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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
Cost (Valid till 30th Sept 2009)
US$ 1115 per person (on twin sharing - minimum 2 persons travelling
together)
| Land
Cost includes |
Land Cost Excludes |
- Room on twin sharing basis at each place as per itinerary for
total 14 nights (02 Nights on train, 01 Night on Houseboat and
11 nights at hotels). Hotel check in / out 12:00 hrs.
- Daily buffet breakfast at hotel. All meals will be served on
Houseboat
- Aircon Standard Car (Tata Indigo / Ambassador) for all
transfer and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
- English speaking guide during sightseeing tour
- Kathakali dance show show at Cochin.
- Entry fee & boat ride charge, and Spice plantation tour
at Periyar.
- 02 AC Sleeper Class ticket for Bangalore - Cochin / Madurai -
Chennai
- Govt. Service Tax @ 2.575 %
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- Expenses of personal nature
- Any Airfare Mumbai - Bangalore
- Airport Tax
- Any Monument entrance fee (to be paid directly at the
monuments). Please find below list.
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Monument Entry Fee List (per person per visit in INR)
| Mumbai |
Chennai |
Bangalore |
Cochin |
Madurai |
Mysore |
Elephanta
Caves - 400
Prince Of Wales Museum - 350 |
St. George Fort - 100
Govt. Museum - 300 |
Approx 500 |
Approx 50 |
Approx 150 |
Approx 200 |
Hotel used will be as under or equivalent category
|
| Place |
Hotel Name |
| Mumbai |
BW Emerald / Garden Hotel |
| Bangalore |
Bangalore Gate / VT Paradise |
| Chikmangalore |
Taj Garden Retreat |
| Mysore |
Hotel President / Pai Viceroy |
| Cochin |
Abad Fort / Abad metro |
| Houseboat |
A/c Deluxe Houseboat |
| Periyar |
Hotel Ambady / Periyar Meadows |
| Madurai |
Madurai Residency / Hotel
Supreme |
| Chennai |
Abu Palace / Vijay Park |
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