Southern India Tour

Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days Destination : Banglore - Mysore - Coorg - Calicut - Cochin - Periyar - Madurai- Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram.

South India has four states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka, is a state where South and North most truly meet. The open plateau inland of the ghats has witnessed a constant succession of influences from the north. Its northern districts has the architectural styles which shaped the distinctive traditions of Chalukyan and Hoysala temples seen at sites around Pattadakal, Belur and Halebid while the capital of the vijaynagar kings, Hampi, remains as a haunting reminder of further refinement of temple building.

Tamil Nadu, once know as the Coromandel coast, has a language over 2000 years old and poetry dating back to before the birth of Christ. It also boasts some of the m0ost remarkable temple architecture in India, and, with a living tradition of music and dance, is culturally very rich. Temple towns and historic sites are dotted across the plains, especially in the fertile Thanjavur delta, while the hill stations of the Western Ghat are within easy reach. Together with the former French territory of Pondicherry with its own distinctive colonial inheritance, Tamil Nadu is one of India's most rewarding states to visit.

Kerala one of the most attractive and beautiful states in South India. Travellers are drawn to Kerala by its attractive palm-lined beaches- Kovalam and its quieter neighboring resorts. The back waters beckon the visitor to catch a glimpse of Keralan village life, while festivals are marked by great elephant marches, snake boat races and colourful Kathakali dances.

DAY 01:BANGALORE

Arrive Bangalore at the international airport. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. (Check-in time 1200 noon) Overnight at the hotel.Royal Orchid Plaza Hotel.

DAY 02:BANGALORE - MYSORE

After breakfast drive to Mysore. En-route visit Srirangapatnam. The city has played a crucial role in the region since its origins in the 10th century. Occupying an easily fortified island site in the Kaveri River, it has been a home to religious reformers and military conquerors, and makes a fascinating visit 12 kms from Mysore.

Visit the fort with triple fortifications. The Jama Masjid built by Tipu Sultan and two temples - The Narsimha and the Gangadharesvara are the major sights. Later visit the Daria Daulat Bagh, the summer capital of Tipu Sultan.

Afternoon proceed to Mysore, the city of royal palace, sandalwood and the manufacture of incense sticks has pleasant climate, some beautiful parks and shady avenues, and strolls at a relaxing pace in comparison with its neighbour Bangalore. This is the second largest city of Karnataka.

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the City Palace, which was designed by Henry Irwin in 1897 after a fire, which burnt the old wooden palace. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style in grand proportions, with domes, arches and colonnades of carved pillars and shiny marble floors. This is one of the largest palaces in the country with some art treasures, it is beautifully restored and maintained. The stained glass, wall paintings, ivory inlaid doors and the ornate golden throne are all remarkable. Later visit the Chamudi Hill. A temple on top of a hill dedicated to Goddess Durga celebrating her victory over the Baffalo God. Overnight at the hotel.Ramanashree Hotel.

DAY 03:MYSORE - COORG

After breakfast excursion to Somnathpur. This tiny village, east of Mysore, has one of the best preserved and the only complete one of approximately 80 Hoysala Temples in the Mysore region. The Archeological Dept maintains the small but exquisite Kesava Temple in its gardens.
After lunch drive to Coorg or Kodagu as the local people call it, is perched 800m above sea level. Nestled in the Western Ghats it still retains an old world charm. Untouched by urban choas, these tiny clusters of villages offer everything that is natural. Crisp air, thick forest, miles and miles of exotic spice and coffee plantations, extensive paddy fields, diverse flora and bird life.
Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel ORANGE COUNTY RESORT. Amidst this wild and rustic setting, Orange County Resort offers classy luxury while retaining all the charm of Coorg, for the holiday of a lifetime. The resort protects a village character with 42 thatched cottages facing the paddy fields. The resort offers standard cottages and also suites that consists of a sit out, living cum dinning, bedroom, dressing room and an elegant bathroom. The cottages are individually placed with unusually large airy rooms, terra cotta tiled floors and unique woodwork crafted using a combination of noga wood and rose wood. Like any other 5 star hotel resort offers all the services with succumb to the pleasure of an Ayurvedic herbal body massage, a branch of ancient Indian medicine. Overnight at the Orange County resort.

DAY 04:COORG

Full day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 05:COORG - CALICUT

After breakfast drive to Calicut, a pleasant place, Malabar, a generously green, undiscovered land naturally gifted with the best of scenic beauty. Here rich tradition still continues, amidst tumbling waterfalls, mighty mountain ranges, scheduled beaches and endless carpets of green paddy fields making it one of the world's most desirable destinations. It's untouched, rich tropical rainforests with an array of flora and fauna make any naturalist's head apin. In the backwaters of this breathtaking location by the banks of the Chaliyar river KADAVU RESORT is located. Kadavu is set in a sprawling ten-acre coconut grove among swaying, graceful palms. It's architecture is authentic Malabar, constructed as it is , with laterite and palm wood. Its gabbled red tiled roofs, lotus ponds, bamboo superstructures and landscapes gardens, merge so well with the glorious scenery around, that it could well be mistaken for any stately homes of the region. The interiors blend tradition with the luxuries and amenities of modern living. Set right on the waterfront are 17 cottages, with wide, spacious balconies that offer you a spectacular view of the winding river and beyond. They contain a cozy lounge with a mini bar, fridge, television and a convenient kitchenette. The luxurious king-size bedroom with a large window sit-out also overlooks the river. Bathrooms are en suite, with 24 hrs running water along with a luxurious bathtub. There are 50 deluxe rooms with 6 executive suites, beautifully furnished with large balconies facing the Chaliyar river. Overnight at the Kadavu Resort.

DAY 06:CALICUT - COCHIN

After breakfast drive to Cochin, one of South India's most interesting towns, still largely comprises low rise, picturesque buildings. Rich in history, despite rapid recent growth it retains a relaxed, quiet atmosphere once the majority of day-visitors leave. Narrow spits of land and coconut covered islands just out into the wide, and almost enclosed, bay whose neck is lined with the famous Chinese fishing nets. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening view the live performance of Kathakali Dance in a local theatre. Overnight at the hotel.Casino Hotel.

DAY 07:COCHIN

After breakfast sightseeing tour of the city. Morning visit Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. Later visit the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church and Chinese fishing Nets.

DAY 08:COCHIN - PERIYAR

After breakfast drive to Alleppey, has a large network of canals passing through the town and is a major centre for backwater cruises and the venue for the spectacular snake boat races. It is the headquarters of the Kerala's coir industry with some very old warehouses on the canal bank. It is also important for cashew nut processing. The network of rivers, streams, lagoons, canals and tanks that occupies the alluvial plain between the Indian Ocean and the Western Ghats runs the length along the coast to form Backwaters. It gives an almost uniquely quiet view of Kerala village life, impossible to get simply from the road. Waterside activities of coir making, toddy tapping, fishing, rice growing along the palm-lined banks are very interesting. Along the backwaters, traditional punted boats or motorized ferries provide one of the most delightful tours in India. The typical journey from Alleppey to Kottayam lasts over 3-4 hours
Board on the Backwater boat for 3-4 hrs up till Kottayam. It is surrounded with some of the most beautiful scenery in the state with hills to its east and backwaters to the west.

From Kottayam drive to Periyar. The foothills of the Ghats are intensively cultivated with cash crops, notably rubber, tea, coffee, cardamom and pepper, while the valley bottoms are given over to paddy. Set on an attractive Periyar lakeside, significant wildlife sightings in Thekkadi are uncommon, but the beautiful setting attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon enjoy a boat ride in Lake Periyar. The sanctuary is in a beautiful setting and was designated a part of Project Tiger. The sanctuary is better know for Elephants, Bison, Sambar, Wild Boar and barking Deer. In addition to this there are over 112 species of butterfly, smaller animals. Evening visit the spice gardens. Overnight at the hotel.Spice Village Hotel.

DAY 09:PERIYAR - MADURAI

After breakfast drive to Madurai. Afternoon visit the Meenakshi temple. It is an outstanding example of Vijaynagar temple architecture. Minakshi the fish-eyed goddess and the consort of Shiva, has a temple to the south, and Sundareshwara (Shiva) a temple to the west. Since she is the presiding deity the daily ceremonies are first performed in her shrine. The temples 9 towering gopurams stand out with their colourful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals. In the evening see the prayers being offered to the goddess. Overnight at the hotel. Madura Park Inn.

DAY 10:MADURAI - CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast transfer to the airport to leave by 9W 3520 at 0820 hrs for Chennai. Assistance on arrival and transfer to Covelong. On arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city.

Mahabalipuram, one of south India's most visited historic sights. The expanding village with its sandy beach, is a popular place. Mahabalipuram's real claim to fame rests on its history and magnificent rock temples and carvings. Visit Bhagiratha's Penance, is a bas-relief sculpted on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks, 29m long and 7 m high. It shows realistic life size figures of animals, gods and saints watching the descent of the river from the Himalayas. The Rathas are the mid-seventh century monolithic temples, 1.5 km south of the Old Lighthouse were influenced by the Buddhist architecture as they resemble the Vihara
(Monastery) and chaitya temple hall. Later visit the Shore Temple, by the sea is surrounded by gardens. The world heritage site is immensely popular. King Rajasimha built this by the end of 7th century, it is unusual for its shrines to both Shiva and Vishnu. Overnight at the hotel.M G M Resort.

DAY 11 MAHABALIPURAM - KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast excursion to Kanchipuram. Later proceed to Kanchipuram, one of Hindu's seven most sacred cities also known as the 'golden city of a thousand temples' dates from the early Cholas in the 2nd century. Visit the Ekambaresvara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, has 5 enclosures and a thousand-pillared Hall'. The other temples are the Kailashnatha, the most beautiful of the town temples was built by sand stone in the 7th century. Evening free to relax on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 12:MAHABALIPURAM - CHENNAI - ITALY

Morning free. After lunch drive to Chennai. On arrival orientation tour of the city. Visit Fort St George, a fine example of the 17th century British military architecture, was built in 1666. The State Legislative Hall has fine woodwork and black and white stone paving. You can also see the old barracks and officers quarters including Lord Clive's house. St Mary's Church was built between 1678-80 by Streynsham Master in solid masonry to a simple plan of three aisles with semi-circular cannon-proof roofs and 1.3m thick walls. This is the first English church of India and the oldest British building to survive, it was nearly entirely rebuilt in 1759 after being severely damaged in a siege. The fort also contains a Museum, which includes prints, documents, paintings, sculpture etc. Later visit the Kapaleeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva followed by visit to Government Museum and Art Gallery. Evening transfer to the international airport to connect flight to Italy.