Highlights of South India Tour
South India is perhaps the most ancient of all lands and the heart of native India and its values. Earliest evidences of human settlements found in South India date back to 8000 BCE and the subsequent rulers and dynasties that ruled the region have left their instinct impressions on its art, culture, and architecture.This South India tour is all about discovery – the discovery of a complex region which is steeped in intellectual thought and age old tradition. In its mammoth temples and abundant natural beauty, you are sure to have a memorable holiday.
Inclusions: 1.Accommodation on twin-share basis in the mentioned hotels or similar 2.Meals as mentioned in the itinerary 3.Transport in air-conditioned vehicle. 4.Assistance during check-ins and check-outs at hotels 5.Services of local English Speaking Guides for cultural sightseeing |
Mysore Palace
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Day 1: Arrive Chennai
Arrive in Chennai today. On arrival you will be received at the airport by our representative and taken to your hotel (check in after 12 noon).
Accommodation: Chennai
Meals: None
Accommodation: Chennai
Meals: None
Day 2: Chennai
Situated on the eastern coast of India, Chennai (earlier called Madras) is the fourth largest of the Indian cities, after Mumbai, Calcutta and Delhi. It used to be one of the bastions of the British Empire and a trading post for the East India Company. Today, this metropolis is a microcosm of ancient traditions and cultures co-existing with modern day industry and commerce.This morning you will explore Chennai city.
The Fort St. George, a 350-year-old fort with wide battlements is a reminder of the British Empire. Today, the old buildings in the fort house the Tamil Nadu State Government Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. Within the fort complex, a number of other early buildings still stand, of which St. Mary's Church is the most interesting. The church has many paintings, records and registers, each with a story to tell. The Fort St. George Museum contains some of the most fascinating items belonging to the East India Company and the colonial period. It houses rare weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and some other artifacts dating back to the British period. The museum also has a valuable collection of documents, letters and declarations which have been greatly used by the historians. The renowned Kapaleeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex has the traditional market, the tank and Brahmin residential houses. Another ancient and important temple here is the Krishna Parathasarthy Temple, which dates back to the 8th century during the reign of the Pallavas. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Accommodation: Chennai Meals: Breakfast
The Fort St. George, a 350-year-old fort with wide battlements is a reminder of the British Empire. Today, the old buildings in the fort house the Tamil Nadu State Government Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. Within the fort complex, a number of other early buildings still stand, of which St. Mary's Church is the most interesting. The church has many paintings, records and registers, each with a story to tell. The Fort St. George Museum contains some of the most fascinating items belonging to the East India Company and the colonial period. It houses rare weapons, uniforms, coins, costumes, medals and some other artifacts dating back to the British period. The museum also has a valuable collection of documents, letters and declarations which have been greatly used by the historians. The renowned Kapaleeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex has the traditional market, the tank and Brahmin residential houses. Another ancient and important temple here is the Krishna Parathasarthy Temple, which dates back to the 8th century during the reign of the Pallavas. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Accommodation: Chennai Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram - Chennai
Today you will be taken for a full-day excursion to Kanchipuram and ahabalipuram.Mahabalipuram: Located just outside Madras city, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is a group of monumental rock-cut temples, set amidst palms trees on a long beach, washed by the Bay of Bengal. In fact, it is said that the story of south Indian stone architecture begins on the sandy beaches of Mahabalipuram and from here goes on to reach incredible heights in Kanchipuram, Thanjavur and Madurai. Kanchipuram: Kanchipuram, the ancient city of temples is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There were believed to be about 1000 temples in Kanchipuram, out of which 126 temples remain in today and a few more in its outskirts.
Accommodation: Chennai Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chennai Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Chennai – Bangalore – Mysore
Mysore Palace
This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport on time to board your flight to Bangalore. (Jet Airways Flight 9W-2379; departing Chennai at 1010 hrs; arriving Bangalore at 1055 hrs). On arrival in Bangalore you will be met by our representative and taken for a brief tour of the city.
Tipu Sultan’s Palace: The ornately decorated 18th century Tipu Sultan's Palace here has a fine collection of memorabilia of his times.
Vidhan Soudha: Built in 1954, Vidhan Soudha is the majestic legislature building. It is an imposing structure in gray granite built in neo-Dravidian style. Bangalore Palace was built by the Wodeyer rulers of Mysore over 100 years ago resembling the medieval castles in Normandy and England. Its interiors have very elegant wood carvings. After the sightseeing, you will be driven (3 hours) to Mysore. Accommodation: Mysore
Meals: Breakfast
Tipu Sultan’s Palace: The ornately decorated 18th century Tipu Sultan's Palace here has a fine collection of memorabilia of his times.
Vidhan Soudha: Built in 1954, Vidhan Soudha is the majestic legislature building. It is an imposing structure in gray granite built in neo-Dravidian style. Bangalore Palace was built by the Wodeyer rulers of Mysore over 100 years ago resembling the medieval castles in Normandy and England. Its interiors have very elegant wood carvings. After the sightseeing, you will be driven (3 hours) to Mysore. Accommodation: Mysore
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Mysore
Mysore has a long history of eminent dynasties, which ruled from here and created a city that, even today, is one of the finest and best planned cities in southern India. Often called the city of palaces, Mysore combines traditional grandeur with modernity. There are tree- lined boulevards, beautiful gardens, parks and stately palaces. Being a major producer of sandalwood in the world, it is often called the city of fragrance. This afternoon you will visit Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Somnathpur and Chamudi Hill. Mysore Palace: Formerly the residence of the Wodeyar family, Mysore Palace is a splendid structure in Indo-saracenic style. Among the many attractions of the palace are a magnificent gold throne displayed during the Dussehra festival celebrations and a carved silver door. Its Kalyana Mandapa (Marriage Hall) has paintings that depict the royal times of the Maharajas.
Brindavan Gardens: Brindavan Gardens, laid on the terraces of the Krishnarajasagar Dam, is a vast stretch of the most delicately planned symphony in architecture, horticulture, engineering and aesthetics.
Somnathpur: The star shaped temple at Somnathpur is a splendid example of Hoysala architecture, and is not to be missed.
Chamundi Hill: Up on a hill overlooking the city is the 2000 year old temple of Chamundeshwari, its patron goddess. From the top of the hill, there is a splendid view of the city.
Accommodation: Mysore Meals: Breakfast
Brindavan Gardens: Brindavan Gardens, laid on the terraces of the Krishnarajasagar Dam, is a vast stretch of the most delicately planned symphony in architecture, horticulture, engineering and aesthetics.
Somnathpur: The star shaped temple at Somnathpur is a splendid example of Hoysala architecture, and is not to be missed.
Chamundi Hill: Up on a hill overlooking the city is the 2000 year old temple of Chamundeshwari, its patron goddess. From the top of the hill, there is a splendid view of the city.
Accommodation: Mysore Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Mysore – Nagarhole National Park
Today you will be driven to Nagarhole national park (2 hours).
Nagarhole is a part of a larger national park which includes the neighbouring wildlife sanctuaries of Bandipur, Mudumalai and Wayanad. The park is 643 sq. km in area and lies north to the Nagarhole River. There are excellent facilities for viewing wildlife here. There and large groups of gaur, elephant, sambar, chittal and even tiger and leopard are seen occasionally. Among other mammals are the muntjac, the tiny mouse deer, wild boar, pangolin, giant squirrel, slender loris, langurs and macaques. Lesser cats like the jungle cat, leopard cat and rusty spotted cat are also resident species. The Park has about 250 species of birds. In the afternoon you will be taken for a Game Drive inside the park.
Accommodation: Nagarhole Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
Nagarhole is a part of a larger national park which includes the neighbouring wildlife sanctuaries of Bandipur, Mudumalai and Wayanad. The park is 643 sq. km in area and lies north to the Nagarhole River. There are excellent facilities for viewing wildlife here. There and large groups of gaur, elephant, sambar, chittal and even tiger and leopard are seen occasionally. Among other mammals are the muntjac, the tiny mouse deer, wild boar, pangolin, giant squirrel, slender loris, langurs and macaques. Lesser cats like the jungle cat, leopard cat and rusty spotted cat are also resident species. The Park has about 250 species of birds. In the afternoon you will be taken for a Game Drive inside the park.
Accommodation: Nagarhole Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
Day 7: Nagarhole
This morning you will revisit the national park in the morning Game Drive. After a leisurely day later in the evening you will explore the countryside with the help of hotel staff.
Accommodation: Nagarhole
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nagarhole
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Nagarhole – Sultan Battery
This morning you will be driven to Sultan Battery (2 ½ hours) where you arrive around noon and check into your plantation retreat. Tranquil is a 400-acre private coffee and spice plantation nestled within the remote and lush rainforest of Wayanad in Northern Kerala. You stay here as house guests of the family who offer a personalised experience of living on the plantation. Integral to your stay will be dining at the family table, as part of the extended family, where an elaborate mix of continental, regional Indian and traditional Kerala fare is served.
Accommodation: Sultan Battery Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sultan Battery Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Sultan Battery
Full-day at leisure or enjoy activities available at the property. There are 12 routes, spanning the 400 acre plantation, to choose from for an invigorating walk. Or, you may bird watch - Tranquil being a bird watcher’s paradise with around 115 species of birds. The Neolithic Eddakal Caves are only a 10 minutes drive away. Pookote Lake, a picturesque water body in the hills, is just an hour’s drive.
Accommodation: Sultan Battery Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sultan Battery Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Sultan Battery – Calicut – Cochin
Early this morning you will be driven to Calicut airport (3 hours drive) in time to board your flight to Cochin (Air India Flight AI-9501; departing Calicut at 1050 hrs; arriving Cochin at 1135 hrs). On arrival in Cochin you will be received at the airport by our representative and taken to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Later in the evening you will be collected from your hotel and taken to witness spectacular Kathakali Dance Drama. Kathakali Dance Drama: Kathakali is Kerala’s very own classical dance-drama form which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and other story books. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls, Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu or the beating of drums and to the accompaniment of the Chengila (gong). The riches of a happy blending of colour, expressions, music, drama and dance are unparalleled in any other art form. Those who are interested may come a little early to see make up of the artistes being done which is considered to be a full-blown art in itself and is regarded as important as the dance-drama.
Accommodation: Cochin Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cochin Meals: Breakfast
Day 11:Cochin
If Kerala is India's most beautiful state, which many believe, then the lovely port of Cochin is its jewel. It has been variously hailed as Queen of the Arabian Sea, Venice of Orient, etc. Some choose to call it simply a museum city for its rich past and colourful present. Cochin displays a blend of people and architecture. It is one place where you can see a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, Dutch architecture, mosques, temples and Chinese fishing nets all in one day. Your tour of Cochin will include visit to Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays), Mattancherry or Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), St Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555 for the maharaja of Cochin. Later renovated by the Dutch, it came to be known as the Dutch Palace. It has a large central courtyard and a temple depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other legends. The little museum at the palace has a collection of costumes, palanquins and other articles from the royalty. Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568. This simple building has marvellously rich interiors. There are clusters of coloured glass lamps hanging from the ceiling and the floor has blue willow patterned tiles, none of which are identical. St. Francis Church is one of the oldest churches in the subcontinent. It was built by the Portuguese, but became a Protestant church with the arrival of the Dutch and an Anglican church after the British occupation. Vasco da Gama was buried in this churchyard. Chinese fishing nets are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets.
Accommodation: Cochin Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cochin Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Cochin - Munnar
This morning you will be driven to Munnar (4½ hours drive) where you arrive around noon and would be at leisure for the rest of the day. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams — Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. At 1600m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the British Government in South India. With its sprawling tea plantations, picture-book scenery, winding lanes and nice holiday facilities, Munnar is still a very popular hill station in Kerala.
Accommodation: Munnar Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Munnar Meals: Breakfast
Day 13:Munnar
Full-day to explore Munnar and the neighbouring regions with our car and driver at your disposal. You may visit Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar) which was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri Ibex). If you are lucky, you can observe the Tahr from close quarters here. Or, visit Tea Museum where you also get to taste some tea. Or, simply sit and relax at the hotel….
Accommodation: Munnar
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Munnar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14:Munnar - Paradisa
This morning you will be driven to Paradisa (4 hours) where you arrive around noon and check into your plantation retreat. Set amidst the tranquil atmosphere of organic coffee and spice plantations, the Maharajas of Travancore chose this setting in the pristine hills of Kerala for their summer palace. Paradisa Plantation Retreat is also set against this backdrop, on our organically grown coffee and spice plantation. This area, renowned for its tea plantations, is on the ascent to the Cardamom Hills. The Retreat comprises traditional wooden Kerala houses, placed individually for complete privacy. Great care has been taken in the construction of the Retreat, not to alter the lay of the land, thereby preserving the original landscape. Rest of the day will be at leisure or you may walk in the nearby jungle.
Accommodation: Paradisa Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Paradisa Meals: Breakfast
Day 15:Paradisa
Full-day at leisure or explore the plantation and the nearby countryside.
Accommodation: Paradisa
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Paradisa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16:Paradissa– Houseboat
Houseboat
This morning you will be driven to Alleppey (3 ½ hours) to board your Houseboat. The entire state of Kerala is criss-crossed with waterways that provide for irrigation and also serve as convenient modes of transportation and commerce. Next to the coastline, these endless stretches of lakes and lagoons are together called the backwaters. Life along these canals and byways is quite different from that seen along the highways. Many of the villages are isolated and entirely dependent on the canals for means of livelihood, transportation and communication…and the best way to explore these surroundings is by a 'kettuvallam' or houseboat. Enjoy backwater cruise in your houseboat as it meanders through the tranquil network of water canals, dotted with busy hamlets and lush green paddy fields. A houseboat ride through these placid waters is a heavenly experience, with visions of life gliding silently by.
Accommodation: Houseboat – A/C Deluxe Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Houseboat – A/C Deluxe Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17:Houseboat – Cochin – Chennai
After leisurely breakfast you will disembark the houseboat and driven to Cochin airport (1 hour) for your flight to Chennai. (JetLite Flight S2-3730; departing Cochin at 1200 hours, arriving Chennai at 1335 hours). On arrival in Chennai you will be received at the airport by our representative and taken to the international airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation: None Meals: Breakfast
*****End of the arrangements*****
FOR PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 01, 2012 – APRIL 15, 2013
Accommodation: None Meals: Breakfast
*****End of the arrangements*****
FOR PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 01, 2012 – APRIL 15, 2013
Exclusions:
Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc
Any other meals than those mentioned above
International airfare
Airport or VISA fee
Camera charges at monuments
Any other item not specifically mentioned above as INCLUDED
General:
The prices are based on current tax structure and will change in case of revision of taxes
The prices not valid during Christmas-New Year period when a supplement will be payable.
Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc
Any other meals than those mentioned above
International airfare
Airport or VISA fee
Camera charges at monuments
Any other item not specifically mentioned above as INCLUDED
General:
The prices are based on current tax structure and will change in case of revision of taxes
The prices not valid during Christmas-New Year period when a supplement will be payable.
