Essence of South India

Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Swamimalai - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai Periyar - Kumarakom - Kochi - Ooty - Mysore - Hassan Belur - Halebid - Bangalore - Home town.

14 nights - 15 Days

01 Day: Arrive Chennai Today Arrive Chennai (formerly Madras) The Capital of Tamilnadu. You are greeted & escorted transfer to hotel. Overnight the hotel. 02 Day: Chennai Chennai is the gateway of South India will put you in touch with a different phase of India - Classical, Ancient, Gentle. Chennai, the 4rth largest city in India. Spread over 50 miles and features a large and beautiful waterfront on the Bay of Bengal. The British East India Company established its first trading post at Chennai, and in 1653 the company built Fort Saint George to protect its position. Take a sightseeing tour of Chennai visiting Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government’s secretariat, Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th-15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeswara Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarthy Temple. The Snake Park has a large collection of snakes and many other reptiles. Evening optionally you can visit to flowe r and fruit market. Overnight at the hotel. 03 Day: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram (70 kms – 2 hours) Today we drive to the nearby sacred city of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, the "City of seven Pagodas" where we see outcroppings of rock that have been delicately carved into temples and life-sized replicas of elephants, lions and bulls. The carved Penance of Bhaghirata here is the largest bas-relief in the world. The little Sea Side town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour's drive from Chennai situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu has pries time beaches, spanning 20 kms, bright Sun & Crisp Sand, Wrapping up untold tales of the 7th Century. Here time stands still; and presents meet the past. A serene town nested amidst the historical stone sculptures and medieval architecture, that stands witness to the rich heritage - Mahabalipuram. Overnight at the hotel. 04 Day: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (125 kms – 2 ½ hours) After leisurely morning drive to Pondicherry presents an unusual combination of European Culture & Indian traditions. An added attraction fair is the township of Auroville, an Oasis of Peace & Enlightment. Another hallowed spotted Aurobindo Ashram which drowse devotees from all over the world. Afternoon visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight at the hotel. 05 Day: Pondicherry - Thanjavur (170 kms - 3 hours) After breakfast visit Darasuram Temple and the Institute of Iconography. Later drive to Thanjavur en route visit to Gangaikonda, Cholapuram, Swamimalai. Thanjavur is located on eastern coast of Central Tamil Nadu. This ancient city enjoys the distinction of having been the Capital of the Cholas - One of the greatest Dynasties of the South. Afternoon visit the 9th century Chola Temple of Brahadeshwarar Temple. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. 06 Day: Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai (160 kms – 3 hours) This morning disembark at Thanjavur. Enroute Visit to Rock Fort the 83-meter high rock fort is in the centre of the Trichy - was a Chola Citadel during the Sangam age & was also briefly ruled by the Pallava & the Pandyas. Today, Trichy is a blend of history, a pilgrim centre and a thriving commercial city. Its 344 rock-cuts steps take one to the Uchipillayar temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. Half way up is the temple of Lord shiva dedicated to Thayumanaswami. Jambukeshwara Temple here has Shiva lingam almost submerged in water. Continue drive to Nectar City of Madurai - Meenakshi temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day, another terrific photographic opportunity. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace, which is in a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 - foot high stone pillar, still stands. Overnight at the hotel. 07 Day: Madurai - Periyar (140 kms - 4 hours) Morning depart from Madurai to Periyar. On arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centrepiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq. km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala, discover the park, animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. The visit is done in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Later in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight at Periyar. 08 Day: Periyar - Kumarakom (130 kms – 3 hours) Backwaters tours from Kumarakom to Alleppey by sailing houseboat. After breakfast checkout check out the hotel and drive to Jetty to embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Kumarakom by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Alleppey. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat. 09 Day: Alleppey - Cochin (64 kms – 1 ½ hour) After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive into the Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colourful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. This evening a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight at Cochin. 10 Day: Kochi - Ooty (270 kms – 5 hours) After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to for Cool Hill Station of Ootacamund, better known as Ooty, on arrival transfer to the hotel, Ooty fondly known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty is snugly ensconced in the heart of the Nilgiris. Dotted with undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, gurgling brooks and lush green tea gardens, this tranquil haven is sure to capture the hearts of every visitor. In the evening explore this beautiful place with its very British atmosphere. Don't miss the lovely Government Botanical Gardens that were laid out 120 yrs. ago. Overnight at the hotel. 11 Day: Ooty: After break fast today you will proceed to Coonoor to look from close quarters the Tea Gardens, Rose Garden, Sim's Park, Avalanche, Dolphin's nose, Ketty Valley, Koddandu Point, Lambs Park. Return to the Ooty for overnight stay. 12 Day: Ooty – Mysore (155 kms – 4 hours) Morning after breakfast drive to Mysore is the Sandalwood and Incense Capital of the World & some of India's finest Crafts, such as Printed Silk, Inlaid, Furniture and Ivory Carvings are also found here. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant. Afternoon Sight seeing trip to visit the Palace of the Maharaja (Emperor) built in 1911 - 1912. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent followed by visit at St. Philomenas cathedral - folklore museum - Brindavan gardens & spectacular musical fountains. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Overnight at the hotel. 13 Day: Mysore - Halebid - Belur - Hassan (170 kms - 4 hours) After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Hassan enroute through picturesque hilly landscape and enroute stopover in Halebid, which is the ancient capital of Hoysala Empire. In Halebid we visit the Hoysalesvara Temple of 12th century where we see half-life size statues of Hindu deities, with minute details of each, all around the temple. After the visit in Halebid we proceed to Belur. At Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples, which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. After visit drive to Hassan for overnight stay. 14 Day: Hassan- Bangalore (195 km – 4 ½ hours) Today we proceed to Bangalore. On the way to Bangalore we make a stopover in Sravarnabelgola where we visit the colossal monolithic statue, standing 18 meters high. This Jain sculpture represents the saintly prince Bahubali after he had gained enlightenment. After the visit of Sravarnabelgola, precede for Bangalore, on arrival transfer the hotel. Overnight at Bangalore. 15 Day: Bangalore: Today take a sightseeing tour of the garden city visiting Lal Baugh - the rich and beautiful Lal Baugh Garden spread over 240 acres of greens located up till southern suburbs of Bangalore. Among the many other gardens in the city, Lal Baugh is the most famous garden in Bangalore. It derives its name from the profusion of Red roses, which bloom here. Rulers of Mysore laid this garden. Haider Ali started building this garden in 1760, but his son Tipu Sultan completed it. Continue visiting the National Museum that was established in 1896, the Museum has significant collections of ancient weapons, stone carvings, pottery, painting and relics of the 5000-year-old Mohan- Je - Daro civilization. Vidhan Soudha, a magnificent post independence structure incorporating the traditional feature of architecture. The time free for souvenir shopping. Return to hotel and overnight. 15 Day: Bangalore - Hometown: Today morning the day is free for shopping and relax. Later drive to the International airport to board the scheduled flight for home town. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.

	Note: 1. Customized Tour: Above tour programme can be customized, as per the preference by the guest in terms of arrival and departure dates and destinations, adding or skipping of any destination, no. of days etc., 2. Tour Cost: The cost of the above tour programme will be based on the preference of hotels’  category i.e. 2-  3 -  4 -  5 and 5 Star deluxe, as well as standard and deluxe heritage hotels, beside that no. of persons traveling together and travel period effect tour cost. The tour package will be inclusive of: hotel accommodation, air-conditioned car with English speaking driver (24 hours at disposal) for all transfers, sightseeing, intercity travel, and guide at the time of sightseeing, meals as per hotel package.  3. Individual Tour: The above programme   is exclusive for any individual guest and their family only, (no sharing with any other tourist). 4. Group Tours: The above tour programme can be executed for group tours, if the guest or an agency forms a group in their own country. Conducting and forming a group tour in India with different nationals is not feasible.

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