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Bangalore with South India 21 Nights / 22 Days
Day 01: Arrive Mumbai
Traditional welcome on arrival at Mumbai airport. Transfer to hotel. Relax for the rest of the day.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast start for sightseeing of Mumbai.Gateway of India Mumbai, India - Gateway of India is a historical gateway built in British style.
Prince of Wales Museum - Prince of Wales Museum is designed into the Indo-Saracenic style. It is one of the finest buildings constructed during British rule. Prince of Wales museum was designed in the Honour of the Prince of Wales on his first visit to India.
Mahalaxmi Temple - One of the famous temples of Mumbai, Mahalaxmi temple is devoted to The Goddess of wealth Mahalaxmi. Idols of Hindu Goddesses Mahalaxmi, Maha Saraswati and Mahakali are also situated in the temple.
The Tomb of Haji Ali - The Mosque at the tomb of Haji Ali is a magnificent piece of architecture standing on an island. Hundreds of devotees arrive everyday to pay homage to the Saint Haji Ali.
Chowpatty - the famous beach of India holds a special attraction for both the tourists and local people. The attraction of Chowpatty enhances many folds during Maharashtra's most famous festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Chowpatty has done wonders to Mumbai Tourism.
Elephanta Caves - Located about 10 kms from the Gateway of India or 9 nautical miles into the sea are the famous Elephanta Caves, which are a great tourist attraction. It is about an hour ferry ride away. They are also known as Gharapuri and were named Elephanta caves by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island. The entire cave temple complex covers an area of about 60,000 square feet and it consists of a main chamber and two lateral ones, courtyards and several subsidiary shrines. There are regular excursions to these caves every day from the Gateway of India.
Overnight at hotel.
After Breakfast drive to airport to catch the flight for Bangalore.
Bangalore: Reputed as garden city of India Bangalore is capital of Karnataka houses finest temple Gangadhareshware Temple (Cave Temple) -Built by Kempe Gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon. Arrive Bangalore and check in at hotel. Relax in the evening.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Bangalore
After breakfast visit Lal Bagh, Cave temple- Built by Kempe Gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon, Hesaraghatta. Remainder of the day is free to explore commercial section of city.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Bangalore - Mysore (139 kms 3 hours drive by road)
After Breakfast drive to Mysore.
Mysore is defined by magnificent palaces, scenic gardens, fragrant sandalwood, luxurious silks, flamboyant festivals-- Mysore is a veritable tourist extravaganza with its glorious history and rich tradition. Located 140 Kms from Bangalore, this City of Palaces bursts at the seams with a mind-boggling array of attractive destinations.
Afternoon visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style; its attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Vrindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style; its attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Vrindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.
In the late afternoon drive to Hassan.
Hassan - As base to visit remnant of one of prominent Royale Dynasty of Hoysala Empire. Era of Hoysala Dynasty was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. A excursion to visit Belur and Halebid awards an firsthand experience of understanding development of art, architecture, and religion in South India.
Arrive Hassan and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast proceed for excursion to Belur and Halebid.
Belur: This quaint hamlet - 38 Kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank.
Halebid: It is 27 Kms north-west of Hassan and 17 Kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basadis, Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan.
Overnight in Hassan.
After breakfast drive to Coorg.Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.
Coorg is on the Western Ghats. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit.
Arrive Coorg and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon start for sightseeing of Coorg which includes very famous coffee Plantation, Omkareshwara Temple and Cauvery Nisargadhama.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast start for Calicut.
Calicut is a city with greenery and having small lake (canoli canal) going through the city. Kozhikode, formerly called Calicut was the traditional capital of Northern Kerala under the Samuthiri rule. Calicut, the most important city of Malabar region of Kerala, was a leading trading centre for spices on the West Coast of India during the medieval period.
Arrive Calicut and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon start for sightseeing of Calicut.
Kappad is the place where Vasco da Gama set foot for the first time when he came to India on May 27, 1498. There is a small stone monument at the beach to commemorate that event.
Pazhassirajah Museum is located on the East Hill. It is run by the State Archeological Department. Ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, old coins, models of temples, and megalithic structures are on display here.
Dolphin's Point is a good place to watch dolphins playing in the sea early in the morning. On this beach are also situated Calicut Town Center, Lions Club, and a lighthouse.
Two crumbling piers, more than hundred years old, stand out into sea at Kozhikode beach. The beach is easily accessible from the city and provides a good view of the setting sun. The place also has a Marine Life Aquarium open whole day.
The Science Planetarium at Jaffa khan Colony is the best place to unravel the mysteries of universe and enlightens about the planets and stars.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Cochin.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
Arrive Cochin and check in at hotel.
Relax for the rest of the day or take a walk along the historic colonial streets of Fort Cochin. Watch a Kathakali Show (Traditional art performance of Kerala).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Cochin
After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the near by Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road.
Over night stay at the hotel.
After breakfast start for Kottayam.
Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are also a treat to the eyes.
Arrive Kottayam and check in at resort.
In the afternoon visit Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple, Thalikotta Temple, Mahadevar Temple, Valiapalli and Cheriyapalli Churches.
Overnight at resort.
After breakfast start for Kovalam.Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Azure water and favourable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. Sea here is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters. Surfing and swimming are among the other water sports possible in Kovalam beach. Many people from different countries and cultures intermingle with each other and get together in this paradise of the South and spend their leisure time joyfully.
Check-in at hotel at Kovalam. The rest of the day is kept for leisure at the Kovalam Beach. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
Day 14: Kovalam - Thekkady (140 Kms- 3 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Thekkady. Drive through paddy fields and vast spice plantation.
Thekkady - one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady.
Afternoon, experience the mind bowing view of calm crystal clear Periyar Lake to view the wildlife. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
On arrival at Thekkady check into Hotel.
Afternoon, experience the mind bowing view of calm crystal clear Periyar Lake to view the wildlife. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
Day 15: Thekkady - Madurai (137 Kms- 3 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Madurai.
Madurai: One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.
Arrive Madurai and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon visit the great Tirumala Nayak Palace, Alagar Hills, Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Spare your evening to immerse in divine beauty of Meenakshi Temple.
Day 16: Madurai -Tanjore (200 Kms-6 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Tanjore.
Tanjore is the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" and famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple was constructed more than thousand years ago by the King Rajarajan, is an architect's marvel. It is a flourishing centre for bronze sculpture and painting. The pastimes and life of Lord Krishna are seen in Tanjore paintings. The uniqueness of the Tanjore paintings is their extraordinary gold leaf work, attractive jewellery with stones, dazzling color design, and eye catching engraved glasses. The laissez-faire application of gold leaf and precious and semi-precious stones like rubies and diamonds speaks the greatness of the adroit artists of those times. The characteristic of Thanjavur painting is that the figures in the paintings have a round body and egg shaped effulgent eyes and are surrounded by curtains and arch. These paintings will illuminate in the dark room
Arrive Tanjore and check in at hotel. Remainder of the day is free to take a retrospect of history of Tanjore and explore its grandeur.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast visit Brahadeeswarar temple originally called as Peruvudaiyar Koil in Tamil, is an ancient Hindu temple located at Tanjore in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This 10th century CE temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples", is a prominent example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The central temple known as the Periya Kovil (Big Temple) stands within a fort, whose walls were later additions built during the 16th century. The name periya Kovil came from its original name "periya aavudayar Kovil" (aavudayar being a local name of Lord Shiva). This awe inspiring temple has many especial feature in its architectural marvel one of them is the sky touching vimana (main tower) of the temple is approximately 65 m (215 ft) high and is the tallest in the world. It was so designed that the vimana never casts a shadow at noon during any period of the year.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 18: Tanjore - Pondicherry (190 kms 5 hrs drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Pondicherry.
Pondicherry - "The French Riviera of the East" -Puducherry, till recently known as Pondicherry used to be a French colony. It was finally ceded to the Indian federation in 1962, Puducherry or Pondicherry is a beautiful and well planned city. The French element is noticeable everywhere in the city, and gives a distinctive look. The colonial government buildings, the beautiful avenues and the old cottages make this otherwise modern city exude a colonial charm shared by very few other Indian cities. The major tourist spots to be visited during the tours of Puducherry include the beach, Auriobindo ashram, Auroville, the museum, botanical gardens, and the Anglo-French textile mills.
Arrive Pondicherry and check in at resort.
Evening is at leisure to explore city.
Overnight at resort.
After breakfast proceed for city tour visit paradise beach, serenity beach, karaikal beach Auriobindo ashram, Auroville, the museum, botanical gardens, and the Anglo-French textile mills. Paradise beach is renowned for dolphins and beautiful crescent shaped beach. Just revive your spirit for full day unfettered fun and relaxation.
Overnight at resort.
After breakfast drive to Chennai.
Chennai is the fifth largest city in India and the capital city of the Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandal coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the Musical and Cultural Capital of India.] The city is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. The Tamil film industry, known as Kollywood, the second largest after movie industry (after Bollywood) in India, is based in the city.Arrive Chennai and check in at hotel.
After lunch proceed for guided tour of city visit one of oldest and biggest museum of India -Government Museum, first establishment of British in India-Fort St George ,One of largest auditorium of South Asia Vallur Kottam where a 33mt tall statute of poet-saint Tiruvalluv struck a awe in visitors.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Mahabalipuram (60 km, 1 hr drive by road) and Kanchipuram (76 km from Chennai).
Mahabalipuram - A UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel of Dravidian style incorporating Buddhist elements. These rock cut and monolithic monuments constitutes cave temples and monolithic chariots (Rathas). A walk around these monuments helps in connecting a bond with royal dynasty of Pallava.
Kanchipuram - It is well regarded as City of thousand temples. Kanchipuram attained its highest stature in 4th to the 9th centuries as capital of Pallava dynasty. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (A.D. 520) went to China from Kanchipuram to spread Buddhism. He stayed at the Shaolin Monastery and preached Buddhist ideologies. At that time he trained the local people in the art of Varmakkalai. The art underwent many changes and came to be known as Shaolin kung fu or boxing.
Evening return to Chennai. Overnight at hotel.
Day 22: Chennai Depart
After breakfast transfer to International Airport connect flight to onward destination.