Itinerary
Day 01 :
Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai.
Meet assist at the airport and transfer to hotel. Day of leisure.
Night stay in Chennai.
Day
02 : Chennai
Morning after
breakfast proceed for sight seeing tour of Chennai covering St.Thomas
Church, Kapaleshwar Temple and Fort St.George. Drive past the Marina
Beach, the natural sandy beauty and spacious promenade and beautiful
gardens of the beach attracts tourists visiting Chennai. Night stay in
Chennai.
Day
03 : Chennai - Kachipuram -
Mahabalipuram
Morning drive
to Kanchipuram-- known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, is
one of the oldest towns in India. It is famous for both its temples,
many of them remarkably well preserved and for its hand-woven silks.
Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India and it is the
only one associated with both Shiva and Vishnu. Visit Ekambareshwar
Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal
Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a weaving
tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal
cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularly fine silk
saris, embellished with stunning patterns. Visit the local Homes of
the weavers and watch them create magic out of silk thread into saris.
Continue drive to Mahabalipuram & transfer to hotel. Later proceed for
city sightseeing.
Mahabalipuram - This is a small, quiet seaside resort with a unique
7th-century Shore Temple, a lovely beach and some of the most
beautiful rock-cut temples in the world. Situated on the shore of the
Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was already a famous seaport in the 1st
century AD. This town was a workshop for temple building. Visit the
seven pagoda-style Shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and
the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments &
animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples
of Dravidian architecture. They were constructed in a single
century-long burst of creative enthusiasm, starting in the reign of
Narasimhavarman 1 (AD 630-68). End the visit by photography of the
beautiful Shore temples at sunset. Night stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day
04 : Mahabalipuram - Trichy
After breakfast
drive to Trichy, short name of Trichurapalli, situated on the banks of
Kaveri River is a blend of history and tradition as well as pilgrim
centre, it is famous for Ranganath temple at Srirangam. Later city
tour visiting Rock fort and its temple at a height of over 23mts. Also
visit Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temple. Night stay in Trichy.
Day
05 : Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai
Morning drive
to Thanjavur (Tanjore)(104kms/03hrs) enroute visiting the Brass
factory at Kumbakonam. Tanjore once the capital of Chola Kings, has
the Brahadeswara temple(or the big temple of God).The temple tower
rises to a height of 15mts from a square base of 29 mts and then
tapers off, making a total of 66mts. Continue drive to Madurai. The
ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years old is laid out in the banks
of river Vaigai as a lotus flower with the Meenakshi temple in the
centre. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Madurai.
Day
06 : Madurai
Madurai is
over 2500 years old and is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu -
Ancient seat of learning. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus.
Situated on the banks of the Vaigai River, Madurai is the ancient
capital of the Pandya Kings. Legend has it, that the divine nectar
falling from the locks of Lord Shiva gave the town its ancient name,
Madhurapuri—the land of nectar. Today, it is an important business
centre.
The crowning glory of Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple
Complex, which is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, her consort Lord
Sundareshwara, and her celestial brother, Lord Vishnu. The Meenakshi
Temple has a thousand-pillared hall. Also enjoy a 'light & sound
Panorama' in Thirumala Naik Temple or visit to Alagar hills &
Thirupura Rock Temple. In the evening, listen to the distinctive
temple music at Thiruppa Rakundram. Night stay in Madurai.
Day
07 : Madurai - Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary
Morning drive
on a scenic route dotted with plantations of rubber, cardamom, cocoa,
green pepper and areca nut, to the wildlife reserve at Periyar. Arrive
Periyar and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for walk around in
the peaceful town known for various Spice and coffee plantations.
Night stay in Periyar.
Day
08 : Periyar - Munnar
Early morning
enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to see wild elephants. Afternoon
drive to Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala. Arrive Munnar and
transfer to hotel. Night stay in Munnar.
Day
09 : Munnar
Day is free to
relax and to walk around. Munnar is situated near the Anaimudi Peak,
the highest peak in the Western Ghats.Also visit Rajamalai &
Eravikulam National Park, 15Kms from Munnar, this is the natural
habitat of the Nilgiri Thar, a rare mountain goat (Hermitragas
Hylocres). 2. Marayoor, 40Kms from Munnar, the only place in Kerala
that lays claim to the natural growth of Sandalwood. The Muniyara
caves with murals and relics from the New Stone Age Civilization. A
Children’s Park, spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a
Single Banyan Tree, are of great interest to tourists. Night stay in
Munnar.
Day 10 : Munnar - Kumarakom
Morning drive
to Kumarakom near Kottayam and stay in one of the backwater resorts.
The panoramic backwaters here offer an ideal retreat to enjoy nature
at its best. Night stay at Kumarakom.
Day
11 : Kumarakom - Alappuzha
Morning drive a
short distance before switching over to a boat for a through many
canals and waterways up to Alleppey. The backwater cruise in a country
boat is the best way to explore the villages and rural life. In
Alleppey you will be taken aboard your floating houseboat, a different
boat with a bedroom and en-suite rest room for your comfort. Enjoy
unlimited surfing on backwaters, sip a coconut, get disturbed by only
the chirping of birds and occasional ripples in water and savor
mouthwatering delicacies prepared in front of you by your Kitchen
crew. Spend the night on board the houseboat. Enjoy a cruise on the
backwater through a maze of canals and lagoons and enjoy freshly
caught fresh water fish cooked to your taste on board. Night stay in
Allapuzha.
Day
12 : Allapuzha - Cochin
Morning drive
to Cochin (225Kms drive). The Commercial Capital of Kerala, and the
most cosmopolitan of Kerala’s cities, Cochin is a fascinating blend of
cultures. Arrive & transfer to hotel.
Later proceed for sightseeing in Cochin covering:
1. The Hill Palace Museum, a fully-fledged archeological museum and
Kerala’s first ever Heritage Museum are the main attractions (closed
on Mondays).
2. Chinese Fishing Nets, this unique style of huge cantilevered
fishing nets were erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the
Court of Kubla Khan, a Chinese King.
3. Santa Cruz Basilica, this historic church was built by the
Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Pope
John Paul II proclaimed the Church a Basilica in 1984.
4. The Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, this is the oldest
Synagogue in the Commonwealth (closed on Saturdays & Jewish Holidays).
The area around the Synagogue, called Jew Town, is the centre for
Spice & Handicraft shops.
5. Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace), built by the Portuguese in 1557
and presented to the Regent of Kochi (closed on Fridays).
Night stay in Cochin.
Day
13 : Cochin - Ooty
After breakfast
drive to Ooty. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Evening free to explore
the beautiful & ravishing beauty of Ooty. Also visit Zotanical Garden:
A variety of exotic and ornamental plants adorn this garden which is
the venue for the Flower show held in May every year. Night stay in
Ooty.
Day 14 : Ooty
Day free to
relax and explore the surroundings. It is one of the most popular hill
resorts in southern India at an elevation of 7216 ft. above sea-level.
The Eastern Ghats are mighty and attractive while the Western ghats
have wooded loveliness. Nature unfolds itself in and around Ooty in a
myriad of profiles, each one with a distinctive grandeur and
individuality.
Night stay in Ooty.
Day
15 : Ooty - Mysore
Morning drive
to Mysore. The city got its name from Mahishasura, the buffalo headed
demon king. Chamundeswari, an incarnation of Parvati, consort of Lord
Shiva, killed the demon. It is also the capital of sandalwood, musk
and rosewood. Mysore emerged as the capital of the Wodeyar kings, in
1399 AD. The original wooden palace was destroyed in a fire in 1897
during a marriage ceremony. Henry Erwin, a British architect, designed
the new palace and handed it over to the king in 1911-12, at a cost of
Rs. 4.2 million. Though royalty no longer exists in its accepted form,
the descendants of the royal family still live here. The palace is a
blend of Indo-Saracenic, Mogul and Hindu architecture styles. The
entire effect is magnificent. Other attractions include the Lalit
Mohan Palace, at the foot of the Chamundi Hill. E. W. Fritchley, a
British architect, built it in 1931. Then there is the Jagan Mohan
Palace, built by Krishnaraj Wodeyar IV in 1861 as a royal auditorium.
Today, it is a famous art gallery, containing royal paintings. Night
stay in Mysore.
Day
16 : Mysore
After
breakfast, visit the places you must have been longing to visit: Sir
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery – Housed in the Jag Mohan Palace, this
gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875.
St. Phenomena's Church – Built in the Gothic style, one of the largest
churches of the country. Chamundi Hills – Right on the top of the
hill, Brindavan Gardens – Witness the exuberant beauty of Brindavan
Gardens. Night stay in Mysore.
Day
17 : Mysore - Bangalore
After breakfast
drive to Bangalore enroute visiting Sirangapatnam - capital of warrior
– King Hyder Ali & his son Tipu Sultan, has magnificent monuments that
are well worth a visit. Set & refresh in hotel then go to visit Mysore
Palace : Once the residence of the Woodeyars, Built in 1912 in the
Indo – Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is
unmatched. The Golden royal Elephant, the Durbar hall.. Arrive and
transfer to hotel. Night stay in Bangalore.
Day 18 : Bangalore- Departure
After breakfast
checkout from hotel and proceed to visit the city of Gardens: You will
see Vidhan Sudha – It houses the State’s Legislature and Secretariat,
Nandi Temple - One of Oldest temple, popularly known as the Bull
temple, etc. Later transfer to airport to board the flight back Home.
Package includes:
17 Nights
accommodation on twin sharing basis with Breakfast
A/C transportation as per the itinerary.
Local English speaking guide during the tour.
All presently applicable taxes.
Mineral
Water Per Day ( 2 Bottle )
Package does not include:
·Any
airfare or airport tax.
Any
Monument entry fee & camera fee (wherever Applicable)
Any
expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry