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South India Splendor

15 Days

14N/15D

Touring South India offers a wonderful blend of rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and diverse cuisine. Here are some key destinations and experiences to consider:

  • *Chennai, Tamil Nadu*: Explore the capital of Tamil Nadu, known for its historical temples, vibrant arts scene, and Marina Beach.
  • *Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)*: Visit this coastal town known for its ancient rock-cut temples, shore temples, and sculptures.
  • *Pondicherry (Puducherry)*: Experience the unique French colonial charm, with colorful streets, beaches, and French cuisine.
  • *Thanjavur*: Discover the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Chola dynasty.
  • *Madurai*: Explore the Meenakshi Amman Temple and witness the lively markets and cultural traditions of this ancient city.
  • *Kerala Backwaters*: Enjoy a houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala, offering a glimpse into village life and lush landscapes.
  • *Kochi (Cochin)*: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Kochi, with its Jewish synagogue, Portuguese and Dutch influences, and beautiful beaches.
  • *Munnar*: Experience the lush tea plantations, cool climate, and scenic beauty of this hill station.
  • *Thekkady*: Explore Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its elephants, tigers, and diverse wildlife.
  • *Ooty (Udhagamandalam)*: Visit the “Queen of Hill Stations” with its picturesque landscapes and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
  • *Hampi, Karnataka*: Discover the stunning ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • *Goa*: Enjoy the beaches, water sports, and a vibrant nightlife scene in this coastal paradise.
  • *Bangalore*: Explore the IT hub of India, known for its modern lifestyle, parks, and pleasant climate.
  • *Coorg (Kodagu)*: Visit the coffee plantations, waterfalls, and lush greenery of this serene hill station.
  • *Hyderabad, Telangana*: Explore the historic sites, such as Charminar and Golconda Fort, and indulge in the famous Hyderabadi biryani.

These are just a few highlights of South India. The region is known for its cultural diversity, historical significance, and natural beauty. Make sure to plan your trip based on your interests and the time of year to make the most of your South India tour.

Itinerary

Arrive at Chennai international airport; you will be received by our executive and transfer to your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Check in your hotel. Relax before starting our city tour next day. Chennai (formerly known as Madras), is known for its cultural heritage & temple architecture.

Today morning after leisurely breakfast you may take a half day of sight-seeing includes the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Kalakshetra, the St. Mary's Church, Kapaliswara Temple, San Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Mylapore, Fort St. George and houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu.
Afterward you will drive to Mahabalipuram, 7th century port city of the South Indian. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th & the 9th century & has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monuments are mostly rock-cut & monolithic, constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible. Upon arrival at Mahabalipuram, you will be accommodated at a pre-booked hotel. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram is one of India’s seven sacred cities and one of its loveliest temple towns also known for its handloom silks, followed by visit to temples Kailasnathar, Vaikuntaperumal, Ekambareshwara, Kamakshiamma and Sakiswarar. We visit Kailasanatha Temple. The temple is famous for exquisite carvings & attracts devotees & tourists alike. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine, as a compound wall. Next we visit Ekambaranatha, ancient temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. The 3000 year old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yielding different variety of mangoes.Before returning to Mahabalipuram we will also visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, known as Parabrahmaroonpini. You can do shopping of silk cloth market and weavers homes.
Later return to Mahabalipuram to stay for overnight.

In the morning after a hearty breakfast you will proceed to Tanjore, Called the Rice Bowl of Tamilnadu. Later we visit Brihadeshwara temple, also known as Big Temple, Built in the 10th Century A.D., by Raja Raja Chola, the Temple Tower is capped by an 81.3 tones round monolithic cupola.. 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.
Check-in at your pre-booked hotel.

In the morning after breakfast you will leave for Madurai, rich cultural heritage passed for more than 2500 years old & has been an important commercial centre as early as 550 AD. 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. Madurai where the people wake up at the chant of hymns is proud of magnificent 'The Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple. Of its 12 gopurams, four of the tallest stands at the outer walls of the temple.
Later we visit Rockfort most famed landmark is an 83 m high rock which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The most amazing fact about the rock is that it is one of the oldest in the world approximately 3,800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland & older than the Himalayas.
Stay Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 :
Madurai

In the morning after breakfast you have an opportunity to take a Half Day Tour to Meenakshi Sundareshwar, it was first built 2000 years ago & was substantially expanded between the years (1623-55 AD). Initially there was only the Shiva temple. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure known as Ayiramkaal mandapam or the Hall of a thousand pillars in the outermost corridor.
Stay Overnight at the hotel.

After Morning breakfast from the hotel, move to Thekkady, then you visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Set on an attractive lakeside, it is South India's most popular Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a place to cruise on the lake & gives an opportunity to see wildlife. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambhar, wild boar, monkey, a wide variety of birds. 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.

At sun rise we take a boat ride to view wildlife in the sanctuary on Lake Periyar. After two hours of wildlife viewing, we get back to the hotel for breakfast. Disembark at Kumarakom. Afternoon you will proceed for Kumarakom, is known for backwaters, huge Vembanad Lake & the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. There are two seasons for birds: between October & February there are cormorants, teals, & other ducks & from February to July there are darters (snake birds), night herons, egrets, & Siberian storks. It also has golden backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white water hen, tree pie etc.
Stay Overnight at hotel.

In the morning complete you breakfast and ready to visit Alleppey beach and lighthouse. Later we board the houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam, cruise around beautiful backwaters of Kumarakom to Alleppeyto observe & experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters.
Overnight Stay at the Houseboat.

Today we disembark the boat at Alleppey. Later drive to Cochin, one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & structures representing different regions of the world. Today we visit Jew Town, synagogue, the spice market, Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.In the evening see Kerala's most popular classical dance, Kathakali.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning after breakfast you will drive to Ooty (Udagamandalam), Queen of hill stations & the capital of Nilgiri district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiri means Blue Mountains. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. It was a very popular summer & weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. An added attraction for the tourists is the mountain train journey on a ratchet & pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam & wends its way through many hair-raising curves & fearful tunnels & chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams & tea gardens. Overnight Stay at the Hotel.

Overnight hotel - Ooty

Today morning after breakfast, you will drive to Mysore and where you meet our tour representative who transferred to your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. check-in at the hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing tour of Mysore. Mysore, the third largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is famous for its sandalwood and silk. Mysore was once the home to the royal family, and the spectacular Maharajah's palace still occupies a large portion of the city centre. Chamundeshwari temple perched on a hilltop is 2000 years old, Nandi Bull half way to the hill is a 4.8 metre monolith.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14 :
Mysore

On the 4th day the itinerary includes a tour of the exclusive locales of Mysore. Visit Brindavan Gardens, dancing musical fountains on the terraces of Krishnarajasagar Dam, is a vast stretch of the most delicately planned symphony in architecture, horticulture, engineering & aesthetics. Srirangapatnam has a number of magnificent monuments that are important tourist destinations and are well worth a visit. You must have been longing to visit such as the Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery that is housed in the Jagmohan Palace and has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to the year 1875. St. Philomena's Church that was built in the Gothic style is one of the largest churches in India. You stay at the hotel overnight.

Take your leisurely breakfast at the Hotel. Later we departure for Bangalore, the garden city. The spacious city has many imposing structures full of historic & modern architecture. You may take a half day tour of Bangalore, Visit famous attractions like Lal Bagh Garden, Cubbon Park, Vidhan Soudha, High Court and MG Road. Overnight stay will be at the hotel. Other attractions close to Bangalore include the Nrityagram Dance Village, the town of Ramanagaram, the village of Ramohalli, and Shivaganga, where you can expect to find lots of wild monkeys wandering around, so be sure to hold onto your belongings.
Transfer on time to the airport to board flight for onward journey.

Tour Ends