SPLENDOURS OF SOUTH INDIA
Day 01 : ARRIVE CHENNAI – MAMALLAPURAM (D)
On arrival in Cochin, you will be met & assist by OUR representative and drive to Mahabalipuram.
En-route visiting the places of interest – many temples within the city premises and the outskirts, dating back to the period of early dynasties of ancient Tamil Kingdom exude architectural brilliance that cannot go unnoticed.
On arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 :IN MAHABALIPURAM (B/L/D)
Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast, which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an elegant place to watch which a well established seaport was during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. This was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram. Formerly, Mahabalipuram was known and called as Mahabalipuram. he former name of this place ‘Mahabalipuram’ has a history. A very rude cruel king Mahabali reined this place and in a fierce battle Lord Vishnu killed king Mahabali and the place was named after the dead King.
Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram has a history dating back to the 7th century. The spectacular Shore Temple perched dramatically on a promontory by the sea. Not to be missed in the Bhagiratha’s Penance or the Descent of the Ganges wherein the panel depicts in great detail the story of the sacred Ganges’s descent from the sky. The area is also strewn with a number of temples like Olakkanatha Temple, Krishna mandapa, Mahishasuramardini Temple, and many more.
Visit Tiger Cave and Temple complex Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram ~ popularly known as Kanchi, is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus dating back to 6th & 7th century. The town has numerous temples and had universities of higher learnings. The town is neatly divided into the worshippers of Shiv and Vishu. Important temples to be visited are Kamakshi Temple of 14th century, Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambareshvara Temple, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Varadaraja Temple to name a few.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 :MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY (B/L/D)
Morning set out on an exciting journey to Pondicherry (2 ½ hrs). On arrival, check in to hotel
On the eastern side of Indian peninsula, Pondicherry is a seaside city. But at the same time it differs very much from a typical beach city. Tourist attractions in Pondicherry lie in its ambience. Old French style buildings, churches and museums, tree-lined boulevards along the seashore would remind you of a bygone era. The Auroville Ashram is the biggest of all tourist attractions in Pondicherry.
Visit Natre Dame, hotel de Ville and Pondicherry Museum.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04 : PONDICHERRY TO THANJAVUR (B/L/D)
Morning proceed to Thanjavur (3 hrs), via Darasulam and Visit the Darasulam Temple.
On arrival check in to the hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 05 : IN THANJAVUR (B/L/D)
After breakfast, Visit temple complex and museum in Tanjore.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 06 : THANJAVUR TO MADURAI VIA TRICHY (B/L/D)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Madurai via Trichy.
Visit Trichy's Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive sand-coloured rock to a height of more than 80m, its irregular sides smoothed by wind and rain. This temple was built by Pallavas as a small cave temple, but the Nayak's grasped the site's potential as a fort.
The Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam is among the most revered shrines to Vishnu in south India and the largest and liveliest temple complex in India. Enclosed by seven rectangular walled courtyards, the temple has 21 gopurams; it stands on an island defined by a tributary of the River Kauvery.
On arrival check-in into hotel. Evening at disposal to expend at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 : IN MADURAI (B/L/D)
After breakfast, enjoy a rickshaw tour of Madurai to see Meenakshi Temple, Teppakkulam Tank and Gandhi Museum.
Later, visit the light show at Thirumalanaikar Palace.
Evening, visit a traditional Indian dance performance.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08 : MADURAI TO THEKKADY/ PERIYAR (B/L/D)
After breakfast, check out from the home stay and drive to Thekkady (190 km – 6 hours drive) on arrival check into the hotel.
Enroute, visit paddy fields and graveyards. Visit the hills of the West Ghats.
Spend the day at leisure. Overnight stay in hotel at Periyar.
Day 09 : IN THEKKADY/ PERIYAR (B/L/D)
After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Thekkady - one of the world's most fascinating wild life reserves. The Periyar wild life sanctuary in Thekkady is spread across 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is thick ever green forest. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty, the sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978.
Enjoy Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit and Elephant Ride.
Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 10 : THEKKADY TO ALLEPPEY ( HOUSEBOAT) (B/L/D)
After breakfast, morning at leisure. After lunch, you will be transferred to a Houseboat in Alleppey for your backwater cruise.
Set out on an enchanting overnight backwater cruise in traditionally decorated houseboats. While cruising in these floating luxury-villas, let your eyes settle for the rare and the unusual - skim past Chinese fishing nets, bowed-down paddy fields, and local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, rustic homes, and ancient temples and swaying coconut groves. Food will be served onboard.
Overnight stay in the houseboat.
Day 11 : ALLEPPEY ( HOUSEBOAT) TO KUMARAKOM (B/L/D)
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, Check in to the hotel.
Afternoon, proceed for local sightseeing in and around Kumarakom - a tiny backwater hamlet perched on the western banks of the Vembanad Lake. The stretch of backwater is spread over 900 sq. km. Choose a canoe, motor boat or a houseboat and devour the beauty of this backwater paradise at its best.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 12 : KUMARAKOM TO COCHIN (B/L/D)
After refreshing breakfast proceed to Cochin. On arrival, check into the hotel. Feel at leisure in the evening when you relax yourself in this picturesque 'port city'.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities.
Evening, enjoy a motor boat sunset cruise in Cochin.
Day 13 : IN COCHIN (B/L/D)
After breakfast, take an interesting ‘City tour of Cochin’.
Cochin City Tour ~ includes St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European church on Indian soil. Thereafter, visit The Jewish Synagogue, which dates back to the 17th century and has pretty patterned floor tiles that were brought in from China.
The Synagogue and Jewish Town in Mattancherry is home to the 20 odd Jews who still live in India, mostly old timers, they chose to stay on even after the creation of Israel. Lastly, visit the Chinese fishing nets resting on their cantilevered stands along the waters. The technique came from Kubla Khan’s court and till date serves the purpose for catching fresh water fish in large quantities.
Later evening, visit to a Kathakali dance show (traditional dance form).
Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance drama noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. It originated in the country's present day state of Kerala during the 17th century AD and has been updated over the years with improved looks, refined gestures and added themes besides more ornate singing and precise drumming.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 : COCHIN TO CONOOR (B/L/D)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Conoor.
Enroute, visit to Elephant camp.
On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Rest of the time for leisure activities.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 : IN CONOOR (B/L/D)
After breakfast, proceed city tour of Ooty.
Also, enjoy the toy train from Ooty to Conoor.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 : CONOOR TO MYSORE (B/L/D)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Mysore.
Mysore: 140 Kms from Bangalore lies the abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyar has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.
On arrival, check in to the hotel. Later, proceed for a visit of Mysore visiting Mysore Palace and the Devaraja Market.
Mysore Palace: The Palace of Mysore is a palace situated in the city of Mysore in southern India. It is the official residence of the Wodeyar- the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, and also houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court). Mysore has a number of historic palaces, and is commonly described as the City of Palaces. However, the term "Mysore Palace" specifically refers to one within the old fort. The palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore. Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, they are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 : IN MYSORE (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mysore visiting the Chamundi hill and the Sri Chamundeswari temple.
Also, visit Somnathpur.
Chamundi Hills can be viewed from a distance of about 8 to 10 kms and from all the corners of Mysore City. Chamundeshwari temple is situated on the top of Chamundi hill which is about 3,489 ft. above sea level and located at a distance of 13 kms from Mysore. The temple is dedicated to Sri Chamundeshwari, the titular deity of the Mysore Royal Family also described as ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ for having killed the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura. The temple has a very beautiful idol of the goddess wearing a garland of skulls. Goddess Chamundeshwari, also spelled Chamundeswari is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi.
Mysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura, he was a buffalo-headed monster. Hence, came the name of this place - Mahishuru, the city of demon Mahisha. Hearing to the prayers of Gods and Goddess to save them from the monster, Goddess Parvathi, (consort of Lord Siva), took birth as Chamundeshwari and killed the monster. After killing the demon, the Goddess resided atop the Chamundi Hills where she is worshiped with reverence and devotion. The goddess is also known as Mahishasura Mardini meaning she who slew Mahishasura.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 18 : MYSORE TO BANGALORE (B/L/D)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bangalore.
On Arrival, go for a city tour of Bangalore
Bangalore - One of the fastest growing cities of India and also known as Asia’s Silicon Valley. With its salubrious climate, tree-lined avenues, trendy, yappy downtown, and the software flood, Bangalore truly offers one a picture of striking contrasts. There are old beautiful bungalows, parks, hallowed places of worship and traditional market-places on the one hand, balancing with fashionable shopping malls, pubs, new architectural wonders and modern-looking religious centres on the other.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 19 : BANGALORE TO GOA ( FLIGHT) (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the Bangalore airport for your on journey to Goa
On arrival check in to the hotel, Rest of the day at leisure activities.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 20 : IN GOA (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel , proceed for a sightseeing tour of Goa.
“Old Goa Churches, Spice Plantation with Lunch and Panjim Shopping.
Drive into the hinterlands of Goa and visit ‘Mangueshi’ Temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The 400-year-old Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva stands out with its simple and yet exquisitely elegant structure. The temple is noted for the pillars which are considered to be the most beautiful among the temples in Goa. There is a prominent Nandi Bull which is considered to be the Vahana (Vehicle) of Shiva.A beautiful seven-storeyed deepstambha (lamp tower), stands at the gates in the temple complex. The temple also has a magnificent water tank, which is believed to be the olest part of the temple.
Thereafter, proceed towards the award winning Spice Plantation situated amidst lush green surroundings at Curti. A place for relaxation under the dense forest cover, an aroma of a variety of genuine spices coming from the trees grown around the farm, knowledgeable in house naturalists advising on the type of species and their medicinal properties, authentic Goan Hindu meal served in traditional Goan style.
Thereafter, proceed to Old Goa and take a guided tour of ‘Basilica of Bom Jesus’ – the famous 16th century church. Basilica of Bom Jesus or Basilica of Good Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains the body of St. Francis Xavier; a very close friend of St. Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Francis Xavier died on the Sancian island while enroute to Continental China (December 2, 1552).The body of Francis Xavier was first taken to Malacca and two years later shipped back to Goa. It is said that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. The remains of the saint still attract a huge number of devotees (Christian and non-Christian alike) from all over the world.
Also visit Se Cathedral.
Drive further along the calm River Mandovi into Panjim – the capital city of Goa. A tour of the city highlights, shopping at Indian stores, best bargain for local handicrafts and much more.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 21 : IN GOA (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel
Rest of the day for leisure
Optional and at own cost: Water Sports
Miles of white sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. The resort offers a host of activities including jet skiing, parasailing, boat rides etc.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 22 : GOA TO MUMBAI ( FLIGHT) (B/L/D)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and you will be transferred to the Goa airport for you flight to Mumbai.
On arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel in Mumbai for check in.
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) ~the capital of Maharashtra, is India’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan and most affluent city. It is also home to the world’s biggest cinema industry, popularly known as ‘Bollywood. A city of sparkling contrasts where skyscrapers stand next to stately Victorian buildings, colourful traditional bazaars adjoin glittering modern shopping malls.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel
Day 23 : IN MUMBAI (B/L/D)
After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Mumbai. Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 24 : DEPART MUMBAI (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the Mumbai airport for your flight back home.
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