Enchanting South India Travel Package
Duration : 23 Nights / 24 Days
Nearly untouched by invasions throughout its history, the Indian heritage is more intact here than in any other region of the country.
Day 1 : Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai in the evening. Welcome by our representative with flower garlands on arrival at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Mumbai
Day 2: Mumbai
India's foremost sea port, Mumbai is a commercial Centre and the hub of the world's largest film industry commonly called Bollywood. Start your tour visiting Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens, and Marine Drive or "Queens Necklace", the street lights shining like jewels at night. After which enjoy a leisurely walk towards Victoria station and the market of Colaba. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Mumbai
Day 3: Mumbai
Take a cruise in the Arabian Sea to see the famous the Elephanta Caves - Hewn out of a solid rock, the cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Mumbai
Day 4: Bombay / Bangalore
Morning at leisure in Mumbai. In the afternoon, leave for the airport to catch a flight for Bangalore. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Bangalore
Day 5: Bangalore
After breakfast, proceed for an orientation of the city. The visit Lal Bagh, the National Museum with painting and relics of the 5000 year old Mohaenjodaro Civilization. Vidhan Sauda, a magnificent post-independence. Later time free for shopping. Overnight in Bangalore.
Day 6: Bangalore / Mysore (3 ½ hrs)
Today, depart for Mysore - the capital of the erstwhile princely state, this quaint charming city has a profusion of palaces and museums.
En route, stop at Srirangapattanam, the summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, located on an island of Cauvery. In the afternoon, we visit the Brindavan Gardens one of the most beautifully terrace gardens in the world. Mysore is famous for its silk material, sandalwood and incense sticks. Overnight in Mysore.
Day 7: Mysore
Morning, visit the Mysore Palace built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, arches and colonnades. It's a kaleidoscope of stained glass, beautiful carved wooden doors, mosaic floors, and exquisite paintings. Also visit Chamundi Hills - the temple of patron Goddess of Wodeyars, located 335 meters high which can be approached by 1000 steps. Half way towards the Temple is the giant monolith Nandi Bull. Overnight in Mysore.
Day 8: Mysore / Chennai (Train)
Enjoy the day at leisure and later transfer to the railway station to board a train to Chennai. Arrive Chennai. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 9: Chennai / Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram / Chennai
After breakfast depart for Mahabalipuram, was a port of the Pallava rulers of Kanchipuram. Famus for rock-cut temples. Continue drive to Kanchipuram: famous for both its temples and its hand-woven silks. Later return to Chennai. Overnight in Chennai
Day 10: Chennai
Morning, proceed for the city tour of Chennai, - the gateway to south and one of the India's metropolitan cities located on the Coromandel Coast. Tour starts with a visit to Saint Mary's Church the oldest surviving building in the East. Visit the famous Museum that houses a fantastic collection of medieval artillery, regimental flags, weapons and armour. Also visit the St. George Fort built in the year1644. Drive along the Marina, one of the most beautiful marine promenades in the world. End the tour with a visit to the Kapaleeshwara Temple. Overnight in Chennai
Day 11: Chennai / Pondicherry (3 hrs)
Morning drive down to Pondicherry. In the afternoon visit the famous Aurobindo Ashram and visit the French quaters. Overnight in Pondicherry
DAY 12 : Pondicherry / Tanjore
Leave for Chidambram. Visit the beautiful temple of Nataraja - dancing Shiva. Continue towards Tanjore, visit the Brihadeshwara temple, one of the finest examples of Dravidian art. Overnight in Tanjore
DAY 13 : Tanjore / Trichy / Madurai (195 km)
Leave for Trichy. On arrival visit Srirangam Temple, the temple of Ranganath Swami dedicated to Vishnu with its 21 gopurams. Enjoy a short walk at the foot of the Fort of Rock. Depart for Madurai. Overnight in Madurai
Day 14: Madurai
In the morning, visit Madurai city. Visit the thousand-pillared Meenakshi Temple covered from top to bottom in a profusion of multi coloured images of Gods, Goddesses and mythical figures. In the afternoon, visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace. In the evening, get a chance to attend the night ceremony at the Temple, with melodious music. Return to the hotel.
Day 15: Madurai / Kanyakumari
Spend the morning at leisure to visit the local market to shop for souvenirs. In the evening, depart for the railway station to catch a train for Kanyakumari. Night on board.
Day 16: Kanyakumari
Arrive Kanyakumari. In the afternoon, start a tour of Kanyakumari with a visit to the Kumari Amman Temple, the Vivekananda Rock which has two Mandaps. Visit the Holy Foot is a foot shaped carving found on the rock and is believed to be the footprint of Goddess Kumari who stood on this rock on one leg and performed the Tapasya (penance). Experience the magnificient Kanyakumari sunset near the sea. Overnight in Kanyakumari.
Day 17: Kanyakumari / Kovalam
Start your journey to Kovalam with sandy beaches, a cool breeze that silently ruffles the coconut lagoons. The exotic beach resort in Kerala has its history blended into the warm sands of time. Overnight in Kovalm
Day 18: Kovalam
Enjoy the entire day at leisure to maybe catch up on a little sun bathing on the warm and sandy beach or just simply enjoy a relaxing Ayurveda Massage at a Spa. Overnight in Kovalm
Day 19: Kovalam / Periyar
Morning, drive to Periyar in Kerala. In the afternoon visit the spice garden and spice market. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 20: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Morning, enjoy a boat cruise to discover the park. Animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. Afternoon free to relax. Overnight in Periyar
Day 21: Pariyar / Alleppey (4 hrs)
After breakfast depart for Alleppey, this region is especially famous for the Backwaters.
Upon arrival board the House Boat called Kettuvallam. Navigate through the tropical countryside, enchanting backwaters of Alleppey to Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets, typical villages and regattas (snake boats). Meals cooked and served on board. Overnight on bord.
Day 22: Alleppey / Cochin
Morning depart for Cochin now called 'Kochi' is the commercial hub of Kerala and a town of great historical importance. It has one of the finest natural harbours and is called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". Cochin also boasts of one of the oldest churches in India. In the afternoon, visit the Fort area including the Dutch Palace, the Church of St. Frances and the Jewish Synagogue. Overnight in Cochin
Day 23: Cochin / Departure
After breakfast transfer to Cochin airport to board your homebound flight.