All of South India
Duration: 27Days/26 Nights
Places: Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry…
Day 01 ARRIVAL CHENNAI
Arrive Chennai. Assistance upon arrival.
Chennai is the southern capital of the Indian state Tamilnadu, located on the coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the largest commercial and business city in southern India.
Check-in & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 CHENNAI – MAHABALIPURAM BY SURFACE 56 KMS/02 HRS.
Head to the heritage city of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check-in at the hotel and guided tour of the city. The main attraction of Mahabalipuram is carved rock, wire temples, caves, rock balancing, Pancha Pandava Rathas and Splendid beaches.
Mahabalipuram is famous for the rocky temple of his son, Pancha Pandava Rathas, balancing rock and rock cutting caves. Splendid beaches with a temple in its magnificent background you experience. Night at the hotel.
Day 03 MAHABALIPURAM – KANCHIPURAM – MAHABALIPURAM
BY SURFACE 70 KMS/02 HRS. {One Way}
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning excursion to the temples of Kanchipuram (70kms, 1 ½ hours round approx.), one of the seven sacred cities of India with over a thousand temples, highlighting the Vaikuntha Perumal and Kailashanath of the best example of Pallava architecture.
It is also famous for hand-woven silk fabrics and saris. Return to Mallalapuram. Evening relax on the beach. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 04 MAHABALIPURAM – PONDICHERRY BY SURFACE 100 KMS/02 HRS.
Resume your trip to the next fascinating city of Pondicherry, known for its beautiful beaches, its largest French colony in India, its temples, churches and Indian cuisine. On arrival, check-in at your hotel booked for your stay. The colonial architecture of the houses of French colonies and the other side of the Tamil community life fascinate your experience. Being a small town and surrounded by the beaches interact visitor to travel to this historian city. Pondicherry is a great place for honeymooners, friends and family.
Special recommendation: heritage walk, wide beaches and ancient temple. Night at the hotel.
Day 05 PONDICHERRY – KUMBAKONAM – THANJAVUR
BY SURFACE 170 KMS/05 HRS.
After breakfast, continue to Tamilnadu town, Thanjavur. En route visit the city of Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is known for its rich cultural heritage, the religion of South India and the livelihoods of local people. Kumbakonam is the ideal place for journalists, writers, historians, religious to discover the charm and the city of Kumbakonam. Thanjavur Road, on arrival check-in at the hotel pre-arranged for your stay. Later in the evening, wander around the temples and excite your influence experience in the religions of southern India. Night at the hotel.
Day 06 THANJAVUR – TRICHY – MADURAI BY SURFACE 200 KMS/04 HRS.
After breakfast, head to another fascinating city in South India Madurai. Madurai is famous for ancient religions and temples. Night at the hotel.
Day 07 MADURAI
After Breakfast at Morning visit the Meenakshi Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in the country. The historic temple of Madurai, in the heart of the old city is an example of the architecture of the Dravidian with gopurams covered from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multicolored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The highlight of the temple is the ‘Hall of a Thousand Columns’. The hall has 985 pillars with a series of ornamental and bold sculptures. Viewed from any angle, these pillars seem to be in a straight line, an architectural wonder really. Later, visit Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in 1636 AD, by Tirumalai Nayak one of the major kings of the dynasty that ruled Madurai Nayak. The imposing building is famous for the “stucco” in its domes and impressive arches. The celestial pavilion built entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a simple beam or girder, is a marvel of Indo-Saracenic architectural style. There is a museum in the building of the palace, which has sections dealing with the history of Madurai and the art and architecture of Tamil Nadu. In the afternoon, explore the exotic bazaars of Madurai and attend evening prayer ceremonies in the Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 MADURAI – PERIYAR BY SURFACE 150 KMS/04 HRS.
Morning leave for Periyar. Periyar India’s largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India. The 120 years old ‘Surki’ dam built across Periyar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq. Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms. The Country’s sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture.
Periyar is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon Spice Planation visit also enjoy Boat cruise which is the best option to experience the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 09 PERIYAR – MUNNAR BY SURFACE 100 KMS/03 HRS.
Post breakfast drive to Munnar. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Munnar – is the beautiful hill station housing world’s highest tea-growing estates.
Afternoon visit the popular tea estates.
Attukal & Nyayamakad waterfalls. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 MUNNAR
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free for leisure activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 MUNNAR – ALLEPPEY {HOUSE BOAT} BY SURFACE 165 KMS/05 HRS.
After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Alleppey.
On arrival embark the house boat.
Enjoy a memorable houseboat ride on enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha to explore its breathtakingly beautiful surroundings and the fascinating Kerala countryside. All meals will be served on board.
Overnight onboard the House boat.
Day 12 ALLEPPEY – KUMARAKOM BY SURFACE 40 KM / 01 HOURS
After having breakfast, Check out your hotel & drive towards Kumarakom, the Icon of Kerala’s tourism prosperity. Today, Kumarakom is world’s best known back water destination and recognized by many international tourism organizations and travel magazines. It has also ranked above Taj Mahal in a latest statistics. Check in your Hotel.
Later visit Kumarakom bird sanctuary & Vembanad Lake.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 13 KUMARAKOM – COCHIN BY SURFACE BY SURFACE 50 KMS/02 HRS.
Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Cochin. Start your day exploring the city with a guided city tour by bike from Fort Cochin. Explore the colorful history of Fort Cochin and discover the charm of the city from a local perspective.
Later, continue further to visit the local city from palaces, churches, temple and step to the local market. Evening enjoy one of the classical dances of South India, known as Kathakali. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 COCHIN – GURUVAYOOR BY SURFACE 90 KMS/03 HRS.
Breakfast at the hotel. After the breakfast, drive towards Guruvayur and visit the Guruvayur Temple. It is a historical temple around 5000 years old and is one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in Kerala. After the darshan, you can go around and visit shops selling Kerala silk sarees. The planned itinerary encompasses a delightful exploration of several notable attractions, including the renowned Sree Krishna Temple, Mammiyur Temple, 64 Elephants Fort, and the picturesque Chettuva Backwaters. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 GURUVAYOOR – PALAKKAD BY SURFACE 90 KMS/02 HRS.
After breakfast drive towards Vellinezhi, a small village in Palakkad district of Kerala. On arrival, check-in at Hotel.
Later experience the traditional Kerala culture at Olappamana Mana, visit the weaving centre selling fine quality handloom fabrics. Interact with the local communities engaged in making Kathakali costumes. Witness the major ritualistic art form, Kalam Ezhutthi Pattu, also known as powder drawing. It is performed to worship gods, using the floor as the canvas accompanied by musical instruments, floral decorations, a priest and a singer.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 PALAKKAD – COONOOR BY SURFACE 120 KMS / 04 HRS.
COONOOR – OOTY BY TOY TRAIN 06143 – 1235/1345 HRS.
Breakfast at the hotel. Later have the experience of Toy Train between Coonoor to Ooty.
The Toy Train, also known as Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train, is the key attraction of the popular hill station. Started in the year 1899, it has continued to charms its visitors with equal zest winding its way through the best of nature. Weaving amidst the forests, dark snaking tunnels, and sharp bends and amid the mist and fog, the Toy Train is a spectacular trip up and down the slopes with birds and trees dancing along. After arrival at Ooty transfer to the hotel.
Ooty is among the top honeymoon spots and hill station in India. Attractions include the botanical garden, Ooty Lake, and Ooty Children’s Park. Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam, the “Blue Mountains “And the capital of Nilgiri district. Ooty is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 OOTY – MYSORE BY SURFACE 120 KMS / 04 HRS.
Breakfast at the hotel. You will start out day outing by visiting the Botanical Gardens, with a peaceful Lotus Pond that cover Dodda Betta. It is the highest peak of this hill station. Further, we will visit the tea estates, Dolphin’s Nose (a picnic spot), Lamb’s Rock, Ooty Lake, Kodanadu’s View Point and Catherine Falls. Later drive to Mysore. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18 MYSORE
After Breakfast Visit Mysore Palace The Palace of Mysore is a historical palace in the city of Mysore in Karnataka. It is the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars — the rulers of Mysore, the royal family of Mysore, who ruled the princely state from 1399 to 1950. The palace houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting halls of the royal court) and incorporates a mesmerizing and gigantic array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The palace is in the central region of inner Mysore, facing the Chamundi Hills eastward. Also visit the world famous Brindavan Garden & Krishnarajasagar Dam.
Day 19 MYSORE – BANGALORE BY SURFACE 150 KMS / 03 HRS.
Breakfast the Hotel. Later drive to Bangalore. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Bangalore officially known as Bengaluru is the capital of Karnataka state of India. The city is famous for its ample of green spaces. It is blessed with many tourist destinations and attracts lot of tourists every year from across the globe. After noon city tour of Bangalore Including the Tipu’s Palace, Ulsoor Lake, Lal Bagh, Nandi or Bull Temple, Cubbon Park and Vidhana Soudha. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 20 BANGALORE – HASSAN BY SURFACE 180 KMS / 04 HRS.
Later leave for Hassan. Enroute visit to Shravanabelgola famous for statue of Gommattesvara Bahubali – one of the important pilgrimage in Jainism. Late Evening arrive Hassan and overnight spend at hotel in Hassan.
Day 21 HASSAN – Halebid – Belur – HASSAN
After breakfast at Hotel, Excursion of Halebid – home to some of the best examples of Hosyala Architecture, prominent temples. Here are Hoysaleshwara Temple and Kedareshwara Temples followed by an excursion of Belur located on the banks of Yagachi River. Belur is home to Chennakeshava temple and these temples built during the rule of the Hoysala dynasty. Evening back to Hassan for overnight stay.
Day 22 HASSAN – HOSPET – HAMPI (322 KMS / 07 HRS)
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Hampi. Enroute sightseeing tour of Hospet. The historic town of Hospet lies at a distance of 340 km from Bangalore City. Apart from the many historic sites in the region the dam on the scenic Tungabhadra River is a popular tourist attraction whilst providing water supply for the region. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 23 HAMPI
Go for Full Day Hampi tour after breakfast at Hotel. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara. It continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple, as well as several other monuments belonging to the old city. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi. Overnight spend at hotel in Hampi.
Day 24 HAMPI – PATTADAKAL – BADAMI – HUBLI BY SURFACE 250 KMS / 06 HRS.
After breakfast at hotel leave for Badami. En route visit to Aihole – Once capital of Chalukya dynasty and famous for architecture of Hindu temple located there. Few km. far located Pattadakal group of monuments. This town display both Dravidian and the Nagara styles of temple Architecture. Continue drive to Badami and check in to hotel.
Overnight at Badami.
Day 25 HUBLI – GOA BY SURFACE 150 KMS / 04 HRS.
Breakfast at the Hotel. Later drive to Goa.
Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Evening free for leisure activities.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 26 GOA
Breakfast at the Hotel. Later the tour begins from Old Goa – visit the St. Francis of Assisi Church, built in 1661, it contains gilded and carved woodwork, old murals, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world. Visit the Cathedral to explore its Iberian exterior and its lavish interiors, which enshrine the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Also visit the starkly beautiful Convent of Saint Monica, the construction of which began in 1594 while the church was competed in 1605.
Later visit the “Se Cathedral”, the largest of the Churches of Old Goa, also known for its numerous altars, built during the reign of King Dom Sabastiao (1557-78) completed by 1619. Continue the tour visit some of the pristine beaches like the Dona Paola & the Vagator beaches. Conclude your tour with a walk through the bustling life of Panjim city and Mapusa, a market town with quaint pavement bazaars where there is a weekly local market every Friday. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 27 GOA – MUMBAI BY FLIGHT
LEAVE MUMBAI
Breakfast at the Hotel. In time transfer to the Airport to board the flight for Mumbai.
Upon arrival remain in transit to board the flight for onward destination.
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