HIGHLIGHTS OF SOUTH INDIA
Itinerary :
Day 01 : Arrive Chennai : Arrive Madras (Chennai)
Arrive Madras by international flight. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02 : At Chennai
Morning free to relax from long flight. Breakfast at the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Madras city. Chennai - the capital of Tamil Nadu, popularly regarded as the 'Gateway to the South' represents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. During your sightseeing tour you will vist Kalakshetra, a school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing, Fort St. George - built in 1653 during British reign in India, - now houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu; St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India with its premises, Sri Parthasarathy Temple built by Pallavas in the 8th century AD; Kapaliswara Temple, Mylapore also an eighth century Pallava Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, San Thomas Cathedral Basilica rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica; and Theosophical Society - the world headquarters of the Theosophical Society formed to encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 : Arrive Chennai – depart for Mahabalipuram
Meeting on arrival at Chennai airport and proceed to reach Mahabalipurm via visiting Kanchipuram (time permiting otherwise Kanchipuram will be visited tomorrow). Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India. It is most famous for its exquisitely woven handloom silk saris. It has some very famous temples like the Kamakshi Temple and the Ekambareshwar Temple. Mahabalipuram is famous for its shore temples. Most of the temples and rock carvings were completed around 630 - 660 AD and are notable for their folk- art origins. Evening relax by the beach. Overnight at self booked Hotel.
Day 04 : Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry.
Morning after an early breakfast at the hotel and drive to Pondicherry, which was formerly a French colony. Today it is famous for the Aurobindo Ashram, which was chosen by the late Sri Aurobindo, revolutionary turned saint and Auroville, the inspiration of The Mother, a French woman who was the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo and conceived the idea of an international city of Dawn. Auroville was established to experiment and develop a new order of integrated living.
Day 05 : Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Thanjavur.
Morning after breakfast at the hotel drive to Thanjavur via visiting Chidambaram - famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Nataraja, who is believed to have performed his cosmic dance here. Arrive at Thanjavur and check into hotel. Rest of the day free to relax from long drive. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 : At Tanjore (Thanjavur)
Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed to visit Thanjavur - the cultural capital of this region. It is the home of Carnatic music and dance. It is famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple, constructed more than a thousand years ago. Saraswati Mahal Library, The Art Gallery, and Sangeetha Mahal are also of interest. The land surrounding Thanjavur is known as the granary of Tamil Nadu, blessed as it is by the waters of Kaveri River.
Day 07 : Thanjavur - Madurai.
Morning Bathe in the sea at Agnitheeram, which is considered sacred and a pure place to bathe. Afternoon drive to for Madurai.
Day 08 : Madurai
Morning after breakfast at the hotel commence sightseeing tour of Madurai. Known as Athens of the East, Madurai is the second largest city on the banks of the River Vaigai. The city is believed to be more than 2500 years old. The city got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva's locks when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Madurai where the people wake up to the chant of hymns is proud of the magnificent Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple. Of its 12 gopurams, four of the tallest stand at the outer walls of the temple. The 48.8 m high southern gopuram is the most spectacular and has over 1500 sculptures. In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the Meenakshi temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 : Madurai - Periyar
Morning drive to Periyar and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Periyar sanctuary spread over an area of 777 sq km, has about 35 tigers and leopards. However, sighting a tiger in Periyar is a rare occurrence. The park encompasses a 26 sq km artificial lake and is the home of sambars, wild boars, elephants and antelopes, which can be seen on the banks of the river during a boat cruise. Periyar, otherwise, blessed by Nature has enormous tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom plantations and has lush green hills. Afternoon boat-cruise on Lake Periyar to view wildlife. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 : Periyar-Kumarakom, 136 km
Drive to Alleppey and board your waiting houseboat and sail through back waters of Kerala to Kumarakom. Traveling by boat on the backwaters in Kerala is one of the most unique experiences. The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes and travel along narrow shady canals providing glimpses of small settlements on the narrow land, shops, schools and trading on boat, lush green rice fields. These canals are well connected between Kottayam-Alleppey-Changancherry-Quilon and Kumarakom. Overnight on houseboat.
Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake. Coconut Lagoon is set on an abandoned coconut plantation in the heart of idyllic backwaters. Rest of the day free.
Day 11 : At Kumarakom
Morning after breakfast at the hotel check out from house boat and check in at backwater resort where calm, emerald backwaters reflect hundreds of thousands of gently swaying palms where the primary attraction however, is its lazy ambience.
Later proceed to explore the bird sanctuary of Kumarakom and explore a whole new world of feathered species. For an inquisitive bird watcher it is an ideal place that echoes with the chirping of birds including a variety of migratory birds. Take a walk around the sanctuary while experiencing the sights and sounds of these birds. Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Either you are free at leisure, or enjoy the backwaters with paddleboats, canoe and Kayaks at the lagoon available at the resort.
Overnight at the Resort.
Day 12 : Kumarakom to Cochin
Morning after leisurely breakfast at the resort drive to Cochin and check in at the hotel on arrival.
Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Cochin. Cochin, Kerala's commercial center, has a fine natural harbor. Cochin is famous for Mattanchery Palace, St. Francis Church, Wellington Island, Bolghatty Island, Chinese Fishing nets and Jewish Synagogue. Cruising on the backwaters provides glimpses of the rural life, fine view of the harbor and three islands. Evening witness a Kathakali Dance Show in an auditorium.
Day 13 Cochin – Ooty
Morning after breakfast at the resort drive to Ooty. Popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Blue Mountains’ along with its nearby neighbors Coonoor and Kotagiri, Ooty was developed as a hill station by the British and is famous for its pine and eucalyptus forests as well as its coffee and tea plantations. Nestling in the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 7,500 feet, Ooty was expanded by the Collector of Coimbatore, John Sullivan, in 1819 when he built a house and soon grew in popularity with the British who superimposed their lifestyle from home on the hill station.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 14 : At Ooty (Conoor excursion)
Little early in the morning drive to Coonoor to enjoy tea plantation. For return travel by Toy train back to Ooty which will take around one hours time and will pass through the highest point on its route.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 15 : Ooty to Mysore
Morning drive to Myosre. On arrival check into the hotel. Mysore is a charming and relaxed city surrounded almost entirely by fertile farmland and tree clad hills. Until independence Mysore was the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, a princely state covering about a third of present day Karnataka. The city is noted for its sandalwood carvings, incense, silk weaving and for its coffee
Overnight at the hotel
Day 16 – At Mysore
Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed for full day leisurely visit to Mysore Palace : Where the Mharajas lived… You can't miss the Palace at Mysore, for all roads lead to the Maharaja's Palace. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms.
The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. See the magnificent jewel studded golden throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignty, displayed here during the Dasara. The palace, illuminated on Sundays and Public Holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty. Chamundi Hills - Presiding deity; of Mysore. A well known 335 metres high landmark, Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. Half-way up long the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith. At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces. MAHISHASURA. From whom Mysore got its name Close to the temple is the gigantic stature of the demon Mahishasura. St. Philomena's Church - Gothic art A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style. Stained glass windows and lofty towers make it an imposing structure. Sri Jayachmarajendra Art Gallery - A treasure house of masterpieces The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary Svetoslav Roerich. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 – Mysore to Hassan – Drive
Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed to Hassan and check into the hotel. Later proceed to visit Belur - situated around 38 km from Hassan. The Channekeshava Temple at Belur is the only one of the three major Hoysala sites still in use. The construction of this temple started in AD 1116 to commemorate the victory of the Hoysalas over the Cholas at Talakad. It took around hundred years to complete the work. It is said that every Hindu deity has been represented at this temple. Guides can be hired to explain the detailed sculptural work. Other Hoysala temples at Belur are the Chennigaraya and the Viranarayana and Halebid - Situated around 33 km from Hassan is Halebid, famous for its Hoyasaleswara temple. The construction of the Hoyasaleswara Temple was started in AD 1121 and continued for around 90 years, but never completed. Nevertheless, even in its incomplete form, this temple is the most outstanding example of Hoysala art and architecture. Every part of the walls of this temple is covered by an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds, and many other art forms. The temple is enclosed by a garden and there is a museum also nearby.
Return to Hassan for overnight stay.
Day 18 – Mysore to Bangalore
Morning after breakfast at the hotel drive to Bangalore via Sravanabelgola Shravanbelgola is located around 48 km off Hassan and is famous for the statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwar). The place is an important Jain pilgrimage center with an ancient history. The 17-m-high statue of Bahubali is said to be the tallest monolithic structure in the world. It overlooks the small town of Shravanbelgola from top of the rocky hill known as Indragiri. One can reach this hill after covering 614 rock-cut steps.
Bangalore is a booming city and considered fifth largest and the fastest growing city in Asia. Home to well over 6 million people, and a base for over 10,000 industries, Bangalore combines a quaint old world charm with the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolitan city. It is a delightful place with an amalgamation of various rich cultures, crafts, and heritage centers. This city while enjoying the reputation of being a modern, high-tech city, still offers a lot of places of historical interest for the avid sightseer to explore. A trip around the city can be very interesting and provides a varied sightseeing experience with Palaces, museums, temples, churches and gardens. It has an enviable posterity and presents much to be discovered. Despite being one of Asia's fastest growing cities, Bangalore remains one of the most elegant metros in India. A well-planned city,with tree-lined avenues,a large number of parks, gardens and lakes,Bangalore is aptly called India's garden city. Bangalore is even gaining the status of the "Floriculture Capital of India" due to the present blossoming of flower exports from the city. The beautiful parks like the Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are indeed a treat to the eyes.
Day 19 : At Bangalore
Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed for sightseeing tour of Bangalore visiting : Tipu's Palace - Built in 1791, this beautiful two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with exquisitely carved pillars, arches and balconies was one of Tipu's favourite summer, Gandhi Bhavan - The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, housed in the Gandhi Bhavan, houses a comprehensive picture gallery and other exhibits of Gandhiji which depict the life and times of Gandhiji. The Bhavan is open on weekdays, The Bull Temple - This temple, built by Kempe Gowda, houses the magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. It stands over 15 feet tall and is over 20 feet long . In Nov/Dec every year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple. The first groundnuts are offered by the farmers to the sacred bull. Lal Bagh , Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along Londons Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400 acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held in the Glass House. In July, 2003 it was decded that the Department of Horticulture and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, Government Museum - One of the important buildings, the Government Museum is one of the oldest in India(1886). A special attraction here are the antiquities from Mohenjodaro period. Situated nearby the museum is Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum named after the great engineer-statesman , This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon park, is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing.
Rest of the day at leisure for self activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 20 – Depart Bangalore
Transfer to the airport in time to board home bound flight.
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