Day 1 : ABROAD - CHENNAI - COVELONG
Welcome to India !!! . On arrival our representative will meet you at
the airport . Depart to Covelong (43 kms/1 hr). Upon arrival at hotel
you will be provided with the traditional Indian welcome consisting of
aarti-tikka and garlands with non-alcoholic welcome drink.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : COVELONG
Fullday sightseeing tour of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.
Kanchipuram - Known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples, is
one of the oldest towns in India. It is famous for both its temples,
many of them remarkably well preserved and for its hand-woven silks.
With the Sankara Mutt acting as the hub of Hindu activities and the
temples, Kanchipuram is one of the most highly visited pilgrimage spots
in India , and can rightfully be called the " Religious Capital of
South India". Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of
India and it is the only one associated with both Shiva and Vishnu.
Visit Ekambareshwar Temple,
Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all
built in the 7th and 8th centuries. All the religious cities in India
support one of the two sects in Hinduism - Vaishnavism and Shaivism, but
Kanchipuram has blended itself equally to both the sects, dividing
itself into Vishnu Kanchi, surrounding the Varadaraja Temple, and Shiva
Kanchi, surrounding the Ekambareshwar (also spelt as Ekambareshwa)
Temple, while the Kamakshi Amman Temple stands in between as a place of
Shakti worship.
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. Visit the local homes of
the weavers and watch them create magic out of silk thread into saris.
Mahabalipuram  -
Located at a distance of 58-km from Chennai, Mahabalipuram has
everything that makes a site memorable; tradition, history, piety,
western annals, and current importance as a centre of tourism.
The proper name of the site is "Mamallapuram", after Mamalla,
an honorific of the Pallava king, Narasimha Varman I (630-668), who
created the earliest of its monuments. But it is popularly called "Mahabalipuram",
or "The city of Bali", whom Lord Vishnu chastised for his
pride and of whom there is a relief in one of the excavated temples
here.
This is a small, quiet seaside resort with a unique 7th-century Shore
Temple, a lovely beach and some of the most beautiful rock-cut temples
in the world. This, town was a workshop for temple building. 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.
End the visit by photography of the beautiful Shore temples at sunset.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : COVELONG - PONDICHERRY
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry (162 kms/4 hrs)
Pondicherry- which was up until the 1950s, a far-flung outpost
of the French maritime empire. It is so different from the rest of Tamil
Nadu that one feels that one has entered another country!
Tour of Pondicherry - visiting Botanical garden, Eglise De Sacre Coeur
De Jesus and Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later visit township of Auroville or
the city of Dawn. Designed by a French architect Roger Arger, it is an
entirely new concept in education and urban living.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 4 : PONDICHERRY - TANJORE
Post breakfast , drive amidst the enchanting lamdscapes to Tanjore.
Upon arrival at Tanjore - check into hotel.
Explore the city of Tanjore in the Afternoon . The Brihadeeswara Temple
in Thanjavur is an architectural wonder and reflects the artistic skills
of the erstwhile Chola rulers who ruled peninsular India in the early
medieval period. Built by the Chola king Rajaraja I in the 11th century,
it is one of the tallest temples in the world. It was so designed that
the Vimana never casts a shadow at noon at any part of the year.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 5 : TANJORE - TRICHY - MADURAI
After breakfast drive to Madurai (190 kms/5½ hrs) enroute visiting
Trichy
Trichy city tour includes : The most famous landmark of Tiruchirappalli
is the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive
rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old
city
The city is a thriving commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is famous
for artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and
wooden and clay toys.
Thereafter continue drive to Madurai. On arrival at Madurai - check
into hotel. Madurai or the "city of nectar" is the oldest and
second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River
and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. The Pandyan
king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a
lotus shaped city. Mythology says when city was being named; Lord Shiva
blessed the city and its people. On the auspicious occasion some Divine
nectar ("Madhu") fell from the matted locks of Shiva and hence
the city was named "Madhurapuri". This sacred town of south
attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India as well as
abroad.
Evening visit of the Meenakshi temple - Leave the hotel for the temple
by cycle rickshaws. At 9 PM, attend the night ceremony at the temple.
This is a ceremony that takes place every evening when the temple bronze
of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati. The procession
is accompanied by religious prayer and temple music.
Dinner and overnight at hotel. 
Day 6 : MADURAI - PERIYAR
Post breakfast drive to Periyar wild life reserve . Upon arrival at
Periyar - check into hotel
Day 7 : PERIYAR
Say hi to the Tigers, at the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Trekking with a
local guide familiarizes you to the rare birds, trees & flowers that
are come across here.
You can even set upon a walk through the plantations filled with the
heady fragrance of fresh spice. A boat safari on the Periyar Lake
extends a lifetime's chance to spot exotic wildlife in its natural
habitat - like the eccentric bathing habits of the wild elephants that
come down to the lake. Thereafter at leisure to explore the neighboring
spice market.
Overnight at hotel.
|
Vacation Review
"The South India has truly amazed me with its palette of
temples and archipelago coup. The cities here are matchless here
with a wealth of past history and culture."
»
Benjamin George, US |
Day 8 : PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM (The
famous Backwatwers of Kerala)
Kumarakom by road. A day at leisure at the enchanting , most natural
Coconut Lagoon( Bungalow confirmed at present), Kumararakom. Day at
leisure . The panaromic Back waters here offer an ideal retreat to enjoy
nature at its best. Enjoy a sundowner cruise or simply relax by the
poolside. You will also be able to indulge an Ayurveda therapy or a
massage in your backwater resort.
Day 9 : KUMARAKOM
Full day at leisure for own activities. Overnight at hotel
Day 10 : KUMARAKOM - COCHIN
Post breakfast drive to Cochin (140 kms). Upon arrival in Cochin,
check-in at hotel. Afternoon city tour of Cochin.
Cochin - Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea,
Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Frilled with
backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a
great voyager to its shores. Arrive Cochin & check into hotel
Tour of Cochin or "Kochi"- the palm green, commercial captial
of Kerala is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From
time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese
seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on
the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad
influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of
St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets
Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance - Kathakali is a unique
dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different
'mudras' or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and
kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the
two epic Indian myths. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 :COCHIN - BANGALORE - MYSORE
Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Bangalore
Leave : Cochin at: 1205 hrs by: IC 909 Arrive: Bangalore
at: 1420 hrs
Upon arrival in Bangalore - the guests will be met and proceed to
Mysore (170 kms).Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 :MYSORE (The fragrant
sandalwood city)
Post breakfast drive to Periyar wild life reserve . Upon arrival at
Periyar - check into hotel
Located 770m above sea level and 140 Kms from Bangalore, Mysore, the
imperial city, was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. Also known as
the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed to mesmerise the tourists
with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully
laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred
temples.
Morning sight-seeing tour of Mysore -
Mysore is certainly a charming, old-fashioned and undaunting town
dominated by the spectacular Maharaja's Palace, around which the
boulevards of the city radiate. Nearby is the city centre with the
colourful and frenetic Devaraja Market is inviting a stroll.
On the outskirts of Mysore, Srirangapatnam still harbours architectural
gems from the days of the great Indian hero, Tipu Sultan, and the
magnificent Hoysala temple of Somnathpur lies little more than an hour's
drive away
Also visit the Zoological Garden, Mysore Arts & Crafts centre and
then proceed to the Chamundi Temple on a hill above the city. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 13 : MYSORE - CHIKMAGALUR
Morning drive to Chikmagalur (140 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel
Chikmaglur - Younger Daughter's Town
The district takes its name from the head quarters town of Chikmaglur,
which literally means 'Younger Daughter's Town'. It is said to have been
given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary
chief of Sakrepatna. Nestled in the Baba Budan hills, Chikmagalur is a
calm, serene town full of scenic surprises hills, valleys, streams and
snow-white coffee blossoms. Chikmagalur is also a trekker's delight,
with its rugged mountain trails.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 : CHIKMAGALUR - BANGALORE
Morning at leisure. Post lunch drive to Bangalore (251 kms). Upon
arrival, check-in at hotel. Evening free for shopping etc…
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 : BANGALORE - MUMBAI
Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Mumbai
Leave: Bangalore at: 0855 hrs by: 9W 412 Arrive: Mumbai
at: 1030 hrs
Upon arrival in Mumbai - the guests will be met & transferred to
the hotel. Afternoon tour of Mumbai - is a great port city with its
Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the
modern.
The tour includes : Gateway of India : Mumbai's principal landmark, the
Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder.
Juhu Beach : Juhu is one of the largest and
frequently visited beaches of India. Located 18-km north of the city
centre, it's a beckoning beach on the shores of Arabian Sea and is one
of the posh localities of Mumbai.
Marine Drive : Marine Drive located in the central
Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 1930s on land reclaimed from the sea, is
Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare.
Essel World : Perfect for a one-day holiday, Essel
World offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water
Kingdom is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia.
Bollywood - The Film City : "Bollywood",
as it is called, produces the second most number of pictures in the
world every year, next only to Hollywood, U.S.A. Mumbai claims to be the
world's largest production centre for films.
Day 16 : MUMBAI
Morning, one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the
lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and
intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to
the 8th century. The rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from
three magnificent avenue leads to the outstanding three-headed sculpture
representing Brahma-the Creator, Vishnu-the Preserver and Shiva-the
Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal
sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering
(Closed on Mondays).
Late at night transfer to the International airport for flight back
home.
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