01 Day: Arrival Bangalore
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representative welcome and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel.
Bangalore: Capital of Karnataka State, Bangalore is famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings. Bangalore is renowned as much for its industrial plants as for its silk saris, and for the sprawling Cubbon Park, which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course. It is now part of the great Silicone Valley, is a beautiful city filled with the tranquillity of its greenery. The Lalbagh garden is particularly beautiful and well laid out. It has one of the largest collections of exotic Indian Tropical and Sub-tropical vegetation, Lakes and Lotus-filled pools. Cubbon park, Bull temple, Mysore arts & crafts centre are worth visiting.
02 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. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. Overnight at the hotel.
03 Day: Bangalore – Mysore (140 kms / 3 hrs)
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Mysore, en route visit the Srirangapatnam (20 kms from Mysore) to visit Fort and Sri Ranganathaswami Temple.. After sightseeing continue to drive to Mysore. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening visit to Brindavan gardens & spectacular musical fountains. And visit to flower and sandal wood market, handicraft museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Srirangapatnam (Srirangapatnam) is an island town on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway The town obtained its name from a 1000 year old temple of Lord Sriranganatha. This history-rich town was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore. Tipu Sultan, the eldest son of Haider Ali, was born on December 10, 1750 at Devanhalli. On his father's death in 1782, Tipu Sultan assumed power in Mysore. He continued fighting the British and defeated them in 1783. Tipu Sultan was a far-sighted person who could foresee East India Company's design to get entrenched in India. He negotiated with the French for help and also sought assistance from the Amir of Afghanistan and the Sultan of Turkey. However, in the Third Anglo-Mysore war, he was defeated in his capital, Srirangapatnam, and was forced to sign a humiliating treaty on March 22, 1792 as per which he had to concede half of his kingdom and pay an indemnity of 33 million rupees to the British. He died fighting during the storming of Srirangapatna on 4th May 1799 in the fourth Anglo-Mysore war.
04 Day: Mysore
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. Philomenas cathedral - folklore museum - 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.
Mysore, : the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore races its history back to the mythical past,when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendor
05 Day: Mysore – Ooty (170 kms / 5 hrs)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Ooty, en route pass through the forest areas of 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 the hotel.
Ooty: Known as the queen of hills and the most popular hill station in the South India. It is located in the Nilgiri hills at 2286 meter above sea level. With its rolling lawns and salubrious climate it became the important hill station in South India and the summer capital of the former Madras presidency. Ooty still has the touch of the Raj about it, with its cottages and pretty gardens and stone churches that stands among the groves of pine. Old summer palaces of maharajas are now hotels and set in their beautiful parks.
06 Day: Ooty – Connor – Ooty (1 hr drive)
After breakfast drive to Coonoor, visiting Sim's Park, there are also a number of individual tree specimens planted all over the place, give a special charm to the park, Dolphin's Nose, the Nose is a unique rock of tremendous proportions which looks like a Dolphin, Lamb's Rock commands a grand view of the Coimbatore Plains, Laws Falls a paradise for Nature lovers. If you love trekking visit to The Droog, used by as an outpost by Tipu Sultan, stands 6,000 feet height overlooking the plains, it is around 3 kms trekking, later drive back to Ooty for overnight stay.
Coonoor, surrounded by the tea plantations, and at an altitude of 1850 m, Coonoor is the first of the three Nilgiri hill station-Udhagamandalam (Ooty ), Kotagiri and Coonoor - that you come to when leaving behind the southern plains. Like Ooty, it's on the toy train line from Mettupalayam. While Kotagiri had the Kotas, and Ooty the Todas, so Coonoor was home to the Coon hill tribe. ( The suffix, 'oor', means village. ) This now bustling town appears rather squashed between the hills and it's only after climbing up out of the busy market area with the bus and train terminals that you'll get a sense of what hill stations were originally all about.
07 Day: Ooty – Kodaikanal (235 kms / 6 – 7 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Kodaikanal. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of evening free for leisure. Later in the evening visit Kodai Lake one of the major attractions. Over night stay at the hotel.
Kodaikanal, is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. It is a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists. The unique flowering plant 'Kurunji' (Strobilanthus Kunthanus) that last bloom in 1992, is the nature's gift to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor. Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares.
08 Day: Kodaikanal
Morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour visiting, Coaker's Walk -Some of the best views of the plains can be seen from here. Bryant Park- situated on the eastern side of the lake, it is noted for flowers, hybrids and rafts, Kodai Astrophysical Observatory, Bear Shola Falls- An ideal picnic spot located 1.6-km from the lake, which can be reached by a picturesque, rugged hill path. Fairy Falls, Pillar Rocks -three boulders standing shoulder - to - shoulder vertically measuring to a height of about 122 meters, providing a panoramic view. Green Valley View and Silver Cascade Waterfalls. After sightseeing return to the hotel for overnight stay.
09 Day: Kodaikanal – Madurai (150 kms / 3 hrs)
After breakfast, checkout and drive to Madurai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later visits Gandhi Museum, Government Museum, Koodal Alagar Temple and Vandiyur Mariamman Teepakulam where annual boat festival takes place. Overnight at the hotel.
Madurai, the cultural capital and second largest city of Tamil Nadu is one of the oldest cities of southern India. Madurai has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. It is believed that, the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks, gave the city its name - Madhurapuri, now known as Madurai. Known as the temple city, Madurai is situated on the banks of the River Vaigai. Madurai is also an important pilgrimage center. The 985 beautiful pillared Meenakshi Amman Temple is the major attraction of Madurai. The city is also renowned for its textile mills, engineering industries and large university areas.
10 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 the hotel.
11 Day: Madurai – Rameshwaram (172 kms / 4 hrs)
After breakfast, checkout and drive to Rameshwaram. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Often referred to as the ‘Island of Prayer’, and also considered to Varanasi of the South this major pilgrimage center is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar. Most of the town’s places to stay and eat are cluttered around the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Built in the 12th century AD, the temple with its awe-inspiring corridors, and the longest in India. Evening free for leisure and Relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
Rameshwaram is an island separated from the mainland by a small strait of water. Rameshwaram is famous for the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama who, it is believed, had descended on its shores and built a bridge across the Palk Strait to reach Lanka in his quest to rescue Sita from Ravana. Additionally, the temple is famous for being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Siva. Lord Rama had constructed a Siva linga in order to offer thanks to the Lord after killing Ravana. Hence, the temple is a sacred site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. The grandest part of the temple is the 1219 m pillared corridor consisting of 3.6m high granite pillars, richly carved and well proportioned. The perspective presented by these pillars run uninterruptedly to a length of nearly 230m.
12 Day: Rameshwaram – Kanyakumari (250 kms / 6 hrs)
After early breakfast visit to Adam's Bridge the name given to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, this is the series of stepping stones used by the monkey army, lead by Hanuman to cross the ocean in a bid to rescue Sita from the clutch of Ravana. Later checkout the hotel and drive to Kanyakumari. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Watching sun set from here is the big attraction, especially on the full moon day in April, when it's possible to see both the setting sun and rising moon on the same horizon. Other attractions are Kumari Amman Temple, Gandhi Mandapam and Vivekananda Memorial. After visiting return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Kanyakumari: Referred to by the British as Cape Commorin, Kanyakumari in the state of TamilNadu is located at the southern most tip of the peninsular Indian. The small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name. Kanyakumari is the point of confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This well-known Hindu pilgrimage center is famous for its beautiful sights of sunrise and sunset over the waters.
13 Day: Kanyakumari – Trivandrum – Kovalam (105 kms / 2 ½ hrs)
Today morning enjoy the capacitive sunrise at Kanyakumari, after breakfast, morning will be free for relax. Later drive to Kovalam enroute If you wish you can take a short sightseeing trip to Trivandrum city, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Later proceed to Kovalam. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
14 Day: Kovalam
Morning after breakfast the day is free for leisure and beach activities. Also you can enjoy the Ayurvedic massage and other activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Kovalam:On the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village; called Kovalam is 16 kms away from Trivandrum, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. The beach resort here is of international standard. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a paradise of nature.
15 Day: Kovalam
Morning after breakfast the day is free for leisure and beach activities. Also you can enjoy the Ayurvedic massage and other activities. Overnight at the hotel.
16 Day: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Hometown (By Air)
Today morning will be free for relaxation. Later checkout of the hotel and transfer to Trivandrum airport/Railway station for your journey to home town. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.
