|
26 Days
South India Tour is the complete intensive tour of South India.
South India is made up of the 4 states of
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and
Tamil Nadu. They all lie in the southern
part of the Indian Peninsula. During the 26 Days South India Tour you will visit
all these parts of South India, finest beaches, hill stations,
wildlife sanctuaries, backwaters and some of the
finest temples in South India like Kodaikanal, Ooty, BR Hills,
Munnar, Periyar, Kovalam, Alleppey, Mysore, Pondicherry, Bangalore
and Chennai. |
|
|
|
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 (about 145 km)
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 (about 55 km / 1 hours)
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. |
|
|
 |
 |
|
Pondicherry |
Mahabalipuram Temple |
|
Day 4:
Mamallapuram - Pondicherry (about 100 km / 2 hours)
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 (about 175 km / 3 hours)
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 (about 75 km / 1 hours 20 mins)
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. |
|
|
 |
 |
|
Tanjore Temple |
Temple Tiruchirapalli, Srirangam |
|
Day 8: Trichy - Madurai (about 135 km / 2 hours)
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 (about 120 km / 3 hours)
Today we drive from Madurai to
Kodaikanal. In the evening arrive in
Kodaikanal.
Day 10:
Kodaikanal
The whole day at leisure in Kodaikanal. |
|
|
 |
 |
|
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai |
Kodaikanal |
|
Day 11:
Kodiakanal - Munnar (about 165 km / 5 hours)
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 (about 80 km / 2 hours)
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.
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Munnar Tea Garden |
Periyar Wildlife |
|
Day 14:
Periyar - Kovalam (about 220 km / 5 hours 30 mins)
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 (about 162 km / 3 hours 30 mins)
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. |
|
|
 |
 |
|
Kovalam Beach |
Alleppey |
|
Day 17:
Alleppey - Cochin (about 55 km / 1 hours)
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 (about 275 km / 6 hours 30 mins)
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 (about 140 km / 3 hours 30 mins)
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. |
|
|
 |
 |
|
Santa Cuz, Cochin |
Ooty |
|
Day 21: BR
Hills - Mysore (about 85 km / 2 hours)
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 (about 120 km / 2 hours 30 mins)
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. |
|
|
 |
 |
|
Mysore Palace |
Halebidu |
|
Day 23: Hassan
- Bangalore (about 145 km / 3 hours)
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 (about 250 km / 4 hours 30 mins)
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.
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Devarajaswami Temple, Kanchipuram |
Tirupati Balaji Temple |
|
|
Day 25:
Tirupati - Chennai (about 140 km / 3 hours)
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.
Tour Reservation
To get more
information or to book this tour please submit the
Query Form
or send us an
e-mail !
Your
booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from
your side.
Our
Services Include:
Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC
in the
chosen category.
Rooms
on the departure day.
American/continental Breakfast.
Boat ride on the
lake of Periyar.
Services of qualified local guides (English speaking
or languages of your choice)
at every place of sightseeing.
All
Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo
Vacations
representative.
All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an
air-conditioned Car with
driver. For groups an individual air-conditioned bus (Except
Standard Hotels) will be
provided.
Exclusions:
Any kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills and Alcoholic
beverages.
Camera Fees (Still
or Movie).
Any Flight Charges.
Monument Entrances.
Unspecified Meals etc. |
