BEST OF SOUTH INDIA

Duration : 19 Nights/ 20 Days

Place Covered : Bangalaore / Mysore /Hasan / Nagarhole/ Cochin / Periyar / Kumarakom / Madurai / Thanjavur / Trichi / Pondicherry / Mahabalipuram / Chennai


Highlights of Tour :

Bangalaore / Mysore /Hasan / Nagarhole/ Cochin / Periyar / Kumarakom / Madurai / Thanjavur / Trichi / Pondicherry / Mahabalipuram / Chennai

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Itinerary Details

Day 01 ARRIVE BANGALORE:

Arriving Bangalore You are met outside the Domestic Arrivals Hall and transferred to Hotel. After freshening up, spend the day exploring Bangalore, the capital of the state of Karnataka, which offers the graceful charms of a well laid out garden city with parks and beautiful buildings. The 'Garden City' has several fine parks; Lal Bagh, the botanical gardens laid out by Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, is the loveliest spot in Bangalore. Extending in terraces for over 240 acres, the garden has centuries-old trees, lakes, lotus pools, rose gardens, a deer park and an assortment of tropical and subtropical herbs and plants. The pretty glass house in the centre is the venue of the bi-annual Horticultural Exhibition. Cubbon Park is an extensive stretch of green sprawling over an area of 300 acres. The imposing red gothic structure within the park is now the public library. Vidhan Soudha is an imposing granite structure built in the neo-Dravidian style and houses the Secretariat and the State Legislature. Its cabinet room has a massive door made from pure sandalwood. The Bull Temple is built in Dravidian style and has a monolithic figure of Nandi, the bull, 15 feet high and 20 feet long. History records that it was built by Kempegowda, the founder of the city. The Museum, located on Kasturba Gandhi Marg, is one of the oldest in India, established in 1886. It houses a varied collection of items relating to archeology, geology, art and numismatics, some items dating back to the time of Tipu Sultan. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 BANGALORE/HASSAN:

After breakfast depart on the drive to Hassan. En route visit Sravanabelagola. Its serenity emanates from the simplicity of its ascetic inspiration and the grandeur of its scale. It is said to be the world's tallest monolithic statue. The hill is one mass of granite about 122 m high and probably had a mass or two standing at its summit - either a part of the subjacent or lying on it. This the Jains undertook to fashion into a statue 17.7 m tall, and have achieved it with marvelous success. Sravanabelagola is wedged between two rocky hills called Indragiri or Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri. The translation of Sravanabelagola is "the white pond of the ascetic". This most probably refers to a pond that once existed where the present temple tank now is, at the base of the Indragiri hill. The ascetic is Bhagwan Bahubali, also known as Tirthankar Sant Gomateshwara, whose huge statue dominates this little village. This is the holiest of all Jain places of pilgrimage. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 03 HASSAN/MYSORE:

After breakfast visit Belur which was a flourishing city under the Hoysala kings some 800 yeas ago. The Belur temple is star-shaped and embellished with gods and goddesses in all their varied aspects and incarnations, as well as scenes from the great Indian epics. The realities of life are also depicted beautifully in the forms of hunters, dancers, musicians and women at their daily toilette. A series of semi-detached pillars and ornamented porches lend variety to the facade; the artistic combination of horizontal and vertical light and shade and the play of silhouettes far surpasses anything in Gothic art.

Continue on to Helibid which is situated some 16 km from Belur. The main temple, also built in a star-shaped plan is a magnificent example of Hoysala architecture with a breathtaking collection of friezes - first a row of elephants representing stability, then one of lordly lions and above, scrolls of swift horses. There are scenes from the religious epics representing not only philosophical ideas but also the living conditions of the time. The largest frieze is the most exuberant and based on a heavenly theme - celestial maidens, bedecked in jewels, are seen sitting or standing under pierced canopies in graceful postures. The original name of Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysalas, was Dwarasamudram, "gateway to the sea". After its sack by the Delhi Sultanate, it came to be known as Halebid, "old Capital". There were many temples and palaces here but few survived the invasion. The magnificent Hoysaleswara temple is very similar to the temple at Belur, though different in detail work. It is set on the same star - shaped platform ascended by a short flight of steps. The palace once stood nearby, connected to the temple by a passage. A Nandi bull, the mount of Lord Shiva, stands guard at the entrance. This temple is about 800 years old, although not wholly in ruins. Only one bracket figure remains, though the relief carvings on the walls are as profuse and complex as at Belur. Among the carvings are scenes of many historical battles, of the child Krishna's frolics, Shiva and Parvati's embrace and Ravana hoisting Mount Kailash. The Hoysalas, traditional enemies of the Chalukyas, ruled this part of the Deccan between the 11th and 13th centuries. They rose to prominence first under leadership of their ruler Tinyaditya and later under king Bittiga, better known as Vishnuvardhana. It was during this period when the Hoysalas established their supremacy that the temples of Belur and Halebid were built.

Continue on to Mysore. En route visit Srirangapatnam, the capital of Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan till 1799, when the British captured it. It was here that the Tiger of Mysore, as Tipu was called, fought and died. Outside the ruins of the old fort is Daria Daulat (Splendour of the sea), Tipu's summer palace, set in an exquisite garden. The palace has been converted into a museum and houses some of Tipu Sultan's belongings. The tomb of Tipu Sultan and his parents marks the end of the glorious history of this town. On arrival in Mysore check in at Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 04 IN MYSORE:

After breakfast explore Mysore the capital of the erstwhile princely state of that name. It is famous for its silk and sandalwood, as well as its numerous palaces, well laid out boulevards and beautiful parks. Visit the Maharaja's Palace, the most impressive of Mysore's ochre-coloured buildings - a modern edifice built in 1897, where the oriental decorative imagination runs wild. One of the largest palaces in India, it is a sort of gigantic synthesis of Hindu and Muslim styles. Entrance gateways, domes, arches, turrets, colonnades, sculptures can be seen here in magnificent profusion. The royal family's private chambers, including the impressive Durbar Hall, are open to the public. The Marriage Hall has life-like paintings of the Dassera procession and in the museum is the ruler's golden elephant throne, used during these festivities. St. Phelomena's Church is a magnificent cathedral, the largest in South India.

In the afternoon visit Somnathpur, the site of the Prasanna Chennakasava temple, built in 1268 AD, with the star-shaped base characteristic of Hoysala temple architecture. The exterior walls are frescoed with narrative passages from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bagavatha, laid out so exactly, that each segment ends at a door. Vivid with details, no two frescoes are alike. Return to Hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05 MYSORE/NAGARHOLE:

After breakfast depart on the 2-hour drive to Nagarhole National Park. On arrival check in at River Lodge. After lunch depart on a jeep safari into the park which was established in 1955 and extended to its present size of 573 sq. km in 1975. The Kabini river has been dammed to form a large and attractive reservoir which separates the park from the Bandipur National Park to the southeast. Large herds of gaur (the largest of wild oxen), elephants, sambar, cheetal (spotted deer) are among the game found. Leopard and tiger are also occasionally sighted. The park has over 250 species of birds recorded. Dinner and overnight at River Lodge.

Day 06 NAGARHOLE/OOTY:

Early morning game viewing is by jeep or coracle - excellent for bird-watching as well as viewing animals on the banks of the river. There are also several watchtowers where one can spend long interesting hours viewing elephants and other game.

After breakfast depart on the 3-hour drive to Ootacamund, popularly known as Ooty, the leading hill station in South India. On arrival check in at The Monarch. Situated in the heart of the beautiful Nilgiris (Blue mountains) at an altitude of 2,286 m, Ooty offers salubrious air, rolling parkland, gorse-covered downs and trout- filled streams. The hillsides are swathed in eucalyptus and blue gum trees. The Botanical Gardens, which are a landmark in Ooty, have many rare trees and flowering plants. There is a beautiful lake with boating facilities. Ooty is also known for its tea and coffee plantations and there are hundreds of tea estates in and around this hill resort. overnight at Hotel.

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Day 07 OOTY/COCHIN:

After an early breakfast depart on the drive to Cochin. On arrival check in at Hotel. overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 IN COCHIN:

After breakfast explore Cochin, which comprises of a cluster of islands and towns. Fort Cochin is believed to be the oldest European settlement in India, with the Portuguese flag first hoisted here in 1500. St. Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where da Gama was buried. While the remains were later taken back to Lisbon, the gravestone can still be seen here. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568 and considerably embellished in the mid 18th century by Ezekiel Rahabi, who built a clock tower and paved the floor of the synagogue with hand-painted tiles brought all the way from Canton in China. The "Dutch Palace" was built in the 1550s by the Portuguese and taken over by the Dutch, who later presented it to the Rajas of Cochin. The palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and eggwhites - which gives the effect of polished marble.

In the afternoon take a leisurely cruise on the beautiful backwaters of Cochin. In the evening witness a Kathakali dance performance. This is the most developed dance drama art of India. Drums beckon an audience to a performance most magnificent - actors depict characters from the Puranas and the Mahabharata, the great Indian epics - demons, superhuman beings and ordinary men and women. The dancers, all male, adorn themselves in huge skirts and elaborate headdress, wearing what must surely be the most intricate make up known to any dance style in the world. Dialogue is combined with dance to bring myth and legend to life in the temple courtyards of Kerala. overnight at Hotel.

Day 09 COCHIN/ALLEPPEY/KOTTAYAM:

After breakfast drive to Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East", situated on the Vembabad Lake, the longest lake in India. A maze of canals and a network of bridges give this busy commercial town its descriptive sobriquet. Alleppey is known for its coir, the retted fiber of the coconut husk and for black pepper. Coir yarn, mats and matting and a wealth of other coir products are manufactured here and are good buys.

Board the Rice Boats to begin a fascinating journey through forests, palm-shaded backwaters and canals. The leisurely cruise on the beautiful backwaters offers magnificent scenery along the waterways and an unique insight into the history, lifestyle, culture and religion of the region. Dinner and overnight on the Rice Boats.

Day 10 KOTTAYAM/PERIYAR:

The journey ends at the prosperous town of Kottayam, an important trading centre and the first town in India to attain 100% literacy. Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, it has beautiful backwaters to its west and scenic fertile mountains to its east. A major centre of the trade, Kottayam also has a strong spiritual side to it, with several sects and divisions of the Syrian Christian faith due to the influence of history over the centuries. The best known churches are the historic Valia Palli and Cheria Palli, both with colourful frescoes enriching their dim interiors. The coach will meet you at Kottayam for the drive to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and National Park. On arrival check in at Hotel.

In the afternoon explore the park. Established in 1934 as the Nelliampatty Sanctuary, the park was enlarged in 1950 and is India's southernmost tiger reserve. The lake covers some 10 sq. miles and most of the sanctuary is undulating. Since boat travel is the only means of transport in the park, large areas can be covered in a short time. Among the game found here are gaur (the largest of the world's wild oxen), elephant, wild pig, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, the rare and endangered lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, the common langur and the bonnet macaque, porcupine, Malabar squirrel, wild dog and tiger. Among the birds commonly seen are darters, cormorant, osprey, kingfisher and kite, great hornbill, grey hornbill, hill mynas, orioles and racket-tailed drongos. overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 IN PERIYAR:

Early morning and late afternoon game viewing by boat. overnight at Hotel.

Day 12 PERIYAR/MADURAI:

After breakfast depart on the drive to Madurai, known as the City of Festivals. On arrival check in at Hotel.
In the afternoon explore Madurai, which is the most ancient home of culture, with the first Tamil Academy being founded here by scholars and pious kings. The town has developed around the famous Meenakshi temple, built in the Dravidian style, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his spouse Meenakshi. The Court of Thousand Pillars, built in 1560, has lovely sculptures. Outside the temple are the Musical Pillars which produce different 'swaras' or notes when tapped. The Vasanth Mandapam has life-size statues of the Nayakas of Madurai. overnight at Hotel.

Day 13 MADURAI/TRICY:

After breakfast drive to Tiruchirapalli, also known as Trichy. On arrival check in at Hotel Sangam. In the afternoon explore this historic town which was held by the Chola and Pallava dynasties. The Nayakas of Madurai have constructed the greater portion of the town. The Trichy Fort played an important part in the battles waged between the English and the French to gain power. The Rock Fort is a landmark of Trichy and contains excavated cave temples dating back to the 7th century, the Hall of a hundred Pillars and a Ganesha temple on its summit. On the island of Srirangam is a massive Vishnu temple with seven walls. overnight at Hotel.

Day 14 TRICHY/TANJORE/TRICHY:

After breakfast depart on a day trip to Tanjore or Tanjavur as it was earlier called. Tanjore was the capital of the Chola empire from the 10th to the 14th centuries. Later it became part of the Vijayanagar kingdom, then passed into the hands of the Marathas and later still went to the British. For ages it has been the chief political, literary and religious centre of the south. The celebrated temple of Brihadeshwara, built by the Chola king Raja the Great during the 11th century, is its major attraction. The Saraswasti Mahal library, dating from the time of the Marathas, contains a rare collection of books and manuscripts on paper and palm-leaf. return to Trichy for overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 15 TRICHY/PONDICHERRY:

After breakfast depart for Pondicherry. En route visit Chidambaram, where the celebrated Nataraja temple - the temple of the Dancing Shiva - is situated. The god Shiva performed his cosmic dance after humbling several conceited rishis (sagas) who believed they had acquired extraordinary powers through their rigorous austerities. Much of the temple as seen today was built by the Chola emperors. massive gopurams soar over great entrances. There are several shrines in the temple complex, including one for the god Vishnu. The sanctum sanctorum enshrines the god in his dance pose. Adjacent to it is the sanctum of the goddess whose name here is Shivakamasundari - “the beautiful woman who evoked the love of Shiva”. An unusual shrine is one without an image in it; this is known as the secret of Chidambaram - the implication being that god is to be found everywhere, especially in the heart. On arrival in Pondicherry check in at Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 16 PONDICHERRY/MAHABALIPURAM:

In the morning explore Pondicherry. Spend some time at the Aurobindo Ashram which is the best known landmark of Pondicherry. Other places of interest include the Raj Nivas, residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry, a handsome 200-year old building which was once the residence of the Marquis Joseph-Francois Dupleix, the builder of Pondicherry. The Romain Rolland Library has over 60,000 volumes of rate French and English books. The Pondicherry Museum has an outstanding collection of artifacts, especially relating to all aspects of the French Indian past and retains a French ambiance. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Gothic in style and serene in atmosphere, has three large stained-glass panels that tell the life of Jesus and many arches that span the nave. The Botanical Gardens were set up in 1826 and have grown over the decades to become one of the best botanical gardens in the South, with unusual and exotic plants from all over the country and abroad. The Church of Notre Dame des Anges, built around 1865, is a striking structure with twin square towers and houses a rare oil painting gifted by Napoleon III. The Institute of Indology was established in the mid 1950s and is today an internationally renowned research organization providing an abiding link between France and India. Ananda Ranga Pillai’s House, architecturally a fusion of the French and Indian styles, is a graceful building, lavishly furnished and decorated, which has been converted into a museum.

Continue on to Mahabalipuram, the port city of the Pallavas in the 7th century. In this picturesque setting of sandy beaches and the sea can be seen some 70 monuments that influenced temple architecture in Tamil Nadu for centuries to come. On arrival check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 17 MAHABALIPURAM/KANCHIPURAM/MAHABALIPURAM:

In the morning explore Mahabalipuram. The first important group is formed by the five rathas - rock-cut monoliths named after the heroes of the Mahabharata which simulate ceremonial chariots. Some of these rathas are unfinished and in them can be seen the carving technique used to form temples out of living rock. Also within this complex are large sculptures of a lion, an elephant and a seated Nandi (the bull) Lord Shiva's mount. The other cave temples of Mahishasuramardini and Olalkkannesware (God of the Flaming Eye) are carved out of the hillside to form pillared halls and enclosed shrines within which are some magnificent sculptures, some larger than life, of gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.

Continue on to Kanchipuram which was the erstwhile capital of the Pallavas and Cholas who reigned between the 7th and 13th centuries. These two powerful dynasties gave the city its numerous temples and tanks. The town today has as many as 150 active temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. One of the seven holiest cities of India, it is well planned, with broad streets designed to accommodate the large processions that take place throughout the year in celebration of festivals dedicated to the many and various deities. The Kailashanatha and Vaikuntaperumal Vishnu temples were both built in the 8th century of sandstone and house some of the most elegant sculptures of Shiva, Nataraja, Durga mounted on a lion and of Vishnu. The former also contains some remnants of mural paintings from the Pallava period. The Varadaraja Vishnu temple is a large complex with mandapas, tanks and sculptured halls. It has an ancient mango tree; the four branches are said to represent the four Vedas, and each has a different taste. To eat the fruit is to gain eternal wisdom. The Ekambareshwara temple is also a large complex where devotees still flock in large numbers. Return to Mahabalipuram in the evening for overnight at hotel.

Day 18 IN MAHABALIPURAM:

Day at leisure.

Day 19 MAHABALIPURAM/CHENNAI:

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon drive to Chennai for a tour of the city. The gateway to the sunny south, Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is also a seat of ancient civilization, with a rich heritage of fine arts, sculpture and architecture. It has withstood the pressure of modernization to some extent and even today retains an old-world charm which has an instant appeal for the visitor. The British East India Company established one of its earliest seats of power in India in Madras. The construction of Fort St. George was begun around 1650. Today the old buildings in the fort house the Tamil Nadu Government Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. St. Mary's Church, consecrated in 1680, is the earliest English building surviving intact in India and also the earliest Anglican church in the east. The Fort St. George Museum contains some fascinating items belonging to the early days of the East India Company and the colonial period - coins, weapons, pictures and books form part of the collection. Two beautiful churches that still have regular services are St. George's Cathedral and St. Andrew's Kirk. The latter is said to resemble St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London and its towering steeples and the strength of the pillars of the facade make it a city landmark. The Ice Factory on Marina Beach was built in 1842 to store ice imported from America. It was later converted into a home for widows. San Thome Church is associated with the Apostle St. Thomas. It is believed that he was martyred on St. Thomas' Mount and his remains are enshrined in this church. The Marina, is a 13-km long sandy beach running along the whole length of Madras, fringed with palms and casuarinas. One of the most important localities of Madras is the unified complex of Mylapore where the Kapaleswara Shiva temple, the tank, market area and old Brahmin residential houses are situated. Another ancient and important place of worship is the Krishna Patrathasarathy temple.
Overnight in Chennai

Day 20 DEPARTURE CHENNAI.

After breakfast you will get transferred to the airport in time to board flight for onward destination