On arrival at Chennai airport, meet and transfer to HOTEL for 01 night. Chennai is also known as Madras, is the capital city of Tamilnadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, it is a major commercial, cultural, economic, and educational center in South India. It is also known as the "Cultural Capital of South India". In 16th century Armenia, Portuguese and the Dutch engaged in trade from Santhome at Mylapore in Chennai. In 1639 Britishers landed in Chennai which progressed as their administrative centre. From Madras, it was then renamed as Chennai in 1998. Chennai, the enthralling capital city of Tamil Nadu grabs the attention of travel enthusiasts from various parts of the country and the world. Astounding temples, informative museums, and renowned monuments make it a memorable destination. After noon proceed for Chennai sightseeing to visit Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwar Temple, Saint Thomas Church, Parthasarathy Temple, Government Museum and Vadapalani Murugan Temple, A pivotal part of the British rule, Fort St. George was built to commemorate the Patron Saint of England, St George. This historic structure became an administrative center of the presidency in 1652. Dedicated to Lord Shiva who appears as Kapaleeswarar and Goddess Parvati as Karpagambal, this significant Hindu temple was built during the 7th century by the Pallavas. One of the most recognizable buildings of the city is the Saint Thomas Church located in Mylapore, Chennai. This religiously significant site is built over the tomb of St. Thomas. He is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ who is said to have accompanied him during his ministry in Galilee. He had come to India in A.D. 52 and martyred in A.D. 72. Parthasarathy Temple, a glorious temple that is one of the 108 Divya Desams enshrines Lord Krishna in the form of Parthasarathy, the Charioteer of Arjuna. Government Museum located near Egmore is the second oldest museum of the country is a must visit for history and art aficionados. Spanning over an area of 16.25 acres, it is also popular as Madras Museum. Vadapalani Murugan Temple located in the centre of the city that inspires faith in all visitors. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple has been built in the 19th century with the image of God Muruga in the standing posture. Evening visit Marina Beach. Take in the beauty of the ocean as you walk along the coastal line or relax at the amazing beach. Travellers often visit the beach to enjoy the picturesque sunsets and deep blue waters. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is a beautiful city located in Tamilnadu and is famous for its artistic and architectural excellence, sandy beaches, and casuarinas trees. The city has been named after King Mahabali, who was killed by the Lord Vishnu. It is an ancient historic town and was a busy seaport during the time of Periplus (1 st century CE) and Ptolemy (140 CE). Ancient Indian traders who went to the countries of South East Asia sailed from the seaport of Mahabalipuram. The modern city of Mahabalipuram was established by the British Raj in 1827. It has various historic monuments which where built largely between the 7th and 9th centuries, and it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram was a flourishing port town of Pallava dynasty. The historical monuments of Mahabalipuram give a great opportunity to experience the ambience of bygone eras. On arrival check in at HOTEL for 01 night. Later proceed for Mahabalipuram sightseeing which includes Shore temples & Stone Monuments. The Shore Temple built during the reign of the Pallava King Rajasimha (c. 700 - 728), is considered the first stone temple in India, in the transitional period from ancient cave temples to mediaeval stone buildings. Its three sanctuaries are dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. There is a series of freestanding rock temples carved from scattered granite rocks (from one continuous underground rock) in a sandy place some hundreds meters south from the village of Mahabalipuram. Built in the 7th century the glorious temple has three shrines, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and others dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu appears in the reclining form on the Sheshanag. A distinguishing feature of the temple is that it is one of the oldest five-storied rock-cut structural temple. The east-facing shrine has the sun rays directly falling on the Shiva Linga. This ancient complex is an important pilgrimage site and a classic example of Dravidian architecture. Evening free to relax by the beach or for your own activities. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry covers an area of 480 sq km consisting of four coastal regions of Pondicherry, Karakkal, Yanam and Mahe. These were the French possessions situated on the eastern coast along the three states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala transferred to the Indian Union in 1954. Afternoon proceed for sightseeing to visit the places of Interest include Sree Aurobindo Asharm, the world famous Saint and Philosopher who came to Pondicherry and spent his life time here till death. Auroville, is designed by the French architect Roger Anger. After the sightseeing check into the HOTEL for 01 night. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast check out from the hotel & drive to Tanjore. On arrival check in at HOTEL for 02 nights. Tanjore was once the capital of Chola dynasty of temple builders who ruled South India between 10th and 14th centuries. Tanjore is the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu"; and is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Thanjavur is famous for its distinctive art style in painting, which is usually a combination of brazed and painted surfaces. These paintings have the figures and the background richly embellished with gold leaves and gems as ornaments. The town is well known for its historic traditions in art, music, dance and culture and also offers the right blend of modern entertainment. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast proceed for Tanjavur sightseeing to visit The Nayak Palace, Brihadeeswara temple and Bronze casting by Tanjore craftsman. The Brahadeeshwara temple at Thanjavur - a UNESCO World heritage monument, is an architectural marvel and reflects the artistic skills of the imperial Cholas who ruled peninsular India in the early medieval period. Built by the Chola King Rajaraja-I in the 11th century, it is one of the tallest temples in the world. Thanjavur Palace and the Museum built by Nayaks and Marathas have an artistic elegance that speak of the town's heritage. The Palace houses an Art Gallery, a Library and a Hall of Music. The Art Gallery has an impressive collection of Chola bronze statues from the 9th and 12th centuries. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast check out and drive to Madurai. Madurai known as the temple town of South India is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. 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. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods. On arrival check into HOTEL for 02 nights. Evening visit Meenakshi temple & witness the Pooja ceremony in the temple. Overnight stay at hotel.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing including visit to Thirumalai Naicker Palace and Gandhi Museum. Thirumalai Nayak Palace of India is an example of architectural grandeur and was built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636 AD. The palace was designed by an Italian Architect and served as the residence of the King. It is situated at a distance of 2.5 km from the Meenakshi temple of Madurai. The palace is divided into two major parts, Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa, which include the royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. The Gandhi Museum of Madurai was established in the loving memory of the Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It holds great historical importance and was set up by the Gandhi Memorial Trust after the assassination of Bapu in 1948. The museum has been set up in the Palace of Rani Mangammal of Nayak Dynasty. The palace was donated by the Tamil Nadu Government to the trust in 1955, to commemorate the contribution of Gandhi to India. In between the sightseeing you can enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride through the streets. Afternoon is free to relax and for your own activities. Overnight stay at Hotel.
After breakfast check out and you’ll drive through the cardamom hills to Periyar, one of the well maintained wild life sanctuary of South India. On arrival check in at HOTEL for 02 nights. The drive from Munnar to Thekkady will be an unforgettable experience through the cardamom hills and by the valleys and hills. This will be one of the best drive you can have during this tour. Apart from the wildlife in Periyar it is the best place in Kerala where you can see all the spices cultivated in natural surroundings. It is the prime place for the spice plantations like coffee, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, green pepper, areca nut, etc. Moreover the cardamom from Periyar is the best available in India and is world famous. After noon you will be taken to the nearby village where you can see the spices growing naturally. There will be also opportunities to taste some of the spices during the visit. Thereafter you can visit some of the spice markets also. Overnight at resort.
Morning you will be invited for a boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary. Animals like Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer can be spotted during the boat cruise. Most interesting wildlife experience here would be the sight of elephant herds playing in the lake. The sanctuary is a protected Tiger Reserve and don’t wonder if you see a lone tiger gently walking in the woods. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can see wild animals at close range sitting in the safety of a boat. Later return back to the resort. Later proceed to visit an Elephant place where you will get an opportunity to do the Elephant ride, enjoy Elephant bath and you can feed the Elephant also. Rest of the day free to relax and walk around the interesting place. Evening visit ‘Kathakali’ centre, where you’ll watch the interesting Kathakali costumes followed by performance. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast check out and drive to Alleppey. On arrival embark in a HOUSE BOAT to go for the cruise through the world famous backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey has a large network of canals and is a center for backwater cruises in our state. The famous Nehru Trophy Boat race - the most colorful of boat races is held here on the second Saturday of August every year. The cruise in a house boat through backwaters is an unforgettable experience and you can enjoy the real Kerala village life. These boats, originally known as Kettuvallam’s were used for carrying goods and there were only limited facilities available in the boats for stay and for food preparations. Now these boats are made very modern and the food prepared in the house boats are very special and is very tasty and fresh. During the cruise you will have opportunities to enjoy typical Kettuvallam meal. During the cruise you can see the ancient temples, floating markets, toddy shops, duck fields etc. as well as you will have stops to go for short walks through the villages. The villagers are normally pleasant and generous to the tourists. In between your cruise you can understand the real village life. Day is free to relax. Overnight on the houseboat.
Morning had a relaxed breakfast on board. After breakfast disembark and drive to Cochin. On arrival check in at HOTEL for 01 night. Kochi – the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ is one of the most interesting cities of South India and has one of the finest natural harbour in the world. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). The ancient Temples, Churches and Synagogues in this district are of special interest to archeologists and historians. The Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch palace and the Bolghatty palace in Kochi enrich the heritage of Kerala. After breakfast proceed for half day guided sightseeing which includes the visit to St. Francis church, Mattancherry palace, Jewish Synagogue and Chinese fishing nets. St Francis Xavier's Church at Fort Kochi is the oldest European church in India and was built in the year 1503, by the Portuguese traders. Today, it stands as the pride of Fort Cochin. It was here that the great explorer Vasco da Gama was buried first in 1562. His mortal remains were taken back to Portugal by his son 16 years later. Even though it is austere in its appearance, the Mattancherry Palace of Cochin has a quaint charm of its own. The credit for building this landmark monument partly goes to the Dutch, who captured Cochin city of Kerala during the pre-British period. The Jewish Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth Nations. Thus, it comprises the topmost slot in the itinerary of the tourists visiting the city. The synagogue has now a fascinating mixture of shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms around. The Chinese fishing nets make up a very popular tourist attraction since they are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. After sightseeing return back to the hotel. Evening proceed to Kalari centre to watch the Kalari martial arts demonstration. Kalaripayattu is an Indian martial art and fighting style that originated in modern-day Kerala. Kalaripayattu has different techniques like meipayattu (physical body exercise), vadipayattu (fight using sticks), valpayattu (fight using swords) and verumkaiprayoga (bare hand exercise). Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Coimbatore. On arrival check in at HOTEL for 01 night. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Ooty. Ooty popularly referred to as ‘Queen of Blue Mountains’ is located at height of 2,286 mts and was the first established hill station in India. The British founded this popular hill station in the early 19th century as the summer capital of the Madras government. A chain of misty hills spread across a lush green carpet – with plenty to see, enjoy and experience. Ooty is much more than a visitor’s paradise. It lends a piece of itself to its guests that they will be thrilled to take back. On arrival check in at HOTEL for 02 nights. Rest of the day free to relax and walk around the interesting places. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast proceed to Ooty railway station to enjoy mountain train ride to Coonoor. You will be passing through the Neelagiri hills in the mountain train, which is the only cog wheel train available in South India. Our driver will pick you from Coonoor railway station and proceed to Ooty for sightseeing to visit Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak and drive through the interesting city. Botanical Garden was laid out in 1847 and is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill at an elevation of 2,400 meters above Main Sea Level. An explicit collection of flowering trees, beautiful shrubs, and rare colored lilies are seen. Flourishing green well maintained lawns, rare trees species a 20 million year old fossil tree, a monkey’s puzzle tree – monkeys can’t climb this tree, an Italian - style garden bordering, a immense variety of flowering bushes, flowers, and plants, fern house with a vast range ferns and orchids, a clear pool are some of the highlights of this garden. The famous Ooty Lake stretches, in an irregular 'L' shape, for about 2.75 kms in length and varying distances in width (100m – 140m). For the curious, this lake was artificially formed by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, in 1823-25 by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley. At the far end is the Boat House, where all kinds of boats are available for hire from eight in the morning to six in the evening.
After breakfast check out and drive to Mysore. On arrival check into HOTEL for 02 nights. Mysore, capital of a former princely state, is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world with its many institutions that propagate Carnatic Classical music and dance. The city is famous for its silk, sandalwood and jasmine. Evening proceed for a walking tour through the interesting markets and bazaars of Mysore. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast proceed to visit Mysore Palace and Maharajas museum. Mysore Palace is one of the most visited monuments in India. It is one of the largest palaces in the country and was the residence of the Wodeyar Maharaja's of the Mysore state. The Palace built in Indo-Saracenic style and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. Â It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants. Designed by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. After the palace visit you can walk through the interesting markets and bazaars. Evening proceed Nandi Bull & Chamundi Hill. Overnight at resort.
After Breakfast check out and proceed to Bangalore. On the way to Bangalore you can visit Sreerangapatnam. Located in Srirangapatnam, Tombs of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan is a site worth visiting. It is situated at a distance of 15 km from Mysore. Built in 1784 AD by Tipu Sultan for his parents, he was also buried here in 1799 AD. With a height of about 20 meters, this structure stands majestically. Along with being historically important, these tombs also boast of excellent architecture. The architecture, which looks similar to that of Golconda tombs, captivates every visitor with its intricate designs and majestic structure. After the visit of Sreerangapatnam continue to Bangalore and on arrival check into HOTEL for 01 night. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Bangalore airport to catch flight after an ever memorable holiday in South India.
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