South India Tours
Duration of South India Tours – 14 Days
Destinations of South India Tours - Bangalore,
Mysore,
Ooty,
Cochin,
Kumarakom,
Periyar,
Madurai,
Chennai,
Mahabalipuram
Day 01: -
Arrive Bangalore, India
Arrive at Bangalore International Airport.
Bangalore - Bangalore ,also called the Silicon Valley of
India ,is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial
and industrial centre of the state of Karnataka. Bangalore
enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year.
Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery made it the 'Garden
City' of India. Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing
cities and now reputed for its booming software industry.
Bangalore has seen a major technology boom and is now home
to more than 250 high-tech companies, including homegrown
giants like Wipro and Infosys. Not to say that it has nothing
for the people interested in history. But along with the modern
day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see remnants
of the older Bangalore. All in all, a lovely city to visit.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer
to your hotel for check-in.
Afternoon you are collected from your hotel for a half-day
tour of Bangalore.
This tour includes a visit to The Bangalore Fort - The Fort,
built in the late 18th century, is noted for its beautifully
carved Islamic-style arches on the gate walls, and for the
well-preserved Ganesha Temple within its precincts.
The Bull Temple – situated south of Bangalore, is the
Bull Temple, the deity is a massive 15-foot Basava or bull,
which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The cause for wonder about
this Nandi is that it has been carved from a single boulder.
Cubbon Park - planned and laid out in 1864, this beautiful
300-acre park contains the public library and the museum.
Lal Bagh - These 240-acre garden contain the largest collection
of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants with many awesome
century-old trees.
Fountains, terraces, lotus pools, rose
gardens and a deer park surround the magnificent glass house
built in 1840, on the lines of London's Crystal Palace.
Vidhana Soudha - Bangalore’s most majestic looking landmark
,with a total plinth area of over 5,00,000 sq. ft is built
in a neo-Dravidian style. It houses the Secretariat, the State
legislature and several other Government offices.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: - Bangalore
- Mysore
This morning you drive to Mysore (140-kms/03 hrs.).
Mysore: - Mysore “city of Palaces” is in the
hill country of southwestern India, this region is cooler
than the coastal cities - one of the reasons so many maharajahs
chose to live here and given 17 palaces to this city. It still
retains its old charm and many buildings are adorned with
domes, turrets and impressive archways. . Also know as "Sandalwood
City", it is a major center for the manufacture of incense.
The city is a legacy of the famous warrior king Tipu Sultan,
known for his victories over the Imperial British Armies.
The city is also known for its silk processing and is a major
center for nurturing silkworms. Hence, Mysore is more than
palaces, parks and temples … traditional carvings on
fragrant sandalwood … the rustle of rich silks …
mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat …
It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon you are collected
from your hotel for a half day tour of Mysore.
This tour includes a visit to The Mysore Palace - Built in
1912 in the Indo Saracenic style. ,former residence of the
Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind
in India. The Jaganmohan Palace - this is a converted art
gallery that houses paintings that date back to the late 19th
century.
Chamundi Hill - perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple
of Chamundershwari. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of
Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch.
Also close to the temple stands a gigantic statues of the
demon Mahishasura.
St. Philomena's Church - this beautiful Cathedral was built
in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country.
It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain
glass windows and lofty towers.
Brindavan Gardens - Adjacent to the dam is the beautiful Brindavan
Garden. With lighting and musical fountains this place transforms
it self into a fairy land in the evenings.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: - Mysore - Ooty
This morning you drive to Ooty (160-kms/05 hrs.).
Ooty: Udhagamandalam, this Queen of hill stations, otherwise
known as Ooty, is in the Nilgiri mountain ranges of Tamil
Nadu. At a height of 2,268 meters, Ooty is known for its salubrious
climate and scenic beauty. Ooty is characterized by rolling
meadows, gardens and lakes vaguely reminiscent of England.
It still retains something of the Raj in its cottages and
stone churches.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 – In Ooty
Day is at your leisure , to explore this beautiful hill-resort
and its environs on your own. Important places to see include
the Botanical gardens, with 2,000 species of plants of a magnificent
flower show was landscaped and established in 1847 by the
Marquis of Tweepdale. A fossil of a tree trunk is a unique
exhibit here for it is belived to be 20 million years old.
There is also an artificial lake where facilities for boating
are available. Pony rides, minitrains rides, and quiet walks
amidst the forest roads are other temptations. The highest
peak in the Nilgiri range is Doddabetta, 2.623 mts in height
and 10 km from the main town. From here one can have a fine
view of Ooty city, Gundalpet, Coonoor, Wellington and and
Mysore on a clear day.
Day 05: - Ooty –
Cochin
This morning you drive to Cochin (280-kms/08 hrs.).
Cochin: - Cochin means harbour and even before the building
of Ancient Rome, spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood were
traded here. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage,
but is also one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in
India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the
world and a major Indian port. It is its charm and a relatively
good infrastructure that make it the ideal gateway to the
state. This has been the case since 1341, the year nature
carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood. As a result,
Cochin became the first port of call for Arabs and came to
be known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This
city offers visitors Forts, palaces, museums, old churches,
cool backwaters, palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality
of a contemporary metro.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: - Cochin
This morning you are collected from your hotel for a half-day
tour of Cochin.
This tour includes a visit to Fort Cochin – a home
to a unique community of Eurasians, commonly known as "Anglo-Indians".
The architecture of the quiet streets in this enclave is very
definitely, European with fine houses built by wealthy British
traders, and Dutch cottages with split farmhouse doors.
Mattancherry Palace -locally known as the Dutch Palace, the
two storey building was actually erected by the Portuguese,
as a gift to the Cochin Raja.
St. Francis Church - this Protestant church was originally
built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. It is considered to be
India's oldest European church. Today it is governed by the
Church of South India (CSI). Vasco Da Gama was buried here
before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later.
Jewish synagogue - dates from 1568 and is adorned with fine
glass lamps and floor tiles.
Bolghatty Island - This is a beautiful island lying close
to Ernakulam. Built by the Dutch in 1774, Bolghatty Palace,
the home of the former British Resident of Kochi is situated
here. At the end of your tour visit the harbor near Vasco
da Gama Square, where you can watch fishermen hoisting their
catch from the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that line
the shore.
Your evening tour includes a Kathakali dance performance
at a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form,
depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers
are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their
faces are painted to depict various characters of the se epics.
This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet
articulate body movements.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: -
Cochin – Kumarakom
This morning you will drive to Kumarakom (85 kms/02 hrs.)
Kumarakom: The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom
is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on
the Vembanad Lake in Kerela. Kumarkom strengthens Kerala’s
reputation for being God’s own country with its unbelievably
beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green
paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals
adorned with while lillies. It is part of the Kuttanad region,
and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any
ornithologist's paradise. This enchanting backwater destination
offers visitors many leisure options. From wandering into
the depths of its wildlife sanctuary to cruising down the
back waters and fishing, Kumarkom is perfect for a lazy and
laid back holiday. The best way to watch the birds of the
Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds
of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to
brush the tops of your heads. Kumarkom is an example of nature
at her bountiful best in the fragrant flowers, the riot of
multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenry and the clear
waters.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
to enjoy the Nature’s beauty on your own. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 08: - Kumarakom
– Periyar
Morning at leisure, later you drive to Periyar (200 kms/04
hrs.)
Periyar - Situated in the Idukki district of God’s
Own Country, Kerala, Periyar or Thekkady as it is commonly
known, is famous as one of the best places to see the Asian
Elephant. Today, it is one of the very few strongholds of
this magnificent pachyderm in Southern India. The uniqueness
of this sanctuary is the Periyar Lake, an artificial lake,
which was created by damming the Periyar River a century ago.
Thekkady consists mainly of Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest.
Some areas of the kkady also house pristine Evergreen forests.
The varieties in habitats ensure that the diversity of flora
and fauna is absolutely amazing with a magnificent variety
of animals - the elephant, the bison, Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking
deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed
macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly
the tiger that is main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: - Periyar
This morning your are collected from your hotel for Boat ride
on Periyar Lake.
All tourist activity is concentrated around the splendid
artificial Periyar lake, an incredible way to experience the
sanctuary. There are an estimated 700 elephants roaming these
forests. Most of the population is generally concentrated
on the banks of the Periyar Lake and come to the lake to frolic
in the water.
Late in the afternoon visit a nearby Spice Plantation. The
area is famous for Cardomom, Cofee and Tea plantations . Evening
at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: - Periyar
– Madurai
This morning you drive to Madurai (160-kms/04 hrs).
Madurai - Madurai or the "city of nectar" nestled
down near the southern tip of India. This 2,500-year-old city
is famous for its Hindu and Tamil cultural attractions. The
ancient Kingdom of Maurya on the banks of the Vaigai River
is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage centres. Originally
designed in the shape of a lotus motif, the city has since
spread into a colourful patchwork of temples, bazaars and
narrow roads packed with shops, stalls, pilgrims and cows.
A must-see is the impressive multitowered Sri Meenakshi Temple
built in 1560. Menakshi Temple, a vast complex of chambers
is renowned as the finest example of Dravidian architecture
in southern India.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon you are collected
from your hotel for a half-day tour of Madurai.
This tour includes a visit to the great Meenakshi Temple
-a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. The present
temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently
built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four
entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each
of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meters. Later,
visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - A gracious building in the
Indo saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes
& arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran
Rock temple.
Evening witness Temple ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 11: - Madurai
– Chennai
This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted
from your hotel to the Madurai airport intime to connect with
the flight for Chennai.
Chennai or Madras as it was known as is the capital of Tamilnadu.
It is a teeming, sprawling, bustling industrial metro established
on the site of a fishing village in 1639 as a first British
settlement in India by the English merchant, Francis Day.
Later, The East India Company developed Chennai as one of the major trading centres in India. Chennai has a blend of
Dravidian and Gothic architecture in its buildings. The city
might have grown but it has never lost its traditional grace
and charm. The Tamil society might have incorporated English
culture but the Dravidian roots are as strong as ever. Here
many interesting churches still remain from the first British
settlement in India. This coastal city has a beautiful promenade
and a string of waterfront Indo-Saracenic buildings.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: - Chennai
This morning your are collected from your hotel for a half
day tour of Chennai.
This tour includes a visit to The Santhome Cathedral Church
- built in 1504, then rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1893,
this Roman Catholic Church near Kapaleeshwarar temple is said
to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle.
St Thomas Mount - is the place where the apostle is said to
have been killed.
Little Mount Shrine - St. Thomas is believed to have lived
in Little Mount Shrine (a tiny cave) when he came to India
around 58 A.D. Known locally as Chinnamalai, the cave is entered
via the Portuguese Church that was built in 1551.
Fort St George -built in the 1640 A.D., the first bastion
of British power of India, the fort has undergone much alteration.
The fort is now used by the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly
and the Secretariat office. The 46m high flagstaff at the
front is actually a mast salvaged from a 17th century shipwreck.
St Mary's Church – built in 1678-80, was the first English
Church in Chennai, and is the oldest surviving British Church
in India. There are reminders in the Church of Clive, who
was married here in 1753, and of Elihu Yale, the early Governor
of Chennai who later founded the famous American University
bearing his name.
The Fort Museum - It has a collection of objects from the
tenure of the East India Company in Chennai including letters
from Robert Clive.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
13: - Chennai - Mahabalipuram
This morning you drive to Mahabalipuram (60 kms/1½
hrs.)
Mahabalipuram - Mahabalipuram is a sleepy coastal town 60
kms south of Chennai. This tiny sea side village set in a
boulder strewn landscape is a site of many ancient sculptural
marvels. It was the port city of the Pallavas who had mastered
the art of construction without using bricks or mortar, carving
out exquisite sculptures from rocks. The best examples of the ir art here are the five monolith chariots, the pride of
Mahabalipuram. The various panels on the walls depict scenes
from Hindu mythology and fables from the Panchtantra. The
Mahabalipuram ruins, date to the seventh century and consist
of a cave temple, shore temple, monolithic rathas (rock-carved
temple chariots) and bas-reliefs (among the world's finest.).
It is the ideal place to purchase intricately shaped and skilfully
carved statues.
Mahabalipuram , is one of the Indian towns that was devastated
by the recent Tsunami waves in December 2004 , but in true
Indian style , the city’s inhabitants showed tremendous
grit and courage and had the city back to normal very quickly.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
to explore the city on your own or perhaps just relax on the
beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: - Depart Mahabalipuram
Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to
the Chennai airport in time for your flight home.
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