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01 Day:
Arrival Chennai:
On arrival at International airport you will be welcomed
by our representative, then transfer to the hotel, where
we have held the room on ready occupancy basis.
Overnight stay in the hotel.
02 Day:
Chennai:
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Chennai
city, 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 the 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 flower and fruit market.
Overnight at the hotel
03 Day:
Chennai-Mahabalipuram(65kms-1½hrs)– Kanchipuram:
After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to
Mahabalipuram. On arrival transfer to the hotel later
take a sightseeing tour of the city built in the 7th
century, this ancient city is said to be a sculptor's
delight, boasting of some of India's most sublime
rock-cut art, for which it is now a World Heritage site,
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. Later drive to Kanchipuram (76 kms - 1 ½
hours) to 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. Later drive back to Mahabalipuram, Overnight
at the hotel.
04 Day:
Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (135 kms - 2 ½ hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to
Pondicherry, on arrival transfer to the hotel. The
capital of the French colonies in India since the 17th
century. Later take a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry
visiting the Aurobindo Ashram, which has been a seat of
learning and Vedic cultures since ancient times proceed
to Auroville, the planned city of Dawn of the new world.
Evening you can visit local market and colonies.
Overnight at the hotel.
05 Day:
Pondicherry - Trichy (203 kms - 4 ½ hrs):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive t to
Trichy on arrival transfer to the hotel, Afternoon take
a sightseeing tour of Trichy, was the citadel of the
Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th
century it witnessed the Carnatic wars fought between
the French and the English. Lord Robert Clive's house is
still there to see and so is the Danish Church. The
Rock-Fort is the landmark of Trichy. A climb of 434
steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and
a further climb to a Shiva temple. Overnight Trichy.
06 Day:
Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai (158 kms 3 hours):
After breakfast drive to Madurai en route visit to
Tanjore, visit at the beautiful Chola Temple of
Brihadeeshwara is capped by a monolithic cupola made of
a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken
to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp, an old
technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids.
Its bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the
highlights of a visit to South India. After visit
continue to drive to Madurai, on arrival transfer to the
hotel for overnight stay at Madurai.
07 Day:
Madurai:
After breakfast, visit to Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of
the largest temple complex in India built between the
16th and 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33
million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely
absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies,
prostration of countless devotees and glittering market
stalls, later visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple,
Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. Overnight at Madurai.
08 Day:
Madurai - Periyar (140 Km - 4 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Periyar,
on arrival check in to the hotel. Later in the evening
take cruise in the Periyar Lake in the cool surroundings
and the panorama spreads around tropical jungles, Wild
elephants & birds of myriad varieties. In the evening
you may visit to spice market to pick up some fragrant
spices. Later return to the hotel. Evening free for
leisure at the jungle resort. Overnight stay at Periyar
09 Day:
Periyar:.jpg)
After breakfast visit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one
of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq.
Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centre piece,
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 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.
10 Day:
Periyar - Alleppey (114 kms - 2 ½ hours) Backwaters
tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom:
After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on
arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey
of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical
countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey 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 Kumarakom. Overnight at
the houseboat.
Note: 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)
11 Day:
Kumarakom - Cochin (92 Kms - 2 hours):
After breakfast disembark from houseboat and drive to
take a short trip Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on
the banks of the Vembanad Lake, a walk through the nice
tropical surroundings. After visit, drive to Cochin, on
arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a
sightseeing of Cochin includes Jewish synagogue, which
contains beautiful Belgian glass chandeliers and is
paved with hand painted tiles from China. Visit the
Dutch Palace with its wonderful murals depicting the
entire story of the Ramayana on its walls. See St.
Francis Church - the first European church built in
India. In the afternoon take Backwaters cruise visiting
the Bolghatty Palace the beautiful Dutch colonial
mansion. We will pass islands with their traditional
fishing hamlets and the fisher flock in their colourful
costumes and the Chinese fishing nets are huge
cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to
Kochi by Chinese traders. Return to the hotel. In the
evening visit to see Kathakali Dance. Overnight at the
hotel.
12 Day:
Cochin - Ooty (295 Kms 5- 6 hrs):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Ooty, en route
optionally you can visit Bandipur & Mudumalai
Sanctuaries, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After
relaxation, enjoy the beauty of this hill station. Ooty
is 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. Later
take a sightseeing tour of Ooty enjoy the scenic
surroundings, the Botanical Garden a wealth of variety
of plants that include different types of roses,
imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, eucalyptus
trees, several old trees and even a fossilized tree
trunk that is 20 million years old, followed by boat
rides and fishing, a visit to the Ooty Lake is a must.
Besides these, there are various view points like Lamb’s
Rock, Kodanadu and Dodabetta Peak is the highest point
in the district at a height of 2623 meters. Provided the
day is clear, one can see as far as the plains of
Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau. Overnight at Ooty.
13 Day:
Ooty - Mudumalai - Mysore (155 kms - 3 hours):
After breakfast drive to Mysore. Enroute you can visit
The Madumalai Wildlife. The Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of
very rich flora and fauna, and is home to many
endangered species. Though tigers and Leopards are only
seen by the fortunate few, elephants, giant squirrels,
sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels are a
common sight. The Sanctuary is also a great place to see
many kinds of birds, including colorful parakeets, black
woodpecker, Malabar trogon and crested hawk eagle. If
you have children with you or you yourself are simply
fond of the majestic elephants then, you might like to
visit the elephant camp within the sanctuary,
Theppakkadu. Early evening drive to Mysore, on arrival
transfer to the hotel. Evening free for leisure and
relax. Overnight at the hotel.
14 Day:
Mysore:
After breakfast drive to Mysore, 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.
15 Day:
Mysore - Halebid - Belur - Hassan (170 kms - 4
hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Hassan
en route through picturesque hilly landscape. En route
one can stopover in Halebid, which is the ancient
capital of Hoysala Empire. In Halebid 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. In Belur visit the group
of Chennakesava Temples which are famous for its
architecture and sculptures. After visit drive to Hassan
for overnight stay.
16 Day:
Hassan - Shravanbelgola - Hospet (355 kms - 7 hours):
After breakfast check out and drive to Hospet. En route
visit Shravanbelgola, At Shravanbelgola, hewn out of a
single rock and visible from a distance of 25 kms is the
statue of Lord Gomteshwara, which is bathed with milk,
sandalwood, and saffron once every 12 years. Later
continue to drive to Hospet. On arrival transfer to the
hotel.
17 Day:
Hospet - Hampi - Hospet: (Extrusion 13 kms)
After breakfast take an excursion to Hampi the once
beautiful capital city of Vijaynagar Empire was greater
than Rome and had palaces; Hampi ruins spread over an
area of more than 26 sq. kms. protected by the
tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and by rocky
granite ridges on the other three sides, visit at Some
of the interesting ruins remaining Hazara Rama Temples,
huge Ganesha & Narasimha images, the elephant stables,
the queen's bath, and carvings on the Ramachandra Temple
& Lotus Mahal. A terrain such as this was excellent for
a capital city that needed to be vigilant and spend a
further day in the heart of the lost empire. Explore
Hampi at your own pace. Its monuments- like its
centuries- old patience & wisdom- most is savored bit by
bit. Later drive back to Hospet for overnight stay at
the hotel.
18 Day:
Hospet - Badami (200 Kms - 4 hours):
After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to Badami,
en route visiting the fascinating rock-cut caves of
Badami - once the capital city of the Chalukyan Empire,
rulers of the central Deccan from 4th - 8th centuries
AD. Set in a ravine, the site is surrounded by
fortifications, but most famous of all is the carved and
inscribed temples cut from the solid rock. On arrival
transfer to the hotel. Over night stay at the hotel.
19 Day:
Badami:
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Badami,
visiting Gateways, Forts, inscriptions, Sculptures that
seem to come alive under your eyes…. Badami has to be
seen to be believed. Climb a flight of steps to reach
the ancient caves - all hewn out o sand stone on the
precipice of a hill. Three are four caves here. The
first three belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth
cave is the only Jain Temple in Badami. The first cave
temple - past Shiva's door Keepers - and there he is the
eighteen-armed Nataraj striking 81 dance poses. The
largest and most ornamental is the third Cave temple
dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of
the Hindu Pantheon, Narasimha - the half man and half
lion avatar of Vishnu, Hari Hara, the composite god who
is half Shiva a half - Vishnu. After visiting return to
the hotel for overnight.
20 Day:
Badami - Aihole - Pattadakal - Bijapur (135 kms - 3
hours):
After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to Bijapur,
en route visit the beautiful countryside's of the four
of a red sandstone ridge the small rural town of Badami
was once the capital of the Chalukyan Empire which
covered much of central Deccan between the 4th and 8th
centuries. En route visit to nearly Pattadakal - a world
heritage center, it has 10 major temples representing
early Chalukyan architecture, where coronations took
place and where most of the temples were built between
the 7th and 9th centuries. The Virupaksha, Malikarjuna
and Jain Temples are quite marvelous to behold included
are a visit to Aihole where the Hindu temples
architecture can be seen in its embryonic stage -50
temples within the fort wall and 50 outside. After visit
continue to drive to Bijapur. On arrival transfer to the
hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at the
hotel.
21 Day:
Bijapur - Gulbarga (160 Kms 4 hours):
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Bijapur,
known as the Agra of South. Visit the Gol Gumbaz, it is
the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah and was built in
1659; Ibrahim Roza, which was constructed at the height
of Bijapur's property by Ibrahim Adih Shah; Jama Masjid,
also constructed by Adil Shah and the Citadel. Later
check out the hotel in the afternoon and drive to
Gulbarga on arrival transfer the hotel. Evening free for
leisure, overnight stay at the hotel
22 Day:
Gulbarga- Bidar - Hyderabad (135 kms 3 hours):
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city,
which was the capital of Bahmani Kingdom from 1347 until
its transfer in 1428. Gulbarga's old fort has number of
interesting buildings. The town also has a number of
imposing tombs of Bahmani kings, a shrine to a Muslim
saints and the Sharana Basaveshwara temple. After
visiting check out the hotel and drive to Hyderabad en
route visit at Bidar which was once the capital of
Bahmani kingdom from 1428. The town has a splendid 15th
century fort having Ranjeen Mahal, Chini Mahal & Turkish
Mahal palaces. Continue drive to Hyderabad, on arrival
transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for
relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
23 Day:
Hyderabad – Mumbai (By Air):
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city
visiting the Charminar, built by Mohammad Quli Qutab
Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of plague in
Hyderabad; Mecca Masjid, is one of the largest mosques
in the world and is said to accommodate upto 10,000
worshippers; Salar Jung Museum, which contains 35,000
exhibits from all corners of the world and includes
sculptures, woodcarvings, religious objects, Persian
miniature painting, illuminated manuscripts, armour and
weaponry. Also on display are the swords, daggers of
Mughal emperors and of Tipu Sultan; Golconda Fort, which
dates from the time of Qutub Shahi kings (16th to 17th
centuries) and is one of the most magnificent fortress
complexes in India. Golconda remained the capital until
1590, when the court was moved to the new city of
Hyderabad; tomb of Adil Shahi Kings, which are
surrounded by landscaped gardens and number of them have
beautifully carved stonework of Nawabs. Later check out
the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the
evening flight for Mumbai. On arrival transfer to the
hotel. Overnight stay at Mumbai.
24 Day:
Mumbai:
After breakfast takes a sight seeing tour of Bombay,
drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by
motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps
takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The
caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling
which is made of cross beams. The picturesque
presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set
on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the
panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where
the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and
the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to
Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or
other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar
serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of
Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain
Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for
overnight.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are
closed on every Monday.
25 Day:
Mumbai - Home Town (By Air):
Today morning the day is free for leisure and relax you
may opt half day sightseeing and shopping in Mumbai.
Optionally you can visit the temple ISCON, later go for
shopping at various malls like In orbit, Cross roads and
West side. Later transfer to the international airport
to board the scheduled flight for home town. On
departure the tour concludes with happy memories. |
