Itinerary

Day 1

Chennai
Around Midnight arrival in Chennai (formerly Madras). The cosmopolitan City and capital of TamilNadu is the main gateway for travellers to South India. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to your Hotel.

Day 2

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Chennai
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Kanchipuram. This temple town was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. Kanchipuram is one of the India's Seven sacred cities. The silk sarees produced here are famous throughout the world. In the afternoon we visit the Vaikuntam Perumal Temple. This temple is one of the important Vishnu temples which was built by Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th century A.D. The presiding deity Lord Vishnu is depicted in sitting, standing and reclining postures. After visiting this temple we visit the Kailasanathar Temple. This Pallava temple was constructed in the 8th century and has an attractive panel depicting Shiva and Parvathi in the midst of one of their innumerable dance competitions. The architecture of this temple resembles the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram. After visiting the temple drive back to Chennai.

Day 3

Chennai - Mamallapuram
Today we drive to Mamallapuram. Mamallapuram situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was once a port of the Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments, caves, monolithic Rathas and Temples. Today we visit the Arjuna's Penance. This skilfully carved rock is the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world. This sculpture derived its name from Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, who performed a penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva. After visiting the Arjuna's Penance we visit the Five Rathas, also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas. There are five monolithic temples, each created in different style. Four of the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single rock formation. In the evening we visit the Shore Temple. This temple is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th Century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style.

Day 4

Mamallapuram - Pondicherry
After having breakfast we proceed to Pondicherry. Pondicherry was retained as French colony until 1954. Pondicherry has even today the French atmosphere amidst the surrounding Tamil country. We visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which is a world famous Yoga and philosophy center.

Day 5

Pondicherry
The whole day at leisure in Pondicherry.

Day 6

Pondicherry - Tanjore
We drive through the tropical mountains to Chidambaram. Chidambaram lies on the north edge of the coleroon river. In Chidambaram we visit the Natraja Temple which is dedicated to the dancing Lord Shiva, a famous Hindu deity of the Chola Kings. On the way to Tanjore we have a stop over in Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam is famous for its 18 temples in the town centre. The city Tanjore (Thanjavur) is our last destination today. Tanjore was the capital of great chola empire who built more than 70 temples between 10th and 14th century. We visit here one of the world heritage monument, Brihasdisvara Temple (11th century), which is also known as big temple.

Day 7

Tanjore - Trichy
Today we drive to Srirangam and visit the Ranganathasvami Temple which is one of the largest temples in India dedicated to god Vishnu. After the visit of Srirangam we proceed to Trichy. Trichy, the land near the delta is very fertile and productive. This town Trichy is so ancient that it was mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century BC by Alexandrian geographer. We climb stairs to the famous Rock Fort which was built on 84 m high rock in the centre of town in about 1660. We also visit a Shiva and Ganesha temple and enjoy a wonderful view of the surroundings from the top.

Day 8

Trichy - Madurai
Today we leave Trichy and drive to Madurai. Madurai, situated on the bank of river Vaigai is also referred to as the Athens of the East. Madurai has the most outstanding examples of Vijayanagar temple architecture in the Minakshi Temple, a standing monument to the temple builders of the 16th and 17th century. We spend enough time in Minakshi Temple and afterwards have a walk through the bazaars of this 2500 years old town before we drive back to our hotel.

Day 9

Madurai - Kodaikanal
Today we drive from Madurai to Kodaikanal. In the evening arrive in Kodaikanal.

Day 10

Kodaikanal
The whole day at leisure in Kodaikanal.

Day 11

Kodiakanal - Munnar
Today we drive from Kodaikanal to Munnar. Munnar is a beautiful hill resort situated in the cradle of tea plantations. Munnar, the queen of hill stations is located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, along the western Ghats on the eastern border of Kerala and was once the summer resort of the British government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns and winding lanes make this a popular resort. On arrival drive to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 12

Munnar
In the morning you will have sightseeing in Munnar and visit the tea plantation, Rajmalai, the top peak of Munnar and Mattupetty. Rajmalai is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, located about 15 km from Munnar. Half of the world population of the rare mountain goat, which is becoming extinct, is now found here. Mattupetty is located about 15 kms from Munnar and known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here.

Day 13

Munnar - Periyar
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Periyar (Thekkady). On arrival drive to the hotel. Thekkady is a naturalist's paradise of unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. It has unspoilt tropical forests and incredible wealth of animal and plant life. Thekkady is well known for the Periyar National Park and the elephants are the major attractions here. In the afternoon, drive to the Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world and also one of the largest and finest wildlife reserves in India. Periyar National Park covers an area of 780 square km and was designated a part of project Tiger in 1973. In the evening we have a boat ride on the Periyar lake and observe the activities of elephants, tiger, bison, wild oxen, wild boar and spotted deer.

Day 14

Periyar - Kovalam
Today you will drive to the famous Kovalam Beach. The Kovalam beach is located about 16 kms. from the city of Trivandrum. This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite place of tourists since 1930. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost beach is known as the Lighthouse Beach and is the most popular beach. Enjoy your whole day at this beach.

Day 15

Kovalam
The whole day at leisure in Kovalam.

Day 16

Kovalam - Alleppey
In the morning drive to Alleppey. Alleppey, the coastal town on the Arabian Sea is known as the Venice of the East and famous for the numerous backwater canals that meander through the town. This town holds a thrilling event of snake boat race every year during August. It is also known for its cashew nuts. In the evening arrive in Alleppey and drive to the hotel.

Day 17

Alleppey - Cochin
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Cochin. Cochin is the most interesting town in South India at Malabar Coast and is also known as Venice of South. Cochin is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. After arrival in Cochi, drive to the hotel. In Cochin we visit St. Francis church, the oldest European church in India in which the grave of famous sailor Vasco da Gama can be visited. After the visit of St. Francis Church we have a walk through the Jewish area of Mattancherry.

Day 18

Cochin - Ooty
From the tropical coast of Kerala we drive on the serpent road and pass through the Tea plantation and eucalyptus forests of mountains of Nilgiri and arrive in the city Ooty (Udhagammandalam). Ooty which was developed as hill station by British, lies at an altitude of 2300 m. and still has British flair.

Day 19

Ooty - BR Hills
In the morning we will drive along the forest stretch to BR Hills wildlife sanctuary. The Biligirirangana ranges of hills are picturesquely situated between the Cauvery & Kapila Rivers. At a height of 5091 feet above sea level, this hill stretches from north to south for about 16 Kms. All round are deciduous trees and roaming amidst the long grass and tall trees are animals. We will take a stroll through the sylvan surroundings.

Day 20

BR Hills
Today in the morning again we will have a stroll through the sylvan surroundings of BR Hills.

Day 21

BR Hills - Mysore
In the morning we pass through the betel nut and pepper plantation and proceed to Mysore. Today we visit the most impressive and one of the largest city palaces in India. The City Palace of Mysore "Ambar Vilas" is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. Mysore is famous for its Silk and Sandalwood. We have an opportunity to see how incense is made and how silk saris are woven by the local weavers.

Day 22

Mysore - Hassan
In the morning we drive to Hassan via Protima Bedi's Dance Village. Arrive Hassan by lunch. After having lunch visit the Sravanabelagola where we visit the colossal monolithic statue of Gomateshvara, standing 18 meters high. This Jain sculpture represents the saintly prince Bahubali after he had gained enlightenment. Today we will also visit the famous Hoysala temples of Halebid. Overnight in Hassan.

Day 23

Hassan - Bangalore
Today we drive to Bangalore. Bangalore is the capital city of the Indian state Karnataka. This former "Garden city" Bangalore is known today as "computer city" of India. In Bangalore we visit the monolithic Nandi, Shiva's Bull and famous Gowda Fort which was built by Tipu Sultan.

Day 24

Bangalore - Tirupati
Today we drive to visit the famous pilgrimage shrine, Tirupati. There we visit the famous Tirupati temple, dedicated to the Lord Vishnu and later drive down hill and visit the temples of Padavathi.

Day 25

Tirupati - Chennai
Today we drive from Tirupati to Chennai. In the evening arrive in Chennai. Evening at leisure in Chennai. After having dinner transfer to the airport.

Day 26

Chennai (Departure)
Around midnight flight to home destination.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Rooms on the departure day.

Exclusions -

Unspecified Meals etc.

Extras -

Given cost if on per person basis on minimum two travelers. There is discount available between April and September. Please write us to receive more details !