Jewels Of South India


Bangalore – Hassan – Mysore – Bandipur – Mudumalai – Ooty – Cochin – Alleppey – Kumarakom - Periyar – Madurai – Trichy – Tanjore – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Chennai.



Overview

South India destination is the great way to explore Magnificent Dravidian Temples, Beaches & Hill stations and it uncover the Rich Cultural Heritage. The Leading tourist destinations of India offering choices to discerning leisure Traveller, Heritage Explorer, Adventure Traveler, Honeymooner etc

Breakfast

Sightseeing

Hotel

Transport


Trip Highlights

    • Visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and ISKCON Temple
    • Day-trip to Belur and Halebid Temples, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hassan
    • Visit Mysore Maharaja’s palace and Brindavan Garden
    • Exlpore deciduous forest" Bandipur National Park an Mudumalai Forest”
    • Explore picturesque beauty "Queen of Hills" Ooty
    • Visit St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue in Cochin
    • Backwater Cruise in Aleppey
    • Have View in Historical City Trichy and Madurai
    • Explore French enclave and pleasant walk in beach at Pondicherry.
    • Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Mahabalipuram.
    • Darshan at the Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram.
    • Visit world second longest Marina Beach and Temples

Tour Itinerary


Day01: Bangalore

Arrive at Bangalore Airport. Upon arrival meeting & assistance and transfer to hotel. After lunch drive to the garden city, visit the Lal Bagh, a botanical garden with a wide collection of old trees & herbs. Also visit Tipu sultans summer palace built of teak wood with floral designs on the walls and ceilings. Overnight stay at Bangalore.

Day02: Bangalore - Hassan (Approx 190 Kms /3.5 Hrs)

After breakfast drive to Hassan enroute visit Saravana Belagola famous for its 17 metre high Jain colossus, GOMATESWARA said to be the tallest & most graceful monolithic statue in the world. And visible from a distance of 25 kms is the statue of Lord Gomteshwara, which is bathed with milk, sandalwood, and saffron once every 12 year. Overnight stay at Hassan.

Day03: Hassan - Mysore (Approx 115 Kms /2.5 Hrs)

After breakfast drive to in Halebid visit the Hoysalesvara Temple of 12th century where we see half-life size statues of Hindu deities, with minute details of each, all around the temple. After the visit in Halebid we proceed to Belur. In Belur visit the group of Chennakesava Temples which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. Then drive to Mysore. Overnight stay at Mysore.

Day04: Mysore

After breakfast drive to Mysore, the Sandalwood and Incense Capital of the World & some of Indias 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. Afternoon sight seeing trip to visit 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 at St. Philomenas cathedral - folklore museum - Brindavan gardens & spectacular musical fountains. 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. Overnight stay at Mysore.

Day05: Mysore – Bandipur - Mudumalai wildlife Sanctuary (Approx 95 Kms /2.30 Hrs)

Enroute you can visit The Bandipur Wildlife. The Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of very rich flora and fauna, and is home to many endangered species. Though tigers and Leopards are only seen by the fortunate few, elephants, giant squirrels, sambhar, chital, barking deer and flying squirrels are a common sight. The Sanctuary is also a great place to see many kinds of birds, including colorful parakeets, black woodpecker, Malabar trogon and crested hawk eagle. Optional tour trekking, elephant & jeep rides to view wild life. You might like to visit the elephant camp within the sanctuary, Theppakkadu. Overnight stay at Mudumalai.

Day06: Mudumalai - Ooty (Approx 65Kms / 2.30 Hrs)

After breakfast drive to Ooty. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, enjoy the beauty of this hill station. Ooty is fondly known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty is snugly ensconced in the heart of the Nilgiris. Dotted with undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, gurgling brooks and lush green tea gardens, this tranquil haven is sure to capture the hearts of every visitor. Later take a sightseeing tour of Ooty enjoy the scenic surroundings, the Botanical Garden a wealth of variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, eucalyptus trees, several old trees and even a fossilized tree trunk that is 20 million years old, followed by boat rides and fishing, a visit to the Ooty Lake is a must. Besides these, there are various view points like Lambs Rock, Kodanadu and Dodabetta Peak is the highest point in the district at a height of 2623 meters. Provided the day is clear, one can see as far as the plains of Coimbatore and the Mysore plateau. Overnight stay at Ooty.

Day07: Ooty – Cochin (Approx 295Kms/5- 6 hrs)

Drive to Cochin, enroute you will have the opportunity to take a train ride from Ooty to Coonoor (Please note this is an optional tour. This train operates depending upon the weather). Overnight stay at Cochin.

Day08: Cochin

Visit Cochin, then visit the Mattancherry palace also called the Dutch palace, St. Francis church the Portuguese Vasco-Da-Gama was initially buried & Santa Cruz basilica which has got some beautiful paintings. We will pass islands with their traditional fishing hamlets and the fisher flock in their colorful costumes and the Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders (optional tour) witness Kathakali dance, the famous traditional dance of Kerala. Overnight stay at Cochin.

Day09: Cochin – Alleppey

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. Overnight stay at houseboat.

Day10: Alleppey – Kumarakom

After breakfast disembark from houseboat and drive to take a short trip Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, a walk through the nice tropical surroundings. Evening go for Sunset cruise (optional) or enjoy the beauty of backwater by just relaxing near Vembanadu Lake Over night stay at Kumarakom.

Day11: Kumarakom - Periyar (Approx 145kms /4 Hrs)

After breakfast 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 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 stay at Periyar.

Day12: Periyar - Madurai (Approx 140Kms /04 Hrs)

In the Morning take cruise in the Periyar Lake in the cool surroundings and the panorama spreads around tropical jungles, Wild elephants & birds of myriad varieties later drive to Madurai -This temple built in Dravidian style Architecture with colorful has rich cultural heritage and history. Madurai is a Tamil Nadu most happening cultural area. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial center even as early as 550 AD. In the afternoon we will visit the opulent Nayak Palace and Thirupparan Kundram Temple with rock carvings, monkeys and peacocks. Later soak up the energy of the magnificent Meenakshi temple where we will witness the special daily closing ceremony. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Day13: Madurai - Trichy (Approx 170 Kms /2.5Hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive t to Trichy on arrival transfer to the hotel, Afternoon take a sightseeing tour of Trichy, was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century it witnessed the Carnatic wars fought between the French and the English. Lord Robert Clives house is still there to see and so is the Danish Church. The Rock-Fort is the landmark of Trichy.. The Rock Fort Temple with 437 stone cut steps to the top for panoramic views is surrounded by a bustling local bazaar which you are free to explore. Here the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple. Over night stay at Trichy.

Day14: Trichy  -  Tanjore (Approx 65 Kms /1.5Hrs)

After breakfast drive to Tanjore, visit at the beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadeeshwara is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp, an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. Its bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of a visit to South India. The tower of the temple is an engineering marvel of the construction was made in such a way that the shadow of the Cupola never falls on the ground. Overnight stay at Tanjore.

Day15: Tanjore - Pondicherry (Approx 180kms /3.5 Hrs)

Drive to Pondicherry enroute visit an ancient Siva temple at Kumbakonam. Drive to Gangai Konda Cholapuram - World Heritage Monument Temples at Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram 10th Century Temples to see an ancient Siva temple. Proceed to Chidambaram - which is spread across 58 kms, a stunning Shiva Temple, dedicated to Nataraja the Lord of Dance, is believed to have performed his Cosmic Dance here. On the gateway of Chidamabaram, are carved 108 poses of the Classical dance form, Bharata Natyam After lunch, experience the traditional crafts such as bronze statue making and pottery. Then proceed to Pondicherry Over night stay at Pondicherry.

Day16: Pondicherry- Mahabalipuram (Approx 110 Kms /2Hrs)

Pondicherry is the capital of the French colonies in India since the 17th century. Later take a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry visiting the Aurobindo Ashram, which has been a seat of learning and Vedic cultures since ancient times proceed to Auroville, the planned city of Dawn of the new world. Evening you can visit local market and colonies. After lunch drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival transfer to the hotel later take a sightseeing tour of the city built in the 7th century, this ancient city is said to be a sculptors delight, boasting of some of Indias most sublime rock-cut art, for which it is now a World Heritage site, visit the seven pagoda-style Shore temples, 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 over night stay at Mahabalipuram .

Day17: Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai (Approx 1.5 Hrs)

After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to drive to Kanchipuram (76 kms - 1 ½ hours) to visit Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. With a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal cloth), Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularly fine silk saris, embellished with stunning patterns. Evening you will be transferred to the airport. 

Day18: Chennai: Drop

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport. Leave our country carrying with you magical memories of our tour.


Important Information


Hotel Detail:

  • The Hotels used are normally First Class Hotel ranging in the 3 Star Category. Even we also provide optional hotels which you can choose to enhances based on your budget.
  • Hotel accommodation is on Double Sharing Basis.
  • Daily Buffet / Fixed Menu Breakfast as per Plan mentioned in the Package.
  • The Hotels are subject to availability. In case of unavailability in the mentioned Hotels, alternate accommodation will be arranged in a similar category Hotel.
  • Standard Check-in at 12.00 Noon & Check-out at 09.00AM. But for some Hotels, Check-in & Check-out at10.00, 11.00 AM or 12.00 or 01.00 Noon it depends upon the Hotel rule. Kindly coordinate.
  • Non AC Rooms are provided in Hill Stations due to low temperature.


Transportation Details:

  • House Boat Accommodation based on number of traveling Pax.
  • A/c Deluxe Houseboat with AP plan (Lunch + Dinner + Breakfast).
  • Pick-up for Houseboat will be from respective Houseboat Jetty point.
  • Houseboat Standard Check in time is 12.00pm and Check out time is 09.00am.
  • Houseboat Air-Condition will work only from 09.00pm to 06.00am.


Transportation Details:

  • All Transfers and Sightseeing by Air-condition Private Transport as per the itinerary.
  • Transportation for entire round: (02 -03pax) Etios or Indigo/ (04 – 05pax) Innova/ (06 – 12pax) Tempo Traveller or similar for all categories as per the itinerary. Vehicle is as per the itinerary and not on disposal basis.
  • Guests have to coordinate with the Driver and Guide, to leave the Hotel on time so as to ensure that the sightseeing locations have reached on time.
  • All Toll, Parking, Permit, Driver Allowance, Fuel Cost and Transportation Tax.


Notes:

  • Our Company Terms and Conditions apply.
  • All sightseeing is subject to Weather and Political Conditions in the Destination.
  • Do carry comfortable walking shoes.
  • It is mandatory to carry a valid photo identity card (Passport / Driving License / Voter ID card).
  • Shopping would be on your own arrangements.

Packages Exclude

  • Any Meals/ en-route Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Cost due to upgrading or changing hotels, Room type, category etc. and late check out, if any.
  • Any entry fees for Monuments, Tourist Places, Temple, Monasteries, Gardens, Plantation, Park, Sanctuary, Forest, Rides, Safaris, Boating, Rafting, Skiing, Skating, Cable Car / Ropeway Rides, Helicopter Rides, additional sightseeing tours/ excursions not included in the itinerary.
  • Porter age at Hotels and Airports, Insurance, Tips, Room Service, Laundry, Mineral Water, Alcoholic or Non Alcoholic Beverages, Phone Calls, Room Heaters, Video Camera, Still, Personal Nature viz etc.
  • Package does not include fees for any Pooja/ Dharsan/ Aarthi, Gurusamy, Pooja Material etc.
  • Expense caused by factors beyond our control like Rail and Flight Delays, Roadblocks, and Vehicle Mal-Functions, Political Disturbances, Strike etc.
  • Air, Rail or Surface fare from / to your originating city of stay, unless specified.
  • Supplement charges applicable for Long weekends and Festivals. Compulsory Gala Dinner will be charged extra for Christmas and New Year Eve.
  • Any item or service not specifically mentioned in "Inclusions" column.
  • Govt. Service Tax of 3.09 % .

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