Best of SOUTH INDIA
Day 01. Arrive Goa by flight
Arrive airport and you will be transfer to your hotel for two nights stay
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 02. Goa
Spend the morning on the beach. If you feel tired of relaxing on the beach, then pay a visit to Old Goa, the spiritual center of Portuguese Goa including Panaji, capital of Goa. Also visit Maura Bazaar, the oldest weekly fair on the Konkan Coast, Shri Mangesh Temple in
Madgoa, Shri Shanta Durga Temple (devoted to Goddess of peace, Shanteri) and Shri Ramanath Temple in the Shri Ramanath Panchayatan temple complex. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03. Goa - Badami (drive about 360km/08hrs)
After breakfast drive to Badami. Arrive Badami chick-in & overnight at Hotel.
Day 04. Badami
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day excursion to the magnificent and exquisite temples at Aihole and Pattadakal. Back to Badami and continue your visit to the local cave temple. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05. Badami – Bijapur (drive about 04hrs./140 kms.)
After an early breakfast drive to Bijapur, check into the hotel and later in the afternoon enjoy your half day sightseeing to the Gol Gumbaz; Mohammed Adil Shah's Tomb with world's second largest dome, Jama Masjid, Ibrahim Rauza (a tomb and a mosque), Mihatyar Mahal and Begum Mahal. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 . Bijapur - Hospet (drive about 05hrs./220kms.)
After breakfast drive to Hospet, check into the hotel. Later in the afternoon if time permits, start visiting Hampi - the vijayanagara empire. Overnight night Hotel.
Day 07. Hospet
After breakfast continue your visit of Hampi - Hampi, the 14th century capital city of the Vijayanagara empire lies in the Deccan heartland, in the state of Karnataka. The ruins spread over an area the more than 26 sq.kms. protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and by rocky granite ridges n the other three sides. A terrain such as this was excellent for a capital city that needed to be vigilant. It may not have been military shrewdness alone that made the god-conscious Vijayanagara kings settle for this fierce landscape and build on it one of the great imperial cities of medieval times. The area had older, legendary significance as well. It was believed to have been the site of the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha associated with the Hindu epic, the Ramayana and the presence of a large number of monkeys, still considered sacred, seems to testify to that. for the full day. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08. Hospet - Hassan (drive about 08hrs./330 kms.)
After breakfast checkout from hotel and transfer by surface to Hassan - upon arrival at Hassan check-in and overnight at Hotel.
Day 09. Hassan
After breakfast Enjoy the day on an excursion to Belur and Halebid, the historical places of Karnataka.Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10. Hassan - Mysore (drive about 04 /135 kms.)
Morning drive to Mysore from Hassan. Go on a shopping spree in the local markets, or relax in the Hotel.
Day 11. Mysore
After breakfast begin the sightseeing tour of Mysore.Visit the Mysore Palace, Somnathpur Temple, sandalwood and Jasmine markets, Brindavan Gardens, etc. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12. Mysore - Bangalore - Hyderabad (drive about 03hrs./140kms.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Bangalore airport to board the flight to Hyderabad - upon arrival at Hyderabad check in & overnight at Hotel.
Day 13. Hyderabad
Morning after breakfast The capital Hyderabad, was built by the Qutb Shahi Kings in 1590. Once here visit the Char Minar literally meaning the Four Quartets was built in 1591 to commemorate the end of a plague in Hyderabad. At the Safdar Gunj Museum are on display art , artifacts and trinkets of a wide variety.Also worth visiting are the Golconda Forts and the Qutb Shahi Tombs and the Mecca Masjd Mosque. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14 . Hyderabad - Warangal (drive about 3 ˝ hrs /141kms.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Warangal by the road. On arrival check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon sightseeing tour to the city. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15. Warangal – Vijayawada (drive about 06hrs./253 kms.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Vijayawada by the road. On arrival check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon sightseeing tour to the city. Overnight stay
at hotel.
Day 16. Vijayawada - Vishakhapatnam by train.
After breakfast check out at hotel and transfer to Railway station to board the train to Vishakhapatnam. On arrival check-in & overnight at Hotel.
Day 17. Vishakhapatnam - Araku - Vishakhapatnam (drive about 03hrs./115hrs.)
After breakfast enjoy Full Day excursion to Araku valley and Borra caves. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 18. Visakhapatnam - Chennai by flight
Afternoon checkout hotel and transfer to airport for board the flight to Chennai. Arrive Chennai check-in overnight Hotel.
Day 19. Chennai - Kanchipuram (drive about 02hrs./70 kms.)
Morning, after breakfast, drive to the city of thousand temples - Kanchipuram. It is one of the seven most of Sacred cities of India and is also called as the " Varanasi of South" The city is a witness to the rise and fall of the Dravidian rules and their style if architecture. In addition to being a Pilgrimage centre,it was also the centre of learning , culture and philosophy. The temple town of Kanchipuram is famous for its temple its hand woven silk and Zari. Arrive Kanchipuram check in hotel and later visit the Ekambareshvara temple
- dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vaikunda Permual temple, Kamakshi Ammam temple, Devarajaswami Temple, Kailasnatha Temple. Etc. overnight at Hotel.
Day 20. Kanchipuram - Mamallapuram (drive about 02hrs./65kms.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Mamallapuram -It was earlier a famous seaport which was found by the Pallavas however is today a fascinating archaeological site . On arrival check-in at the hotel. later visit the Arjuna's Penance - one of the world's largest and finest stone bas -relief, and Shore Temples, the nine rock- cut cave temples. Rest of the Day on the beach.
Overnight Hotel.
Day 21. Mamallapuram-Pondicherry (drive about 03hrs./120 kms.)
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry , upon arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon visit Shri Aurobindo Ashram: Shri Aurobindo, the great seer, poet and
prophet of the twentieth century, made Pondicherry his home from 1910 till his death in
1950. His vision and ideals continue to draw people from all over the world. Overnight
at Hotel.
Day 22. Pondicherry -Thanjavur (drive about 4 ˝hrs./180kms.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Tanjore ¬- Thanjavur the ancient capital of the Cholas and home to thousands of artistswho developed the art of Tanjore style of paintings and bronze icons.Upon arrival in Thanjavur, check in at hotel. Parishutham Afternoon sightseeing tour of Tanjore city.The town is dominated by the enormous Brihadeshwara Temple, with its
water tank and fortified by a wall and moat. A World Heritage Site it was built by the
Cholas between 985-1014 AD. The main temple within is considered to be one of the most
magnificent in the country with a 14 storey, 62 meter high vimana (the tallest in India)
topped by a dome carved from a single block of granite, the whole is so cleverly designed
that it does not cast a shadow at noon at any time during the year. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 23 . Thanjavur -Trichy (drive about 02hrs. /60kms.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Trichy - Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Tiruchirappalli, the fourth largest city in the state was a citadel of the early Cholas, which later fell to the Pallavas. Trichy came to be occupied in turn by the Nayaka of Madurai, the Marathas,the Nawabs of Carnatic, the French and finally the British. But it was under Nayakas of Madurai that Trichy flourished and prospered in tit's own right and grew to be the city that is today. Trichy is fine blend of tradition and modernity built round the rock fort Apart from the fort there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the
1760s. With Excellent infrastructural facilities Trichy will serve as a good base to explore the South of Tamil Nadu. arrive Trichy check in at hotel Sangam. Later sightseeing of Trichy includes visiting the Rock fort, a climb up its stone steps to the 'Hall of Hundred pillars' The Mathurbhuteshwar shrine and finally at the very top of the Rock Fort. A Ganesh Temple visit the Island of Srirangam, a massive Vishnu Temple with seven walls. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 24. Trichy - Madurai (drive about 04hrs. /135kms.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Madurai - Madurai is 2600 years old town, often referred to as the Athens of East. Tamil learning, art, architecture and literature have flourished here through the ages.arrive in Madurai, check in at hotel Sangam Later sightseeing tour of Madurai city including 17th century Meenakshi Temple, in the heart of old town, is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Meenakshi. It is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. The high point of the temple is the hall of a Thousand Pillars" and just outside this hall are the
famous musical pillars. Here the iconography makes much use of the lotus, which in
Indian symbolism is a representation of the female sex and an emblem of bliss
and abode of gods. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 25. Madurai -Periyar (drive about 04hrs./155kms.)
Morning after break fast drive to Periyar - Periyar Tiger Reserve is an example of nature's bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq Kms. Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. The scenic drive takes you through green hills with forests, plantations of tea, spices and rubber, streams and waterfalls. arrive Periyar, check in at hotel Later visit tea & spice plantations. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 26. Periyar
Morning soft trek in the forest full of rare species of birds and mammals including Malabar squirrel, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur and the highly endangered Lion-tailed macaque. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the lake in the Periyar National Park, a 'Project Tiger' reserve. A boat ride is the only way to observe closely the giant of Periyar - Elephants and Gaurs (The giant Indian Bison) without disturbing them on their way. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 27. Periyar/Cochin (drive about 05hrs. /210kms.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Cochin - the Gateway to Kerala was once an important spice-trading route on Arabian Sea where Vasco D Gama landed in 1498 and boasted that
he has come for soul and spices. Cochin is virtually the spice capital of world from
where Portuguese were exporting 10,000 kilo of spices to east-indies and other countries and has derived it name from Calico-the famous fabric manufactured in this town. Cochin also forms the part of emerald isle of India. Harbour Cruise of Cochin is very much popular. With one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Cochin was once a major center for commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch etc. Upon arrival in Cochin, check in &.overnight at Hotel.
Day 28. Cochin
Morning after breakfast city tour visiting the Dutch Palace - The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata & Ramayana, Jewish Synagogue - the oldest synagogue in the world is magnificently decorated by Chinese
tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. St. Francis Church: is the oldest church
built by Europeans in India & Huge, elegant Chinese fishing nets that line the tip of
Fort Cochin. Evening: Kathakali Dance show. Kathakali - a popular art form of Kerala
has been referred to as 'the first theatre of imagination' of the world owing to its elaborate
costumes, ornaments and facial make-up. Overnight Hotel
Day 29. Cochin/Backwaters (about 65 km/02 hrs)
Morning drive to Alleppey to embark houseboat. Kettuvallam (houseboat) - the typical House Boats are traditional country boats, which used to carry tons of cargo in the backwater region in ancient times, have now been converted with one or two bed rooms withattached bathroom, kitchenette and a sitting area.Overnight on houseboat
Day 30. Backwaters/Kovalam (drive about 04hrs./165kms.)
Disembark from houseboat at Thotapalli and drive to Kovalam - Kovalam is just 15 Kms
away from Trivandrum. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer).
Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed. Upon arrival in Kovalam, check in & Overnight at Hotel.
Day 31. Kovalam (4 Nights)
Days are at leisure for independent activities Overnight stay at hotel / Resort.
Day 32. Kovalam
Days are at leisure for independent activities Overnight stay at hotel / Resort
Day 33. Kovalam.
Days are at leisure for independent activities Overnight stay at hotel / Resort
Day 34. Kovalam –Trivandrum - Mumbai by flight
After breakfast checkout at hotel and drive to Trivandrum airport(approx 15 kms / 30
minutes) to board the flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 35. Mumbai
Morning: excursion by motor boat to Elephanta Caves (closed on Monday) – a UNESCO world Heritage site. It lies 10 kms, north east of Apollo Bunder and is the glorious abode of Lord Shiva (the destroyer God as per Hindu mythology). The island is famous for its great cave shrine, excavated in the sixth century, dating back to the period, when the island was known as Gharapuri, the Fortress City. With the arrival of the Portuguese, the island was renamed Elephanta, after the huge carved elephant, they found at the place where they landed.Gateway of India - built to commemorate the visit of King George-V and Queen
Mary to Mumbai. The foundation stone was laid in 1911 and was completed in 1920.
Afternoon: Sightseeing of Mumbai visiting Mani Bhawan - Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi used to stay here during his visit to Mumbai, Hanging Gardens – terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side. They provide lovely sunset views over theArabian Sea and feature numerous hedges carved into the shapes of animals. The park was laid out in 1881 over Mumbai's main reservoir, some say to cover the water
from the potentially contaminating activity of the nearby Towers of Silence and Marine Drive - also known as the Queen's Necklace is a three km, long boulevard
in South Mumbai. It is also the world's largest viewing gallery and hence has been a host to a number of events that take place along the promenade. Over night at Hotel.
Day 36. Mumbai – Departure by flight
Early morning checkout at hotel and transfer to Mumbai International airport to board the
flight to your home country
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