Day 05 - Chikmagalur - Belur - Halebid - Mysore
Drive to Mysore (140 kms / 3 hrs) stopping en route to visit Belur & Halebid. Belur situated on the banks of the Yagachi River, the Chennakesava Temple basks in the glory of one of the greatest monuments of medieval art in India. An outstanding example of Indian temple architecture is found in Halebid. The 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. Tonight, in Mysore view the illuminated City Palace. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 - Mysore Sightseeing
Today visit Mysore city which includes 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; and the colorful and aromatic spice markets. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening drive 10 miles from Mysore to enjoy the beautiful and exquisitely illuminated Brindavan Gardens, sprawling amid gorgeous cascading fountains. Overnight in hotel.

Day 07 - Mysore - Bangalore - board train to Cochin
Drive to Bangalore (127 kms / 3 hrs), en route stopping at Srirangapatnam, where the legendary warrior Tipu Sultan built his island fortress and Summer Palace. Upon arrival in Bangalore, connect overnight train to Cochin.

Day 08 - Cochin
Arrive Cochin in the morning. Check into hotel. Later visit Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Bolghatty Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santacruz Cathedral (Basilica) etc. Tonight enjoy a presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance.

Day 09 - Cochin - Alleppey - board Houseboat
Morning drive to Alleppey (70 kms / 1 & 1/2 hrs) and board houseboat. Dinner on board. You will be passing through series of canals and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages and tropical vegetation. Not only do the backwaters of Kerala link the state together, they are an integral element in maintaining ecological balance and creating harmony with nature.

Day 10 - Disembark at Kumarakom
Arrive Kumarakom Jetty by 10:0 hrs. Check into hotel. Afternoon visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and rest of the day free to explore the natural beauty of the place. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 - Kumarakom - Thekkady
Your exploration of south India continues as you travel to Thekkedy (135 kms / 4 hrs), located on the Tamil Nadu / Kerala Border. This unique wildlife sanctuary is about 300 square miles and centered on an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. Afternoon is at leisure or to explore the place by own. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 - Thekkady - Madurai
This morning game viewing is on board boats, which carry you along convoluted waterways and afford sightings of elephants, bison, deer and occasionally tigers. This tropical habitat makes it one of the premiere reserves of southern India with all manner of flora and fauna in abundance. Afternoon drive to Madurai (136 kms / 4 hrs) a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers. Evening a visit to the Meenakshi temple to witness the evening Puja ceremony. Overnight in hotel.

Day 13 - Madurai Sightseeing - board train to Chennai (Madras)
This morning visit Shree Meenakshi Temple, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Museum. Continue to Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank, site of the Teppam or annual Float festival held in January. Evening board overnight train for Chennai.

Day 14 - Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram Excursion
Arrive Chennai in the morning and check into hotel. Later enjoy an excursion to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, which served as a capital for several dynasties. Visit three of the best temples-Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Continue your excursion to the ancient Pallavan port of Mamallapuram, en route stop for lunch at a seaside resort. Later, visit the 7th-century rock hewn monuments. The shore temple, the only surviving one of seven, is a unique example of a temple built of rock quarried elsewhere and carried to shore.

Day 15 - Chennai (Madras) Sightseeing - Depart Chennai
Your tour of Chennai takes you to Victoria Art Gallery, the Bronze Gallery and Chennai Museum, Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple complete your tour of Chennai. Afternoon is at leisure. Tonight say farewell to unforgettable India and board your international flight home. (hotel checkout 12:00 hrs.)

Contact us for hotels details/options covered in this tour

US$ 1115 per person (on twin sharing - minimum 2 persons travelling together)

Monument Entry Fee List (per person per visit in INR)

Hotel used will be as under or equivalent category