Best of South India

Duration :- 22 Nights / 23 Days
Destinations : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar - Kovalam - Kumarakom - Allepey - Kochi - Bangalore - Mysore - Hassan - Sharavanabelgola - Bangalore - Mumbai.

Day 01: Chennai
On Arrival Traditional Welcome & Transfer To Hotel. Sightseeing of Chennai includes Fort St. George, Fort Museum, National Art Gallery, Kapaleeswarar temple and drive past Marina Beach.

Day 02: Mahabalipuram
Visit Ekambareswarar temple - One of the largest temples in Kancheepuram, covering 9 hectares. Varadarajaswamy temple - noted for its costly jewellery and diamonds and precious stones presented by the kings of various dynasties temple and Kailasanathar temple - reflects the freshness and simplicity of early Dravidian architecture. Kanchipuram is famous for its exquisite silk sarees. Shopping and Visit the handloom.

Day 03: Mahabalipuram
Visit Arjuna's Penance, Shore temple, Five Rathas, Krishna Mandapam, etc. Rest of the day free to relax on the beach.

Day 04: Pondicherry
Drive to Pondicherry. Visit Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville.

Day 05: Tanjore
Tanjore is rich in its architecture, exquisite handicrafts, paintings, bronzes and South Indian Musical instruments. Visit the magnificent Brahadeeswara temple, where the shade of the tower (gopuram or vimanam) will not fall on the ground. The second largest monolithic sculpture, Nandi (Bull) can be found in the portal of the shrine. The Royal palace complex houses in important library and museums, including a superb collection of Chola bronzes.

Day 06: Trichy
After breakfast drive Visit Srirangam temple and Rockfort temple.

Day 07: Madurai
Drive to Madurai, known for 1000-pillared meenakshiamman temple. Visit Meenakshi temple, famous for its Court of Thousand Pillars, built in 1560 A.D and visit to the temple to witness the famous night ceremony when the Temple bronze of Lord Siva is carried to the bed chamber of Goddess Parvathy to the accompaniment of religious prayers and music. Also visit Thirumalai Nayak's Palace and Gandhi Museum.

Day 08: Periyar
You will be taken to one of the best game sanctuaries in India - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Your journey to Thekkady is through breathtaking,winding, dense rubber, etc; do not forget your camera. A boat ride on the spending Lake Periyar is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Visit the Spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. On your way back to hotel, you can shop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.

Day 09: Kovalam
Kovalam, a former fishing village enchanted by the strips of golden sands laced with rich greenery of coconut palms. After breakfast you are free to go swimming and more adventure for surfing. Afterwards you can attend the yoga classes. Rest of the day relax at the beach. Watch the sunsetting and you are free for shopping for handicrafts in the twilight hours.

Day 10: Kovalam
Day Free to relax on the beach or proceed for a day excursionto Trivandrum (Optional).

Day 11: Kumarakom
Drive To Kumarakom. A cruise on the Vembanad Lake, gently rocked by the waves rippling to the rhythm of the swaying coconut palms on the distant banks could be truly exhilarating. Pm Free & Evening Sun Set Cruise.

Day 12: Kumarakom
Visit the bird Sanctuary. The island is surrounded by Vembanad Lake and the land has lots of streams and canals which provides an ideal tourist experience, apart from being a fishing township.

Day 13: Kochi
Drive to Allepey known for its backwaters. Have a short cruise on the backwaters and later proceed to Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala. Later proceed for the Boat Cruise To See The 7 Islands Of Kochi & Beautiful Sun Set At Chinese Fishing Nets. Spend around the city shopping for spices.

Day 14: Kochi
After breakfast Visit the Dutch Palace, The Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening witness the make-up session and performance of traditional Kathakali Dance Show.

Day 15: Bangalore / Mysore
Transfer to Airport in time to Connect flight for Bangalore. On arrival drive straight to Mysore enroute visit to Srirangapatna - The Little Island Fortress Of Tipu Sultan, Who Was Once Known As The "Tiger Of Mysore". Visit the Summer Palace, The Daria Daulat, and the Beautiful Wall Paintings. Rest of the day free to relax.

Day 16: Mysore
Visit the palace, Art Gallery; drive upto Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Afternoon free. Overnight Mysore.

Day 17: Hassan
Today you will witness the hoysala architecture. Visit Belur &Halebid temples.

Day 18: Bangalore
Drive to Bangalore enroute visit Sravanbelgola, noted for its 17 metre high image of Lord Gomateshvara, which is cut into the rock of Indragiri hill. Hewn out of a single rock and visible from a distance of 25 kms, the Lord Gomteshwara is bathed with milk and honey once every 12 years. Later visit Bangalore, the Garden City. Vist Bull temple, ISKCON temple, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and the magnificient building of Vidhana Soudha.

Day 19: Goa
You will be transferred to the Airport to board flight to Goa. On arrival you will be checked-in at the hotel / resort. Rest of the day free for your own activites like Swimming, Water Sport Activities, etc.

Day 20: Goa
Today Morning proceed for the city tour of Old Goa. Visit old Goa Churches, Bassilica of Boom Jesus, Sri Mangueas Temple, Dona Paula & Miramar Beach. Afternoon at leisure for swimming & sun bathing.

Day 21: Mumbai
Day free to relax and later transfer to Airport to connect flight to Mumbai. On arrival you will be checked-in at hotel to relax or proceed for the shopping.

Day 22: Mumbai
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Mumbai.It includes Gateay of India, Marine drive, Coloba causeway. Visit Hanging gardens and Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market.

Day 23: Departure
Transfer You'll be transferred to the Airport to connect flight to onward destination. Depart India with lingering memories.