Incredible South India Tour

Duration : 27 Nights / 28 Days
Destinations covered : Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram - Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Allepppey – Cochin – Ooty - Mysore – Hassan – Hospet – Badami – Goa - Mumbai
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Tour Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport & to our hotel for check in. Chennai is known for its cultural heritage & temple architecture. The region was served as an important administrative, military, & economic centre dating back to the 1st century. When the Portuguese arrived in 1522, they built a port, the region then passed into the hands of the Dutch, who established themselves near north of the city in 1612. On 22 August 1639, British East India Company was granted land, as a base for a permanent settlement. Overnight Hotel – Chennai

Day 02: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (60 kms - 1 hrs)
Today we take a tour of Chennai, touching Fort St. George, built in the year 1640 AD by the British East India Company, under the direct supervision of Francis Day & Andrew Cogon. This bastion achieved its name from St. George. Within the fort we visit St. Mary's Church, built in the year 1680 & oldest Protestant Church in the East contains several antiquities, not the least being the oldest British tombstones in India. Fort Museum, with 10 rooms displaying the old uniforms, coins, padlocks, old prints & palanquins. Santhome Cathedral derives its name from St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ who is believed to have visited Madras sometime during 52 AD. He was killed on St. Thomas Mount just in 78 AD & was interned in Santhome beach, where church was built. Several years later, another church was built & his mortal remains were transferred to the new one. Museums, established in 1857, it is undoubtedly one of the country's finest museums. It has sections devoted to geology, archaeology, anthropology, botany, zoology, sculpture & numismatics. Its most prized possessions are the relics from 2nd century AD Buddhist site of Amaravathi & the prehistoric antiques of South India. Afternoon we drive to Mahabalipuram, to visit 7th century port city of the South Indian. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th & the 9th century, & has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monuments are mostly rock-cut & monolithic, constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible. Overnight Hotel – Mahabalipuram

Day 03: Mahabalipuram - Excuriosn of Kanchipuram
Today morning, we take a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, visiting Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 7th Century AD & is a good example of the first phase of the structure of temples constructed in the Dravidian style. Designed to catch the first rays of the rising sun & to illuminate the waters after dark, the temple ended up with an unusual lay-out.

Arjuna's Penance is the world's largest bas-relief. This huge whale-back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds. Next we visit Rathas, monolithic temples fashioned as chariots. They remain an architectural mystery, for each is apparently a faithful reproduction of a structure built of wood. In fact, even the grain of the timber beams & rafters has been simulated in stone. Of the eight Rathas, five have been named for the Pandava brothers, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata.

Later we take a day excursion to Kanchipuram, is one of the seven holy cities in the country. It was a city of learning for both Tamil & Sanskrit, & was believed to be visited by Hsuan Tsang. In ancient times it was called Kachi. Once had over a thousand temples & today there are more than a hundred extant. It is also known for its temples & silk sarees. We visit Kailasanatha Temple, built in 8th Century AD. It is built in the typical Pallava style, with a pyramidal tower, a pillared hall & vestibule, enclosed by a wall. The temple is famous for exquisite carvings & attracts devotees & tourists alike. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine, as a compound wall. Fresco style paintings adorn the inner walls of the temple. Next we visit Ekambaranatha, ancient temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. The 57 metres high Raj Gopuram is one of the tallest towers in South India. The 3000 year old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yielding different variety of mangoes. Before returning to Mahabalipuram we visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, built in 12th century AD, as an important Shakthisthalam, known as Parabrahmaroonpini. The main deity is seated on Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Eswara & Sadasiva. Overnight Hotel – Mahabalipuram

Day 04: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (100 kms – 2 hrs)
Today we drive to Pondicherry. Arrive and check in to hotel. Pondicherry, the land of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the serene world of distinct spiritual vibration & thus renowned as Sacred Land. Afternoon visit the beautiful French colonies and beaches. Overnight stay in Pondicherry.

Day 05: Pondicherry - Tanjore (185 kms – 4 hrs)
Today we drive to Tanjore, flourished during the rule of the Nayaks & Mahrattas. It has been the treasure house of art for centuries. It is called the Rice Bowl of Tamilnadu. Thanjavur is well-known throughout the world for its exquisite handicrafts like the Art Plate, pithwork, bronze icons, Thanjavur paintings & the classical South Indian musical instruments. Later we visit Brihadeshwara temple, also known as Big Temple, built by Rajaraja Chola I was completed around 1010 CE. This 10th century CE temple, one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a brilliant example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The beautiful Chola Fresco paintings on the inner walls of the temple are no way less than Ajanta paintings. Overnight Hotel – Tanjore

Day 06: Tanjore - Madurai via Trichy (200 kms - 4 hrs)
Today we leave for Madurai, rich cultural heritage passed for more than 2500 years old & has been an important commercial centre as early as 550 AD. It is the oldest city in Tamilnadu & was originally known as Kadambavanam or the forest of Kadamba.

En route Trichy
En route we stop at Trichy, which has very historic temples, monuments & churches. It was an important town in the days of the later Cholas, Nayaks as well as during the early days of the British East India Company. We start with Srirangam Temple, surrounded by the waters of the River Kaveri on one side & its tributary Kollidam on the other is a 600-acre island-town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. There are not less than 21 Gopuram here in this temple, one of which is the tallest in South India. Later we visit Rockfort most famed landmark is an 83 m high rock which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The most amazing fact about the rock is that it is one of the oldest in the world approximately 3,800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland & older than the Himalayas. Overnight Hotel – Madurai

Day 07: Madurai
Today we visit to Meenakshi Sundareshwar was first built 2000 years ago & was substantially expanded between the years (1623-55 AD). Initially there was only the Shiva temple. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure known as Ayiramkaal mandapam or the Hall of a thousand pillars in the outermost corridor. Overnight Hotel – Madurai

Day 08: Madurai - Periyar (136 kms – 3.5 hrs)
Today we drive to Periyar, Set on an attractive lakeside, it is South India's most popular Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar is a place to cruise on the lake & gives an opportunity to see wildlife. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambhar, wild boar, monkey, a wide variety of birds. Evening game viewing at the sanctuary by boat on Lake Periyar. Overnight Hotel – Periyar

Day 09: Periyar – Kovalam (250 kms - 6 hrs)
Today we visit Kumarakom Bird sanctuary. There are two seasons for birds: between October & February there are cormorants, teals, & other ducks & from February to July there are darters (snake birds), night herons, egrets, & Siberian storks. It also has golden backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white-breasted water hen, tree pie etc.

Later we drive to Kovalam, South of Trivandrum. There are two main beaches at Kovalam, separated by a high cliff. It is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, & recuperation & regeneration resorts which provide a slew of Ayurvedic. Overnight Hotel – Kovalam

Day 10: Kovalam – Excursion of Kanyakumari (90 kms – 2.5 hrs/one way)
Today we take an excursion of Kanyakumari, and proceed for sightseeing of Kanyakumari – visit Suchithram Temple, Devi. Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Rock, Gandhi Memorial and Triveni Sangam. Evening drive back to Kovalam. Overnight Hotel – Kovalam

Day 11: Kovalam
Day free for Ayurvedhic Massage and spa (at your own). Overnight Hotel – Kovalam

Day 12: Kovalam – Kumarakom (160 kms - 4 hrs)
Morning after breakfast we drive to Kumarakom. It is a cluster of little islands, on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kuttanad, the 'Wonder Land' believed to have been lying below the sea level, sprang out into the marshes when the sea receded later. The land of lakes, canals & paddy fields, Kumarakom transports you to sheer ecstasy. Holiday on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvallam, are an out-of-this-world experience. Furthermore Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the Karimeen (Pearl Spotted Fish), Chemeen (Prawns) & Konju (Tiger Prawns).

Later we visit Kumarakom Bird sanctuary. There are two seasons for birds: between October & February there are cormorants, teals, & other ducks & from February to July there are darters (snake birds), night herons, egrets, & Siberian storks. It also has golden backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white-breasted water hen, tree pie etc. Overnight stay in Kumarakom

Day 13: Kumarakom - Alleppey (Overnight Houseboat)
Today we check out the hotel and transfer you to jetty On arrival board the houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam, and cruise around cruise around beautiful Vembanad lake, This lake offers an enchanting experience to the tourists. The lake is the best picnic spot, where you can relax your mind and body. While the water gives the place a cooling effect, trees and shrubs act as a respite to the parched eyes. The lake is an excellent family-picnic destination too. While seniors can laze around the lake reading a book or talking, youngsters can opt for fishing and boating. Later proceed to Alleppy through backwaters to observe and experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters. Overnight stay in Houseboat.

Day 14: Alleppey - Cochin (65 kms – 1.5 hrs)
Today we disembark the boat at Alleppey and drive to Cochin, a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, Dutch & British. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & structures representing different regions of the world. Afternoon we take a tour of Cochin, visiting St. Francis' Church, built in the year 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars & known to be the oldest European church in India. It was restored in the year 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 & later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. We also visit Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese. Later in 17th century they modified it & presented it to the Raja (King) of Kochi (Cochin). The Palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Hindu epics, Mahabharata & Ramayana. Later we visit Jew Town, synagogue, built in the year 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles & Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. Also visit the spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices & history that brought the world to its doorstep. Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. In the evening see Kerala's most popular classical dance, Kathakali. Overnight Hotel – Cochin

Day 15: Cochin – Ooty (300 kms – 7 hrs)
Today we drive Ooty (Udagamandalam), Queen of hill stations & the capital of Nilgiri district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiri means Blue Mountains. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. It was a very popular summer & weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. An added attraction for the tourists is the mountain train journey on a ratchet & pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam & wends its way through many hair-raising curves & fearful tunnels & chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams & tea gardens. Overnight hotel – Ooty

Day 16: Ooty
Today we visit the Botanical Gardens, known for its exotic plants and colourfully laid out ornamental gardens. Further, we visit the Doddabetta Peak the highest point in the Nilgiri Mountains and the beautiful Ooty Lake where you can enjoy an optional boat ride. Overnight hotel – Ooty

Day 17: Ooty – Mysore (150 kms - 3 hrs)
Today we drive to Mysore, capital city of the Wodeyars kingdom. It has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad avenues & sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out to everyone. En-route we visit the Srirangapatnam, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan known for his struggle against British rule. Several monuments relating to his rule are sprinkled across the island. Later we visit Darya Daulat, commonly known as Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan is situated amidst scenic surroundings on an island formed by two branches of the River Cauvery.

In the evening we visit Brindavan Gardens, dancing musical fountains on the terraces of Krishnarajasagar Dam, is a vast stretch of the most delicately planned symphony in architecture, horticulture, engineering & aesthetics. Overnight Hotel – Mysore

Day 18: Mysore – Hassan (150 kms – 3 hrs)
Today we take a tour of Mysore, We also visit Maharaja Palace, designed by British architect Henry Irwin, the Amba Villas Palace as it is also known, was completed in 1912. Chamundi Hill, which is topped with a 12th century temple of Durga with the magnificent 5m tall Nandi, Carved from single piece of granite in 1659, its one of largest in India. Afternoon we drive to Hassan, founded in the 11th century, by Channa Krishnappa Naik, a Palegar. The place is called Hassan after the Goddess Hasanamba (the smiling Goddess) presiding deity of the town.

Half Day tour
Later we take a tour of Chennakeshawa Temple at Belur, built in the year 1117 AD to celebrate Hoysala military victories & it took over a hundred years to complete. Stories from the Purans, Upanishads & other mythological sources have been executed in the most exquisite & authentic detail, tales from Ramayana & Mahabharata. We also visit the Hoyasaleshwara Temple at Helebid, built by Kettuvallam, during 1121 AD. Dedicated to Lord Siva has two shrines connected by pillared walls & in each shrine is a Lingam Hoyasaleshwara & Shanthaleshwara. Overnight Hotel – Hassan

Day 19: Hassan – Hospet (150 kms – 3 hrs)
Today we drive to Hospet, once a beautiful capital city of Vijaynagar empire, in ancient days was known as Nagalapura. The city was razed to the ground by Sultan of South India in the year 1565 Overnight Hotel – Hospet

Day 20: Hospet - Excursion of Hampi
Today we take a day excursion to Hampli, the capital city of the Vijaynagar Empire. Founded by Harihara & Bukka in 1336, it fell to the Muslim rulers in 1565 after the disastrous Battle of Talikota, subsequently lapsed into decline & abandonment. The once proud city of victory is now a city of desolation.

We visit the ruins of the Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva & Pampadevi. This is the only temple that is still used for worship. The temple, with its nine-storied Gopuram & ceiling of the ranga mantapa is beautifully painted with scenes from the epics & Puranas. Later visit Vittala, a splendid 56 musical pillars complex. To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve. Several of the carved pillars were attacked & a large portion of the central part has been destroyed.

We also visit Elephant stables, a beautiful example of Hindu-Muslim style of architecture, housed about 11 elephants in separate compartments. Queen's bath, structure has a very plain exterior but interior is stunningly ornate, with graceful arched corridors, projecting balconies. Lotus Mahal, lotus flower top, this two-story structure has beautiful arc ways set in geometric regularity. It was an air-cooled summer palace of the queen. Overnight Hotel – Hospet

Day 21: Hospet - Badami (150 kms - 3 hrs)
Early morning drive to 0Badami, founded by Pulakesi I, ruler of the Chalukyas, the town is located at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya tirtha water reservoir on three sides & is known for its rock-cut cave temples, sculpted between 6th-8th centuries AD. Arrive and check in to hotel.

Afternoon we take a tour of Badami, several temples dating from the Chalukyas period in Badami. First set of temples is a group of four on a hill adjacent to the Bhutanatha tank, are dating back to the 5th century CE. In the adjacent wall there is a carving of the cosmic dance of Shiva Natarajan depicted with eighteen arms. 2nd temple bears images of Vishnu in his Varaha & Trivikrama incarnations. 3rd rock cut temple with inscriptions dating this Vishnu temple to 578 CEKiritivarma Chalukyas. There are carved images of the Narasimha & Trivikrama avataras of Vishnu. Further up, is a Jain rock cut temple dedicated to the Tirthankara Adinath with inscriptions dating back to the 12th century. The Mallikarjuna temple dating 11th century on a star shaped plan. Overnight Hotel – Badami

Day 22: Badami
Today we visit Pattadakkal & Ajhole. Pattadakkal, World Heritage centre & has 10 major temples representing the early Chaulakya architecture the biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksheshvara, has a huge gateway & several inscriptions. Ajhole, famous as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture", it has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The oldest temple the 5th century Lad Khan Temple, The Durga (Fort) Temple has a semi-circular apse & a complete portico. Among many other temples the Jain Meguthi Temple & the two storeyed Buddhist Temple are significant. Overnight Hotel – Badami

Day 23: Badami – Goa (250 kms – 6.5)
Today we drive to Goa. Arrive Goa and transfer you to hotel. Evening is free for relaxation. Overnight Hotel – Goa

Day 24: Goa
After breakfast, proceed for guided city tour of Goa, Visiting old Goa Churches; Basilica of Boom Jesus, built in 16th century dedicated to Infant Jesus is the most popular & famous of all churches in . The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. , surrounded by rolling green hills & dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most important of all temples in & is located at Priol in Ponda Taluka. Dona Paula, a village named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the wife of a noble man Antonio de Souto Maior, who died as a young woman in 1682. Overnight Hotel – Goa

Day 25: Goa
Day free for your independent activities/relaxation. Overnight Hotel – Goa

Day 26: Goa – Mumbai (By afternoon flight)
Morning post breakfast on-time transfer to the airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport, assistance & transfer to hotel for check-in. Later we start for the Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Mumbai. You are picked up at 0930 hrs. from the hotel and proceed with an accompanied English Speaking Guide. Your tour will include the British-built arch called the Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Next you will visit the Prince of Wales Museum, which was built between 1904 and 1914 and was used as a hospital during World War I. The huge structure can be spotted from a distance as sunshine sparkles on its massive marble dome. The museum houses a priceless collection of art that is considered to be one of the best in all India. It includes a rich display of miniature paintings, ancient sculptures, jade, china and much more.

We drive past University of Bombay, High Court of Bombay, Crawford Market. You will also visit the Hanging Gardens, which are located on the crest of Malabar Hill. The gardens are a welcome oasis of green in a city built almost entirely of concrete and cement. Next you will drive through the residential area of Mumbai’s rich and famous on Malabar Hill. You will also visit the renowned Gandhi Memorial Museum ( Mani Bhavan ) and Jain Temple. We now visit the famous Dhobi Ghat – Open Air Laundry. Known as the world's largest outdoor laundry, Dhobi Ghat is where Mumbai's traditional washerfolk -- or dhobis -- provide a wonderful service, collecting dirty laundry, washing it, and returning it neatly pressed, all for a very small fee. Stubborn stains are removed by soaking garments in a boiling vat of caustic soda; drying takes place on long, brightly colored lines; and heavy wood-burning irons are used for pressing. At the very least, it's a great photo opportunity, though most locals think it rather amusing that their everyday work arouses such curiosity.

Evening we will return to the hotel via Marine Drive, popularly known as the Queen’s Necklace, which offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in Mumbai

Day 27: Mumbai
Pick up from Hotel by our vehicle and proceed to the Gateway of India with an accompanied English Speaking Guide to take the catamaran for Elephanta. Boat leaves at 0900 hrs from the Gateway of India Pier. Enjoy a one-hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lovely, green Elephanta Island.

Here you visit some of the huge and intricately carved Cave Temples dating back to the 7th century and dedicated to the Sun God – Shiva. Large panels depict episodes in his life. The central sculpture represents Shiva's three aspects as creator, preserver and destroyer. Return back to the pier at 1330 hrs. The Afternoon boat leaves at 1430 hrs (last boat at 1500 hrs) and will return back to the Pier by 1800 hrs. Overnight stay in Mumbai

Day 28: Mumbai Departure
Last day of your tour after breakfast check out the hotel and transfer you to airport to board the flight for onward destination.

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