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21 Days / 20 Nights

Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Trichy – Madurai - Periyar – Trivandrum
Kovalam – Alleppey – Kochi – Ooty – Mysore – Belur- Halebid – Hassan
Shravanbelagola – Bangalore - Onward Destination

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Chennai

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

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.

Day 02 Chennai – Mahabalipuram (70 kms)

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.

Day 03 In Kanchipuram

Today we enjoy the nearby scares city of Kanchipuram, 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. 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. Overnight stay

Day 05 Pondicherry – Thanjavur (170 km)

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

This morning disembark at Thanjavur. En route 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, overnight stay.

Day 07 Trichy - Madurai

After breakfast drive to Nectar City of Madurai, Arrive Madurai & check in Hotel. Rest of the time is free for your own activities,

Madurai is a colorful city to see its moods walk around the streets. The main city area revolves around Meenakshi temple, with its baroque example of Dravidian architecture & the four tall Gopurams (Pillars) with multi colored Gods, Goddess, Demons & deities. Madurai is surrounded by Coconut Grooves & Rice Paddies .overnight stay.

Day 08 In Madurai

After breakfast visit world famous 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, overnight stay

Day 09 Madurai – Periyar Game Sanctuary (137 km)

We leave Madurai & Drive to a tranquil hill retreat, the Spicy Village. Along the way we pass through Tea, Cinnamon, and 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. During the dry season Tigers & Panthers come down to the Lake shore for a drink – be sure to have plenty of film on hand, overnight stay.

Day 10 Periyar – Trivandrum – Kovalam

After breakfast drive to Kovalam Beach, en route Trivandrum. Arrive Kovalam an uncluttered beach of silvery sands fringed with rows of tall palms, a sheltered bay, a wide choice of water sports. Kovalam is the perfect place for a seaside holiday. Kerala beaches may be take a backseat because of the backwaters, but entire 900-km length of the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms that definitely merit a visit in every tourist itinerary. Touring the beach sites of Kovalam can make any beach holiday a delightful one, as Kerala's beaches are renowned for the gentle surf and blue waters. Beach travel has never before been so exciting. Overnight Stay.

Day 11 In Kovalam

Breakfast at hotel. Today is free for rest & relax at the Beach resort hotel.

Day 12 Kovalam – Alleppey – Houseboat

After breakfast transfer to Alleppey to meet your way own floating hotel in the famous backwaters. Ketuvallam (An Authentic Kerala Houseboat) - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. The fully furnished and palm covered boats (single & double) bedrooms with attached bath, sit out, kitchen and living room made of traditional wood. In each houseboat, there are 3 men staff (crew), comprising a cook and two well trained punters throughout the cruise. Punters stand on each end of the boat for punting and directing the boat. Kerosene-lit lamps along will be available for light and mosquito nets will be provided. Traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala cuisines are served. 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. A canoe expedition via an intricate network of canals, through backwater villages where daily continues unaltered, as it has for centuries. You will see lush palm groves and stretches of rice fields, overnight stay.

Day 13 In Alleppey

After breakfast visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to view the spectacular Nature View. Later back to Hotel rest of the time is free for rest & relax, overnight stay.

Day 14 Alleppey – Cochin (Kochi) 65 kms

From Alleppey we drive into the Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coats & Kochi, one of the India’s most colorful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Kochi is the only place in the country where you can see Portuguese Churches, a Jewish Synagogue, Hindu Temples, Dutch Architecture & Mosque. Overnight stay.

Day 15 In Cochin

After breakfast city sightseeing tour that includes a 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.

Late afternoon 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. The evening is free to spend as you like, overnight Stay.

Day 16 Kochi – Ooty (270 km)

Today drive to 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 17 Ooty – Mysore 155 kms)

After breakfast TOY TRAIN JOY RIDE: Toy train- with a 2 ft gauge, the Ooty Hill Railway is indeed a “toy train” being the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. The tiny century-old engine is a connoisseur’s delight allowing the traveler an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas around Ooty.

Later 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 18 Mysore – Belur – Halebid – Hassan 160 kms

After breakfast drive to Hassan via visit Belur - This quaint hamlet 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 Hassan.

Hassan – is quite & peaceful town is a convenient base to visit Shravanbelagola, Belur & Halebid. Arrive Hassan & check in Hotel, Overnight stay.

Day 19 Hassan – Shravanbelagola – Bangalore 180 kms

After breakfast drive to Bangalore via an important Jain centre.

Shravanbelagola - 51 kms. South east of Hassan. This is the most important Jain Pilgrim centre. Here is the 17 mtrs. High monolith of Lord Babubali – the World’s tallest Monolithic statue. arrive Bangalore & check in Hotel, overnight stay.

Day 20 In Bangalore

After breakfast sightseeing tour of the main Informational city of the India, 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. Also visit the Bull Temple and drive past the Government Secretariat, Vidhan Soudh (Legislature building) and Cubbon Park, overnight stay.

Day 21 Bangalore – Onwards

Breakfast at hotel. Morning is at leisure at own activities / last minutes shopping. Later Say good-bye to this fascinating Land with sweet and memorable tour transfer to Tribhuvan International airport to board the flight for onward Destination / Hometown.

Inclusion & Highlights

• 20 Nights stay in air conditioned hotels with private bath and shower according to selection of hotels.
• Inclusive of all Hotel Taxes and service charges

• 20 full Buffet Breakfast at hotel restaurant
• During stay in house boat Bed / Eve Tea, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be served.
• Inclusive of Taxes.

• All transfers, Sightseeing and excursions by First class Air conditioned Vehicle
• Services of EnglishSpeaking Guides.

• All State taxes, toll taxes & Parking Charges.
• All monument entry fees wherever applicable.

• Indian traditional Welcome upon arrival in Chennai
• English speaking guide
• 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.
• Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Life time experience to stay in backwater resort in Alleppey /Kumarakom
• Experience the Heritage site of Mahabalipuram/Kanchipuram Belur, Halebid, Hassan