Explore Chennai visiting St. George Fort, Santhome Cathedral, Kapaleeshwar Temple & Parthasarathy temple.

Meals Included:

The first city of Tamil Nadu (formerly Madras), 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. Chennai offers several sights and sounds to savor. 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

Interesting ‘History walk of Mamallapuram’ - 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 (symbolizes equality of men & women) & to end with at the famous Shore temple. Also visit to sculpture studio. (The above is a very mild pace walk).

Mamallapuram lies 60 kms, South of Chennai, nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was once a port of the Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas and Temples. Once a thriving port trading with many distant nations, Pallava Chisels have breathed life into stone. The Pallavas art this place emphasizes robust eatherly beauty, imbibed with life. These monumental splendours and sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world. 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 (symbolizes equality of men & women) & to end with at the famous Shore temple.

Travel to Bangalore. Enroute visit Kancheepuram - One of the seven sacred cities of India. Visit temple of Varadaraja perumal and silk sari weavers society.

Explore Bangalore – Visiting Vidhan Souda, The Government Museum, Bull temple, Tipu Sultan Palace.

Bangalore, according to state historians, got its name from Bendakalooru (the town of boiled beans) after a king strayed into the area during a hunting trip in the late 14th century. A woman offered him a meal of boiled beans which the king enjoyed so much that he named the town after the dish. Bengaluru is a transliteration of the original spelling, according to state historians. 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. Later visit to ‘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. Lacquerware products include brightly coloured wooden toys, door curtains, powder boxes and napkin rings, besides a range of distinctive jewellery.

Explore Mysore – Mysore Palace, Jayachamsrajendra Art Gallery.

is the erstwhile capital of Wodeyars, the rulers of Mysore state. The Wodeyar family ruled Mysore since 14th century except for a short period of 40 years when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers. Mysore has never failed to mesmerize the tourists with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. The charm leaves no one untouched. Mysore traces its history into the mythological books where there is reference of Mahishasur (Mahishasura) or the buffalo-headed demon king who is believed to have lived here. Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi hills killed this demon and hence the Dussehra, the festival of the victory of good over evil, is celebrated with unprecedented grandeur. Today Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka. Mysore has emerged as a thriving market for exotic sandalwood & incense, the Mysore silk saris and stone carved sculptures.

The island fortress of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan is picturesquely located in the River Cauvery. Within the fort walls that still carry the poignant scars of Tipu's last stand against the British, are a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. The 'Daria Daulat', Tipu's summer palace with a beautifully gilded and painted interior and the majestic 'Gumbaz'-his mausoleum, are located close to the river. 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.

Travel to Mudumalai.

The Famous Mudumalai wild life Sanctuary is situated at an elevation of 1000 meters and extending over an area of 321 sq.kmts lies this sanctuary between Kerala and Karnataka states. This is one of India's best sanctuaries. Nature has been lavish in providing this sanctuary with thickly wooded hills, plateaus, deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, marshes and streams. The varied flora and topography meet the ecological requirements of several species in habitating the sanctuary and give the visitors a sense of satisfaction. 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. 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.

Jungle Safari. Later Travel to Coonoor, Enroute visit to Ooty(Udagamandalam) is the Queen of Hill Stations.

Ooty also known as Udagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level.  One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers.
Train No:661 - Udagamandalam Mettupalayam Passenger /Dep UAM:15.00Hrs – Arr ONR:16.00Hrs.

Travel to Cochin and witness some spectacular views on the way.

Explore Cochin – Visit Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Spice market, Chinese fishing nets.

Breakfast

Travel to Alleppey – Land of Backwater and Check-in to House Boat.

Alleppey or Alappuzha's beauty is not merely in its backwaters, but in the man-made islands that you will find amidst the waters.  These islands are hedged by mud walls, a haven for migratory birds, with paddy fields inundated with water throughout the year.  These fields stand below sea level.  R Block is especially famous for the fresh toddy served to guests. It is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes.  Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. 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.

Travel to Kovalam – The paradise of South India.

Transfer to airport.