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Day
01 :
Arrival in Chennai
Arrival in Chennai and be met with our executive
welcoming you to India with fresh flowers. Transfer to
the hotel for immediate occupancy of the rooms already
reserved for you. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 02 :
Chennai
Chennai, the cultural center and gateway to South India
is a fascinating jumble, dominated by glittering
high-rise emporia and corporate buildings. But between
all these, you can see the sights of colonial history
and splendid strains of classical music. Chennai still
has a traditional charm of its ancient past. Shored
along the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has evolved from a tiny
fishing village to the country's fourth-largest city.
Your sightseeing will include all the major attractions
of the city like Fort St. George, 17th century British
military High court, Marina Beach, Government Museum
Complex, Parthasarathi Temple, Sri Kapaleswarar Temple
etc. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 03 :
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (approx 125 Kms
total)
In the morning, proceed towards Mahabalipuram (Mammallapuram)
via Kanchipuram, which was the ancient capital of the
Pallavas. It is famous as a city of 1000 Temples and
still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to
Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has
paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara,
Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of
interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks and
Sarees. After sightseeing of Kanchipuram, continue
journey to Mahabalipuram. Overnight at a beach resort in
Mahabalipuram.
Day 04 :
Mahabalipuram
Among the most outstanding examples of architecture,
Mammallapuram or commanly known as Mahabalipuram stands
as a silent witness to the glory of its creators and
sculptors. In a land liberally strewn with stone carved
temples, Rathas and exquisitely carved stonewalls, this
thriving port city, was given the lease of life, through
the chisels of Pallavas. Breathtakingly manmade &
natural beauty of Mahabalipuram attracts tourists, due
to its monumental splendor and sunny beaches.
Sightseeing Tour of the city including all the Temples
and monuments like seven pagoda (Shore temples, lashed
by the waves of the sea) and the seven Rathas (temple
chariots), animal figures carved out of solid rock (the
earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture) etc.
Most of them were constructed during 7th Century.
Evening is free to enjoy the beaches. Overnight in
Mahabalipuram.
Day 05 :
Mahabalipuram to Tanjore (250 Kms)
In the morning, proceed towards Tanjore by car. Enroute
visit to famous temples of Chidambaram including Nataraj
Temple (This is a huge temple covering an area of 40
acres and one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The
roof of the sanctum sanctrorum is covered with gold
plates. The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank,
the thousand pillar hall are other important features of
the Temple). After sightseeing, continue journey to
Tanjore. Overnight in Tanjore.
Day 06 :
Tanjore
With its winding streets and alleys, it is the center of
all the classical arts and music. Well known for its
unique painting style called Thanjavur Painting, and
Thavil - a percussion instrument, Thanjavur has produced
many classical musicians and dancers. Once occupying a
proud position among the emperors of Chola Dynasty, as
their capital and most treasured territory, for some of
their most magnificent creations, Thanjavur houses many
good monuments. It is also called the Rice Bowl of Tamil
Nadu. Your city Tour will include Brahadeeswara temple,
the magnificent palace, Rajah Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal
Library, and Art Gallery. Evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Thanjavur.
Day 07 :
Tanjore to Madurai (220 Kms)
In the morning, drive to Madurai. Megaphones (302 BC),
Pliny (77AD) and Ptolemy (140 AD) wrote of Madurai, the
kingdom of the Pandian. Macro Polo visited Madurai in
1293 AD and Ibn Batuta in 1333 AD. Madurai lies on the
banks of the River Vaigai. The temple and the old city
are on the southern bank, while modern Madurai with its
textile mills, engineering industries and large
university sprawls around. After check in to the hotel ,
go for Half day city tour that includes Meenakshi
Temple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam etc. Overnight in
Madurai.
Day 08 :
Madurai to Periyar (140 Kms)
In the morning, proceed towards Periyar by car. It is
one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife
sanctuaries, where one can watch wildlife at close
range. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can
have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close
quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The
wildlife includes tigers, the majestic wild elephants,
Nilgiri langur, wild boar, wild dog, bison, bear and
leopards. A cruise through the waters of Periyar lake
around which the wild -life sanctuary is situated,
offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience. After
check-into Hotel, go for the boat-cruise in the
sanctuary to view wildlife. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 09 :
Periyar to Kumarakom (130 Kms)
In the morning, drive towards Kumarakom. It is
undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating
destination in Kerala. The slender coconut palms, paddy
fields, meandering lagoons and above all backwaters are
main attraction of the town. During your visit to
Kumarakom, you can visit the places like Aruvikkuzhi
Waterfalls, the ancient town of Kottayam (famous for its
churches, especially the 700 years-old churches), Bay
Island Museum, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and world famous
magnificent Back Waters. Kumarakom,one of the very few
places in the world, where main mode of transportation
is through the water ways. Overnight at Houseboat /
Resort in Kumarakom.
Day 10 :
Kumarakom to Cochin (85 Kms)
Morning is free to enjoy the natural beauty of Kumarakom
and take a leisurly boat ride on the backwaters. After
lunch, proceed towards Cochin by car. Affectionately
called the queen of the Arabian sea, Cochin is situated
on the western Indian coast and falls under the state of
Kerala. It is also known as commercial capital of Kerala.
Evening is free for shopping or other leisure
activities. Overnight in Cochin. Please note that you
can also avail the option of cruising through the
backwaters from Kumarakom to Cochin instead of going by
road. It is subject to availability.
Day 11 :
Cochin
Today go for the City Tour of Cochin with exclusive
guide. Your sightseeing will include all the attractions
of Cochin like Mattancherry Dutch Palace (built by the
Portuguese and presented to the king of Cochin in 1555
A.D. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the
Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace),
the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church (Located at the
Fort, this Protestant church was originally built by the
Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest
church built by the Europeans in India), Chinese fishing
Nets, Hill Palace Museum, MUSEUM OF KERALA HISTORY etc.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 12 :
Cochin to Ooty (280 Kms)
In the morning, proceed towards Ooty by car. Ooty also
known as "Queen of hill stations". It is one of the most
popular Hill resorts in India situated in Nilgiri range.
Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is used to be
popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers
during the British Empire rule over India. It is
situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level.
An added attraction for the tourists to Ooty is the
mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track.
Its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful
tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of
verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens.
Evening is free to enojoy the natural beauty of Blue
Mountains. Overnight in Ooty.
Day 13 :
Ooty
Today go for the sightseieng of Ooty that includes,
Botanical garden (laid out in 1847 and is spread over 55
acres. It houses rare tree species like the cork tree,
the paper bark tree, the monkey puzzle tree - monkeys
cannot climb this tree, a 20 million year old fossilized
tree etc), boating in the Ooty lake, The tea plantation
gardens, and also enjoy the above mention toy train
journey. One can also opt for visit to Mudumulai
Wildlife Sanctury (The most prominent of the wildlife
sanctuaries in the state, thickly forested Mudumalai
borders with Bandipur National Park. Apart from the wide
range of animal and bird life, one can see the rich
fauna of this sanctuary). Overnight in Ooty.
Day 14 :
Ooty to Mysore (158 Kms)
In the morning, proceed towards Mysore by car. It is
situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, in
the state of Karnataka. From ancient times, this city
has played a significant role in the history of South
India. Inspite of being ruled by different Rulers and
Kingdoms for ages, Mysore still retains its old charm
and Stately beauty. Mysore is a very popular tourist
destination, offering several attractions ranging from
the royal splendour of Mysore City and its fabulous
Dashahera Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage
centres and scenic spots. Overnight in Mysore.
Day 15 :
Mysore
Today go for the City Tour of Mysore with exclusive
guide. Your sightseeing will include all the attractions
like magnificent Mysore Palace (Indo-Saracenic style
built between 1897-1912 for the royal family), Sri
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery (situated in Jagmohana
Palace, displays sculptures, musical instruments and
exquisite paintings dating back to 1875), St.
Philomena's Church (beleived to be modeled on the Gothic
Cathedral at Cologne, designed by French architects).
and Chamundi Hill (at the crest of this hill is 11th
century Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. The striking
Pyramidal Temple tower was added in 1825-1826. Near the
temple is the statue of Mahishasura, the demon slayed by
the Goddess Chamundeshwari). Overnight in Mysore.
Day 16 :
Mysore - Bangalore to Chennai
In the morning, proceed towards Bangalore. After arrival
in Bangalore, start your local sightseeing tour with our
guide. Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka. This
Garden City has well - laid out parks, gardens, long
avenues of blossoming trees and salubrious climate.
Emerging as the hi-tech capital of India, it still
retains a charm that is totally Indian. Founded in 1537
by a local Chieftain Kempe Gowda, Bangalore has changed
dramatically over the years. There are numerous
'not-to-be-missed' sights in Bangalore like the
magnificent Vidhana Soudha (Legislative House, that
resembles little bit with Capital Building of Washington
DC), sprawling Cubbon Park, Colourful Lalbagh etc. After
sightseeing, proceed to airport to catch the evening
flight to Chennai. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 17 :
Chennai
The days is free for your shopping and last day packing.
Proceed to Airport as per your airlines timings to catch
the flight back home. |
