| Chennai (Arrival) - Mamallapuram - Bangalore - Mysore - Mudumalai - Coonoor - Cochin - Kumarakom - Alleppey (Backwaters) - Kovalam - Trivandrum (Departure) |
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| Day 01: Arr. Chennai Transfer To Hotel |
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Upon arrival in Chennai, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Hotel. Chennai, (formerly Madras) the first city of Tamil Nadu, is a comparatively new city. The erstwhile villages of Mylapore, Triplicane, Ezhambur (Egmore) etc. all now a part of Chennai, have a recorded historical past centuries older than Chennai. Chennai, the present gateway to the South of India, is itself, however, only about 350 years old. (Overnight at hotel in Chennai) [B]
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| Day 02: Chennai To Mamallapuram (65kms - 1.5hrs) |
After early breakfast checkout from the hotel at 08.00am and we proceed for a colonial tour of Chennai. Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai offers several sights and sounds to savour. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government's secretariat and is a famous landmark. Another colonial structure worth visiting in the city of Chennai is Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century. In addition to above the Kapaleeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the oldest temple in Chennai and the Parthasarathy temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is another important temple worth visiting. After sight seeing of Chennai around 12.00noon proceed to reach the laid back beach town of Mamallapuram. On arrival check in to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy the sandy beach at this heritage town. (Overnight at hotel in Mamallpauram) [B]
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| Day 03: In Mamallapuram / Sight Seeing By Walk (History Walk) |
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Morning at 08.00am we go on an interesting 'History walk of Mamallapuram' including snake charmer, Visit to sculpture studio and a meal at a local rest on banana leaf. This 03hrs interesting walk starts at the The Arjuna`s Penance (Bass Relief) and onward visiting monuments of Krishnas Butterball, Rayalagopuram, Ganeshratha, Varahacave, Ottikkal mandapam, Trimurthi caves, Koneri mandapam, Lions throne, Mahishasuramardini mandapam, Dharmaraja mandapam, Ramanuja mandapam, Five rathas (symbolises equality of men & women) & to end with at the famous Shore temple. Rest of the day at leisure on the beach. (Overnight at Hotel in Mamallapuram) [B]
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Day 04: Mamallapuram To Bangalore / Via.Kancheepuram (340kms - 7.0hrs) |
After early breakfast checkout from the hotel at 07.30am and we drive to Kancheepuram - the temple town. On arrival at Kancheepuram sight seeing tour visiting - the famous temples of Varadaraja perumal (dedicated to lord vishu / the 1000 pillard hall is the most attraction), Ekambareshwar(houses the 3000yrs old mango tree which is still alive) & Kailasanathar(dedicated to god Shiva / oldest temple in Kancheepruam). Onward visit to the traditional saree weavers society. Silk has been intermingled with the life and culture of the Indians. Though India is producing all the varieties of silk i.e., dress materials, scarves/stoles, readymade garments, etc., the silk Sarees are unique. The Saree is almost synonymous with the word silk. It is the traditional costume of Indian woman since time immemorial. There are innumerable references in Indian literature about this draped garment and the style of wearing differs from time to time, region to region and people to people. The silk sarees of India are among the living examples of the excellent craftsmanship of the weavers of the country. After visiting in here we break for lunch around 12.00noon and after lunch onward we drive to reach Bangalore - The Garden city of SouthIndia. On arrival Check-in to the hotel and In the evening at 05.30pm visit to ISKCON Temple (International Society For Krishna Consciousness). Visit this ornate temple built on a hillock with granite, marble and Korean glass, this huge cultural complex was established to promote Vedic culture and spiritual learning. It houses various deities, including Krishna, Balaram and Radha. (Overnight at Hotel in Bangalore) [B / L]
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| Day 05: Bangalore To Mysore(140kms - 3.0hrs) |
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Depart from the hotel at 08.00am and proceed for sightseeing of Bangalore. We first visit 'Vidhan Souda'-one of India most spectacular building that houses the secretariat and the state legislature, onward we visit "The Government Museum" - one of the oldest in India established in 1864, the 'Bull temple' - one of the oldest temples of Bangalore built in Dravidian style and houses a monolith Nandi (bull) of huge size and the 'Tipu Sulthan Palace' - a palace completed of 1971 by Tippu sulthan. We complete the sight seeing tour around 12.30pm and then for a lunch break at one of the nice restaurants. After lunch drive to Mysore - the palace city of South India. Enroute visit Channapatna a small hamlet 46 kms from Bangalore on the Mysore highway, excels in lacquerware, a craft practised today by over 3000 local craftspersons. Lacquerware products include brightly coloured wooden toys, door curtains, powder boxes and napkin rings, besides a range of distinctive jewellery. Further drive to reach Mysore. You will reach Mysore around 06.30pm and rest of the time own activities. (Overnight at Hotel in Mysore) [B]
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| Day 06: In Mysore / Sightseeing |
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After breakfast at 09.00am we start for the sightseeing of Mysore visiting - the Famous "Palace of Mysore" which was once the residential of Wodeyars and is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the indo Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. The on visit the "Jayachamsrajendra Art Gallery" housed in the Jaganmohan palace. This gallery has a collection of Exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. Further drive a short while to reach Srirangapattinam - a place with Ancient history is an Island fortress town on the bank of river cauvery. Visit the Srirengapatnam fort and the summer palace of Tippu sultan. After sight seeing of Srirengapatnam around 01.00pm break for lunch at a nice resort in same town. After lunch we visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary at a 3km distance on one of the three islands in the Cauvery River. It's a good place to see Storks, Ibis, Egrets, Darters, Spoonbills and Cormorants round the year. We return to hotel and refresh/relax. At 04.30pm we will visit the bull temple (a 4.8mts monolith) on the middle of hill on the way to Chamundi temple and then to visit the "Chamumdi Hill Temple" at a height of 1062mts. The 2000-year-old temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. A seven storey, 40mts high tower, dominates the temple. A view of entire Mysore city from this hilltop is breath taking. (Overnight at Hotel in Mysore) [B]
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| Day 07: Mysore To Mudumalai (110kms - 3.0hrs) |
After breakfast check out of hotel at 08.30am and drive to Mudumalai - one of South India's largest wild life reserve. Situated in the foothills of Nilgiris, Mudhumalai / Bandipur is a large reserve (3000 sq.km) ranges in vegetation from Semi-evergreen forests to swamps and grass lands. In Mudumalai the mostly dense forest is home to spotted deer, Indian Bison, tiger, panther, wild boars and sloth bear. The wild life elephant population estimated around 600 is one of the largest in the country. On arrival check in to hotel and at 01.00pm proceed for a 04hrs Bush trek. An approved jungle guide well versed in the ways of nature providing an illuminating insight into the realm of this forest trek will accompany you on this tour, covering some of the most beautiful areas of the park such as Singara hillock and Moyar river side, where nature is left to itself, undisturbed by outside influences. This trekking will give you many photo opportunities as well as to watch the untamed in its own habit. In the evening visit the surprising attraction of Mudumalai the Elephant Pooja ceremony. (Overnight at Hotel in Mudumamai)
Note:
Safari & Elephant rides in Mudumalai are subject to availability/climatic conditions. [B/L/D]
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| Day 08: Mudumalai To Ooty / Coonoor (70 Kms / 2.0 Hrs) |
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Wake up with the roar of the jungle and at 07.00am we go on an Elephant safari. This 45mts elephant ride is arranged by the forest department and on your tour Mudumalai is the only place where you can experience elephant ride. Later return to hotel and after refreshing at 08.30am check out from hotel and drive to Ooty (Uthagamandalam) - the famous hill station in the nilgiri hills (Blue mountain) which was found by the British in the early 19th century and is spread amongst rolling hills and valleys. Earlier this place was inhabited by tribal people named Todas. Its green landscape, gardens and tall eucalyptus trees adds beauty to this hill. It's famous for its outdoor activities like trekking, horse riding, boating. On arrival at Ooty visit the "Botanical Garden" which is one of the major attractions. Later break for lunch at one of the nice hotels. The miniature railway is also famous here. At 03.00pm board the steam train to enjoy a trip from Ooty to Coonoor affording some spectacular views of the precipitous eastern slopes of the rain-forested Nilgiris. Reach coonoor 04.00pm and you will transferred to hotel. Free evening for own activities. (Overnight at Hotel in Coonoor) [B]
Train No:661 - Udagamandalam Mettupalayam Passenger /Dep UAM:15.00Hrs - Arr ONR:16.00Hrs
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| Day 09: Coonoor To Cochin (280kms - 6.0hrs) |
Check out of hotel after breakfast at 08.30am and we drive to Cochin - a cosmopolitan city in the federal state of Kerala. On arrival at Cochin check in to the hotel and rest of the day free for own activities. (Overnight at Hotel in Cochin) [B]
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| Day 10: In Cochin / Sightseeing |
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After breakfast, at 09.00am proceed for sight seeing tour of Cochin visiting - 'The Jewish Synagogue' at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, 'The St. Francis Church', the oldest European Church in India, 'The Santa Cruz Basilica' originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, The Dutch Palace, Spice market at the narrow streets and the 'Chinese fishing nets' are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Return to hotel for lunch and later in the evening at 05.30pm visit the famous dance drama of Kerala, the "Kathakali". This dance can be characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. (Overnight at Hotel in Cochin) [B]
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| Day 11: Cochin To Kumarakom (95kms - 2.0hrs)
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Departing the hotel at 09.00am we drive to Kumarkom - The Unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered as the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. On arrival check in to hotel. In the evening at 05.30pm enjoy the sunset cruise. (Overnight at Hotel in Kumarakom) [B]
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| Day 12: Kumarakom To Alleppey (55kms - 1.5hrs) |
(House Boat Cuises: Alleppey Round Trip)
Checkout from the hotel at 10.30am and we drive to Alleppey - The land of Backwater. On arrival, at 12.00noon check-in to the private House Boat which is waiting to take you on a tour through the backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the landscape from the protection of the cabin. The population's whole life takes place here on the water. The people sail, fish, swim and bathe here. They do their washing and their washing up. They are so adapted to the water that you can see people talking for an hour, while they are up to their necks in water. Peddlers take care of the supplies and the public transport goes on the water. Countless water birds wait for their chance to catch a fish. The trip goes through a wonderful area full of palm trees, rice fields and floating water plants that surround the boat like emerald Green Island. (Overnight on Boarded Houseboat) [B / L / D]
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| Day 13: Alleppey To Kovalam (160kms - 4.0hrs) |
Disembark from Houseboat after breakfast at 10.00am and drive to Kovalam - one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in India. The journey through the tropical landscape of Kerala gives a good idea of how the people live there. On arrival Kovalam check in to hotel and rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at hotel in Kovalam) [B]
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| Day 14: In Kovalam / Free Day |
Free days. You can unwind, eat some good food in one of the fish restaurants, swim and sunbathe. Whoever wants to see more of this country can go on a day excursion to Kanyakumari, the most southerly point of India. On the way you can stop at a splendid 17th century wooden palace of a former local king.
(Overnight at Beach Resort in Kovalam) [B / D ]
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| Day 15: Departure Transfer To Trivandrum (15 Kms - 0.5hrs) |
Check out from hotel according to flight timing and the tour ends today with a transfer to Trivandrum airport for onward flight. [B]
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| End of our Service |
HTM
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