Arrive Chennai
Today Arrive Chennai (formerly Madras). The Capital of Tamil Nadu 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. 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 Thome. Later visit to the Mylapore Temple, Marina Beach & Famous Golden Beach. Overnight stay.
Chennai – Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Vellore 130 kms
The little Sea Side town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour’s drive from Chennai situated on the East Coast ofTamil Nadu has pris 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.
Today we enjoy an excursion to 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. Overnight stay later drive to Vellore which 70 km from Kanchipuram overnight stay in Vellore.
Vellore – Bangalore 210 kms / 3 hrs
Morning visit to Vellore Fort Dating back to the 13th century this ancient fort is the main attraction for tourists. This historically famous fort retains the past glory with its ramparts, basements, turrets, posts, and gates with its perennial water supply. Double walls fortify it and the main walls are made of massive granite blocks as the strongest fortress during theCarnatic War in 17th century and witnessed the revolt of Indian Soldiers during the mutiny of 1857. Muthu Mandapamthis is a memorial built around the tombstone of Vikramraja Singh, the last Tamil ruler of Kandy. Situated on the bankPalar River, it is just one km north of Vellore town. Jalagandeeswarar Temple. The temple stands inside the fort and is dedicated to Jalagandeeswar. Later drive to Bangalore Afternoon visit to Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the Mysore Arts and Crafts Center, Tipu Sultan’s palace and Bull temple – one of the oldest temple built in 16th century and the colorful and bustling markets. Overnight stay.
Bangalore - Shravana Belagola – Hassan 195 kms / 4 hrs
In the morning,. Drive to Hassan en route visiting Sravanabelagola 57ft (17.5 meters) tall magnificent Monolithic andThe Statue of Gomateswara, of an icon of the Jain religion greatly revered by the followers of Mahavira overnight stay in Hassan.
Hassan – Mysore 115 kms / 2 hrs
After breakfast drive to Mysore en route visit to Belur and Halebid. Belur - This quaint hamlets 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, which dates back to 13th century during Hoysala Dynasty, and Hoysaleshwara Temple at Halebid. Our drive continued to Mysore upon arrival check in hotel remainder of time is free for own activities. Overnight stay.
Mysore
Mysore is a beautiful city of stately palaces, gardens, parks and museums. Your tour of Mysore includes visits to City Palace, Chamundi Hill (where Nandi, a huge monolithic image of Shiva's Bull, is always garlanded with flowers and held in high esteem by Hindus), and the colorful and aromatic spice markets. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy the beautiful and exquisitely illuminated Vrindavan Gardens, which sprawl amid gorgeous cascading fountains. Overnight stay.
Mysore – Kabini 84 km / 1hr
After breakfast dive to Kabini.. Arrive Kabini in the noon and visit Nagarhole National Park, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. This 643 sq. km wildlife sanctuary is in an isolated pocket of the Coorg region. Afternoon game viewing by Jeep. Overnight stay.
Kabini – Ooty 84 km / 1hr
After breakfast leave for Ooty by surface. 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. Also visit to nearby village to visit Toda tribes. Overnight stay.
Ooty – Cochin 270 kms / 6-7 hrs
After breakfast drive to Cochin - is the only place in the country where you can see Portuguese Churches, a Jewish Synagogue, Hindu Temples, Dutch Architecture & Mosque nearly side by side.
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.
Cochin - Periyar 192 kms / 4 hrs
After breakfast drive to Cochin - is the only place in the country where you can see Portuguese Churches, a Jewish Synagogue, Hindu Temples, Dutch Architecture & Mosque nearly side by side.
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 ofIndia’s most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight stay.
Periyar
Morning enjoy Game Viewing by Motor Launch in Periyar in the afternoon walk nearby villages and forest for bird watching. Overnight stay.
Periyar – Alleppey 124 kms / 2 hrs
After breakfast Cruise the backwaters & explore the rural life in & around Alleppey to Kumarakom Sail route: Kainakary - Kuttanad - Kumarakom
Lifetime Experience House Boat - 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 is 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 cuisine is 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 seelush palm groves and stretches of rice fields.
Kumarakom – Marari 15 kms
Morning we traveled the length of the Malabar Coast until we came to Marari. Right in the heart of the Spice Coast, Marari is the most fabulous stretch of soft & sandy beach fringed with palm an idyllic retreat for those who want to “get away from it all”. Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the man going out to see each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand and beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm & traditional Kerala Hospitality at its best. Overnight stay.
Marari – Cochin 90 km /2hrs - Onward
Morning we traveled the length of the Malabar Coast until we came to Marari. Right in the heart of the Spice Coast, Marari is the most fabulous stretch of soft & sandy beach fringed with palm an idyllic retreat for those who want to “get away from it all”. Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the man going out to see each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand and beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm & traditional Kerala Hospitality at its best. Overnight stay.
