Day 01: Home Chennai
Arrive Chennai International airport, assistance on arrival transfer
to hotel. Day free to relax, overnight in Chennai.
Day 02: Chennai
Morning take a sight seeing tour of Chennai including Marina Beach,
the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built
in 1653, is currently used as the state governments secretariat.
Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th/15th century and is another
colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the
Kapaleeswara Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important
temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarthy Temple.
The Snake Park has a large collection of snakes and many other reptiles.
Evening free for individual activities, overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Chennai Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram - Chennai
Morning visit Kanchipuram this is one of Indias seven
sacred cities and one of its loveliest temple towns also known for
its handloom silks. Visit Kailasnathar, Vaikuntaperumal, Ekambareshwara,
Kamakshiamma and Sakiswarar Temples. Later in the day visit Mahabalipuram
known for its Pallava Art and its beautiful long beach, visit Cave
Temples, Rathas Arjunas Penace and Shore Temples, after sun
set drive back to the hotel for overnight.
Day 04: Chennai Chidambaram - Tanjore (150 Kms
3 hours)
Morning checkout and drive to Tanjore, enroute visit Chidambaram
which is one of the foremost Saivite shrines; the very name Kovil
refers to Chidambaram, where Natarajan is enshrined in the Chit
Sabha or the Hall of Consciousness, in the Ananda Tandavam (Dance
of Bliss) pose. Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying
the 5 elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai),
earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). The Moovar (Sambandar,
Appar and Sundarar) as well as Manikkavacakar have sung praises
of Chidambaram. Several literary works praise the glory of Chidambaram.
Chidambaram is one of the 5 dance Halls of Shiva (Kanakasabhai).
The five dance halls are Chithambram, Madurai, Tiruvalankadu, Tirunelveli
and Kutralam.
Late continue driving to Tanjore, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Afternoon, visit Tanjore (Thanjavur) which was the ancient capital
of Chola kings. Visit the Brihadeshwara temple which was built by
Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture.
This temple is one of the monuments in India with World Heritage
listing. Also visit the Thanjavur Palace which was constructed in
1550 and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal
towers.
Day 05: Tanjore Trichy (50 kms 1 hour)
Morning checkout and drive to Trichy, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Later in the afternoon visit Trichy the most famous landmark of
this bustling town - the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument
perched on a massive rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the
plain to tower over the old city. It is reached by a flight of steep
steps cut into the rock and from its summit you get a fantastic
view of the town plus its other main landmark, the Sri Ranganathanswami
Temple. This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple
complexes in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery
River and covering a staggering 2.5 sq km and Jambukeshwara Temples.
Evening drive back to hotel or take a walk through old city particularly
big bazar street and China bazar. Overnight in Trichy.
Day 06: Trichy - Madurai (165 kms 3 hrs)
Morning checkout and drive to Madurai, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Madurai visiting Meenakshi Temple,
Tirumalai Nayak Palace and Vandiyur Mariamman Teepakulam where annual
float festival takes place. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.
Day 07: Madurai
Morning take an excursion tour to Rameshwaram 173 kms, visit
the Shore Temple of Ramanathaswamy. The main eastern entrance stands
a huge Gopura of nine storeys and 38.4m high. The outermost, or
third, corridor, 196m long and 120.4 wide, is one of the achievements
of the Hindu artist down the ages. There are about four thousand
pillars, each 3.7m high. All are located on a platform 1.5m high.
They look like an orderly, Petrified Forest. Drive back to Madurai
for overnight.
Day 08: Madurai Periyar (150 kms- 3 hrs)
Morning checkout and drive to Periyar, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Take a boat ride in Periyar lake at 1500 hrs to see the wild animals
on the bank of the lake especially elephants who comes to bathe
with their siblings. Evening visit Spice Plantations & Market,
overnight in Periyar.
Day 09: Periyar Kumarakom (130 kms - 3 hours)
Early morning take a boat ride again in the Periyar Lake, later
checkout & drive to Kumarakom back water country, on
arrival transfer to resort overlooking the Vembanad Lake. Enjoy
the ambiance of Kumarakom, visit Kumarakom bird sanctuary which
houses different species of migratory birds. Early evening take
a rice boat cruise in the canals of Kumarakom. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 10: Kumarakom Alleppey (By Houseboats)
Morning board the houseboat cruise for Alleppey for an overnight
journey, enjoy the cruise in Vembanad Lake. The journey will take
us through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey
to Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of
paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets, typical villages and regattas
(snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous. The Golden Star Deluxe
houseboats have Sitting Area, Dinning Area, Sun Deck to enjoy sunset
and fishing, Bed room with double & twin bed with attached English
toilets and running hot & cold water. Breakfast, Lunch &
dinner will be served on board the houseboats, overnight cruising
in the Vembanad Lake.
Day 11: Alleppey Trivandrum / Kovalam (175 kms
3 hrs)
Morning checkout and drive to Kovalam, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Later in the day take a sight seeing tour of Trivandrum city visiting
Padmanabhaswamy Temple & Palace, Chaitra Art Gallerry &
Napier Museum. Evening free to relax at the beach resort overnight
in Kovalam.
Day 12: Kovalam - Kanya Kumari - Kovalam (90 kms 2 hrs)
Morning day free to relax at the Beach Resort, later take an excursion
tour to Cape Camorin, visit Kumari Amman Temple - The virgin Goddess
Kanyakumari has watched over the phenomenon since the beginning
of time, standing at the top of the country in, as if, an unending
vigil, with the water of Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
drawing to her feet. A temple stands here today, dedicated to the
virgin Goddess. Visit Swami Vivekananda Statue Island. Drive back
to Kovalam for overnight.
Day 13: Trivandrum Cochin (175 kms - 4 hrs)
Morning checkout and drive to Cochin, on arrival transfer to hotel,
day free to relax, early evening take a sight seeing tour of Cochin
visiting Mantanacherrry Palace, Jewish Synagogue - one of the oldest
in the country & Vypeen / Gundu Islands to see the Chinese Fishing
Nets. Evening free to relax, overnight in Cochin.
Day 14: Cochin Munnar (134 kms - 3 hours)
Morning checkout and drive to Munnar, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Later in the day visit Kannan Devan hills and if wish to one can
visit Rajmalai wild life sanctuary to see the Indian Ibex only found
in this sanctuary in India. Evening visit the lakeside. Overnight
at the hotel.
Day 15: Munnar Coimbatore Ooty (241 kms
6 hrs)
Morning checkout and drive to Ooty enroute visiting Coimbatore,
on arrival transfer to hotel. Day free to relax in Ooty, one can
visit the Lake side in the evening, overnight at the hotel.
Day 16: Ooty
Morning take a toy train to Coonoor, assistance on arrival, visit
Lambs Rock, Dolphins Nose and St. Catherines fall in Coonoor
and drive back to Ooty through lush green tea & coffee plantations.
Evening visit Botanical Gardens. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17: Ooty Mysore (150 kms 3 hrs)
Morning checkout and drive to Mysore enroute visit Somnathpur Temple
The star shaped temple at Somnathpur is a splendid example
of Hoysala architecture. On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon
visit Mysore Palace - Build in Indo-Saracenic style with domes turrets,
arches and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite
carvings and works of art from all over the world. The tastefully
decorated and intricately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated
rooms. The palace has now been converted into a museum, which treasures
the souvenirs, paintings, jewellery, royal costumes of the rulers.
Evening visit Brindavan Gardens, overnight in Mysore.
Day 18: Mysore Shravanbelgola Hassan (139 kms
3 hrs)
Morning, checkout and drive to Hassan enroute visit Sravanabelgola
a climb of 630 steps you can view the 17m high monolithic statue
of Lord Gomateswara. On arrival in Hassan transfer to hotel, evening
free to relax, overnight in Hassan.
Day 19: Hassan
Morning take a sight sightseeing tour of Belur and Halebid.
Belur (12 kms from Halebid). Situated on the banks of Yagachi River,
Belur was the capital of the dynasty before it was moved to Halebid.
Visit the Chennakesava Temple and Viranarayana Temple.
Halebid (31 kms from Hassan) the ancient town of the Hoysala empire.
Visit the Jain Basti and the famous Hoyasaleswara temple, which
is the largest Hoysala temple, it was started in 1121 and remained
unfinished 85 years later. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel
Day 20: Hassan Bangalore (200 kms 4 hrs)
Morning checkout and drive to Bangalore, on arrival transfer to
hotel. Bangalore - the Capital city of Karnataka, founded in the
early 16th century and is also refereed to as the Garden City. It
is India's one of the cosmopolitan city and has become landmark
for IT industry. City tour of Bangalore visiting : Lal Bagh - the
rich and beautiful Lal Bagh Garden spread over 240 acres of greens
located up till southern suburbs of Bangalore. Among the many other
gardens in the city, Lal Bagh is the most famous garden in Bangalore.
It derives its name from the profusion of Red roses, which bloom
here. Rulers of Mysore laid this garden. Haider Ali started building
this garden in 1760, but his son Tipu Sultan completed it. Continue
visiting the National Museum that was established in 1896, the Museum
has significant collections of ancient weapons, stone carvings,
pottery, painting and relics of the 5000-year-old Mohan- Je - Daro
civilization. Vidhan Soudha, a magnificent post independence structure
incorporating the traditional feature of architecture. The time
free for souvenir shopping. Return to hotel and overnight.
Day 21: Bangalore Hampi (350 kms 7 to 8 hrs)
After early breakfast checkout and drive to Hampi enroute visiting
Chitradurga visit the famous fort and Ganesha Temple in Chitradurga.
The city of Chitradurga itself is said to be named after the Fort
of Seven Rounds (of walls). On arrival transfer to hotel early evening,
rest of the day is kept for relaxing after this long drive, overnight
at the hotel.
Day 22: Hampi
Morning visit Virupaksha temple this temple is located at the base
of Hemakuta hill and has been a place of worship since the 7th century.
It began as a small shrine but was enlarged by the Vijayanagara
kings, Hemakuta hill temples, Bal Krishna temples, Narsimha statue,
Zenana enclosures, elephant stables, stepped tanks and kings
palace. Evening free for individual activities, overnight at the
hotel.
Day 23: Hampi Aihole - Pattadakkal - Badami (206 kms
5 hrs)
Morning checkout and drive to Badami, enroute visit Aihole is situated
51 kms before Badami on the banks of the Malapravha River and is
the next phase of the Chalukyan temple architecture. It was the
first capital of the Chalukyan Empire. On the road to Aihole, just
outside this town, you see two temples dating to the 6th century;
buried until recently, a French archaeologist uncovered them with
the help of the local villagers. The remains of the city walls tell
you of the importance this city once enjoyed. In 4 sq. kms. Both
inside and outside the walls, there are approx. 100 temples, varying
in size and style; this is truly where the Chalukyas began experimenting
with temple architecture. The banks of the river have nagara styled
temples of North India as well as Dravidian styled temples of the
South. Some of the temples here also have a distinct flavour of
Muslim architecture. Pattadakal also lies on the banks of the Malaprabha
River, 19 kms from Badami. The original name for this place was
Pattada Kisuvolal, Pattada meaning coronation of kings, which was
conducted here. This second capital of the Chalukyan Empire is a
World Heritage site known for its temples, which were constructed
in the 7th and 8th centuries. There are ten temples here; some built
in the northern nagara style and some in the Dravidian style of
the south, though some of the temples incorporate both styles to
a certain degree. A fine example of southern architecture is the
Vijayeshwara temple, renamed Sangameshwara in honour of Lord Shiva.
Though unfinished, this temple exhibits a nice parapet and multi-storey
tower. Proceed to Badami, on arrival transfer to hotel, evening
free to relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 24: Badami
Morning visit Badami, the one time capital of the Chalukyas, is
noted several temples, some structural & other rock-cut, of
the 6th & 7th Centuries. The foundations of Badami, or Vatapi
as it was called, were laid by Pulakeshi I (535 - 566 AD) his son
Kirtivarman, the 1st (567 - 598 AD), beautified the town with temples
& other buildings. Visit Badami Caves: this group of 4 cave
temples have been carved out of the hill opposite Badami fort. The
Chalukyan king, Mangalesha (598-610)AD) was responsible for the
completion of these cave temples. Of the four, three are Brahmanical,
while the fourth is Jain. Nearly 2000 steps have to be climbed to
reach the cave. Later visit Badami Fort strategically situated on
top of the hill, the fort encloses large granaries, treasury impressive
temples on top of the northern end of the hill. Malegitti Shivalaya,
perhaps the oldest temple of the lot, is dedicated to the benign
aspect of Shiva as the garland maker. Placed on the summit of a
rocky hill, the temple is built of stone, finely joined without
mortar, & with Dravidian tower. The lower Shivalaya has a Dravidian
tower of which only the sanctum remains now. Evening free for individual
activities, overnight at the hotel.
Day 25: Badami Goa (285 kms 6 hrs)
Morning checkout and drive to Goa on arrival early evening transfer
to hotel relax and overnight at the hotel.
Day 26: Goa
Morning free to enjoy the amenities available at the resort. In
the afternoon take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa - 10 km from Panjim,
the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the 16th century church dedicated to
Infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier,
is one of the most important sights of Goa. The other churches in
the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church
of Our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort,
built by the Portuguese, commands the mouth of the Mandovi River
and houses a lighthouse. and in the evening enjoy Cruise over Mandovi
River. Drive back to the beach resort for overnight.
Day 27: Goa
Day free to explore Goa on own.
Day 28: Goa Bombay
Morning free at leisure, afternoon transfer to airport to board
the flight for Mumbai, assistance on arrival at Mumbai transfer
to hotel, day free to relax, overnight in Mumbai.
Day 29: Mumbai (Bombay)
Morning take a sight seeing tour of Mumbai (Bombay), drive to Gateway
of India and from here cruise by motor boats to Elephanta Caves.
A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it
is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling
which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentation of the
9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls is awe-inspiring.
The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed
Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver
and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of
India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other several good
Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines.
Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive,
Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight.
Day 30: Mumbai - back home. (By air)
In time transfer to International airport to board the flight back
home.
|