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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 at the hotel.
02 Day: Chennai
After breakfast, explore the Chennai is the gateway of South India will put you in touch with a different phase of India - Classical, Ancient, Gentle. Chennai, the 4rth 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, sightseeing tour by 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 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 to 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 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. Take a city tour of Pondicherry, including a visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Ecole Françoise d’Extreme Orient, which is nearly 100 years old, with programs in Sanskrit, Tamil and Archaeological studies. The French Catholic influence is evident in a number of churches, notably the Jesuit Cathedral (Notre Dame de la Conception’ 1691-1765), The Church of Our Lady of Angels (1855), famous for an oil painting of Our Lady of Assumption given to the Church by King Louis Napoleon III, and the 17th century Chapel of Our Sisters of Cluny. In the evening you can visit to French colonies and local market. Overnight at the hotel.
05 Day: Pondicherry – Swamimalai – Thanjavur (170 kms – 4 hour)
After breakfast visit Darasuram Temple and the Institute of Iconography. After visit drive to Thanjavur en route visit to Gangaikonda, Cholapuram, 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. Afternoon visit the 9th century 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 is one of the highlights of a visit to South India. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at Thanjavur.
06 Day: Thanjavur - Trichy- Madurai (160 kms 3- 4 hours)
Today morning check out the hotel after breakfast and drive to Madurai, 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. After visit continue drive to Nectar City of Madurai – Meenakshi temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Optionally if time permit you can visit to the various temples of 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. 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 at Madurai.
08 Day: Madurai – Periyar (140 Km – 4 hours)
Morning depart from Madurai to Periyar. On arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centerpiece, 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, 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 the hotel in Periyar.
09 Day: Periyar – Kumarakom (120 kms 3 hours)
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Kumarakom, the backwater town is favorite destination for the nature-lover. Here in this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. On arrival transfer to the backwaters resort. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favorite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
10 Day: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Backwaters tours through sailing boat to Alleppey)
After breakfast, embarks at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Kumarakom 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 Alleppey. 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). Overnight at the houseboat.
11 Day: Alleppey – Cochin (65 kms 1 ½ hours)
Today morning after breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Kochi (Cochin) is oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts & 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; after relaxation 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. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight at Cochin.
12 Day: Cochin – Ooty (300 Kms 5- 6 hrs)
After breakfast, depart for Ooty, on your arrival in Ooty check into the hotel. 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 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 – Mysore (155 kms – 3 – 4 hours)
Morning after breakfast drive to Mysore is 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. Philomena’s 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.
14 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 and en route stopover in Halebid, which is the ancient capital of Hoysala Empire. In Halebid we 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. At Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples, which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. After visit drive to Hassan for overnight stay.
15 Day: Hassan – Sravanbelagola – Bangalore (195 kms 5 hours)
After breakfast check out and drive to Bangalore. En route visit Sravanbelagola, At Shravanabelagola, 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 Bangalore on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can visit to Ulsoor Lake. Overnight at the hotel.
16 Day: Bangalore
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting Lal Baugh - One of the many gardens in the city, it derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which are in bloom here, Cubbon Park - a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864. The ambience of the city life is broken with presence of such a large park in the center of the city. The Bull Temple - The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out of single granite rock, Bangalore Palace - Built in the Tudor style and inspired by the Windsor palace, Vidhan Soudha - the Vidhan Soudha houses the state legislative assembly of state government, Tipu's Palace - The summer palace of Tipu Sultan later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple - The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
17 Day: Bangalore – Home Town (By Air)
After breakfast, the day is free for leisure and shopping later transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight for home town. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.
TOUR COST:
| Package |
Standard |
Deluxe |
Premium |
|
INR |
USD |
INR |
USD |
INR |
USD |
| 2 Pax |
56000 |
1400 |
71000 |
1775 |
91000 |
2275 |
| 4 Pax |
55000 |
1375 |
70000 |
1755 |
90000 |
2250 |
| 6 Pax |
54000 |
1350 |
69000 |
1725 |
89000 |
2225 |
Note:
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Above tour cost is valid till 31st September 2008.
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The above tour cost is on per person bases.
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