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South India Heritage Tour
South India Heritage Tour
Covered Destination : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Pondicherry
- Swami Malai - Tanjore - Tirchy - Madurai - Rameshwaram - Kodaikanal -
Kanya Kumari - Kovalam - Periyar - Kottaym - Alleppey - Ooty - Coonoor -
Mysore - Srirangapatnam - Hassan - Belur - Bangalore - Sravanbelgola - Mumbai
Duration : 20 Nights / 21 Days
Day 1 : Chennai
Arrive at Chennai international airport; you will be received by our executive
and transfer to your
pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.
In afternoon take sightseeing tour of Chennai. Chennai, the capital city,
popularly regarded as the 'Gateway to the South' represents a culture that
is distinctly different from that of northern India.
Day 2 : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram,
70 kms west of Mahabalipuram, this city of thousand temples lies. One of
the seven sacred cities of Hindus, it was the capital of the early Cholas
as far back as the 2nd century BC. Kanchi was a major seat of Tamil learning
as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus.
Overnight will be at the hotel in Covelong.
Day 3 : Chennai - Pondicherry
Today morning you will be driven to Pondicherry. Afternoon you will be take
sightseeing tour of Pondicherry. On arrival at Pondicherry, you will be
transferred to your
pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.
Day 4 : Pondicherry - Swami Mailer
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Swami Mailer ethnic
Village Resort visiting en-route Chidambram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
On arrival at Pondicherry, you will be transferred to your pre-booked Deluxe
/ Luxury hotel.
Day 5 : Swami Malai - Tanjore - Trichy
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Trichy visiting en-route
Tanjore Temple. Arrive Trichy, check-in at your
pre-booked
Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Afternoon visit Srirangam and Rock Fort.
Brahadeeswara Temple at Tanjore (Thanjavur),
dedicated to Lord Shiva, also called the Big Temple, belongs to the architecture
of the Chola period. Built in the 10th Century A.D., by Raja Raja Chola,
the Temple Tower is capped by an 81.3 tones round monolithic cupola. This
enormous piece of stone is said to have been was moved into position by
moving it along an inclined plane 6 kms. Long. The temple is considered
an engineering skill of the Chola architects who planned its construction
in such a way that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground.
Day 6 : Trichy - Madurai
Today morning after breakfast you will visit Rock Fort Temple. The Rock
Fort situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, Trichy's most famed land
mark is an 84 m high rock, one of the oldest in the world aprox.3, 800 million
years. The attraction is not for fort itself but the temple at the summit.
344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top where are the inscriptions dating
back to the 3rd century B.C.
Later drive to Madurai and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Overnight
stay will be at your
pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.
Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India,
with a history dating all the way back to the Sangam period of the pre Christian
era. The glory of Madurai returned in a diminished form in the earlier part
of this millennium; it later on came under the rule of the Vijayanagar kingdom
after it's ransack by the ravaging armies of Delhi (Malik Kafur). During
the 16th and 18th centuries, Madurai was ruled by the Nayak Emperors, the
foremost of whom was Tirumalai Nayakar. The Sangam period poet Nakkeerar
is associated with some of the Tiruvilayaadal episodes of Sundareswarar
- that are enacted as a part of temple festival traditions even today.
Day 7 : Madurai - Rameshwaram or Kodaikanal
Today morning after breakfast your day at leisure - optional Day trip to
visit Rameshwaram or Kodaikanal .
Founded by American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal
is steeped in history. Relics and artifacts of the Paliyans who once lived
in these hills can still be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. Even today,
a few Paliyans can be seen near Kukal Cave. In the early days, there were
no roads-people had to travel by bullock-cart and palanquin, braving the
dangers of the forests. Slowly Kodaikanal developed, missionaries established
church properties, many of the then ruling princes built summer holiday-homes,
clubs were opened, school and hotels were built, and civic amenities were
introduced.
Day 8 : Madurai - Kanya Kumari - Kovalam
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Kanya Kumari (Cape Comorin),
the last end of India where three Oceans meet. Continue to Kovalam and on
arrival, stay for overnight in
your pre-booked Deluxe
/ Luxury hotel.
Kanyakumari: At the southern most tip of India,
where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies
Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is also famous for its spectacular sunrises and
sunsets, especially on full moon days. The city of Kanyakumari is surrounded
by beautiful beaches and is one of the known pilgrimages of India. A dip
in the ocean here is considered holy, but the sea is rough here and not
fit for bathing. This is the only place in India, where the sunset and moonrise
can be viewed simultaneously on a full moon day.
Day 9 : Kovalam
Today morning take breakfast at hotel. After lunch excursion to Kanya Kumari
to visit the stunning Padmanabhapuram palace and to enjoy the unique experience
of Sunset & Moon rise over the ocean simultaneously. Return to Kovalam
in the evening. Overnight will be at Kovalam.
Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise
of the South". Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, Kerala's
capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort.
Kovalam is a dreamland for tourists all over the world. With high rock promontory
and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle
on moonlit nights. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja
of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed,
and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. The warm and clean
atmosphere by the coconut trees and the white sand bed are perfect for relaxing
holidays, as the sea breeze gently plays with the waves.
Day 10 : Kovalam - Periyar
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Periyar and reach Periyar
by noon. After lunch you will take safari to a nearby Coffee Plantations
& villages. On arrival at Periyar, you will be transferred to your
pre-booked
Deluxe / Luxury hotel.
Periyar: One of
the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts
a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkady Wildlife
Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural
habitat.
The forest here slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill.
This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to
drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted
here.
There are boat services which takes the visitor around the lake. The best
season to visit the park is between October and June. Spread over 777 sq.km
of the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats, the Periyar sanctuary is located
137 km from Madurai.
Although an excursion on the splendid artificial lake is the standard way
to experience the sanctuary, you can also walk around with the local guide
in a small group. Wild Elephant herds come to the lake to frolic in the
water.
Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer,
Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc.
There are over 260 species of birds here; including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons,
blue-winged Parakeets, and White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and
Fly Catchers.
Day 11 : Periyar - Kottayam
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Kottayam and board Kettuvalom,
the Houseboat. Sail and enjoy the beauty of nature through out the day and
spend night on boat.
Day 12 : Alleppey - Cochin
Arrive Alleppey-Cochin At noon time, disembark Houseboat at Alleppey and
later you will proceed to Cochin. On arrival at Cochin, you will be transferred
to your
pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.
Alleppey: Alappuzha,
formerly named as Alleppey, in Kerala is one of the major backwater destinations.
The thrilling boat race awaits you at Alleppey or Alappuzha. Imagine to
just lazing on a houseboat or enjoying fishing in Alleppey Kerala. Kuttanad
is also known as the 'rice bowl' of the state, Kerala India. Alleppey is
a captivating destination in Kerala India that provides backwaters, traditional
Kettuvallooms (house boats), beaches, boat race, swaying palms, gourmet
delight and many more.
Day 13 : Cochin
Today morning after breakfast you will take Cochin morning sightseeing tour.
And in evening enjoy the South Indian classical dance i.e. Kathakali Dance
Show in a Theatre. Overnight will be at your hotel.
Cochin set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, the port city
of Cochin (Kochi) (Queen of Arabia) reflects the eclecticism of Kerala perfectly.
With a rich past and a bustling present, it has been the business hub of
the region from the very early days after Alleppey (Alappuzha).
Cochin consists of mainland Ernakulam, the
islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbour, Fort Cochin and
Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort
Cochin, all was linked by ferry but now some islands have bridges. The influence
of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is evident in Cochin and its people.
The oldest church in India, 500-year-old Portugese houses, old tiled houses
built in the Chinese pagoda style, the famous Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish
community whose roots go back to the Diaspora, synagogues and mosques all
tell the fascinating story of this harbour town. The harbour is still at
the heart of the city and pepper, sea food, rubber and coir mats and matting
are exported from here. Despite this, Cochin is an attractive city with
serene creak & lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms and picturesque
islands. The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery are an unlikely
blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village grafted
onto the troppical Malabar Coast. Cochin is one of India's largest ports
and a major naval base.
Day 14 : Cochin - Ooty
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Ooty and on arrival
at Ooty, you will be transferred to
your pre-booked
Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Rest of the time will be at your leisure.
Ooty : The verdant
hills, the lush green valleys and the pristine natural beauty of the hill
resort of Ooty offers the urban tired souls a chance to resume their affair
with Nature, to whom they truly belong. The heavenly hill resort like a
blushing bride peeks from behind the lofty Nilgiri hills. The unassuming
beauty of this heavenly hill resort beckons you to come and embrace the
tranquility and solace that tours to Ooty India offer.
Day 15 : Ooty - Coonoor
Today morning after breakfast you will be free to explore the beauty of
Ooty and later you will take sightseeing tour of Coonoor. Overnight will
be your hotel.
Coonoor is a fabulous hill station in the Nilgiri
hills about 19 km from Ooty. Coonoor, located at an altitude of 1,856 metres,
is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills.The Sim's Park with
all its natural beauty was constructed in 1874 has unique trees and plants.
Facinating and unforgetable view points for tourist are Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's
Nose; Lady Canning's Seat to name a few.Tourist can avail of the Toy train
facility to get a detailed view of this place.
Day 16 : Ooty - Mysore
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Mysore and on arrival
at Mysore, you will be transferred to
your pre-booked
Deluxe / Luxury hotel. In afternoon take city sightseeing tour of
Mysore.
Mysore, the third largest city of the southern
Indian state of Karnataka, is famous for its sandalwood and silk. More recently,
it has also become famous for its yoga teachers. It lies on the slope of
a low-lying plateau at an altitude of 770 m, which makes its climate pleasantly
cool in winter. The name Mysore is derived from Mahishasura, the demon who
allegedly used to rule there. Mysore was once the home to the royal family,
and the spectacular Maharajah's palace still occupies a large portion of
the city centre. Home of world famous ashtanga teacher Patthabi Jois, Mysore,
now sometimes referred to as "Ashtanga city", is fast becoming
one of the most popular places in India to study yoga.
Day 17 : Mysore - Srirangapatnam
Today morning after breakfast you will visit Somnathpur Temple In afternoon
you will visit Srirangapatnam. Overnight will be your hotel.
Day 18 : Mysore - Hassan
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Hassan and on arrival
at Hassan, you will be transferred to
your pre-booked
Deluxe / Luxury hotel. In afternoon you will visit Belur and Halebid
Temples.
Day 19 : Hassan - Bangalore - Sravanbelgola
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Bangalore visiting en-route
Sravanbelgola. On arrival at Bangalore, you will be transferred to
your
pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. In afternoon you will take sightseeing
tour. Overnight will be your hotel.
Day 20 : Bangalore
Today morning after breakfast you will be driven to Bangalore airport to
board flight to Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai, you will be transferred to
your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. In afternoon
you will take city sightseeing tour.
Day 21 : Mumbai
Today morning after breakfast you will free at leisure. In time you will
be transferred to Mumbai airport for onward flight OR Extend your stay in
GOA.
The cost includes :
a) Accommodation in the prescribed category of hotels on twin sharing basis
with breakfast on regular basis.
b) A/c Transport of high standards with soft beverages and mineral water
served during drives with compliments.
c) Entrances at all the monuments and services of an excellent personal
guide at all the destinations.
d) Assistance upon arrival and departure by our skilled representatives
at all destinations.
e) Meals as prescribed
f) All internal flights and Train (1st Ac)
The cost excludes :
a) International Flight From Your Country to India and Back.
b) Any tips for the porters, drivers or the tour guides.
c) Any drinks and beverages during the paid meals, if not specified.
South India Heritage Tour Reservation
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