01
Day: Arrival Mumbai:
Welcome and assistance on arrival at Mumbai International
Airport, you will be welcome and assisted by our representative
and transferred to hotel for rest of the night stay
where we are holding the room for overnight stay.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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 - 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
