South India is distinctly different from the Northern parts of India. There is a contrasting style to life and culture, offering instant appeal to the travelers as compared to the regions on the other side of the Vindhyan Mountains. This tour offers some of the beautiful cities, colonial hill stations, colorful temples, a relaxed lifestyle, attractive scenery and some of the best foods in India. The major cities of the south were once princely capitals of the Maharajas, and their magnificent remains of powerful Hindu Kingdoms. The natural scenery is also immensely rewarding: forest-clad hills slope down through to a shoreline of shady lagoons, wooded islands and ancient spice ports and some of the world&39s longest beaches.
Major Attractions This trip visits the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. We start with the IT hub Bangalore or as is now known as Bengaluru, the princely capital of the Maharaja of Mysore whose magnificent palace contrasts with the hill station of the Raj at Ooty set amongst the Niligiri Hills. In Mahabalipuram we can see the ancient rock-cut cave temples typical of this region. Pondicherry showcases the heavy French cultural influences, Cochin the Portuguese. We include a visit to the wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. We spend a night on the luxurious houseboat, cruising the Kerala backwaters before driving through gentle, sylvan hills, lagoons and wooded islands, and to sandy beaches where we can relax or swim. All this with scintillating Kathakali dance show. This is an exceptionally varied and interesting trip and gives a very comprehensive view of the whole of South India.
Tour at a Glance DAY 01 ARRIVE AT BANGALORE DAY 02 BANGALORE – MYSORE DAY 03 MYSORE DAY 04 MYSORE – OOTY DAY 05 OOTY – COCHIN DAY 06 COCHIN DAY 07 COCHIN–BACKWATERS CRUISE DAY 08 ALLEPPEY – KUMARAKOM DAY 09 KUMARAKOM – THEKKADY DAY 10 THEKKADY DAY 11 THEKKADY – MADURAI DAY 12 MADURAI - TRICHY – TANJORE DAY 13 TANJORE DAY 14 TANJORE – PONDICHERRY DAY 15 PONDICHERRY – CHENNAI Day 16: KANCHIPURAM & MAHABALIPURAM DAY 17 DEPART FROM CHENNAI
Tour Style: Leisure – Culture - Moderate What to expect? Although this is basically not a demanding tour, it is a busy itinerary with lots to see and traffic and road conditions can significantly increase the driving time so you should be prepared for some long days and some early starts. It offers ample opportunities for regional and personal discoveries.
On arrival at Bangalore Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Bangalore often referred to as the &39Garden City&39 is known for its numerous parks and avenues. Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Bangalore covering Tipu Sultan&39s Palace, Bull Temple, Lalbagh Gardens, Cubbon Park& Museum and Vidhana Soudha which houses both the State Legislature and the Secretariat.
Stay overnight at your comfortable Hotel in Bangalore. [B]
After breakfast, drive to Mysore. The capital of a former princely state, Mysore is a city of palaces and gardens and is famous for its silk, sandalwood and jasmine. En route, visit Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatnam and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening free to explore the colorful bazaars.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Mysore. [B]
Morning, city tour including Mysore Maharaja&39s Palace, which is one of the biggest in India. Later, visit the Nandi Bull and Chamundi Hills. Rest of the day, free to relax.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Mysore. [B]
After breakfast, proceed to Ooty, referred to as the &39Queen of Blue Mountains&39 and located at a height of 2,286 m. On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon, visit popular attractions including the Botanical Gardens, Lake Doddabetta, Mukurti Peak and tea plantations.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Ooty. [B]
Morning, check out from your hotel and drive to Ooty railway station. Enjoy a toy train ride through the hills up to Coonoor. On arrival at Coonoor railway station, you will be transferred by surface to Cochin. Arrive at Cochin and check into hotel. Cochin, the &39Queen of the Arabian Sea&39 has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. The ancient churches, palaces and synagogues in this city are famous.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Cochin. [B]
After breakfast, go for half-day sightseeing tour of Cochin covering the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. The Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) was originally constructed in 1568, but was destroyed by Portuguese in 1662.This was rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took over Cochin. The St. Francis Church, said to be India&39s oldest European-built church was constructed in 1503. Having died in Cochin in 1524, Vasco da Gama was buried here for 14 years before his remains were taken to Lisbon. Afternoon you are at leisure. Late evening, drive to the Cultural Centre to enjoy the Kathakali dance show.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Cochin. [B]
You are at leisure in the morning. Check out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey where you will check into a Houseboat at 1200 hrs for night cruise towards Kumarakom. Alleppey has large networks of canals and is the centre for backwater cruises in our state. During the cruise, you can stop for short walks through the nearby villages, enjoying local life. Meals will be served on board.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Houseboat. [B, L, D]
Arrive at Kumarakom around 0930 hrs after a relaxing breakfast on board. Check into the backwater resort. Rest of the day at leisure for own activities. You can opt for an Ayurvedic Full Body Massage at the resort. Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Kumarakom. [B]
Early morning, you can opt to visit the nearby bird sanctuary. After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, the land of unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. It houses the famous wildlife sanctuary in South India and has also been declared as a Tiger Reserve. On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon, visit the spice plantations and the Kumily town.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Thekkady. [B]
Morning, visit the spice plantations on an Elephant back. Evening, you can enjoy boating through Lake Periyar to watch the wildlife. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can view wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Thekkady. [B]
Check out from the hotel after an early breakfast, drive to Madurai. Known as the temple town of South India, Madurai is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon, for sightseeing tour of Madurai. Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Temple, with its towering gopurams and rare sculptures. Other important attractions include Thirumalai Naicker Palace, Koodal Azhagar Temple and the Gandhi Museum. Evening, visit Sri Meenakshi Temple and attend the Pooja ceremony.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Madurai. [B]
Check out from the hotel after an early breakfast, drive to Tanjore-en route visiting Trichy. Morning, visit the magnificent Rock Fort that dominates the city. 437 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the Vinayaka Temple built at its highest point.The ascent is climaxed by a magnificent view of the sacred Kaveri River. At a lower level along the rock is the Tayumanaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, visit Sriranqam, a massive temple on an island in the Cauvery and dedicated to Lord Ranganathaswamy. The temple has 21 magnificent gopurams and is adorned with exquisite sculptures. Proceed to Tanjore and check into the hotel.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Tanjore. [B]
After breakfast, go for sightseeing tour of Tanjore. Tanjore was once the capital of Chola dynasty, that ruled South India between 10th and 14th centuries. Visit the most spectacular Brihadeeswara Temple, capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite rock weighing 80 tonnes. The temple itself is decorated with carved panels depicting mythological events. Later, visit Saraswathi Mahal Library and the Art Gallery with its large collection of chola bronzes.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Tanjore. [B]
Check out from the hotel after an early breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. En route, visit Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram. On arrival, check into the resort for 02 nights&39 stay. Pondicherry is a charming coastal town with a few enduring pockets of French culture and an ashram. Check into the hotel. Afternoon to explore the nearby places including the Auroville, Pondicherry Museum and the Botanical Garden. Evening to relax at the beach.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Pondicherry. [B]
Check out from the hotel after breakfast, drive to Chennai. Arrive at Chennai and check in to the hotel. Afternoon, proceed for a city tour of Chennai. The city is a perfect blend of traditionalism and a bustling cosmopolitan life. The major attraction of Chennai are its sprawling golden beaches, the most popular among them being the picturesque Marina Beach that also boasts of being the second longest beach in the world. Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and drive past the majestic Fort St. George and Santhome Cathedral. Later visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery, has a good collection of paintings and sculptures, both traditional and modern. A must visit on a trip to India, Chennai is a city with deep rooted values, rich culture and friendly people.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Chennai. [B]
Morning, drive to visit Kancheepuram, the &39City of Thousand Temples&39, considered as the second holiest place in India and one of the seven sacred cities. It was successively the capital of the Pallavas and the Cholas. This place is also famous for hand-woven silk fabrics.
Afternoon visit Mahabalipuram, once a flourishing port of the Pallavas of ancient India. The monuments and sculptures here are world-renowned. Visit the Shore Temple, Arjuna&39s Penance and Artisans Village at Mahabalipuram.
Evening after the tour drive back to Chennai.
Stay overnight in your comfortable hotel in Chennai. [B]
You are at leisure in the morning. Check out from the hotel and drive to Chennai airport to board your flight to onward destination.
Hotel Details
Accommodation on Twin occupancy including breakfast at the following Hotels or SIMILAR ENVISAGED* :
Day
City
Hotels /td>
Hotel Category
Category Room
01 / 02
Bengaluru
Regaalis
4 Star
Superior
02 / 04
Mysore
Windflower
4 Star
Executive
04 / 05
Ooty
Sullivan Court
4 Star
Deluxe
05 / 07
Cochin
The Killians
4 star
Relax & Breath
07 / 08
Backwater Cruise
Deluxe A/c House Boat
Delxue
Deluxe
08 / 09
Kumarkom
Backwater Ripples
3 Star
Garden View
09 / 11
Thekkady
Greenwoods
3 Star
Kanana
11 / 12
Madurai
Fortune Pandyan
3 Star
Standard
12 / 14
Tanjore
Sangam
3 Star
Standard
14 / 15
Puducheri
Atithi
4 Star
Standard
15 / 17
Chennai
Select Palms
4 Star
Standard
*Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Regaalis Regaalis, one of the luxury hotels is located in the heart of the Bangalore, offering modern amenities and personalized services. It is situated on posh Lavelle road and is of walking distance from MG Road, Cubbon Park and Brigade Road. Furnished with five star luxuries, Regaalis is a true blend of royal charm and modern style with an epitome of understated elegance and impeccable hospitality. The hotel is a perfect place to rejuvenate your senses. TripAdvisor Popularity Index #132 of 490 hotels in Bangalore
Fortune Sullivan Ooty
TripAdvisor Popularity Index#8 of 71 hotels in Ooty
The Mysore Windflower
TripAdvisor Popularity Index#6 of 75 hotels in Mysore Palatial rooms. Rain showers. Private sit-outs framed by swaying coconut trees and a glorious view of the Chamundi Hills. Heritage walks that make history come alive. A world-class spa that offers over 30 different ways to renew . A midnight swim in the rock pool at night. An incredible multi-cuisine open-air restaurant. Silence, space, serenity in the heart of the royal city.
Sangam TripAdvisor Popularity Index #4 of 15 hotels in Thanjavur
Hotel sangam located in Thanjavur (Tamilnadu-INDIA) is just 50 Kms from Trichy Airport 1 Km from Railway Station 2 Kms from down-town Area.
Fortune Select Palms
TripAdvisor Popularity Index #22 of 301 hotels in Chennai Fortune Select Palms Chennai is located in Chennai, close to Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chemplast Cricket Ground, and Ashtalakshmi Kovil. Nearby points of interest also include Elliot&39s Beach and Anna University.
Destination
Bangalore, the Garden City, is youthful and cosmopolitan. It is surrounded by lakes, and the city landscape consists of a fusion of old buildings and steel and glass high-rises. A hub for all that is new, the city is a center for technology and thriving young professionals. It is also known for its popular pub culture. Karnataka&39s capital has something to suit everyone&39s taste. Major attractions are Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, one of the biggest in the country, and be amazed at the rich variety of flora. Cubbon Park, right in the centre of the city, is popular with residents for their morning walks. It contributes to Bangalore being referred to as the city of Gardens. Major attractions of the city are the Vidhan Soudha (Legislative Assembly), the High Court, and the Ashoka Pillar. If you have time on your hands visit the numerous nearby places of interest like Banerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary, Krisnarajasagar Dam, and Nandi Hills. Don&39t forget to sample the amazing food found in Bangalore, pretty much everywhere, from age old institutions, to upstart fusion joints. The latest pub crawl is yours to explore, each with its own distinctive attitude. M.G Road is the centre of all entertainment, and a visit to Bangalore without many hours spent there, is incomplete. Mysore instantly evokes is the smell of sandalwood and jasmine, encountered in its thriving vibrant bazaars. Mysore also preserves old houses and a stroll through the lanes of the city gives you a sense of nostalgia, of a by gone era. The Mysore Palace is the venue for the famous Mysore Dushhera festival, during which the entire palace is lit up with thousands of bulbs, and leading artistes perform on a stage set up at palace grounds. On the tenth day of the festival Vijaya Dashami, a parade with caparisoned elephants originate from palace grounds.
Hassan a quiet town, Hassan once was under the rule of the great Hoysala Empire between the 11th and the 14th century and was an important centre of Jainism and literature of Jain articles. Hassan is an ideal base to explore the historical places like Belur, Halebid and Shravanbelagola. Halebid, one of the neighboring areas of Hassan houses the Hoysaleswara temple and is the most outstanding example of Hoysala art. The walls and much of the interior are covered with Hindu deities, sages, animals and birds, and scenes depicting the life and times of Hoysala rulers. The Channekeshava temple at Belur is the only one at the three Hoysala sites still in use. Sravanabelagola meaning Monk of the White Pond refers to Chandragupta Maurya after he renounced his kingdom to spread the preaching of Bhadrabahu, his mentor and thus firmly established Jainism in the south.
Mumbai CP Hotel Kohinoor Continental - Mumbai&39s (Maharashtra, India) leading 4-Star Business Hotel with 120 luxurious Rooms, excellent conference facilities, multi-cuisine restaurants, bar, health club etc. The Hotel is located on Mumbai&39s most busy Business District (Andheri - Kurla Road) and is very close to the International Airport (At about 1 Km).
Gallery
Price and Inclusions
Per Person cost (Valid from 01st April 2011 to 30th September 2011 only)
Per Person Cost
Single Room Supplement
02 Persons travelling together (Using AC Indigo)
USD 2218
USD 1028
02 Persons travelling together (Using AC Innova)
USD 2495
USD 1028
03 Persons travelling together (Using AC Innova)
USD 2100
USD 1028
03 Persons travelling together (Using AC Tempo Traveller)
USD 2165
USD 1028
04-06 Personal travelling together (Using AC Tempo Traveller)
USD 1952
USD 1028
Rate include following specific services
Rate does not include
Accommodation on Twin Occupancy basis along with the breakfast, inclusive of all presently applicable taxes that are subject to change. Check-in / checkout time is 1200 noon.
Transport using all transfers / sight seeing is envisaged using air-conditioned Mid Sized Luxury Car along with transfer of baggage in same vehicle. The rate would include the toll taxes, parking, and night charges.
Representative assistance at International airport on arrival & departure.
Guide: English – speaking local guides at all the places of interest to visit sights as mentioned in the itinerary.
Toy Train ride from Ooty to Coonoor.
Nature walk at Thekkady along with guide.
Spice plantation visit at Thekkady.
Elephant ride at Thekkady (30 minutes).
Entrances fees to the monuments as shown in the itinerary.
Kathakali Show at Cochin.
Airport tax payable on final departure, which is mostly included in the International tickets.
Personal expenses such as room service/ laundry/ phone calls / mini bar & porter charges. These are to be settled directly by the occupant of the room at the time of check-out. Also does not include table drinks, tips etc.
Room for immediate occupancy on the day of Arrival or late checkout on day of departure.
