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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, Tipus 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 - 6 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 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.
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 favorite 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, its 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 towns 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 overnight
stay.
23 Day:
Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (65 kms 1 ½
hours one way):
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, explore the city,
Kanchipuram is one of Indias 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 Marys 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: (By Air)
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. |
