Taste of South

South India, almost untouched by invasions throughout its history, has its heritage more intact than any other regions of the country. This a land of temples, of scenic beauty, of architectural marvels, palm-fringed beaches and backwater cruises…….come let us enjoy a bit of everything!

DAY 01. Arrive Madras (Chennai) Arrive Madras. You will be met on arrival and escorted till your check in at Hotel. Overnight.

DAY 02. MADRAS - KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM
Morning after breakfast proceed for half day city tour visiting Victoria art gallery, the Bronze Gallery, St. Thomas Cathedral. Drive past the marine drive. Later continue by surface to Mahabalipuram enroute visiting Kanchipuram - city of 1000 temples dating back to 7th century. Visit the famous Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Arrive Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel. Evening at leisure and overnight.

DAY 03. MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY (110 KMS/69 MILES)
Post breakfast visit the 7th century rock temple of Mahabalipuram famous for seven pagodas. Continue the journey to Pondicherry enroute visiting the ashram at Auroville. Afternoon visit in and around Pondicherry, once a French colony. Evening at leisure and overnight.

DAY 04. PONDICHERRY - CHIDAMBARAM (85KMS/53 MILES) - GANGAIKONDACHOLAPURAM (60 KMS/38 MILES) - KUMBHAKONAM (40/25 MILES) - DARASURAM (5 KMS/3 MILES) - TANJORE (40 KMS/25 MILES)
Early morning around 0730 hours proceed by surface Tanjore enroute visiting Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Kumbakonam and Darasuram. Arrive late evening and check in at the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 05. TANJORE - TRICHY - TANJORE (120 KMS/75 MILES)
After an early breakfast proceed by surface to Trichy to visit the ancient temple of Lord Ganpati (Lord Ganesha), 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines lead to the temple. Also visit the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Return to Tanjore and in the afternoon do the city tour of Tanjore visiting the beautiful Chola temples of Brihadesvara which is capped by monolithic cupola made of granite block weighing 80 tons. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 06. TANJORE - MADURAI (158 KMS/99 MILES)
Post breakfast proceed by surface to Madurai. Arrive in the afternoon and relax in the hotel. Later in the evening visit the Meenakshi temple to witness the Puja ceremony. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 07. IN MADURAI
Full day tour of Madurai visiting the famous Meenakshi temple, an exquisite example of Dravidian architecture. Later visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace famous for the stuccowork on its domes and arches.
Relax in the evening and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 08. MADURAI - THEKKADY (140 KMS/88 MILES)
Morning after breakfast proceed by surface to Thekkady (Periyar). On arrival check in at the hotel and balance day at leisure. You have the option to either have an ayurvedic massage or take a tour of spice garden on payable basis. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 09. THEKKADY - COCHIN (200 KMS/125 MILES)
Early morning enjoy the boat cruise on Lake Periyar and if you are lucky you could come across a herd of wild elephants or wild boars. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then continue the journey to Cochin enroute enjoying a backwater cruise from Kottayam till Allepey, gazing at the life of common man from close quarters. Disembark from the boat at Allepey and then continue by surface to Cochin. Upon arrival check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 10. IN COCHIN
Morning proceed for the city tour of Cochin visiting the Dutch palace, the Jewish synagogue, St. Francis church. Also view the Chinese nets. Relax in the afternoon. Later in the evening proceed to the auditorium to witness the famous classical dance performance of "Kathakalli". Overnight at the hotel. (Jewish synagogue is closed on all Friday and Saturday and public holidays)

DAY 11. COCHIN - BANGALORE BY AIR AND BANGALORE - HASSAN BY SURFACE (187 KMS/117 MILES)
Morning post breakfast in time transfer to airport to connect flight for Bangalore. You will be met on arrival and from airport directly proceed to Hassan enroute visiting Shravanbelagola. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Evening at leisure and overnight.

DAY 12. HASSAN - MYSORE (140 KMS/88 MILES)
Morning after breakfast proceed by surface to Mysore enroute visiting Belur and Halebid. Belur is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River, basks in the glory of one of the greatest monuments of medieval art in India - Chennakesava Temple. An outstanding example of Indian temple architecture is found in Halebid. Hoysaleshwara Temple's entire surface is covered with a succession of friezes running its entire length, featuring elephants, lions, horsemen, and an incredible display of celestial beasts and birds. Arrive late evening to city of Mysore and check in at the hotel. Tonight, in Mysore vies the illuminated City Palace. Overnight.

DAY 13. IN MYSORE
This morning after breakfast, visit the City Palace; Chamundi Hill where Nandi (Shiva's bull) - a huge monolithic image is always garlanded with flowers and held in high esteem by Hindus; the colourful and aromatic spice markets. Afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy the beautiful and exquisitely illuminated Brindavan Garden, sprawling amid gorgeous cascading fountains. Overnight.

DAY 14. MYSORE - BANGALORE (150 KMS/94 MILES)
Morning proceed by surface to Bangalore enroute visiting Srirangapatnam, where legendary warrior Tipu Sultan built his island fortress and Summer Palace. Upon arrival in Bangalore take a short orientation tour of the city visiting Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the bull temple etc. Later in the evening transfer to International terminal to connect flight for onward destination.

DAY 15. LEAVE BANGALORE
Take the flight home.