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    South India Tour  
       

    Vision of Nature and Spirituality

    Bombay-Cochin-Alleppey-Kumarakom-Munnar-Periyar-Madurai-Tanjore-Pondicherry-
    Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Chennai

    14 Nights- 15 Days

     
       

    01 Day: Arrival Mumbai:

    Welcome and assistance on arrival at Mumbai International Airport, you will be welcome and assisted by our representative and transferred to hotel for rest of the night stay where we are holding the room for overnight stay.

    02 Day: Mumbai:

    After breakfast takes a sight seeing tour of Bombay, drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight.

    Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

    03 Day: Mumbai - Cochin (By Air):

    After breakfast check out the hotel and transferred to the domestic airport to board the morning flight for Cochin. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take sightseeing tour this evening a memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, Bolghatty palace, From the launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters, cruise till the mouth of the sea and enjoy sun set. Overnight

    04 Day: Cochin:

    After breakfast take a city tour of Cochin, Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colourful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; visiting FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites included Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight at Cochin.

    05 Day: Cochin - Alleppey (64 Kms 1 ½ hrs) Backwaters tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom:

    After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat.

    06 Day: Kumarakom:

    After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. Here in this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

    07 Day: Kumarakom - Munnar (120 kms 3 ½ hours):

    After an early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival transfer to the hotel, Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in India. The word "Munnar" means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here. During the British rule in India, Munnar was the summer resort of the Government officials. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year make it the favorite tourist places. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar range exposes it's beauty. The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which make Periyar the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Later take visit at Rajmalai Wild Life sanctuary - this is the only sanctuary in India where Indian Ibex’s are found, followed by visit at Kannan Devan Hills from here you can have a panoramic view of Munnar Tea Estates & the Lake of Munnar. Overnight at the hotel.

    08 Day: Munnar:

    After breakfast you can opt to visit to Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by visit to Pothamedu which offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and Long Mountain walks. Later visit at Devikulam (7 km from Munnar). This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing. Return to the hotel for overnight stay at Munnar.

    Optionally you can visit Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar) the park is 97 sq. km, situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world. Later return to the hotel for overnight at Munnar.


    09 Day: Munnar - Periyar: (110 kms 3 ½ hours):

    After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy, on arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centre piece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq. km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala, discover the park, animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. The visit is done in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Later in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight at Periyar.

    10 Day: Periyar - Madurai (140 kms - 3 hours):

    After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to Madurai On arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing of Madurai visiting the Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of the largest temple complex in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees and glittering market stalls, followed by visit to Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Koodal Alagar Temple and Vandiyur Mariamman Teepakulam where annual boat festival takes place. Overnight at the hotel in Madurai.

    11 Day: Madurai - Trichy- Tanjore (160 kms 3 ½ hours):

    After early breakfast checkout and drive to Tanjore. En route visit to Trichy take sightseeing tour of the city, most famous landmark of this bustling town - the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop, the Sri Ranganathanswami Temple. This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India, built on an island in the middle of the Cauvery River and covering a staggering 2.5 sq km and Jambukeshwara - Mysore Temples. After visit continue to proceed to Tanjore. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Tanjore visiting Brihadeshwara temple, which was built by Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. This temple is one of the monuments in India with World Heritage listing. Also visit the Thanjavur Palace, which was constructed in 1550 and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

    12 Day: Tanjore -Pondicherry: (175 kms 4 hours):

    After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Pondicherry, en route visiting south Indian villages and stopping en route to see the lifestyle of Dravidian community. After visit Continue to proceed to Pondicherry, on arrival transferred to the hotel. After some relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry the world-famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram is situated here. The Auroville complex is the brainchild of "The Mother". The late French woman devotee of Sri Aurobindo to whom the spiritual authority was passed on after the death of Mr. Aurobindo. Then visit Pondicherry museum, old city optionally one can go for local market for shopping. Later return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

    13 Day: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram (95 kms - 2 hours):

    After breakfast checkout and drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival transferred to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of the city, built in the 7th century, this ancient city is said to be a sculptor's delight, boasting of some of India's most sublime rock-cut art, for which it is now a World Heritage site, visit the seven pagoda-style Shore temples, Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapa, Shore Temple, Mahishasurmardini Cave, Varaha Mandapa and Mandapam, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. They were constructed in a single century-long burst of creative enthusiasm. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

    14 Day: Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai (130 kms - 2 hours):

    After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram (65 kms ½ hour drive), this 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, you can do shopping of silk cloth market and weavers homes. Later continue to proceed to Chennai (76 kms 1 ½ hour drive). On arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at hotel.

    15 Day: Chennai - Hometown (By Air):

    After breakfast sight seeing tour of Chennai city, visiting Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government’s secretariat, Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th-15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeswara Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarthy Temple. The Snake Park has a large collection of snakes and many other reptiles. Evening optionally you can visit flower and fruit market. Return to the hotel for check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight to your hometown. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories

     
       
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    Important Note:

    1. Customized Tour:
    Above tour programme can be customized, as per the preference by the guest in terms of arrival dates, departure dates and destinations, no. of days etc., it will be your individual tour not sharing with other person or a group tour.

    2. Our Services:
    We provide individual customized tour packages with 2, 3, 4, 5, 5 star deluxe hotels as well as standard and luxury heritage hotels and palaces with air - conditioned car accompanied by English speaking driver through out the tour (right from your pick up from the airport till you departure to home town) for all transfers, sightseeing, intercity travel, city tour with services of English/multilingual guide, domestic air/train ticketing, special interest tour with all kind of travel related services.

    3. Tour Cost:
    Tour cost depends on 3 major factors: A) How many people are traveling together? B) Travel period, as the hotels are having different rates during low and high season. C) Preference of hotel category or budget per person per day.

    4. Group Tours:
    The above tour programme can be executed for group tours, if the guest or any travel agency forms a group in their own country. Conducting and forming a group tour in India with different nationals is not feasible.
     
       
     
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