01 Day: Arrival Chennai
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representative welcome you and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you. Overnight at the hotel.
Chennai (Madras): the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is the most convenient point of entry. Chennai has an international airport, a seaport and a rail and road network that links it to all major towns and cities of the region. Tamil Nadu is a bastion of Hinduism, whose past endures into the present. Temples with towering spires called gopurams are a common feature of this state, seldom seen anywhere else in the country. Temples in Tamil Nadu were the fulcrum of society and even today art forms that have their origin in religious worship continue to colour daily life. Notable among these are splendid bronzes of deities, painting on glass and Bharatnatyam, and an evocative dance form.
02 Day: Chennai
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Chennai visiting 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. Evening optionally you can visit flower and fruit market or Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. Overnight at the hotel.
03 Day: Chennai – Pondicherry (170 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Pondicherry. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. 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.
Pondicherry: , This attractive, former French colony exudes a Mediterranean aura with its sophisticated streets, elegant houses, ornamental gardens and the Hotel de Ville. History of Pondicherry: A former French colonial cit, located along the Bay of Bengal didn't come under Indian rule until 1954. You can still hear a fair bit of French being spoken as you stroll along its remaining seaside villas and cobblestone streets. The city is really two towns in one: La Ville Blanche, the colonials' former playground, and La Ville Noire, the crowded inland area where the native Indian population was forced to live.
04 Day: Pondicherry – Tanjore (170 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast you may opt to visit Auroville, the planned city of Dawn of the new world. Later check out of the hotel and drive to Tanjore. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later visit Brihadeshwara temple, which was built by Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. This temple is one of the monuments in India with World Heritage listing. Also visit the Thanjavur Palace, which was constructed in 1550 and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers. Followed by a visit to visit Saraswati Mahal Library: This library has one of the most important oriental manuscripts collections, in India. Established around 1700 AD, the library contains a collection of over 44,000 palm leaf, and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages. Overnight at the hotel.
Tanjore or Thanjavur as it was earlier called was the capital of the chola empire from the 10th century to the 14th century A.D. later is become part of the Vijayanagar kingdom, then passed into the hands of the Marathas and later still went to the British. For ages it has been the chief political. Literary and religious centre of the South. The celebrated temple Brihadeshwara built by the Chola King during the 11th century is its major attraction. The Saraswati Mahal library, dating back from the time of the Marathas, containing a rare collection of books and manuscripts on paper and palm leaves.
05 Day: Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai (158 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Madurai. Enroute visit Trichy; visit most famous landmark of this bustling town - the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop, the Sri Ranganathanswami Temple. This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering a staggering 2.5 sq km and Jambukeshwara - Mysore Temples. Later drive towards Madurai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Trichy: The city is surrounded by the rock fort. On the top of the rock there is a fort and a temple. After crossing 434 rock cut steps, there is a temple called Mathrubhutewarar temple which is dedicated to lord Siva. There is another temple called Ucchi Pilliar temple, which is dedicated to lord Ganesh and located at the top of the rock. The entire city can be seen from this place. Srirangam temple and Sri Jambukeswarar temple are famous in Trichy.
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.
06 Day: Madurai – Kovalam (325 kms: 8 hrs)
After an early 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. Later check out of the hotel and drive to Kovalam. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. 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.
07 Day: Kovalam
After breakfast have your day full of the sun, sand and water. You can either laze around on the beach for the entire day or pamper yourself with some rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurvedic Treatment in Kovalam. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
08 Day: Kovalam
After breakfast have your day full of the sun, sand and water. You can either laze around on the beach for the entire day or pamper yourself with some rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurvedic Treatment in Kovalam. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
09 Day: Kovalam – Alleppey (175 kms: 3 hrs) 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. 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.
Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the center of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - the most colourful snake-boat race in Kerala - is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.
Alleppey A glide in a "Kettuvalam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. 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.
10 Day: Kumarakom
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive drive to Kumarakom - 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. 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 favourite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight at the hotel.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
11 Day: Kumarakom – Cochin (92 kms: 2 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Cochin. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Cochin, Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colourful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; visiting FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites included Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. 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 the hotel.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.
12 Day: Cochin – Guruvayur (140 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Guruvayur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour of Guruvayur visiting the Guruvayur temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and considered to be the Dwaraka of the South. Also visit the famous Shree Krishna temple, which has Guruvayoorappan or the infant Krishna, as the deity. Legend has it that the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods and Vayu, the God of winds. The most famous offering of the temple is Thulabharam, where a devotee presents to the deity his own body weight against products like bananas, rice etc. Later visit the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Camp, 4 km north of town. 51 elephants, aged from 6 to 93, live here, munching for most of the day on specially imported piles of fodder and cared for by their three personal mahouts, who wash and scrub them several times a week in the sanctuary pond. Overnight at the hotel.
Guruvayur, aptly called the Dwarka of the South, is one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in India. The idol of the famous Sri Krishna Temple here is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself. Everyday, endless waves of men, women and children pour in for darshan (audience) of Lord Guruvayur (Lord Krishna). Besides pilgrims and tourists, brides and grooms with hundreds of guests flock here daily to get their weddings solemnized.
13 Day: Guruvayur – Kannur (222 kms: 5 hrs)
After early breakfast drive to Kanuur and check into the hotel Costa Malabari. On arrival transfer to the hotel. You may opt for a short sightseeing visiting Dharmadam Island: This beautiful island is located near the Muzhappilangad beach and is basically a Buddhist dominated region. Moppila Bay This bay is a famous fishing harbor that is situated near St. Angelo's fort. The place has the latest fishing harbor, equipped with latest fishing technology. It has been built under the Indo-Norwegian treaty and is a joint collaboration between the two countries. Later enjoy Theyyam performance a traditional dance, also known as an ancient spirit-possession rite. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Kannur is a beautiful scenic seaside resort. It is also called as cannanore. Kannur is a serene spot with long sandy beaches. It is a charming & beautiful city popularly known as the city of looms & lores. Kanuur is bounded with a wealth of natural beauty. It has a splendor of cultural, religious, political heritage of the state. It has been gifted with marvelous historical places & also with the natural beauty. The long rivers here break into silver spray & merge into the blue water of the sea. Kannur has been a cradle of many colorful folk art & folk music. It has some tremendous monuments, which were built by the Portuguese in the ancient days. Kannur has stunning historical, cultural & tourist destination in & around the city. Kannur is also a coastal area with some of the most gorgeous beaches of Kerala.
14 Day: Kannur – Wayanad (145 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Wayanad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation explore Wayanad. Set at an altitude of 700 - 2100 m above sea level, Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. The fast-flowing rivers - Panamaram, Mananthavady and Kabini add to the beauty of this region. Sightseeing attractions in Wayanad include Pookoda Lake, Lakkadi, Kuruva Island and Edakkal Cave. Overnight at the hotel.
Wayanad is one of the prominent places in Malabar, which promises a variety of wildlife, ayurveda, plantation resorts and spas with a distinct culture and a tradition of its own, is a perfect get away place for you and you family for a unforgettable perfect holiday. The distinctive ecological and geographical features of Waynad, provide a unique charm and an enchanting challenge for hikers, trekkers and nature lovers. Wayanad's unique geographical features lend a peculiar charm and a delightful challenge to trekkers and nature freaks. Its fascinating scenery and wonderful climate creates an unforgettable experience. Parts of the district still remain unexplored; so if you are up for adventure and fun, Wayanad is the place to be. Bring to life the nature lover, wildlife enthusiast and the photographer in you, as opportunities galore in this petite strip of ‘God’s Own Country’. A trip to this surreal tropical paradise is guaranteed to leave you with memories of a lifetime.
15 Day: Wayanad – Mysore (150 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Mysore. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a 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
16 Day: Mysore – Bangalore (140 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Bangalore. En route visit the Srirangapatnam (20 kms from Mysore) to visit Fort and Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. Later proceed to Bangalore. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. 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 Srirangapatnam. 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 Srirangapatnam on 4th May 1799 in the fourth Anglo-Mysore war.
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.
17 Day: Bangalore – Hometown (By Air)
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, Vidhan Soudha – the Vidhan Soudha houses the state legislative assembly of state government, later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple – The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.
