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14 Nights/15 Days

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram –Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai – Periyar - Kumarakom Cochin – Ooty – Mysore – Hassan/Belur/Halebid – Bangalore – Chennai

Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 01 Arrive Chennai

Today Arrive Chennai (formerly Madras) The Capital of Tamilnadu. You are greeted & escorted transfer to hotel.

Day 02 Chennai Sightseeing

Chennai is the gateway of South India will put you in touch with a different phase of India – Classical, Ancient, Gentle. Chennai, the 4th largest city in India. Spread over 50 miles and features a large and beautiful waterfront on the Bay of Bengal. The British East India Company established its first trading post at Chennai, and in 1653 the company built Fort Saint George to protect its position. Inside the Fort we see Saint Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India, and the grave of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Also visit the National Art Gallery, Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes and South Indian bronzes & the Cathedral of San Thomas. Later visit to the Mylapore Temple, Marina Beach & Famous Golden Beach. Overnight stay.

Day 03 Chennai - Mahabalipuram /Kanchipuram (70 kms)

Today we enjoy the nearby scares city of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, the “City of seven Pagodas” where we see outcroppings of rock that have been delicately carved into temples and life-sized replicas of elephants, lions and bulls. The carved Penance of Bhaghirata here is the largest bas-relief in the world.
The little Sea Side town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour’s drive from Chennai situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu has pries time beaches, spanning 20 kms, bright Sun & Crisp Sand, Wrapping up untold tales of the 7th Century. Here time stands still; and presents meet the past. A serene town nested amidst the historical stone sculptures and medieval architecture, that stands witness to the rich heritage – Mahabalipuram. Overnight stay.

Day 04 Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (125 kms.)

After breakfast we drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry presents an unusual combination of European Culture & Indian traditions. An added attraction fair is the township of Auroville, an Oasis of Peace & Enlightment. Another hallowed spotted Aurobindo Ashram which drowse devotees from all over the world. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight stay Pondicherry.

Day 05 Pondicherry - Thanjavur Sightseeing (170 kms.)

After breakfast drive to Thanjavur en route visit to Gangaikonda, Cholapuram, and Swamimalai. Thanjavur is located on eastern coast of Central Tamil Nadu. This ancient city enjoys the distinction of having been the Capital of the Cholas – One of the greatest Dynasties of the South. This morning visit Darasuram Temple and the Institute of Iconography. Later drive to Thanjavur. Afternoon visit the 9th century Chola Temple of Brahadeshwarar Temple. Overnight stay.

Day 06 Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai (160 kms.)

This morning disembark at Thanjavur. Enroute Visit to Rock Fort the 83-meter high rock fort is in the center of the Trichy - was a Chola Citadel during the Sangam age & was also briefly ruled by the Pallavas & the Pandyas. Today, Trichy is a blend of history, a pilgrim centre and a thriving commercial city. Its 344 rock-cuts steps take one to the Uchipillayar temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. Half way up is the temple of Lord Shiva dedicated to Thayumanaswami Jambukeshwara Temple here has Shiva lingam almost submerged in water.
Continue drive to Nectar City of Madurai – Meenakshi temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day, another terrific photographic opportunity. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace, which is in a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 - foot high stone pillar, still stands.

Day 07 Madurai - Periyar Game Sanctuary (137 kms.)

We leave Madurai & Drive to a tranquil hill retreat, the Spicy Village. Along the way we pass through Tea, Cinnamon, Clove & Cardamom plantations –beautiful to see & smell! Our hotel is set in a Spicy Garden & has been molded after the Tribal dwellings of the area; each Cottage has thatched roof & a deep, Airy Verandah. This evening we visit the nearby Periyar Game Sanctuary; Game viewing here is like no other Safari experience. We simply relax in a Motor Launch & sail along as heards of Elephant & Bison come into view. Overnight stay.

Day 08 Periyar - Kumarakom Backwater Cruise (110 kms.)

Early this morning we enjoy another Safari Cruise in Periyar Game Sanctuary – the best way to see & enjoy the Wildlife Activities, Cruise in the Periyar Lake in the cool surroundings and the panorama spreads around tropical jungles, Wild elephants & birds of myriad varieties. With an area of 777 sq kms. in the hills of Western Ghats.
Later we travel by surface to board the Houseboat (Ketuvallam). Cruise the backwaters & explore the rural life in & around Kumarakom to Alleppey. Lifetime Experience Houseboat - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. A journey through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one of the world's truly unforgettable experiences, myriad network of silent lagoons, freshwater river, and hyacinth covered canals that wind their way through colorful corridors of forests, palms and fruit trees. Overnight stay.

Day 09 Alleppey - Kochi 63 kms

From Alleppey we drive into the Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coats & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India’s most colorful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry “Dutch” Palace. This evening A memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced – Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. Later we attend the performance of the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight stay.

Day 10 Kochi - Ooty 270 kms

Morning leave Kochi for Cool Hill Station of Ootacamund, better known as Ooty. You have the afternoon free to explore this beautiful place with its very British atmosphere. Don’t miss the lovely Government Botanical Gardens that were laid out 120 yrs. ago. Overnight stay.

Day 11 Ooty - Mysore Sightseeing 155 kms 4 hrs

Morning enjoy Toy Train Ride and proceed to Mysore by surface. Mysore is the Sandalwood and Incense Capital of the World & some of India’s finest Crafts, such as Printed Silk, Inlaid, and Furniture & Ivory Carvings are also found here. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant. Evening visit the Chamudishree Temple-which is home to an enormous sculpture of Nandi, the sacred bull. The 16-foot bull was carved from a single boulder & is traditionally laden with flower garlands each day. Overnight stay.

Day 12 Mysore - Hasan 115 kms

Morning city sightseeing tour of Mysore including the Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore including the Durbar & Marriage Halls & the Government house. Later depart for Hassan – is quite & peaceful town, is a convenient base to visit Shravanbelagola, Belur & Halebid. En route visit Shravanbelagola - 51 kms south east of Hassan. This is the most important Jain Pilgrim centre. Here is the 17 mtr. High monolith of Lord Babubali – the World’s tallest Monolithic statue.

Day 13 Hassan / Belur / Halebid - Bangalore

Morning excursion to the 11th century temple of Belur and Halebid. Belur - This quaint helmet is 30 kms from Hassan-is located on the bank of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of Hoysala Empire, Today unforgettable for its exquisite temples. Halebid.- is 27 kms north-west of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid – like those of Belur – bear mute testimony to the rich, culture heritage of Karnataka. Later proceed to Bangalore. Upon arrival transferred to hotel.

Day 14 Bangalore City Tour

Afternoon sightseeing tour of the "Garden City" visiting the Lal Bagh laid out by Tipu Sultan and his father in the 18th century which has a variety of old trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces and an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs, Vidhan Soudha – this magnificent building was conceived and executed by Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiya in 1956, in the new-Dravidian style and built entirely from Bangalore granite. Government Museum - established in 1886, the government Museum has on display ancient weapons, stone carvings, pottery, paintings and relics of the 5000-year-old Mohenjo-Daro civilization. Overnight stay.

Day 15 Bangalore - Chennai - Onward Destination

Morning is free for own activities later Say Good bye to newly become friends of this fascinating land and transfers to station to take train for Chennai arrive Chennai in late evening to Or take the connected flight from Bangalore for onward destination

Inclusion & Highlights

• 14 Nights stay in air conditioned hotel s with private bath and shower
• Inclusive of all Hotel Taxes and service charges

• 13 full Buffet Breakfast at hotel restaurant
• During stay in Hose boat Bed & Eve Tea, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Inclusive of Taxes.

• All transfers, Sightseeing and excursions by First class Air conditioned Vehicle
• Services of EnglishSpeaking local Guides.
• All State taxes, toll taxes & Parking Charges.
• All monument entry fees wherever applicable.
• Internal Rail Journey

• Internal Rail Journey
• Experience a Safari Cruise in Periyar Game Sanctuary.
• Boat ride to see the rural life of canal side villages in Cochin .
• Attend a performance of the Kathakali Classical Dance.
• Take a lifetime memorable backwater cruise of Kerala.
• Life time experience to stay in backwater resort in Alleppey /Kumarakom
• Experience the Heritage site of Mahabalipuram/Kanchipuram Belur, Halebid, Hassan