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  Tour Code: SI-04-002

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Accommodation info.
Day to Day Itinerary
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Southern Classic India
 Hotel Listing  
  Place Covered Nights Standard Hotels Superior Hotels Deluxe Hotels
Chennai 01 Night Comfort
Inn Marina
The Residency Towers Trident Hotel
Mamallapuram 01 Night Mamalla Heritage Ideal
Beach Resort
GRT Temple Bay Resort
Bangalore 02 Nights Nandhini St. Marks Golden Palms Hotel & Spa
Mysore 02 Nights Giinger Hotels Sandesh
The Prince
Lalitha Mahal Palace
Mudumalai 02 Nights Monarch
Safari Park
Jungle
Retreat
Jungle Retreat
Cochin 02 Nights Abad Plaza Abad Atrium Taj Malabar
Kumarakom 02 Nights Backwater Resort Abad
Whispering Palms
Casino Coconut Lagoon
Alleppey 01 Night House Boat
(Non Air Con)
House Boat (NAC) House Boat (Air Con)
Kovalam 02 Nights Udaya Samudra Travancore Heritage The Leela
 
- Accommodation on twin sharing room with daily breakfast at listed hotels or equivalent.
- Transportation/Transfers by Air Conditioned Vehicle for entire tour as per itinerary.
- Sightseeing as per package details.
- Service of English speaking tourist guide at sight seeing spots at places –Chennai, Mamallapuram, Bangalore, Mysore and Cochin, Mudumalai and Cochin only.
- Steam train (Toy train) ticket charges from Ooty to Coonoor.
- Kathakali dance performance visit at Cochin.
- Sunset cruise at Kumarakom.
- One night on House Boat on full board basis.
- Lat day farewell dinner at residing hotel in Kovalam.
- Two night full board basis at Mudumalai for Deluxe Category.
- All applicable taxes.
TOUR PACKAGE NOT INCLUDES:
- Meals except those listed in above inclusions.
- Entrances at all sight seeing spots, Camera fee.
- Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc.
- Elephant ride, Jeep safari & Jungle walk any.
- Inland/international flight charges any.
- All other than those listed in above inclusions.
- NOTE: All travelers require a visa for India.
Accommodation is provided on room with breakfast basis. For Lunch and dinner there would be an additional supplement. An extra bed will be provided in the room for three persons sharing one room. The extra bed is often a folding bed, much inferior to the existing twin/double bed. We have used two different categories of Hotels depending on your budget. The Superior Category comprising of 03 to 04 Star Hotels. Other Category includes Deluxe hotels & Heritage properties with swimming pool, bar and other facilities
 
 
 Tour Itinerary
 
 
 
Chennai (Arrival) – Mamallapuram – Bangalore – Mysore – Mudumalai – Cochin – Kumarakom – Alleppey (Backwaters) – Kovalam - Trivandrum (Departure).
 
 
Day 01 - Chennai (Arrive)


Upon arrival in Chennai, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Hotel.

At Chennai we have included 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. (Overnight at hotel in Chennai).


Note: Sight seeing today will depend on your time of arrival. Incase of the said sight seeing not possible for the day, Same shall be done the next day morning.

Day 02 - CHENNAI TO MAMALLAPURAM (60KMS – 1.5HRS)

Checkout from the hotel at 08.00am and drive to the laid-back beach town of Mamallapuram. On arrival sight seeing of Mamallapuram by Walk. We call it the ‘History walk of Mamallapuram’ which includes visits to all Major places of Interest (7th century monuments), a visit to Sculpture studio, a local snake charmers snake show including small magic right from his sleeve. 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. To taste the south Indian flavor we have included a banana leaf lunch at one of the oldest restaurants of Mamallapuram. Return to hotel and at rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at Hotel in Mamallapuram).

Day 03 - MAMALLAPURAM TO BANGALORE / Via Kancheepuram (340KMS – 7.0HRS)

After early breakfast checkout from the hotel at 07.30am and we drive to the temple town of Kancheepuram. 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 evening at leisure. (Overnight at Hotel in Bangalore).

Day 04 - IN BANGALORE / Sightseeing.

After breakfast at 09.00am we start for the sightseeing of Bangalore visiting – The Vidhan Soudha, the major attraction in Bangalore. The building is a massive neo-Dravidian architecture presently functioning as the state legislative assembly. The Cubbon Park in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh (famous for the blooming red roses), Bangalore Palace - Built in the year 1887 with architecture based on Tudor Style, The Venkatappa Art Gallery - houses about 600 paintings on display, The Tipu's Palace and the adjoining fort are fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture that also offer a glimpse into the Mughal lifestyle of the day. Return to hotel around 12.30pm and free afternoon for own activities. In the evening at 17.30hrs 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).

Day 05 - BANGALORE TO MYSORE (140KMS – 3.0HRS).

Departing the hotel at 08.00am we drive to Mysore – the palace city of South India. On arrival at Mysore, sight seeing tour of Mysore visiting – the Famous “Palace of Mysore”: Built in 1912 in the indo Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched and then on to The “Jayachanarajendra Art Gallery” housed in the Jaganmohan palace: that has a collection of Exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. Later drive to hotel and check in. At 16.00hrs visit to 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. (Overnight at hotel in Mysore).

Day 06 - IN MYSORE / Day Return Excursion Srirenagpatnam & Somnathpur.

After early breakfast at 08.00am we proceed for a day return excursion to Somnathpur and Srirangapattinum. Somnathpur - one need not search far for its history. An inscribed stone slab, in old Kannada, at the entrance says it all. The reigning monarch was Narasimha III (1254-91 A.D.) whose full regal title runs into a sizeable paragraph: "Sri Vishnuvaradhana, Pratapa Chakravarti, Hoysala Bhujabala, Sri Vira Narasimha, Maharajadhiraja, Raja Paramesvara, Sanivarasiddhi, Giridurgamalla etc. Later we drive to 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 sightseeing 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. (Overnight at Hotel in Mysore).

Day 07 - MYSORE TO MUDUMALAI (110KMS – 3.0HRS)

Check out from hotel at 09.00am 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 and free afternoon for ownactivities. In the evening visit the surprising attraction of Mudumalai the Elephant Pooja ceremony. (Overnight at Hotel in Mudumalai).

Day 08 - IN MUDUMALAI

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. Return to hotel and rest. 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. Later return to the hotel and leisure. (Overnight at Hotel in Mudumalai).

Note: Safari & Elephant rides in Mudumalai are subject to availability/climatic conditions.

Day 09 - MUDUMALAI TO COCHIN (380 KMS – 8.0 HRS)

Check Out from hotel after early breakfast and drive to Cochin- a cosmopolitan city in the federal state of Kerala. On arrival check into hotel and rest. (Overnight at Hotel in Cochin).

Day 10 - IN COCHIN / Sight Seeing

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).

Day 11 - COCHIN TO KUMARAKOM (95KMS – 2.0HRS)

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).

Day 12 - IN KUMARAKOM

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Located on the Southern coast of India enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. Nature has composed its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers. In the riot of colors of multi-hued birds. In the fresh, succulent and bountiful freshwater fishes. An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies - this is Kumarakom. (Overnight at Hotel in Kumarakom).

Day 13 - KUMARAKOM TO ALLEPPEY (55KMS – 1.5HRS)

HOUSE BOAT CRUISE: '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).

Day 14 - ALLEPPEY TO KOVALAM (160KMS – 3.5HRS).

Disembark from Houseboat at 10.00am after breakfast 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).

Day 15 - KOVALAM / Day return excursion to Kanyakumari

After early breakfast at 08.00am drive to Kanniyakumari (Cape comorin) for a day return excursion. Kanyakumari is at the tail point of India, where the three seas meet