatched?
- 🏰 Granite Mastery: Explore the Vellore Fort, one of the most well-preserved military forts in South India.
- 🗿 UNESCO Shore: Experience the iconic Shore Temple and the Five Rathas at Mahabalipuram.
- 🎨 Silk & Spandrels: A deep dive into Kanchipuram’s ancient temples and its world-famous silk-weaving looms.
- ✨ Golden Contrast: The shimmering Sripuram Golden Temple vs. the ancient stone hues of Mahabalipuram.
- 🌊 Coastal Serenity: End your journey at the Bay of Bengal, watching the sunrise over monolithic rock-cut art.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
✅ What’s Included (Inclusions) | ❌ What’s Not Included (Exclusions) |
🏨 Selected Accommodation: 3 Nights stay in handpicked hotels as per your chosen package category. | 🎫 Entry Fees: Tickets for all sightseeing places. Special Darshan: VIP/Fast-track entry tickets. |
🍳 Morning Breakfast: Complimentary daily breakfast at all hotels to kickstart your day. | ✈️ Travel Tickets: Airfare or Train tickets to and from Bengaluru are not part of this package. |
🚗 Private AC Vehicle: Dedicated AC Sedan/SUV for all transfers, inter-city travel, and sightseeing as per the itinerary. | 🍛 Additional Meals: Any lunch or dinner not specifically mentioned |
⛽ Covered Travel Costs: All fuel charges, road tolls, parking fees, and driver allowances are fully included. | 🛍️ Personal Expenses: Tips, laundry, beverages, telephone calls, and any personal shopping. |
🤝 Meet & Greet: Hassle-free arrival with a professional meet and greet by our experienced driver at Bengaluru Airport/Railway Station. | 📉 GST 5%: Government Service Tax will be extra on the final package cost. |
ACCOMMODATION
LOCATION | HOTEL NAME | ROOM CATEGORY | MEALS |
VELLORE (2 NIGHTS) | SPREE OR SIMILAR | SUPERIOR | BREAKFAST |
MAHABALIPURAM (1 NIGHT) | NIRVANA BOUTIQUE HOTEL OR SIMILAR | BOUTIQUE | BREAKFAST |
DETAILED DAY-WISE ITINERARY
Leave Bangalore early to reach Vellore by 11:00 AM. Dive straight into history at the Vellore Fort, exploring the Jalakandeswarar Temple’s stone corridors and the historic St. John’s Church. In the afternoon, visit the Government Museum within the fort and then drive to the Ratnagiri hilltop shrine for a panoramic valley view. Conclude your first day with a spiritual walk through the Sripuram Golden Temple, witnessing the magnificent 1,500kg gold leaf architecture as it lights up the night sky before checking into your hotel.
Start your morning with a scenic drive to the Amirthi Zoological Park to enjoy the forest trails and the seasonal waterfalls. Return to the city to visit the historic French Castle in Gudiyatham and the Tipu Sultan Family Tombs, which offer a unique glimpse into the region's multi-layered history. Spend your afternoon visiting the ancient Margabandeeswarar Temple and the Balamathi hills for a final sunset view over the city. This exhaustive local day ensures that every important "Google point" of Vellore is covered before you move toward the coast.
After breakfast, drive toward Kanchipuram, the "City of a Thousand Temples." Visit the massive Ekambareswarar Temple (representing Earth) and the ancient Kailasanathar Temple, followed by a visit to an authentic silk-weaving center. Continue your drive to the UNESCO site of Mahabalipuram, reaching by late afternoon. Head straight to the iconic Shore Temple to see the 7th-century stone structures standing firm against the sea. Visit the Five Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance, marveling at the world’s largest open-air rock relief before an overnight stay by the ocean.
On your final morning, witness the sunrise at Mahabalipuram beach and visit the gravity-defying Krishna’s Butter Ball perched on a rocky slope. Explore the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the ancient coastline and take a stroll through the local stone-carving markets for souvenirs. We then begin our return journey toward Bangalore, witnessing the dramatic change from the coastal plains back to the urban highlands. Our team will assist you with a transfer to the Bangalore Airport or Railway Station, marking the end of your 10-point heritage and coastal odyssey.
TRANSFER
DAYS | DESCRIPTION |
DAY 01 | Bengaluru to Vellore : Private Basis Vellore Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 02 | Vellore Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 03 | Vellore to mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram : Private Basis Mahabalipuram Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 04 | Mahabalipuram Sightseeing: Private Basis Mahabalipuram to Bangalore : Private Basis |
MEALS
DAYS | DESCRIPTION |
DAY 02 | BREAKFAST |
DAY 03 | BREAKFAST |
DAY 04 | BREAKFAST |
TERM & CONDITION
📋 GENERAL BOOKING & SIGHTSEEING POLICY
- Hotel Selection: As per preference. If sold out, a similar category is provided. We are not responsible for standard hotel category amenities (WiFi speed, etc.).
- Sightseeing Constraints: Factors like weather, traffic, political events, or distance may lead to schedule changes. We cannot guarantee all spots if time constraints arise.
- Timing: Vehicle is available from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM. Late-night usage may incur extra charges.
- Payments: Failure to clear payments as per schedule will lead to service termination. No refunds for Blackout dates/Long weekends.
- Physical Needs: Please communicate specific physical concerns in advance.
- Check-in/out: Standard 14:00 hrs (In) / 11:00 hrs (Out). No shows considered after 22:00 hrs.
- Documentation: Govt ID / Passport / Visa required on arrival.
- Amendments: Customizations during or 7 days prior to the trip may incur extra charges.
- No Show: Rooms not occupied by 20:00 hrs are considered “No Shows” unless prior notice is given.
- Sightseeing Constraints: Schedule changes may occur due to weather, traffic, or distance constraints.
💳 CANCELLATION & FLIGHT POLICY
- Non-Refundable: No refunds on blackout dates/long weekends.
- Cancellation Fee : Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. To offset these costs, the following fees will apply. If you cancel, non-recoverable expenses of Rs. 1500 per person will be charged and over and above that the following will be charged on cancellation of a tour.
- Refundable Amount :
- Cancelled 30 days or more prior to trip start date: 35 % of total package cost.
- Cancelled between 15 – 30 days prior to trip start date: 50 % of total package cost.
- Cancelled between 14 days to 7 days prior to trip start date: 80 % of total package cost.
- Cancellation less than 7 Days prior to trip start date: 100 % of package cost will be charged.
- Postponement: Postponing may incur a rebooking fee. Post-postponement cancellations forfeit all amounts.
- Flight Policy: We act as facilitators. Carrier terms apply. We are not responsible for airline delays.
- Credit Note: A 6-month Credit Note will be provided for the possible refundable amount depending on the Selected Hotels and time period of cancellation .