16 DAYS & 15 NIGHTS
BANGALORE I MYSORE I OOTY I COCHIN I PERIYAR I MADURAI I TRICHY I PONDICHERRY I CHENNAI
The picturesque beauty of India can be best defined through the magnificent hill stations, beautiful temples, lush forests and pristine beaches. All four of these natural marvels are sprinkled in plenty in South India. The southern region of India is famous for its vibrant culture and manmade marvels like Mylapore Temple, Brihadeshwara Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Dutch Palace. The intrinsic carvings and art of the temples and palaces are simply unparalleled and mesmerize the visitors. Our 15 days and 14 nights tour package introduces you to the vivid culture of South India amidst the captivating natural sceneries.
Note : This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.
Detailed Itinerary
Meet & assistance on arrival by our travel executive
Transfer to your Hotel.Briefing of the tour by the executive
The Silicon Valley and IT Capital of India, Bangalore is a combination of sorts. Popularly known as the Garden City, Bangalore derives its name from 'Bendakaaluroo,' a name fondly given by King Ballala of the Hoysala dynasty. The name went through a number of transformations, before it landed in its present form. This hip cosmopolitan city has grown in leaps and bounds in the last couple of years. However, it has maintained its essence and roots, adapting well to the needs and norms of growth and culture. The pulse of the city can be felt along the upmarket streets of Mahatma Gandhi Road (M.G.Road), Brigade Road and Commercial Street.Overnight at hotel
Depart for sightseeing tour of Bangalore visiting
Vidhana Soudha - The legislative House of the State of Karnataka, this granite building was built by Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, Chief Minister of the then Mysore state 1951 to 1956. The then Prime Minister Sri Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru laid the foundation on 13th July 1951. It was built at an expenditure of Rs 1.84 crores. Marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing buildings not only in Bangalore but in India. One of the interesting features of this building in grand stairs in its front. The grand stairs has a flight of forty-five steps 62 m (204 ft) wide 21 m (70 ft) deep giving a direct access to the foyer of first floor leading to an Assembly Chamber. The architecture of the building is based on Dravidian style, comprising richly carved bases and capitals for pillars, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, heavy pediments domical finials, etc; At the same time, the construction has been on modern designs, making use of the present-day materials like steel, reinforced cement concrete glass, plastic, etc.
Bull Temple
Also visit Viswesevariah Memorial Museum.
Afternoon is free to relaxOvernight at hotel
Drive to Mysore en route visiting Srirangapatna
Mysore is famous for the festivities that take place during the Dushehra festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. Mysore also lends its name to the Mysore Mallige, Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, Mysore Peta (traditional silk turban) and the garment called the Mysore silk saree.Situated on the Cauvery River, the island-fortress of Srirangapatna is famous as the former capital of the great kings, Hyder Ali, and his son, Tipu Sultan, the 'Tiger of Mysore'. The ruins of the magnificent fortress that stands here is the main tourism attraction. The small size of this island greatly belies its immense historical significance as it was the site of several battles fought against the British. Known as Srirangapatna under British rule, the island was initially named after the Srirangapatna Temple, one of the many ancient structures found here.
Continue your drive to Mysore and check in at hotel.
Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace - The Palace of Mysore is a palace situated in the city of Mysore, Southern India. It is the official residence of Wodeyar's -the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, and also houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court). Mysore has a number of historic places, and is commonly described as the City of Palaces. However, the term "Mysore Palace" specifically refers to one of within the old fort. The palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. It is now the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore.
Also visit Mysore Art & crafts center & the Nandi Bull.Overnight at hotel
Drive to Ooty & check in at hotel.
Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey n a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens.Afternoon depart for sightseeing tour of Ooty
Botanical Garden
Ooty Lake
Overnight at hotel
Drive to Cochin & check in at hotel.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.Rest of the day is free to relax or shopping at local markets.
Overnight at hotel
Depart for sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting
Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday & Saturday) – built in 1568 the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth stands, adorned by hundreds of exquisite hand – painted Chinese tiles in blue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town lies the synagogue of the white Jews near Mattancherry palace. The synagogue is now a fascinating mixture of shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms.
Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays)
Chinese Fishing Nets
St. Francis Church
Afternoon is free to relax.
Kathakali Dance Drama
Overnight at hotel
Depart for Alleppey to board the Rice Houseboat. Afternoon you would be sailing in the canales of the massive lake where you can see people doing their daily ritual
Overnight on the houseboat
Disembark the houseboat
Depart for Periyar & check – in at hotel.
Afternoon visit Periyar Wildlife sanctuary Periyar Wildlife sanctuary Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though it is a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian Elephant in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake.Overnight at hotel
Depart for Madurai and check in at Hotel.
Madhurai is a major city in Tamil Nadu and home to the Meenakshi Temple. It is one of the most ancient heritage sites of India truly reflective of the cultural ethos of India. It is also known as the Temple City of India. You can find temples in almost every street in Madurai. The city is called "Thoongaa Nagaram", which means Sleepless City. You can find coffee/tea shops open at almost any time of day and night.
Overnight at hotel
Depart for sightseeing tour of Madurai visiting
Meenakshi Temple.Dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (considered a form of Parvati) with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar (or Siva). The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple. The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure, at the core of which are the two sanctums for meenakshi and Sundareshwara, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls. Especially impressive are the 12 gopuras. Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases, and are covered with stucco figures of dieties, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours.
Thirumala Nayak Palace
Also visit the bustling market of Madurai outside the Meenakshi Temple.
Afternoon is free to relax.Overnight at hotel
Depart for Trichy and check in at Hotel.
Afternoon depart for sightseeing tour of Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was citadel of the early Cholas which later fell to the Pallavas. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches. Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This city has given great Tamil scholars whose contributions to the Tamil literature have been very significant. The most famous landmark of this bustling town is the Rockfort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which the wards of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century. The city is a thriving commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is famous for artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay toys.Overnight at hotel
Depart for Pondicherry en route visiting Tanjore
Tanjore is the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" and famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple was constructed more than thousand years ago by the King Rajarajan, is an architect's marvel. It is a flourishing centre for bronze sculpture and painting.Thanjavur was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas. Thanjavur was at height of its glory during Rajaraja Cholan. The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world. Thanjavur was the cultural capital of the country in 1790. Thanjavur gained prominence during the period of Chola Kings, who made it as their capital. It is known as the Granary of the South India lying in the deltaic region of the famous river Cauvery and criss-crossed by lengthy network of irrigation canals.
Continue your drive to Pondicherry and check in at hotelPondicherry - It is a former French colony, consisting of four non-contiguous enclaves, or regions, and named after the largest region, Pondicherry. It is also known as The French Riviera of the East. Pondicherry, is also considered an educational hub of Southern India.
Rest of the day is free to relaxOvernight at hotel
Depart for sightseeing tour of Pondicherry.
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo on the 24 November 1926 (Siddhi Day). At the time there were no more than 24 disciples in the Ashram. Located on rue de la Marine, is one of the most well known and wealthiest ashrams in India, with devotees from India and all over the World flocking to it for spiritual salvation. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. And also visit Light House, Glass House, French InstituteOvernight at hotel
Drive to Chennai en route visiting Mahaballipuram.
Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram is a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It has an average elevation of 12 metres (39 feet). Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic, Some important sculptures are The Shore Temple - a structural temple along the Bay of Bengal with the entrance from the western side away from the sea. Recent excavations have revealed new structures here. The temple was reconstructed stone by stone from the sea after being washed away in a cyclone. Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) - five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi. An interesting aspect of the Rathas is that, despite their sizes they are not assembled — each of these is carved from one single large piece of stone & other temples.Continue your drive to Chennai & check in at hotel.
Chennai
Chennai, popularly regarded as the Gateway to the South, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It is the fourth largest metropolis in India, located on a 17 km stretch of the Coromandel Coast. The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort St. George and gradually absorbed the surrounding towns and villages. However, despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil heritage and effectively blended it to create a unique synthesis of cultures.
Overnight at hotel
Depart for sightseeing tour of Chennai visiting
Fort St. George Fort is located on the banks of Bay of Bengal. It was built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD. The fort is believed to be the first establishment of the British in India. It is a military architecture marvel, which was erected as a trading post and later evolved to be the origin of modern Indian Army. Situated in the coastal state of Tamil Nadu, this ancient monument is worth watching on your trip to Chennai. St. George Fort holds great historical importance and is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India & also visit.
The Fort St. George Museum
Marina Beach
Afternoon is free to relax.
Overnight at hotel
COST & INCLUSIONS
| Premier | Luxury | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | USD$3092 | USD$2622 | USD$2390 |
| Winter | US$3485 | US$2813 | US$2522 |
| Bangalore | ITC Windsor | The Lalit | St Marks Hotel |
| Mysore | Windflower | Windflower | Sandesh the Prince |
| Ooty | Savoy | Savoy | Fortue Sullivan |
| Cochin | Vivanta by Taj - Malabar | Crowne Plaza | Holiday Inn |
| Alleppey | Premium Houseboat | Premium Houseboat | Premium Houseboat |
| Periyar | Spice Village | Greenwood | Abad Copper Castle |
| Madurai | The Gateway Hotel | Sangam | Fortune Pandiyan |
| Trichy | Sangam | Sangam | Sangam |
| Pondicherry | Palis-de- Mahe | Mainson Perumal | The Promenade |
| Chennai | ITC Grand Chola | Raintree | Radha Regent |
Tour Includes
Share twin accommodation with breakfast
Transfers & sightseeing by Air Conditioned vehicle
Services of Local English speaking guide
Kathakali dance drama ticket in Cochin
Lunch & Dinner during stay on the houseboat
Boat ride in Periyar
Present Applicable taxes as on 15th Jan, 2020
Tour Excludes
Entrance tickets to Monuments
International Airfare
Domestic Airfare
Visa fee & Insurance
Items of personal nature i.e. laundry, telephone, camera fee, drinks & tips etc
