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| South
India Tour |
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Incredible
South India
Chennai-
Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram- Pondicherry - Trichy -
Tanjore- Madurai - Periyar – Alleppey –
Kumarakom - Cochin - Ooty - Mudumalai- Mysore -Halebid
- Belur - Hassan - Badami - Bijapur -Gulbarga- Bidar
- Hyderabad - Mumbai.
24 Nights – 25 Days
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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 (65 kms - 1 ½ hrs) –
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:
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 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:
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.
21Day: 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.
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Important
Note:
1. Customized Tour:
Above tour programme can be customized, as per the preference
by the guest in terms of arrival dates, departure dates
and destinations, no. of days etc., it will be your
individual tour not sharing with other person or a group
tour.
2. Our Services:
We provide individual customized tour packages with
2, 3, 4, 5, 5 star deluxe hotels as well as standard
and luxury heritage hotels and palaces with air - conditioned
car accompanied by English speaking driver through out
the tour (right from your pick up from the airport till
you departure to home town) for all transfers, sightseeing,
intercity travel, city tour with services of English/multilingual
guide, domestic air/train ticketing, special interest
tour with all kind of travel related services.
3. Tour Cost:
Tour cost depends on 3 major factors: A) How many people
are traveling together? B) Travel period, as the hotels
are having different rates during low and high season.
C) Preference of hotel category or budget per person
per day.
4. Group Tours:
The above tour programme can be executed for group tours,
if the guest or any travel agency forms a group in their
own country. Conducting and forming a group tour in
India with different nationals is not feasible.
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