01
Day: Arrival Mumbai:
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the International 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 brief the tour to you and hand over the documents. Overnight at the hotel.
Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by nos time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.
02 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.
03 Day: Mumbai - Cochin
(By Air):
After breakfast check out the hotel and transferred
to the domestic airport to board the morning flight
for Cochin. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After
relaxation take sightseeing tour 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, Bolghatty palace, From the launch, we enjoy use
of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday
life of families living on narrow spits of land between
the waters, cruise till the mouth of the sea and enjoy
sun set. 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'.
04 Day: Cochin:
After breakfast take a city 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 Cochin.
05 Day: Cochin - Alleppey
(64 Kms 1 ½ 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 centre 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.
Houseboat: 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 houseboat.
06 Day: Kumarakom:
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and 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 stay at Kumarakom.
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 favourite 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.
07 Day: Kumarakom - Munnar
(120 kms 3 ½ hours):
After an early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival
transfer to the hotel, Munnar is located at the Idukki
district of Kerala State in India. The word "Munnar"
means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here.
During the British rule in India, Munnar was the summer
resort of the Government officials. The natural beauty,
calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year make
it the favorite tourist places. There are about 30 tea
plantations in and around Munnar. The tea estates, hills,
lakes and forests inside Munnar range exposes it's beauty.
The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which make
Periyar the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Later
take visit at Rajmalai Wild Life sanctuary - this is
the only sanctuary in India where Indian Ibex’s
are found, followed by visit at Kannan Devan Hills from
here you can have a panoramic view of Munnar Tea Estates
& the Lake of Munnar. Overnight at the hotel.
Munnar, the erstwhile 'summer capital of the British', has become the most sought after holiday destination in South India. It is the luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, the eastern border of Kerala, 5000ft above sea level. Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and major cash crop plantations cover most of this region. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri Thar and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna.
08 Day: Munnar:
After breakfast you can opt to visit to Mattupetty is
famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss
live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding
cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three
of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by
visit to Pothamedu which offers an excellent view of
the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar.
The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking
scenery here is ideal for trekking and Long Mountain
walks. Later visit at Devikulam (7 km from Munnar).
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic
flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare
experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters
and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.
The lake is also ideal for trout fishing. Return to
the hotel for overnight stay at Munnar.
Optionally you can visit Eravikulam National Park (15
km from Munnar) the park is 97 sq. km, situated in the
Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Considering
the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and
zoological significance, it was declared as a National
park in 1978. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and
is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found
anywhere in the world. Later return to the hotel for
overnight at Munnar.
09 Day: Munnar - Periyar:
(110 kms 3 ½ hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy, 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 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 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.
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. The lake is an important source of water for the many wild animals. The Best time to visit Periyar is between OCTOBER and MAY. The best chance of watching animals is during the hot months of march, April and May, when water gets low and the grass dries out, animals especially elephants come down to the Periyar lake to bath & frolic in the water with the young ones.
10 Day: Periyar - Madurai
(140 kms - 3 hours):
After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to Madurai
On arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take
a sightseeing of Madurai visiting the 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,
followed by visit to Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Koodal
Alagar Temple and Vandiyur Mariamman Teepakulam where
annual boat festival takes place. Overnight at the hotel
in Madurai.
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.
11 Day: Madurai - Trichy-
Tanjore (160 kms 3 ½ hours):
After early breakfast checkout and drive to Tanjore.
En route visit to Trichy take sightseeing tour of the
city, 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. After
visit continue to proceed to Tanjore. On arrival transfer
to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour
of Tanjore visiting 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. Return to the hotel for dinner and
overnight stay.
Trichy: the rock fort surrounds the city. On the top of the rock there is a fort and a temple. After crossing 434 rocks cut steps, there is a temple called Mathrubhutewarar temple, which is dedicated to lord Siva. There is another temple called Ucchi Pillar temple, which is dedicated to lord Ganesha 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.
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 Vijay nagar kingdom political. Literary and religious centre of the South. The celebrated temple Brihadeshra 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.
12 Day: Tanjore -Pondicherry:
(175 kms 4 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Pondicherry,
en route visiting south Indian villages and stopping
en route to see the lifestyle of Dravidian community.
After visit Continue to proceed to Pondicherry, on arrival
transferred to the hotel. After some relaxation take
a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry the world-famous Sri
Aurobindo Ashram is situated here. The Auroville complex
is the brainchild of "The Mother". The late
French woman devotee of Sri Aurobindo to whom the spiritual
authority was passed on after the death of Mr. Aurobindo.
Then visit Pondicherry museum, old city optionally one
can go for local market for shopping. Later return to
the hotel for dinner and overnight.
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.
13 Day: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram
(95 kms - 2 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Mahabalipuram.
On arrival transferred to the hotel. After relaxation
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, Rathas, Arjuna's
Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Shore Temple, Mahishasurmardini
Cave, Varaha Mandapa and Mandapam, 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.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster! Despite the many visitors, drawn by the former Pallava dynasty town, the place is friendly, relaxed, and the villagers are remarkably unperturbed by their crowds of visitors. Mahabalipuram is renowned for its series of charming rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna's Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century, is a unique temple that houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is one of the many rock-cut caves in Mahabalipuram. The Krishna Mandapam has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill in his fingertips.
14 Day: Mahabalipuram -
Kanchipuram - Chennai (130 kms - 2 hours):
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram (65 kms ½
hour drive), this is one of India’s seven sacred
cities and one of its loveliest temple towns also known
for its handloom silks, followed by visit to temples
Kailasnathar, Vaikuntaperumal, Ekambareshwara, Kamakshiamma
and Sakiswarar, you can do shopping of silk cloth market
and weavers homes. Later continue to proceed to Chennai
(76 kms 1 ½ hour drive). On arrival transfer
to the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at
hotel.
Kanchipuram is known as one of India's Seven Sacred cities. Kanchipuram was, one of India's seven sacred cities. Kanchipuram was the historical capital of the Pallavas. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century A.D and later became the citadel of Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. It has been a centre of Tamil learning, cultural and religious background for centuries. Kanchi is also known centre of the finest silk sarees made in the country. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Adi Sankara established his episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam). Kanchipuram is the birthplace of C.N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu affectionately called as "Anna" by the people of Tamil Nadu.
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 fulcrums 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.
15 Day: Chennai - Hometown
(By Air):
After breakfast 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 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. Return to the hotel for check out
the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the scheduled
flight to your hometown. On departure the tour concludes
with happy memories
