Duration: 21Days
/ 20Nights
Places Covered:Chennai
- Bangalore - Mysore - Conoor - Ooty - Coimbatore
- Cochin - Alleppey -
Periyar - Tanjore - Mahabalipuram
Day 1: Arrive Chennai
Arrive in Chennai by air and meet our representative at airport, who will transfer you to your hotel. Capital of the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. The city also has its share of forts and palaces reminding the tourists the glory of bygone eras. Rest of the day is to relax in the hotel or to walk around in downtown Chennai sampling the local cuisine or just exploring the bazaars.
Day 2: To Bangalore
Enjoy a tour of Chennai city this morning. Chennai was developed as a British trading post, and as such, most of its attractions have a distinct colonial influence. Stretched over an area of 13 km, MARINA BEACH is the second longest beach in the world. The ST. GEORGE FORT, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government's secretariat. SAN THOME Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Later connect train to Bangalore- Lalbagh Express. In Bangalore you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3: To Mysore (138 kms)
Take a short Bangalore- city tour. There are a number of tourist attractions to visit in and around the city. Of historical, religious and contemporary interests, these tourists spots are easily accessible and worth a visit. The VIDHAN SOUDHA makes the major attraction in Bangalore. The building is a massive neo Dravidian architecture presently functioning as the state legislative assembly. CUBBON PARK in the heart of the city, LAL BAGH, which is famous for the wonderfully bloomed red roses and the BANGALORE PALACE are some of the other must see of this garden city.
After a sumptuous lunch (on own) at one of the local South Indian restaurants in Bangalore, drive to Mysore, which is an interesting 3 hours drive of 148kms. En route stop at Tipu Sultan's summer palace at Srirangapatnam. There are many interesting places here of which the summer palace of Tipu Sultan is a must visit. Built in 1784 in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace also has a small museum where Tipu's trivia, including a gold-embroidered tunic, old paintings and a coin collection, are displayed. We will arrive Mysore in time for a relaxing trip to the terraced BRINDAVAN GARDENS. Here the well- manicured steps are bordered by water -courses. Musical fountains with soft colored lights add to the visitor's delight. The view of the gardens during the nights is a thing to be seen.
Day 4: In Mysore
Mysore has a long history of dynasty rule. The Mysore Palace is stunning with wonderful galleries depicting royal life and times. The Mysore Market is a kaleidoscope of color with an array of flowers, fruits and textiles, which are actively bought and sold. Mysore is famous for sandalwood and silk production. We will see the Mysore Palace, the market, a silkworm hatchery and looming center. The city of Mysore offers a visitor an insight into the lifestyles, cultures and traditions of its erstwhile rulers. The palaces and temples around the city speak volumes about heritage and architecture of the medieval times and the kind of patronage the city received from its rulers. Forming the backdrop of the city is the 1,100-feet-high CHAMUNDI HILL. On the top of the hill stands the temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal family's patron deity. Built in around AD 897 in Saracenic style, THE MYSORE PALACE has both Hindu as well as Muslim influences. The palace, designed by an English architect and completed in 1912, was built in place of an earlier palace, which was burnt down in 1897. The main palace building is made of massive grey granite with a tower covered by a gilded dome.
Day 5: To Ooty (158 kms)
A long and winding drive will bring you today to Ooty in the heart of the NILGIRIS mountains. Arrive late in the afternoon and check in at HOLIDAY INN- a deluxe hotel, which boasts of beautiful views and food. Rest of the day is free to unwind. Overnight.
Day 6: To Conoor & back to Ooty
After a very early breakfast, enjoy a spectacular train ride from Udhaghamandlam (the rail head for Ooty) to Conoor. The train starts from Mettupalayam at 0745hrs and goes up to Ooty via Conoor. We will be boarding this train on its return journey. Departure at 0915 hrs, Arrival 1025 hrs. In Conoor, you will again switch over to your bus, to return to OOTY. Also called Udhagamandalam, Ooty is nestled on the Nilgiri Range at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats of peninsular India. The town is set at an altitude of 2286 meters (7500 feet). The area was discovered in 1821 by British soldiers and became a popular summer hill retreat. The Ooty Botanical Gardens were established back in 1847 and boasts over 650 species of plants and creates an excellent base from which to explore the flora and fauna of the Ghats. The BOTANICAL GARDEN is an ideal tourist spot besides being a source of information about the region's flora. For those who like to enjoy boat rides and fishing, a visit to the OOTY LAKE is a must.
Day 7: To Coimbatore & To Cochin
Drive downhill 100 kms to Coimbatore and connect your day train to Cochin . In Cochin you will be received at the railway station and taken to your hotel for two nights' stay. Afternoon is free to walk around in the fort area looking at beautiful buildings, smelling the fresh flowers and seafood in the market and trying the local delicacies. In the evening, we attend a show of South India's spectacular, Kalari Payattu. This ancient dance-drama dating back over 500 years is based on the epic stories of Indian Mythology, Mahabharata and Ramayana and incorporates elements of yoga and traditional Indian medicine. This comprehensive system of the martial arts of Kerala regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Even Kung- fu is believed to have originated from Kalaripayattu. Return to the hotel in the evening after the show. Overnight.
Day 8: In Cochin
Today will be spent at leisure in Cochin itself - either by bike or on foot, exploring this beautiful cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. Cochin is a delightful place to wander around and with so many cultural influences including, Chinese, Portuguese Dutch and British - not to mention Indian. Being a major harbor from the times of the British and Portuguese, Cochin has a rich heritage of forts, churches and temples. A visit to these ancient marvels gives you an overview of the political, religious and commercial developments of the city. Some of the major attractions of the city are the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, the Chinese Nets, Wilingdon Island, and Hill Palace Museum.
Day 9: To Alleppey (56 kms)
Breakfast will be followed by a picturesque drive to Alleppey to arrive at the backwaters, where you will switch over onto your houseboat today for another day on backwaters. Your boat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs (perfect for that Gin & Tonic while the sun goes down!). The rooms are fully furnished with attached bathrooms. Each boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties & fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips! The entire state of Kerala is blessed with plenty of rivers and the resources of many are still untapped. The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala's villages. Houseboats, also known as kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. With their languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters.
Day 10: In Alleppey
You will get up early today by chirping of birds and occasional ripples in the water. Your breakfast will be cooked before your eyes by your expert boat-crew. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast while cruising quietly on the unending stretches of these backwaters. The boat will cruise through various canals and waterways giving you an insight into the rural life. Stop at any house and ask your boatman to take you to one of the houses to interact with local people and to witness their way of living. Another night on these backwaters will be spent at KERALEEYAM, a small and cosy backwaters resort with its own Ayurveda Center. Indulge in a massage and witness a cooking demonstration in the evening. (on request)
Day 11: To Periyar (155 kms)
Today you will drive to PERIYAR, which is one of the finest sanctuaries for studying the Indian Elephant in its home. Since situated around a large lake, Game viewing is done by boat. Stay at your jungle lodge close to the Park and spend rest of the day walking around in spice plantations.
Day 12: To Munnar
Morning enjoy the boat ride in Lake Periyar to witness the animals in their natural habitat. What an idyllic way to start the day, an early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar! Covering an area of 300 square miles Periyar is one of the largest and most frequently visited wildlife reserves in India. It is part of the Project Tiger campaign and animals inhabiting the area include elephant, deer, pig, tiger, leopard, bison, monkeys and Malabar squirrel. Whilst actually spotting an illusive tiger or leopard could prove difficult, the mix of wooded hills and valleys make it a wonderful place to enjoy the greenery.
Later drive to the Munnar, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes Rest of the day is free to walk around and visit some spice gardens. Stay two nights.
Day 13: In Munnar
Leave by jeep for the 16km drive to Vagguravai, the main entrance to the park. From the entrance there is a superb walk along the road to the Rajamalai Gap (1950m) where you may be able to spot the Nilgiri Tahr. The park also supports a rich variety of bird life and flora Then go by jeeps for the southern area of the park to walk with a guide in the area of Anaimudi. The rare and attractive Neelakurinji (which flowers once in 12 years) is one of the rare varieties of plants that can be found in Eravikulam. Afternoon visit by jeep the 3000 year old caves at Marayoor.
Day 14: To Madurai
Start early today and head for the temple city of Madurai. Arrive in the afternoon. In the evening visit the temple for evening prayer ceremony and see the rituals. Culture is very deep rooted in this temple city and no one starts the day without visiting a temple.
Day 15: To Tanjore
In Madurai the architectural marvels of the temples and the exquisite sculptures fascinate all those who have a look at them. You can also participate in the many festivals and regale in the rich tradition of the locals. Some of the major attractions in the city are the MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, TIRUMALAI NAYAK MAHAL & GANDHI MUSEUM.
After spending the first half seeing these highlights, drive to Tanjore (200kms), which is primarily a place for the art lovers, especially for those who love temple architecture and wonder about kings who erected these magnificent monuments. During their reign, the Cholas made significant contribution to the various fields of art and architecture. See the ROCKFORT temple here, before driving on to Tanjore, where you spend the night.
Day 16: In Tanjore
In Tanjore visit the BRIHADEESWARA TEMPLE and the wonderful PALACE in the morning. One of the best temples in South India, the Brahadeeshwarar temple or the Big Temple built by the greatest Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola, is that dynasty's finest contribution to Dravidan temple architecture. What makes the construction so unique is the diversion from the usual temple building norms of having a tall gopuram and a smaller vimanam (the tower over the sanctum). At the Big temple the vimanam soars high while the gopuram remain stunted. The 64.8m tall, 14 tiered pyramid shaped vimanam rises from a square base and is topped by a huge monolithic cupolas carved out from an 81.3 tonne block of granite that was installed with the aid of a 6km long inclined plane. The tower is a testimony to the engineering skill of the Chola architects who planned its construction in such a way that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground.
Day 17: To Pondicherry
Drive to Pondicherry (or Puducheri) meaning 'the new settlement'. It was a French settlement comprising of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam besides Pondicherry. A unique thing about Pondicherry is that it spreads into several states. On arrival check in at Anandha Inn. During your afternoon tour visit SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for the most parts of their lives. The PONDICHERRY MUSEUM is home to some of the most exquisite collections on architecture and sculpture. Pondicherry also has a pleasant beach alongside promenade and historical monuments. The dinner will be arranged in one of the finest French restaurants in town, where you will be driven by your local, French- speaking Rickshaw pullers. (dinner is optional and can be booked on request)
Day 18: To Mahabalipuram (140kms)
Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster. It is renowned for its series of charming RATHAS and the spectacular carved relief depicting ARJUNA'S PENANCE. The magnificent SHORE TEMPLE built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is a rock-cut mandapam with two incarnations of Vishnu-Varaha and Vamana-besides scenes of kings and queens. The KRISHNA MANADAPAM has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on his fingertips.
Day 19: In Mahabalipuram
Enjoy they day at leisure at one of the beach resorts in MAHABALIPURAM, on India's fine southern beach.
Day 20: To Chennai
Drive to KANCHIPURAM, the fabled city of a thousand temples. There are 650 stone inscriptions here belonging to different dynasties. The temples reflect the maturity and efflorescence of Pallava art and the ornate and often imposing embellishments were produced later by the Chola, Vijayanagar and Chalukyan kings. There is solemn grandeur, a grandiosity of vision and ornamental excess in the temples here. Arrive Chennai in the evening, where you will spend your last night in India.
Day 21: Depart Chennai
Breakfast followed by transfer to airport to connect your flight to home country.
Heritage
Culture 
