| The
Best of South India Package |
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3
STATES, 18 DAYS, 17 NIGHTS—SHEER DELIGHT !
CHENNAI - KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM
- TRICHY - TANJORE - MADURAI - PERIYAR - MUNNAR - KUMARAKOM
- ALLEPPEY - COCHIN - OOTY - MYSORE - BANGALORE |
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DAY 1/ ARRIVE CHENNAI
Arrive Chennai. Meet assist at the airport and transfer
to hotel. Day of leisure. Night stay in Chennai.
DAY 2/ CHENNAI
Morning after breakfast proceed for sight seeing tour
of Chennai covering St.Thomas Church, Kapaleshwar Temple
and Fort St.George. Drive past the Marina Beach, the
natural sandy beauty and spacious promenade and beautiful
gardens of the beach attracts tourists visiting Chennai.
Night stay in Chennai.
DAY 3/ CHENNAI
- KACHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM
Morning drive to Kanchipuram-- known as the Golden City
of a Thousand Temples, is one of the oldest towns in
India. It is famous for both its temples, many of them
remarkably well preserved and for its hand-woven silks.
Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India
and it is the only one associated with both Shiva and
Vishnu. 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.
Visit the local homes of the weavers and watch them
create magic out of silk thread into saris.
Continue drive to Mahabalipuram & transfer to hotel.
Later proceed for city sightseeing.
Mahabalipuram -
This is a small, quiet seaside resort with a unique
7th-century Shore Temple, a lovely beach and some of
the most beautiful rock-cut temples in the world. Situated
on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram was
already a famous seaport in the 1st century AD. This
town was a workshop for temple building. 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, starting in the reign
of Narasimhavarman 1 (AD 630-68). End the visit by photography
of the beautiful Shore temples at sunset. Night stay
in Mahabalipuram.
DAY 4/ MAHABALIPURAM
- TRICHY
After breakfast drive to Trichy, short name of Trichurapalli,
situated on the banks of Kaveri River is a blend of
history and tradition as well as pilgrim centre, it
is famous for Ranganath temple at Srirangam. Later city
tour visiting Rock fort and its temple at a height of
over 23mts. Also visit Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temple.
Night stay in Trichy. |
DAY 5/ TRICHY - TANJORE - MADURAI
Morning drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore) (104kms/03hrs)
enroute visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Tanjore
once the capital of Chola Kings, has the Brahadeswara
temple(or the big temple of God).The temple tower rises
to a height of 15mts from a square base of 29 mts and
then tapers off, making a total of 66mts. Continue drive
to Madurai. The ancient city of Madurai, some 2600 years
old is laid out in the banks of river Vaigai as a lotus
flower with the Meenakshi temple in the centre. Arrive
and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Madurai.
DAY 6/ MADURAI
Madurai is over 2500 years old and is the second largest
city of Tamil Nadu - Ancient seat of learning. The city
is planned in the shape of a lotus. Situated on the
banks of the Vaigai River, Madurai is the ancient capital
of the Pandya Kings. Legend has it, that the divine
nectar falling from the locks of Lord Shiva gave the
town its ancient name, Madhurapuri—the land of
nectar. Today, it is an important business centre.
The crowning glory of Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareshwara
Temple Complex, which is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi,
her consort Lord Sundareshwara, and her celestial brother,
Lord Vishnu. The Meenakshi Temple has a thousand-pillared
hall. Also enjoy a 'light & sound Panorama' in Thirumala
Naik Temple or visit to Alagar hills & Thirupura
Rock Temple. In the evening, listen to the distinctive
temple music at Thiruppa Rakundram. Night stay in Madurai. |
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DAY 7/ MADURAI - PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Morning drive on a scenic route dotted with plantations
of rubber, cardamom, cocoa, green pepper and areca nut,
to the wildlife reserve at Periyar. Arrive Periyar and
transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for walk around
in the peaceful town known for various Spice and coffee
plantations. Night stay in Periyar.
DAY 08/ PERIYAR - MUNNAR
Early morning enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to see
wild elephants. Afternoon drive to Munnar, the famous
hill station of Kerala. Arrive Munnar and transfer to
hotel. Night stay in Munnar.
DAY 09/ MUNNAR
Day is free to relax and to walk around. Munnar is situated
near the Anaimudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western
Ghats.Also visit Rajamalai & Eravikulam National
Park, 15Kms from Munnar, this is the natural habitat
of the Nilgiri Thar, a rare mountain goat (Hermitragas
Hylocres). 2. Marayoor, 40Kms from Munnar, the only
place in Kerala that lays claim to the natural growth
of Sandalwood. The Muniyara caves with murals and relics
from the New Stone Age Civilization. A Children’s
Park, spread across a hectare of land under the canopy
of a Single Banyan Tree, are of great interest to tourists.
Night stay in Munnar.
DAY 10/ MUNNAR - KUMARAKOM
Morning drive to Kumarakom near Kottayam and stay in
one of the backwater resorts. The panoramic backwaters
here offer an ideal retreat to enjoy nature at its best.
Night stay at Kumarakom. |
DAY 11/ KUMARAKOM - ALAPPUZHA
Morning drive a short distance before switching over
to a boat for a through many canals and waterways
up to Alleppey. The backwater cruise in a country
boat is the best way to explore the villages and rural
life. In Alleppey you will be taken aboard your floating
houseboat, a different boat with a bedroom and en-suite
rest room for your comfort. Enjoy unlimited surfing
on backwaters, sip a coconut, get disturbed by only
the chirping of birds and occasional ripples in water
and savor mouthwatering delicacies prepared in front
of you by your Kitchen crew.
Spend the night on board the houseboat. Enjoy a cruise
on the backwater through a maze of canals and lagoons
and enjoy freshly caught fresh water fish cooked to
your taste on board. Night stay in Allapuzha.
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DAY 12/ ALLAPUZHA - COCHIN
Morning drive to Cochin (225Kms drive). The Commercial
Capital of Kerala, and the most cosmopolitan of Kerala’s
cities, Cochin is a fascinating blend of cultures. Arrive
& transfer to hotel.
Later proceed for sightseeing in Cochin covering:
1. The Hill Palace Museum, a fully-fledged archeological
museum and Kerala’s first ever Heritage Museum
are the main attractions (closed on Mondays).
2. Chinese Fishing Nets, this unique style of huge cantilevered
fishing nets were erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by
traders from the Court of Kubla Khan, a Chinese King.
3. Santa Cruz Basilica, this historic church was built
by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope
Paul IV in 1558. Pope John Paul II proclaimed the Church
a Basilica in 1984.
4. The Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, this is
the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth (closed on
Saturdays & Jewish Holidays).
The area around the Synagogue, called Jew Town, is the
centre for Spice & Handicraft shops.
5. Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace), built by the Portuguese
in 1557 and presented to the Regent of Kochi (closed
on Fridays).
Night stay in Cochin.
DAY 13/ COCHIN - OOTY
After breakfast drive to Ooty. Arrive and transfer to
hotel. Evening free to explore the beautiful & ravishing
beauty of Ooty. Also visit Zotanical Garden: A variety
of exotic and ornamental plants adorn this garden which
is the venue for the Flower show held in May every year.
Night stay in Ooty. |
DAY 14/ OOTY
Day free to relax and explore the surroundings. It is
one of the most popular hill resorts in southern India
at an elevation of 7216 ft. above sea-level. The Eastern
Ghats are mighty and attractive while the Western ghats
have wooded loveliness. Nature unfolds itself in and
around Ooty in a myriad of profiles, each one with a
distinctive grandeur and individuality.
Night stay in Ooty.
DAY 15/ OOTY - MYSORE
Morning drive to Mysore. The city got its name from
Mahishasura, the buffalo headed demon king. Chamun-deswari,
an incarnation of Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, killed
the demon. It is also the capital of sandalwood, musk
and rosewood. Mysore emerged as the capital of the Wodeyar
kings, in 1399 AD. |
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The original wooden palace was destroyed in a fire
in 1897 during a marriage ceremony. Henry Erwin, a
British architect, designed the new palace and handed
it over to the king in 1911-12, at a cost of Rs. 4.2
million. Though royalty no longer exists in its accepted
form, the descendants of the royal family still live
here. The palace is a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Mogul
and Hindu architecture styles. The entire effect is
magnificent. Other attractions include the Lalit Mohan
Palace, at the foot of the Chamundi Hill. E. W. Fritchley,
a British architect, built it in 1931. Then there
is the Jagan Mohan Palace, built by Krishnaraj Wodeyar
IV in 1861 as a royal auditorium. Today, it is a famous
art gallery, containing royal paintings. Night stay
in Mysore.
DAY 16/ MYSORE
After breakfast, visit the places you must have been
longing to visit: Sir Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
– Housed in the Jag Mohan Palace, this gallery
has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back
to 1875. St. Phenomena's Church – Built in the
Gothic style, one of the largest churches of the country.
Chamundi Hills – Right on the top of the hill,
Brindavan Gardens – Witness the exuberant beauty
of Brindavan Gardens. Night stay in Mysore.
DAY 17/ MYSORE - BANGALORE
After breakfast drive to Bangalore enroute visiting
Sirangapatnam - capital of warrior – King Hyder
Ali & his son Tipu Sultan, has magnificent monuments
that are well worth a visit. Set & refresh in hotel
then go to visit Mysore Palace : Once the residence
of the Woodeyars, Built in 1912 in the Indo –
Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that
is unmatched. The Golden royal Elephant, the Durbar
hall.. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Bangalore.
DAY 18/ BANGALORE- DEPARTURE
After breakfast checkout from hotel and proceed to visit
the city of Gardens: You will see Vidhan Sudha –
It houses the State’s Legislature and Secretariat,
Nandi Temple - One of Oldest temple, popularly known
as the Bull temple, etc. Later transfer to airport to
board the flight back home. |
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