For centuries, merchants from Africa and
Asia followed the monsoon winds to the thriving ports of the Malabar and
Coromandel coasts in search of the riches of Southern India. The modern
traveller is just as well rewarded. Southern India is the country's
Dravidian heartland where great civilizations, from the ancient Chola
Dynasty to the British Raj, have left a legacy of temples, palaces and
graceful cities. The tranquil beauty of the Kerala backwaters, the elegant
Palace of Mysore, the peaceful Hoysala temples, and the bustling bazaars of
Madurai and Cochin are just some of the highlights of this journey through
one of India's lesser known regions.
Day 01 : Arrive Mumbai (Bombay)
You will meet our representative at the airport and will be transferred to
the prebooked hotel.
Day 02 : Mumbai - Bangalore
After breakfast, morning cruise across the harbour (9 kms) to see Elephanta
Caves noted for its huge rock cuts. City tour visiting Gate Way of India,
Princes of Wales Museum, Hanging Garden, Tower of Silence Dhobi Garh and
Mani Bhawan. Evening transfer to airport to connect flight for Bangalore,
the garden city.
Day 03 : Bangalore
Visit Bangalore's botanical gardens before touring the ancient Bull Temple
and Tipu Sultan’s Palace. The afternoon is free to relax.
Day 04 : Bangalore - Hassan
Drive to Chikmagular (139 kms / 4 hrs) and transfer to Hotel. In the
afternoon we visit the temples at Halebid, one of the greatest examples of
Hindu architecture in India, whose walls are covered with detailed friezes
of the life and times of the Hoysala rulers. Our tour continues in Belur
with the victory temple, Cheenakesvara, crowded with exquisitely filigreed
pillars.
Day 05 : Hassan - Mysore
Drive to Srirangapatnam and visit the opulent Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan,
occupied briefly by the future Duke of Wellington in 1799. Continue to the
chairing city of Mysore ( 125 Kms/ 3 Hrs.). Our tour includes the Mysore
Palace whose rooms are a kaleidoscope of colour.
Day
06 : Mysore - Chennai
A relaxing start to the day as we ascended Chamundi Hill - the Climb is
said to improve one’s karma - for Panoramic views of the city and the
giant statue of the Nandi bull. In the afternoon we board the modern
Shatabdi Express for our train journey to Chennai where we arrive in the
early evening and transfer to the Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 07 : Chennai
Chennai is a bustling city with a relaxed and friendly character. Our tour
commerce in the area around the 17th century Fort St. George, taking in St.
Mary’s Church where Clive of India was married, before a visit to the
Government Museum to view the Chola bronzes. Finally we visit San Thome
Catherdal, said to house the remains of the apostle. Thomas who is reputed
to have brought Christianity to India in the 1st century AD. The afternoon
is free to explore the city at leisure.
Day 09 : Tanjore
Our Exploration of Chola architecture continues with the Bridhdiswara
Temple built in 1010. With a dome carved from a single piece of granite
weighting over 80 tonnes, this magnificent temple is now a World Heritage
Monument. In the afternoon we examine the temple of Airavatesvara at
Darasuram whose decorative friezes portray mythological stories.
Day 10 : Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai
This morning drive to Trichy (56 kms / 1½ hrs) sightseeing concentrate
on the spectacular temple architecture near Trichy at Srirangam. Set on an
island in the Cauvery River within seven concentric walled Courtyards, the
Sri Ranganathaswami Temple is one of the largest complexes in India. We take
time to stroll though the local village before driving to Madurai (131 kms /
3 hrs.).
Day 11 : Madurai - Thekkady
Madurai, an Ancient and traditional town is dominated by the colorful and
lively Minakshi Temple whose thousand-pillared hall is crowded with
exquisitely carved columns. We explore the ruined Thirumalai Nayaka Palace
before departing to Thekkady (140 kms/3 hrs).
Day 12 : Thekkady (Periyar)
Enjoy morning and evening game viewing in the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar
where elephant, sambar, bison and spotted deer may be seen during our lake
cruise. Thekkady is renowned for its spices, and the aroma of cinnamon,
nutmeg, pepper and a multitude of other spices scent the air as we explore a
spice garden.
Day 13 : Thekkady - Kumarakom
The drive to Kumarakom (130 km / 4hrs) negotiates some of India’s most
stunning scenery. From the sea of clouds over the Cardamom Hills we descend
into the lush backwaters of Kerala to Kumarakom. The afternoon is spent
relaxing aboard a traditional palm-covered rice barge with a lunch of local
cuisine as we are punted through the tree-lined backwaters
Day
14 : Kumarakom - Cochin
Morning visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Later drive to Cochin an ancient
trading Port (80kms / 2 hrs.). Cochin is a curious blend of medieval
Portugal, Mercandle Holland and an English country village, set on the
exotic Malabar coast. In the evening there is an opportunity to experience
the renowned Kathakail dance at a local hall.
Day 15 : Cochin / Out
Morning tour of the opulent Mattancherry Palace, a gift from the Portuguese
to the Raja of Cochin. The place has a collection of remarkable 16th century
murals painted on wooden walls. In the old Jewish quarter we visit the
ancient Synagogue. Later the warehouse and shops provide us with some of the
best shopping in India. We conclude our visit with the Church of St. Francis
and the tomb of Vasco Da Gama. Late evening transfer to airport for onward
destination.( Hotel Checkout 12:00 Hrs.)
Cultural
Tours in India
