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An unforgettable panorama of
unique sites shared with warm and friendly people can be found
in South India. Exquisite temples, jungle habitats, cool
hills, bustling markets, artistic crafts…. the excitement of
each awaits you on this tour.
Day 01 : Arrive Mumbai (Bombay)
Arrive Mumbai (Formerly Bombay), India's most cosmopolitan
city and the country's financial capital. You are greeted with
a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to hotel. Overnight
at Mumbai.
Day 02 : Mumbai - Bangalore
After a leisurely morning, your afternoon flight takes to
Bangalore, one of the most beautiful and well-planned cities
of India. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to the
hotel. Overnight at Bangalore.
Day 03 : Bangalore - Shravanabelagola - Chikmagalur
Enjoy a morning tour of the "Garden City," including a visit
to Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the Mysore Arts and Crafts
Center, the bull temple and the colorful, bustling markets.
Proceeding to Chikmagalur, en route visiting Shravanabelagola.
Overnight at Chikmagalur.
Day 04 : Chikmagalur - Belur - Halebid - Mysore
Drive to Mysore stopping en route to visit Belur & Halebid.
Belur situated on the banks of the Yagachi River, the
Chennakesava Temple basks in the glory of one of the greatest
monuments of medieval art in India. An outstanding example of
Indian temple architecture is found in Halebid. The
Hoysaleshwara Temple's entire surface is covered with a
succession of friezes running its entire length, featuring
elephants, lions, horsemen, and an incredible display of
celestial beasts and birds. Tonight, in Mysore view the
illuminated City Palace. Overnight at Mysore.
Day 05 : Mysore Sightseeing
Your tour of Mysore includes visits to City Palace: Chamundi
Hill where Nandi (Shiva's Bull) - a huge monolithic image is
always garlanded with flowers and held in high esteem by
Hindus; and the colorful and aromatic spice markets. Your
afternoon is at leisure. This evening drive 10 miles from
Mysore to enjoy the beautiful and exquisitely illuminated
Brindavan Gardens, sprawling amid gorgeous cascading
fountains. Overnight at
 Mysore .
Day 06 : Mysore - Bangalore - Cochin
Drive to Bangalore, en route stopping at Srirangapatnam, where
the legendary warrior Tipu Sultan built his island fortress
and Summer Palace. Upon arrival in Bangalore, connect to your
flight to Cochin in the state of Kerala, known for its
well-balanced ecosystem. Tonight enjoy a presentation of the
colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama. Overnight at Cochin.
Day 07 : Cochin Sightseeing - Kumarakom
This morning visit the Portuguese Church built by St. Francis
in 1562, the Jewish Synagogue and the famed Mattancherry
Palace. View the Chinese fishing nets-ingenious devices
requiring little human attention. Depart this afternoon for
Kumarakom, experiencing the rich culture and active lifestyle
that has evolved over the centuries in and around the
backwaters and waterways that thread this region. Overnight at
Kumarakom.
Day 08 : Backwaters Cruise
This morning enjoy a boat ride through the series of canals
and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages
and tropical vegetation. Not only do the backwaters of Kerala
link the state together, they are an integral element in
maintaining ecological balance and creating harmony with
nature. Your afternoon is at leisure. You may want to
experience an Ayurvedic therapeutic massage, indigenous to
this region, which is both relaxing and healing or perhaps
take advantage of the rich waters with a bit of fishing.
Overnight at Kumarakom.
Day 09 : Kumarkom - Thekkady
Your exploration of South India continues as you travel to
Thekkady, located on the Tamil Nadu / Kerala border. This
unique wildlife sanctuary is about 300 square miles and
centered on an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River.
Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at Thekkady .
Day 10 : Thekkady - Madurai
This morning game viewing is on board boats, which carry you
along convoluted waterways and afford sightings of elephants,
bison, deer and occasionally tigers. This tropical habitat
makes it one of the premiere reserves of southern India with
all manner of flora and fauna in abundance. Afternoon drive to
Madurai, a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen,
bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers. Evening a visit
to the Meenakshi temple to witness the evening Puja ceremony.
Overnight at Madurai.
Day 11 : Madurai Sightseeing - Chennai (Madras)
This morning visit Shree Meenakshi Temple, a riotously baroque
example of Dravidian architecture, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and
the Gandhi Museum. Continue to Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank,
site of the Teppam or annual Float Festival held in January.
Fly to Chennai (formerly known as Madras),
the
fourth largest city in India. Overnight at Chennai.
Day 12 : Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram Excursion
Today enjoy an excursion to Kanchipuram, one of the seven
sacred cities of India, which served as a capital for several
dynasties. Visit three of the best temples-Kailasanatha and
Ekambareshwara dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal
dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Continue your excursion to the
ancient Pallavan port of Mamallapuram, en route stop for lunch
at a seaside resort. Later, visit the 7th-century rock hewn
monuments. The shore temple, the only surviving one of seven,
is a unique example of a temple built of rock quarried
elsewhere and carried to shore. Overnight at Chennai.
Day 13 : Chennai (Madras) Sightseeing/ Depart Chennai
Your tour of Chennai takes you to Victoria Art Gallery, the
Bronze Gallery and Chennai Museum. Fort St. George, San Thome
Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple complete your tour of
Chennai. Afternoon is at leisure. Tonight say farewell to
unforgettable India and board your international flight home
filled with colorful memories of your sojourn through Southern
India. |
