01
Day: Arrival Bangalore:
Assistance on arrival at Bangalore International airport
by, where you will be meet by our representative and
transferred to the hotel in Bangalore. Overnight at
the hotel.
02 Day: Bangalore:
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the Bangalore
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
(139 kms - 3 hours):
Morning after breakfast drive to Mysore; 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. On arrival transfer to
the hotel. After some relaxation take a half day sightseeing
tour of the city visiting 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 to St. Philomenas
cathedral. In the evening visit to Mysore Arts and
Crafts Centre. Later return to the hotel for overnight
stay.
04 Day: Mysore:
After breakfast 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.
In the late afternoon take an excursion to Brindavan
garden and see the spectacular musical garden. Return
to the hotel for overnight.
05 Day: Mysore - Calicut
(210 Kms - 5 hours):
Morning after break fast check out the hotel and drive
to Calicut (Kozhikode). On arrival check in to the
hotel. After some relaxation visit to Dolphin's Point
Just 15 minutes from the city centre is a place called
Dolphin's Point, where one can see dolphins playing
in the sea of an early morning. Pazhassi Raja Museum
Located at East Hill, the Pazhassiraja Museum, run
by the State Archaeological Department, displays ancient
murals, antique bronzes and old coins, as well as
models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolminoid
cysts and umbrella stones. Krishnan Menon Museum The
Krishna Menon Museum has a section in honour of the
great Indian leader V.K. Krishna Menon, whose personal
belongings and souvenirs gifted by world leaders are
exhibited here. Timings are 10 am to 5 pm. (Closed
on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons).Overnight at the
hotel.
06 Day: Calicut - Cochin
(225 Kms - 6 hours):
Morning after breakfast visit to Beypore Beach - 11
km from Kozhikode, is a small coastal town famous
for centuries as a ship-building centre and still
is known today for its country crafts called `Uru'
built by traditional shipbuilders known as `khalasis'.
After visit check out the hotel and drive to Cochin.
On arrival at Cochin transfer to the hotel. Later
in the evening take a sunset cruise at marine drive
jetty. Evening free for leisure and individual activities.
Overnight stay at the hotel
07 Day: Cochin:
After breakfast 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; Visit to Fort Cochin
& St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco
da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the
Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. 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. From our launch, we enjoy use
of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday
life of families living on narrow spits of land between
the waters. 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.
08 Day: Cochin- Periyar:
(185 kms 4 hour drive):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Periyar 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 check –
in at hotel. Rest of the day free for walk around
in the peaceful town known for various Spice and coffee
plantations. Overnight stay at Periyar.
09 Day: Periyar:
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city
visiting Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's
biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300
Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centrepiece, 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 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.
10 Day: Periyar - Alleppey
(114 kms - 2 ½ hours) 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.
11 Day: Kumarakom:
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.
12 Day: Kumarakom - Kovalam
(140kms -2 ½ hrs):
Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel
and drive to Kovalam through green coastal belt and
cashew plantations. Check into the hotel. Day free
to relax with the option of herbal oil massage. Overnight
at Kovalam.
13 Day: Kovalam:
After breakfast day free to explore Kovalam on your
own. The coastal village of Kovalam may lie just 10
km south of Thiruvananthapuram but, as Kerala's most
developed beach resort, it’s a world away from
the rest of the state. Overnight in Kovalam.
14 Day: Kovalam –Trivandrum
- Kovalam:
Morning after breakfast take an excursion tour to
Trivandrum city (16 kms) visiting the ancient temple
of Sri Padmanabhaswamy is one of the major attractions
in the city of Trivandrum, Museum was built in 1880
and shows a harmonious blending of Kerala, Mughal,
Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Sri Chitra
Art Gallery has a good collection Tanjore, Mughal,
and Rajput schools of art. The Zoo in Thiruvananthapuram
has many shady and delightful walks. Overnight at
Kovalam.
15 Day: Kovalam - Kanyakumari
- (80 kms - 1 ½ hrs):
After breakfast check out and drive to Kanyakumari.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. Late visit Kumari
Amman Temple, Gandhi Mandapam, Swami Vivekananda Memorial
and Thiruvalluvar Statue. Watching the sun rise and
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. Return to the hotel for overnight.
16 Day: Kanyakumari -
Madurai (235 kms: 5 hrs):
After breakfast check out and drive to Madurai. On
arrival transfer to the hotel. Later the day will
be free at leisure. Return to the hotel for overnight.
17 Day: Madurai:
After breakfast 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.
18 Day: Madurai - Rameshwaram
(172 kms: 3-4 hrs):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Rameshwaram.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later visit the
city, 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 clustered around the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Built in the 12th century AD, the temple with its
awe-inspiring corridors, and the longest in India.
Overnight in Rameshwaram.
19 Day: Rameshwaram -Tanjore
(260 kms- 6 hrs):
After an early breakfast checkout and drive to Tanjore.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later the day is
free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
20 Day: Tanjore - Trichy
- Tanjore (55 kms - 1 hour):
After breakfast 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 overnight stay.
21 Day: Tanjore –
Chidambaram - Pondicherry: (175 kms 4 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Pondicherry,
enroute visit Chidambaram and see the famous Nataraj
Temple depicting Lord Shiva as a cosmic dancer. In
this temple postures of Bharatnatyam- (form of dance)
are depicted in sculpture and also visit the temples
at Kumbakonam. Later 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. Later sightseeing
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. Overnight at the hotel
22 Day: Pondicherry -
Thiruvannamalai - Mahabalipuram (95 kms 2 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Thiruvannamalai-
a pilgrim centre with an ancient temple of Lord Shiva.
Later proceed 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 dinner and overnight.
23 Day: Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram
- Mahabalipuram (65 kms 1 ½ hours one way):
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, explore the
city, Kanchipuram 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 return
to Mahabalipuram to stay for overnight.
24 Day: Mahabalipuram
- Chennai (72 kms 2 hours):
Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel
and drive to Chennai, on arrival transfer to the hotel.
After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of the city
visiting Fort St George, which marks the beginning
of (Chennai) Madras as an important center for trade.
Within the fort is St Mary’s Church, the first
English church in India and the oldest British building
to survive. Our tour will also include the Little
Mount where St Thomas is believed to have spent some
time and Great Mount where he was martyred in 52 AD.
We will spend sometime in the Mylapore Temple area
visiting the 16th century Kapleeswarar Temple and
the fruit and flower market. Of the museums perhaps
the most unusual is the Development Center for Musical
Instruments, which exhibits ancient and modern instruments,
which you may touch and play. Some are curiously ornamental
and some are modern experiments. Of special note are
those reconstructed with the help of ancient literary
texts and temple sculptures. In the evening you may
opt to visit to the Marina Beach, the second longest
beach in the world. Return to the hotel for overnight
stay.
25 Day: Chennai - Home
town:
The morning free for leisure and relax, you may opt
for shopping or half day sightseeing tour of the city.
Later check out the hotel and transfer to the international
airport to board the scheduled flight for home town.
On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.
