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Day 01 :
Arrive Chennai
Arrive
Chennai. Meet assist at the airport and transfer to hotel. Day of
leisure. Night stay in Chennai. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
India
will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity but if you
enjoy delving in to convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual
overload, then it is one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas
unfolding on earth, and you'll quickly develop an abiding passion
for it.
"If
there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of
living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man
began the dream of existence,