Cultural tour of South India

Duration:- 15 Nights - 14 Days

Destination Covered: Bangalore – Mysore – Ooty – Cochin – Alleppy – Kumarakom – Thekkady – Madurai – Trichy – Thanjavur – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram - Chennai

Day 01:- Arrival in Delhi

Arrival Bangalore airport/railway station. Then proceed to the hotel. Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka state it is well known as Garden city. Afternoon proceed for a half day city tour of Bangalore visit Lab bagh, Cubbon park, Iskon Srikrishna Temple, Vidhan soudha and finally at Commercial Street for a bit of shopping. By evening return back to hotel and overnight stay at Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore - Mysore

After breakfast proceed to Mysore on the way visit Srirangapatana which was the capital of King Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sultan. Check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Mysore Palace it is one of the major attractions of Mysore. Then to Mysore Zoo were you can see some of the rare species of wildlife evening proceed to world famous Brindavan garden expended over 150 acres. The musical fountain and light show adds attraction to the garden. Then return back to the hotel and overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 03: Mysore - Ooty

After breakfast, proceed to Ooty, referred to as the 'Queen of Blue Mountains' 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. Overnight stay at Ooty.

DAY 04: Ooty - Cochin

Morning, you can opt for a toy train ride through the hills. Drive to Cochin and on arrival, check into hotel. Cochin, the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. The ancient churches, palaces and synagogues in this city are famous. Evening, go for a motorboat cruise to watch the sunset and the Chinese fishing nets. Overnight stay at Cochin.

DAY 05: Cochin

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.Thiswas rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took over Cochin. The St. Francis Church, said to be India's 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 at leisure. Late evening, drive to the Cultural Centre to enjoy the Kathakali dance show. Overnight stay at Cochin

DAY 06: Cochin - Alleppey

After breakfast, 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. Overnight stay in Houseboat.

DAY 07: Alleppey - Kumarakom

Arrive at Kumarakom around 0930 hrs after a relaxing breakfast on board. Check into the backwater resort for O1 night stay. Rest of the day at leisure, for own activities. You can opt for an Ayurvedic Body Massage at the resort. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

DAY 08: Kumarakom – Thekkady

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 for 02 nights' stay. Afternoon, visit the spice plantations and the Kumily town. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

DAY 09: Thekkady

Morning at leisure and is free for own activities. You can soft trek through the forest or go for an elephant ride. 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. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

DAY 10: Thekkady - Madurai

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 proceed to 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. Overnight stay at Madurai.

DAY 11: Madurai - Trichy - Thanjavur

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. Overnight stay at Tanjore.

DAY 12: Thanjavur

After breakfast, go for sightseeing tour of Tanjore. Tanjore was once the capital of Chola dynasty, which 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 tones. 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. Overnight stay at Tanjore.

DAY 13: Thanjavur - Pondicherry

After an early breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. En route, visit Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram. On arrival, check into the resort. Pondicherry is a charming coastal town with a few enduring pockets of French culture and an ashram. Check into the hotel. Afternoon proceed to explore the nearby places including the Auroville, Pondicherry Museum and the Botanical Garden. Evening to relax at the beach, Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

DAY 14: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai

After breakfast, drive to Chennai. En route, visit Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram was once a flourishing port of the Pallavas of ancient India. The monuments and sculptures here are world-renowned. Visit the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance and Artisans Village at Mahabalipuram. Evening proceed to Chennai and check into the hotel. Overnight stay at Chennai.

DAY 15: Depart From Chennai

Morning at leisure. Later, transfer to Chennai Airport for your flight back onward destination / home.