Overview
South India is comprised of three states, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu each of which couldn’t be more different, each having a different language (even script), culture and landscapes. In Karnataka discover the Mysore Palace and fabulous markets before moving on to the unique area of Coorg, before relaxing at one of the most undiscovered beaches of the region. Kerala’s rich exoticism stems from Kerala’s famed backwaters, palm-fringed beaches, verdant green tea plantations and ayurvedic spas. Wandering through Tamil Nadu it is impossible not to be astounded by the fascinating temple towns of Madurai and Tanjore, the exquisite carvings, detailing and phenomenal structures are awe inspiring, as it the devotion they still bear witness to today. In sharp contrast is Puducherry, the former French Colony which still has strong Mediterranean influences.
Highlights of Tour:
- Visit the Bangalore Palace, Nandi Temple and witness evening Aarti at the Iskcon Temple in Bangalore.
- Be captivated by the magnificent and immense Mysore Palace.
- Visit a coffee estate in Coorg and discover how this popular drink is made.
- Visit the stunning, magical beaches of Bekal.
- Explore the capital of Northern Kerala (Calicut).
- Explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Discover the great Meenakshi Temple at Madurai.
- Visit the French town of Pondicherry.
- Visit the shore temple and relax near the beach in Mahabalipuram.
Tour Details
01
Day 1 - Arrive Bangalore
Arrive at Bangalore airport and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or take a tour of Nandi Temple or spend a spiritual evening in Iskcon Temple witnessing the aarti. Overnight will be in Bangalore.
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Day 2 - Bangalore to Mysore By road 150kms / 4hrs
Post breakfast, head out on a sightseeing tour of Bangalore. Visit Vidhana Soudha (State Legislature), the 240-acre Lalbagh Botanical Gardens home to many centuries-old trees and different species of plants and the Bangalore Fort. Later drive to Mysore enroute, visiting Srirangapatna, Somnathpur and the temple of Kesava. Upon arrival in Mysore, check in to the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight will be in Mysore.
03
Day 3 - In Mysore
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, start with your full day guided tour of Mysore, which will first take you to Chamundeshwarari Temple and magnificent Mysore Palace. After that, visit Brindavan Gardens and enjoy light fountain show. Overnight will be at Mysore.
04
Day 4 - Mysore to Coorg By road 120kms / 4hrs
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, drive to Coorg en route visiting the exiled Tibetan village of Bylakupee. Reach Coorg and check in to the hotel. Afterwards, you can walk through the coffee plantations and see the way the coffee beans are prepared for processing. Coorg is also famous for honey, so if you have a sweet tooth you can buy some of the best honey available in India. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight will be in Coorg.
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Day 5 - Coorg to Bekal By road 130kms / 4hrs
After breakfast, explore Maidekeri village the coffee plantations and the orchards; there is also a fort on top of a hill that has wonderful views overlooking the town. Later, visit the temple of Lord Omkareswara then drive to Bekal. On arrival check in to the hotel. The evening is free to explore on your own. Overnight will be in Bekal.
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Day 6 - Bekal to Calicut By road 190kms / 4hrs
After breakfast, visit the Bekal Fort and later drive to Calicut. Reach Calicut and check in at the hotel. Later, you can go to the beach and relax for the rest of the day. Overnight will be at Calicut.
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Day 7 - In Calicut
The best way to capture the essence of Calicut is to visit at the Dolphin’s point early in the morning! Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Manchirra Square- the marine life aquarium and explore the local cotton industry. Afterwards, witness an extraordinary Kalarippayattu’ martial arts performance at the Hindustan Kalari Sangam. Evening is at leisure to relax. Overnight will be in Calicut.
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Day 8 - Calicut to Cochin By road 185kms / 6hrs
After breakfast, begin your drive to Cochin en route visiting the Elephant camp at Guruvayoor. Reach Cochin and transfer to your hotel. Overnight will be in Cochin.
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Day 9 - In Cochin
After breakfast, begin the sightseeing tour of Cochin which includes The Santa Cruz Cathedral, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry or “Dutch Palace” and the famous St. Francis Church- the first European Church that was built in India. Later, head to the harbour where local fishermen use the old Chinese fishing nets which were introduced centuries ago. In the evening, enjoy traditional Kathakali dance performances or a kaleidoscope of martial arts and traditional dance forms of Kerala. Overnight will be in Cochin.
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Day 10 - Cochin to Periyar By road 145kms / 4hrs
After breakfast, begin the drive to Periyar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening you enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar. Admire the wonderful views on this man-made lake, chance upon wild otters, witness a wide variety of bird life and if you are lucky, you may see herds of wild elephants coming down to the water. Overnight will be in Periyar.
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Day 11 - In Periyar
Early morning, proceed for jungle walk inside the park with an expert guide, who will help you to discover rare species of plants and animals. The experience will be customized as per your preference depending on how many hours you want to spend in the park. Return to resort for the breakfast. In the afternoon, visit some of the many spice plantations and learn all about cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea. On your way back to the hotel, you can stop at Kumily market to buy the fragrant spices. Overnight will be in Periyar.
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Day 12 - Periyar to Madurai By road 145kms / 5hrs
After breakfast drive to Madurai. Upon arrival and check in to the hotel. In the evening, witness the daily ‘Aarti Ceremony’ at the famous Meenakshi Temple during which an icon of Shiva is delivered by worshippers to the shrine of his wife to rest for the night. Overnight will be in Madurai.
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Day 13 - In Madurai
Enjoy leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Madurai. Start tour with a visit to the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple dedicated to Shiva’s wife Parvati (also known as Meenakshi). Afterwards, visit the weaver’s colony to learn how the famous Madurai cotton is woven to create some of India’s most beautiful saris. Later, visit the Gandhi Museum and witness the sound and light show at Thirumalai Nayak Mahal. The evening is free to explore the colorful market of Madurai before returning to hotel. Overnight will be in Madurai.
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Day 14 - Madurai to Tanjore via Trichy by road 150kms / 5hrs
After breakfast, drive to Tanjore en route visiting the town of Trichy. Visit Srirangam, an island that houses the astonishing Sri Ranganathaswamy temple- dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. Next, visit the Rock Fort Temple, a well-known landmark in Trichy built on 84 m high rock. An added attraction in this fort is an ancient temple, called Lalitankura Pallaveswaram that was built during the reign of the Pallava rulers. Continue onto Tanjore and check in to the hotel. Overnight will be in Tanjore.
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Day 15 - Tanjore to Pondicherry By road 177kms / 5hrs
After breakfast, visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort built during the 10th century by the great Chola king Rajaraja Chola I. Later travel towards Tanjore en route visiting Gangai Cholapuram and Darasuram temples. Reach Pondicherry and check into the hotel. Later on, in the evening enjoy a stroll around the tranquil French town with its wide boulevards and charming villas. Overnight will be in Pondicherry.
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Day 16 - Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram By road 177kms / 5hrs
After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Pondicherry and visit the commune of Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the French colonial town. The serenity and peacefulness of these places are something well worth experiencing. Later travel towards Mahabalipuram, on arrival, check into the hotel. The evening is free to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or a stroll on the beach. Overnight will be in Mahabalipuram.
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Day 17 - In Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram with a visit to the 7th-century Sea Shore Temple which is surrounded by lush gardens, followed by an exploration of the celebrated bas-relief at Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas. The evening is at leisure. Overnight will be in Mahabalipuram.
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Day 18 - Mahabalipuram to Chennai By road 60kms / 2hrs
Post breakfast, drive to Chennai. On the way, stop at Kanchipuram, housing one of the most well-known temples of the southern part of India. One of the seven sacred cities of Hindus, it was the capital of the Chola rulers. Visit the Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Kamakshi, one of the forms of Goddess Parvati. Reach Chennai and transfer to the hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Chennai.
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Day 19 - Chennai Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for short sightseeing tour of Chennai which includes a visit to the historical fort of St. George, one of the English East India Company’s first bases in India and drive past Marina beach before heading to the airport. As per your flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight back home with sweet memories of the tour.
TOUR ENDS !