Karnataka:

Karnataka is a state in southwest India with Arabian Sea coastlines. The capital, Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), is a high-tech hub known for its shopping and nightlife. To the southwest, Mysore is home to lavish temples including Mysore Palace, former seat of the region’s maharajas. Hampi, once the medieval Vijayanagara Empire’s capital, contains ruins of Hindu temples, elephant stables and a stone chariot.

Kerala:

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurveda health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine… All of which offer you a unique experience. And what’s more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.

Tamil Nadu:

The State of Tamil Nadu has a hoary antiquity. Though early sangam classics throw historical references. We pass through the prominent ventures of this culture and its magnificent temples. The southern states of India were under the hegemony of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas for centuries. The Pallavas held supremacy from about the second quarter of the fourth century A.D. They were the originators of the famous Dravidian style of temple architecture. The last Pallava ruler was Aparajita, in whose reign the later Cholas under Vijayalaya and Aditya asserted themselves by about the 10th century. At the end of the 11th century, Tamil Nadu was ruled by several dynasties like the Chalukyas, Cholas and Pandyas. In the two centuries that followed, the imperial Cholas gained paramountcy over South India.

Tour Schedule Summary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : – Arrive Bangalore / Transfer to Hotel Meals: NA

Arrive Bangalore airport early morning 1.55 Hrs by Lufthansa airline – LH 754 .Our services begin here. You are greeted at the airport by our Travel Facilitator and driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check-in. Rooms holding from previous night for immediate check in. The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed and you are presented with your welcome package includes your travel documents.

Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) is the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state. The center of India’s high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife. By Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha is a Neo-Dravidian legislative building. Former royal residences include 19th-century Bangalore Palace, modeled after England’s Windsor Castle, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an 18th-century teak structure. One of the most popular mega cities in the world, Bengaluru is known as the silicon valley of India. For those who have never traversed the beautiful lanes of Bengaluru, this modern city is just a land of apartments and industries for them. But to their surprise, Bengaluru is actually a hill station that has developed over a period of time into a modern settlement. Therefore, it is home to hundreds of natural places, ranging from lakes to hills and forests to waterfalls. Today, it is the only mega city in the country that enjoys a calm, pleasant weather throughout the year.

Overnight Stay at Taj Westend, Bangalore

Day 2 : – Bangalore Sightseeing (Half day)              Meals: B

Morning, start your exploration with a guided city tour of Bangalore. Take a drive around the modern metropolis and visit Cubbon Park, which is a century and a half old park made up of 300 acres of beautiful gardens in the heart of Bangalore. In the park you will enjoy a guided tour of the Karnataka Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery. The museum is one of the oldest in the country and was established in 1886. It contains priceless relics from the prehistoric Mohenjo-Daro period and terracotta from Mathura. The Art Gallery is part of the museum and has about 600 paintings from major artists. Finish your exploration of Bangalore with a visit to the Vidhan Soudha, the impressive granite structure that houses the state legislative complex. Drive back to your hotel after the sightseeing. Afternoon you are at Leisure. 

Overnight Stay at Taj Westend, Bangalore

Day 3 : – Bangalore – Hassan             Meals: B

Morning checkout from your hotel and drive to Hassan. Located in the state of Karnataka, Hassan is the headquarters of the district of Hassan. This city gets its name from the Hindu goddess Hassanamba. For a lover of history, monuments and temples this is the right place to be. Hoysala Empire ruled this city for a long time and their influence can be seen in the art and inscriptions on the different monuments. This is one place in India that’s covered in temples and monuments that are several centuries old and hence extremely popular among tourists, pilgrims, and history lovers.  On arrival check in to resort. Afternoon proceed for a guided visit to the awesome sites of Belur & Halebidu. Belur, an erstwhile capital of the Hoysala Empire, is renowned for its magnificent Hoysala temple complex. Halebidu lies 17 Km away from Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple perched on a star shaped base is a sculptural extravaganza. The temple walls are rich with endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala kings.

Overnight stay at Hoysala village, Hassan

Day 4: – Hassan – Coorg             Meals: B

Morning checkout from your hotel and drive to Coorg. Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is the most affluent hill station in Karnataka. It is well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Forest covered hills, spice and coffee plantations only add to the landscape. Coorg is Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers.  This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality. On arrival check in to your resort and relax. 

Overnight Stay at Club Mahindra Madikeri, Coorg

Day 5: – Coorg Sightseeing – Nature walk             Meals: B           Meals: B

Coorg presents the perfect weather and opportunity to discover the naturalist in you. Go for a walk in and around plantations in Coorg with Naturalist. Learn all about the birds and the beasts, and understand how each tree has a story to tell. Listen to jungle lore under a canopy of multi-hued green, and come back with a greater knowledge of the forest system and a higher sensitivity to the eco system.  

Also grab some rejuvenating experiences at the Giving Tree in South Coorg by tour of the extensive coffee estate. Gather the beans, collect memories and cherish your experience as one soaks into the realm of nature in this coffee plantation as well as farmhouse. Start your nature walk with the engrossing talks of the naturalist, who is a nature enthusiast, and learn about the fruit trees such as Avocado and Passion fruit creeper. Once out the plantation, move forward to the small biodiversity that the host has maintained on her farm, and interact with the animals there by feeding them. You can also go for fishing. Once out of the farm, you are back in the plantation, where you can taste nature fruit juice as well as freshly prepared coffee, amidst butterflies all around you in the scenic plantation. Now, you can check out from the plantation, along with some goodies provided by the host and loads of memories. You are invited to take part in a journey towards self-sustainability and become more addicted to life. Evening back to resort and relax.

Overnight Stay at Club Mahindra Madikeri, Coorg

Day 6: – Coorg – Mysore               Meals: B           Meals: B

After breakfast, join your chauffeur for your drive to Mysore. Arrive at Mysore and check in at your hotel. Mysore, a city in India’s southwestern Karnataka state, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947. In its center is opulent Mysore Palace, seat of the former ruling Wodeyar dynasty. The palace blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic and Rajput styles. Mysore is also home to the centuries-old Devaraja Market, filled with spices, silk and sandalwood.

Overnight Stay at, Mysore

Day 7 : – Mysore Sightseeing (Half day)         Meals: B

Explore the main tourist attraction of Mysore – The Mysore Palace, an incredibly opulent structure that is one of the most impressive palaces in the world. You’ll be amazed by its sheer size, the incredible richness of its interior, and the beautiful facade of this Indo-Saracenic architectural gem. It was the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, and the current version was commissioned in 1897 and finished by British architect Henry Irwin in 1912. Afternoon – Enjoy a guided exploration of Mysore’s other attractions. Drive up the hill to the temple of Chamundeswari, Mysore’s patron goddess. The 12th century temple overlooks the city and has several granite statues of Nandi (The Bull), including one that is over 15 feet high and 24 feet long. After the temple you pay a visit to St. Philomena’s church, one of the largest churches in India. Built in 1933, its design was based on the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Most visitors marvel at the Victorian Gothic architecture of this active place of worship. At the end of the day, before returning to your hotel, you will enjoy a walk through the local flower and fruit market. Afternoon free for leisure at hotel.

Overnight Stay at , Mysore

Day 8: -Day visit to Somnathpur           Meals: B

After breakfast proceed for a day visit to Somnathpur. Somnathpur, also known as Somnathpura, lies in the district of Mysore in Karnataka, India.  This little town is located at a distance of 35 Kilometers from the City of Mysore.  This town is home to the famous Chennakeshava Temple built by the Hoysala commander, Somnath, in 1268 A.D is a live example of the heritage and culture of the Hoysala Empire and this temple was constructed using the soapstone.  A monumental beauty, the architectural design of this temple attracts people from all over the world.  The Archaeological Survey of India has declared it as a heritage site. Arrive and visit the Chennakesava Temple, also referred to as Chennakeshava Temple, Keshava Temple or Kesava Temple, is a Vaishnava Hindu temple on the banks of River Kaveri at Somanathapura, Karnataka, India. The temple was consecrated in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha. After the visit drive back to hotel.

Overnight Stay at, Mysore

Day 9: – Mysore – Cochin Flight         Meals: B           Meals: B

Afternoon Checkout from your hotel and driven to Hubli airport. Board your flight to Cochin. You are 

After breakfast drive to Mysore airport and board your flight to Cochin. You are greeted at the Cochin airport and driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check-in. Set on a magnificent estuary, serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers and travelers to its shores for over 600 years. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant Chinese fishing nets, a 450-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese- and Dutch-era houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. The result is an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal and Holland and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. It’s a delightful place to explore, laze in arty cafes and relax at some of India’s finest homestays and heritage hotels. It’s also an important centre for Keralan arts (traditional and contemporary) and a standout place to see Kathakali and Kalarippayattu. Afternoon you are at leisure.

Overnight stay at Malabar House, Cochin

Day 10: – Cochin Sightseeing                               Meals: B           Meals: B

Explore the fascinating port city of Cochin and marvel in its culture and architecture, a result of centuries of various European influences combined with rich indigenous history The guided tour begins from the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays – will be facilitated on other days for some departures), which was built in 1568 and is still an active house of worship for the few remaining Jews in the area. If the synagogue is closed on this day, the visit can be facilitated on one of the other days that you are in Cochin. Next to the synagogue is Cochin’s ancient and colorful Jew Street with its antique stores and souvenir peddlers. There is evidence of a Jewish presence in Kochi from 70 A.D. After the synagogue you visit the St. Francis Church, which was established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. This is one of the first European churches built in India, and the famed Vasco Da Gama was buried in its courtyard for a few years before his remains were returned to Portugal.

You now visit the most photogenic of Cochin’s attractions, the Chinese fishing nets. Folklore will have it that these enormous nets (or at least their design) were brought here by famed Chinese Explorer Zhang He about 600 years ago. Local fishermen manipulate these massive nets with an ease that comes from centuries of practice – it is a vocation handed down by generations. The lowering and raising of the nets has a synchronicity and rhythm that is quite an amazing experience. Some of the nets are more than a century old as the fishermen patch them up and keep going. You will be driven back to your hotel after your visit. 

Overnight stay at Malabar House, Cochin

Day 11: – Day free at Cochin                                     Meals: B           Meals: B

Today you are at leisure to explore Fort Kochi on Foot. Walk through Fort Kochi and experience the unique local culture and architecture – Fort Kochi is one of India’s best cities to explore on foot. 

Afternoon you are at leisure. 

Overnight stay at Malabar House, Cochin

Day 12: – Cochin –Munnar                                 Meals: B           Meals: B

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Munnar. Munnar – A misty, lush green hill station up in the Annamalai range of Kerala, Munnar is a tea plantation center. Tea gardens, some of the highest in the world. Cool climate and mist shrouded tea plantations are the real attractions of Munnar. On arrival Check into the hotel. 

Overnight stay at Windermere Estate, Munnar

Day 13: -Full day trekking at Munnar                                 Meals: B           Meals: B

Morning, proceed for a guided trek at Tea plantations in Munnar .Will start our trek through the tea plantations for about 30 to 40 minutes, and we will reach the ridge of the hill and rest of our couple of hours trek will be on the ridge which offers beautiful views around, it will be through grasslands, one side will be rocky mountain slope and the other side will be tea plantations, patches of Shola forest etc…, if the sky is clear we could see the Anaimudi “highest peak in S. India” and the reservoir of  Idukki Dam which is it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and third tallest dam in India. We will have refreshment/picnic lunch at any suitable place during the trek, and after we will be passing through Nature Zone where we can see some Coffee, Cardamom plantations etc…, also its one of the best places to spot some endemic birds of this part of Western Ghats. Will have another 40 minutes to 01 hours walk through the tea plantations to finish the trek, highest point of this trek will be about 1950 meters MSL (approx) .Vehicle will be waiting at the finishing point at around 5th kilometers or 8th kilometers from Munnar towards Mankulam road (depending on the duration we chose) 

Overnight stay at Windermere Estate, Munnar

Day 14: – Continue trekking at Munnar                               Meals: B           Meals: B

Continue trekking at Munnar hills. Evening drive back to resort.

Overnight stay at Windermere Estate, Munnar

Day 15: – Munnar –Alleppey Backwaters       Meals: B, L, D           Meals: B

After breakfast, checkout from your resort and enjoy your fascinating drive through Western Ghats as you are headed to Alleppey Backwaters. Arrive at Alleppey and board your houseboat. Take our word for this, your backwaters cruise will very likely become one of your most treasured travel memories. The incredible lushness of the vegetation around the fresh water canals, rivulets and lakes, the beauty of the water bodies themselves and the abundance of coconut trees and other exotic plants create a subtropical environment not found elsewhere on this planet. When you combine this with the opportunity to be part of a unique way of life that hasn’t changed much for a few centuries, it results in most visitors’ second highest rated experience in India (after the Taj Mahal). Relax and have a great time until the next morning as you cruise the amazing backwaters. The cook and other staff make sure that all your needs are taken care of, while serving you with delicious Kerala cuisine. You have the option of taking shore excursions at one or two of the tiny rural communities as you cruise by – the locals are very friendly and communicative.

Day 16– Day 17: – Alleppey Backwaters       Meals: B, L, D           Meals: B

After breakfast, continue your cruise through Lake Vembanadu. Experience the village life in Kerala and Canoe boat ride. In your surroundings you can enjoy the local life and beauty that is spread as far as your eyes can search for .Overnight stay at houseboat.

Overnight stay at Houseboat, Alleppey

Day 18: – Alleppey – Varkala            Meals: B

Morning disembark from houseboat and drive to Varkala. Varkala is a town in the south Indian state of Kerala. It’s on the Arabian Sea and known for Varkala Beach, backed by palm-covered red cliffs. Just south, Papanasam Beach is believed to have holy waters. On a nearby hill, the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Vishnu. Farther inland, the Sivagiri Mutt monument memorializes the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, who is buried here. On arrival check in to your hotel and relax. 

Overnight stay at Villa Jacaranda, Varkala

Day 19– Day 20: – Varkala                 Meals: B           Meals: B

You are at leisure today to enjoy your beach resort. The only service provided by us is your hotel room, including breakfast & taxes. Enjoy Facilities at your resort.

Overnight stay at Villa Jacaranda, Varkala

Day 21: – Varkala – Madurai           Meals: B       

After breakfast, check out from your resort and drive to Madurai. Arrive at Madurai and check-in at your hotel. More than 2,500 years old, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu and an important cultural and commercial hub. It was once the seat of Tamil learning; it is still the area where the Tamil language is spoken in its purest form. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus. In contrast with its ancient roots, modern Madurai is a burgeoning industrial center, surrounded by vast stretches of paddy fields, dusty roads and crowded bazaars. You are at leisure in this evening.

Overnight stay at Taj Gateway, Madurai

Day 22: – Madurai Sightseeing   Meals: B       

Proceed for a guided city tour of Madurai. By far the main attraction of Madurai is the great Sree Meenakshi Temple. This awe-imposing monument is the finest example of Dravidian temple architecture on this planet. Its Hall of a Thousand Pillars is a fabulous collection of elaborately sculpted and painted deities as well as other creatures from Hindu religious annals. The temple is always a beehive of activity as pilgrims from all over India come to seek the blessings of Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati) and Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva. Its vast interior is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. You will witness Hindu priests performing various ceremonies in different parts of the temple complex as you explore this huge structure, including religious aspects of traditional weddings. According to Tamil belief, the temple has existed for about 2,000 years, but this current structure is a mere four centuries old (the previous majestic temple was destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 14th century). The massive complex includes 14 magnificent Gopurams that jut into the sky from different parts of the temple. These Gopurams have thousands of elaborate sculptures carved into them and these have been colorfully painted. The most significant of these Gopurams are the two golden towers dedicated to the two main deities, the tallest one reaches 170 feet. After you leave the temple you are driven to nearby Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Constructed in 1636 A.D. by an Italian architect, the palace is an interesting confluence of Dravidian, Islamic and European architectural styles. Evening – Attend the iconic and impressive evening Palli Arai ceremony at the mammoth Sree Meenakshi Temple Complex with your guide. This elaborate and ritualistic ceremony has been written up in many international publications. You will be amazed by the incredible scale and colors that you are about to witness. Besides a glimpse of the ancient ceremony, this evening will give you a taste of what you will experience on the next day when you do a detailed tour of this awe-inspiring Temple complex. Drive back to your hotel.

Overnight stay at Taj Gateway, Madurai

Day 23: – Madurai – Tanjore             Meals: B       

You are assisted with your check-out and then you proceed to Tanjore. On arrival check in to your hotel. The Great Living Chola Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site .Afternoon start with a guided visit to the most amazing example of these, the Brihadishwara. This thousand-year-old awe-inspiring Temple Complex is constructed solely of granite, a material so hard that, with all our current technology, no architect today would even dream of building a structure with the incredible detail and mammoth scale of the Brihadishwara. These are just a few of the reasons why this monument is one of India’s most treasured architectural achievements. This ancient temple’s crown is a massive granite monolithic cupola made up of ten different pieces totaling about eighty two tons. This temple was built by the great King Raja raja Chola. Construction commenced in 1003 A.D. and the height of the main structure is 216 feet, which means that the incredibly heavy cupola had to be raised about 200 feet and placed at the top of the structure. The temple itself is decorated with carved panels depicting mythological events. An immense Nandi (the Bull) stands in front of the main shrine – carved out of a single piece of granite and measuring 16 feet long and 13 feet high. The colors used on the elaborate frescoes inside the structures are said to have lasted this long because they were achieved by locating stones in those natural shades and grinding those stones to a paste.

After your exploration of the Brihadishwara, drive to Tanjore Museum. The Tanjore Museum has a fascinating collection of ancient temple stone sculptures and lost wax process bronzes, gathered from all over the region. The exploration of this museum is something that art lovers will really enjoy. Evening drive back to hotel.

Overnight stay at Ideal River view, Tanjore

Day 24: – Tanjore – Kumbakonam- Pondicherry                       Meals: B       

Morning check out from your hotel and drive to Pondicherry. On the way visit Kumbakonam. Kumbakonam, is a town and a special grade municipality in the Thanjavur district. It is located 40 km from Thanjavur. Kumbakonam is known as a “temple city” due to the prevalence of a number of temples here and is noted for its Mahamaham festival which attracts people from all over the country. At first glance Kumbakonam is just another chaotic Indian junction town, but then you notice the dozens of colorful gopurams pointing skyward from its 18 temples – a reminder that this was once a seat of medieval South Indian power. With another two magnificent World Heritage–listed Chola temples nearby. After the visit drive to Pondicherry. On arrival check in to your hotel and relax.

Overnight stay at De L’ orient, Pondicherry

Day 25: – Pondicherry Sightseeing                   Meals: B       

Pondicherry was a French colony for about two hundred and eighty years and became a part of India in 1954. Some claim that its history can be traced back to Agastya, South India’s revered sage, who built his hermitage here many millennia ago. There is evidence that the Romans had a trading post here in the 1st Century AD. However, most of what a visitor will experience today has a distinct colonial flavor. The culture presents an unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions – French is still spoken here in some parts of the population, along with Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and English. 

Proceed for a guided excursion. When you tour the city you will be captivated by its architecture as well as the friendliness of its inhabitants. Traces of the French colony still remain in its churches, cuisine, grid-pattern streets and colonial buildings.  Visit Aurobindo Ashram and Pondicherry museum .Evening drive back to hotel and relax. 

Overnight stay at De L’orient, Pondicherry

Day 26: – Day visit to Thiruvannamalai                   Meals: B       

Morning proceed for a day visit to Thiruvannamalai. Thiruvannamalai is a Hindu pilgrimage town in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. At the foot of sacred Arunachala Hill is the vast, ancient Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, with intricately carved Gopurams (towers). To the west, the huge Sathanur Dam was constructed in 1958 on the Thenpennai River. On arrival visit temples in Thiruvannamalai. Visit Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple, Annamalair temple, Sathanur dam, Gingee fort and Ramana Ashram. Evening drive back to Pondicherry and overnight stay.

Overnight stay at De L’orient, Pondicherry

Day 27: – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram                   Meals: B       

Checkout from your hotel and drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival check in to your ocean front resort. 

Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram, is a town on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. The seafront Shore Temple comprises 3 ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple. Afternoon you are at leisure to explore the beach and facilities at your resort. 

Overnight stay at Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Mahabalipuram

Day 28: – Mahabalipuram Sightseeing           Meals: B       

Start your day with a guided exploration of the ancient port of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This laid back coastal town south of Chennai is world famous for its 8th century shore temple and other historical marvels. Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram, the first Tamil dynasty after the fall of the Gupta Empire. The massive rock sculptures carved into softly sloping hills, monolithic temples, ancient manmade caverns with incredible sculptures and the world’s largest bas-relief in stone, all combine to make Mahabalipuram a living museum. Vying with this splendor is a beach and the picturesque Bay of Bengal. The famous Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) Temples, the Penance of Bhagirath (also known as Arjuna’s Penance), the Shore Temple, the massive bas-relief Descent of the Ganges and the eight Mandapams (shallow halls carved out of sheer rock) are all located within the small coastal community. A captivating sight can be experienced from the beach twice a day as the local fisherman head out in their colorful fishing boats early in the morning and then again when they return in the afternoon with their catch. Late afternoon – Enjoy a guided walk down the beach as this allows you to mingle with the local fishing community and their colorful wooden boats. You will see a variety of activities going on – many of the fishermen are returning from their days work and they are going through various processes of pulling their boats up on the beach and organizing their nets and other gear. The fish are stacked into plastic bins which are then weighed right there on the beach. Now the negotiating takes place. You will witness women repairing nets and a lot of other similar activity. Boats will be coming ashore, and some of the larger boats will actually head out at this time of day. Photo opportunities abound, including the famed 8th century Shore Temple, from which you are only a stone’s throw away. 

Overnight stay at Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Mahabalipuram

Day 29: – Day visit to Kanchipuram                     Meals: B       

Enjoy a guided excursion to Kanchipuram. The ancient holy city of Kanchipuram is known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples and is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Its many Gopurams (temple domes) can be seen from a long ways away as you approach the city. Kanchipuram history can be traced back for about three millenniums, and it was successively the capital of many South Indian dynasties. It was a great center of learning, and famous sages of the Buddhist and Jain faiths originated here. The occupation of many residents of this city is silk weaving, and Kanchi silk sarees are considered to be the finest on the planet – a visit to a silk weaving family’s home is part of the tour.

After touring Kanchipuram you will return to your resort in nearby Mahabalipuram.

Overnight stay at Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Mahabalipuram

Day 30: – Mahabalipuram – Chennai                           Meals: B       

Morning checkout from your resort and proceed to Chennai. On arrival check in to your resort. Afternoon proceed for a City tour of Chennai. This tour allows you to experience the main attractions of India’s third largest city. The tour of Chennai begins from St. Mary’s Church (built in 1678 – 80), the first English Church in Chennai. After the church you will visit the National Art Gallery and Museum. The museum is famous for its large collection of temple friezes and the bronze gallery with its amazing collection of ancient lost wax sculptures. The Archaeological section is equally impressive, and, of particular interest (located next to the bronze gallery), is the small but fascinating collection of ancient coins that span twenty five hundred years of India’s history. After the museum you continue on to visit the Saint Thomas Cathedral (originally built in 1504, then re-built in neo-gothic style in 1893), this Roman Catholic Church is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. End the tour with a drive by the High Court, Fort St. George.

Overnight stay at Taj Connemara, Chennai

Day 31: – Chennai Departure                                       Meals: B       

Morning after breakfast departure transfer to Chennai airport to board your international flight.

*** END OF TOUR ***

HOTELS ENVISAGED / SIMILAR 

Includes

• Assistance on arrival and departure
• Accommodation in Twin/Double sharing basis as per the Itinerary 
• All transfers & sightseeing using Large car as per the Itinerary
• Monument entrance fee
• Meal Plan on Bed & Breakfast except houseboat which is all meals
• English speaking guide for  sightseeing at Bangalore, Belur & Halebidu, Mysore, Cochin, Madurai, , Tanjore, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram & Chennai 
• Nature Walk at Coorg with Naturalist
• Trekking in Munnar with Naturalist
• Witness Palli arai ceremony at Madurai Sree Meenakshi Temple
• Bottled water in the car
• All Govt. Taxes currently applicable. 

Excludes

• Any Airfare/Trainfare
• Any meals which is not specified in the above itinerary.  
• Any outreach activities and lecture material  
• Any service not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.  
• Personal expenses such as tipping, laundry, room service, shopping, telephone calls, etc.  
• Video Camera/Still Camera fees wherever applicable as per actual.  
• Meals and services other than mentioned in the program 
• Electronic Travel Authorization fee for Visas upon arrival 
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels

Be Rest Assured!!