Best of South India Tour

Morning leave Bangalore by an air conditioned vehicle for Hassan. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Halebid and Belur. Halebid:- the chief of staff of Hoysala Kingdom, built this temple during 1121 A.D and attributed to his king, Vishnuvardhana and queen, Shantala Devi. Even then it is learnt that it took 105 years to complete. If one stands on the platform of the temple and sees around he will see the hills opposite and two big bulls facing the temple and Ganesha figure on the south. Belur:- Belur is a small town located on the banks of River Yagachi, in Hassan district of Karnataka. Belur was the early capital of the Hoysala Empire. Belur is considered as the Banaras of South and is thus also known as Dakshina Varnasi.

Overnight stay at Hassan.

Morning leave Hassan by an air conditioned vehicle for Mysore. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon excursion Somnathpur:- The reigning monarch was Narasimha III (1254-91 A.D.) whose full regal title runs into a sizeable paragraph: "Sri Vishnuvaradhana, Pratapa Chakravarti, Hoysala Bhujabala, Sri Vira Narasimha, Maharajadhiraja, Raja Paramesvara, Sanivarasiddhi, Giridurgamalla etc.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning city tour of Mysore visit Mysore Palace:- It is built in Indo - Sarcenic style with beautiful domes, arches, turrets and colonnades. It is the heaven of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up by the 1,000 steps laid out by the Maharaja in the 17th Century. It is a well-known 335 meters high landmark. Half - way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull. It is a majestic 4.8-meter monolith. At the top is the 12th Century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. Form the top you can take a beautiful view of Mysore’s lakes, parks and palaces. St. Philomina’s Church A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style. Stained glass windows and lofty towers make it an imposing structure. The Mysore Zoo was set up under royal patronage in the 19th Century. Its fauna includes rare and exotic species, which are housed in lush, green surroundings. The Zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity.

Afternoon transfer to Railway station to connect Trian for Chennai. Arrival Chennai. On arrival welcome by our representative and transfer to hotel.

Overnight stay at Chennai.

Morning city tour of Chennai visit Amusement Parks India’s No.1 Theame Park at Tambaram. Offers among other amusuments hi-tech ones like space shuttle, wave pool, white water, flume ride, Kiddies Kingdom. Marina Beach, The city’s Marina Beach, bordered by gardens, lies just to the South of the War Memorial. It is claimed to be the second largest in the world, about 13 kms.

Afternoon drive to Mahabalipuram. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Full Day visit Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram:- was the historical capital of the Pallavas during the 7th - 9th centuries. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India. Kanchipuram is famous for hand-woven silk fabrics and saris. The weavers use the highest quality silk and pure gold thread. Kanchipuram is also known as Silk City. Sankaracharya 'Math' is situated at Kanchipuram.

Mahabalipuram:- This is an elegant place to watch which a well established sea port was during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. This was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram. Formerly, mahabalipuram was known and called as Mahabalipuram. The former name of this place ‘Mahabalipuram’ has a history. A very rude cruel king Mahabali reined this place and in a fierce battle king Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu and the place was named after the dead, arrogant kind Mahabali

Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.

Morning leave Mahabalipuram by an air conditioned vehicle for Pondicherry. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon city tour of Pondicherry visit Shri Aurobindo Ashram is situated at the eastern part of Pondicherry. It is a Samadhi of Aurobindo and mother. It is not only a quiet place of retreat but a vibrant centre of life. Pondicherry Museum has whole suites furnished in the French style in fashion, at the time of occupation. Marble Sculptures include the cupid and Psyche, Venus and spring pieces. The arms gallery is another fascinating feature of Musuem. Botanical Garden (entrance south of city old bus stand) which was opened in 1826 has a variety of rare and exotic plants and an aquarium with exhibits showing local methods of coastal Fighing.

Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

Morning drive to Trichy enroute visiting Chidambam and Tanjore. Chidambram:- One of the holiest cities in India, Renowned for its Nataraja Temple. In AD 907, the Cholas made Chidambaram their capital. They built the grand Nataraja temple, which was later enlarged and embellished by them.

On arrival check in at hotel.

Overnight at Trichy.

Morning visit Trichy. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This city has given great Tamil scholars whose contributions to the Tamil literature have been very significant.

Afternoon leave Trichy by an air conditioned vehicle for Madurai. On arrival check in at hotel.

Overnight stay at Madurai.

Full Day excursion to Rameshwaram:- is an island situated in the gulf of manner at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. A very important pilgrim centre of the Indians. Rameshwaram is the place from where Lord Rama, built a bridge across the sea to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage which is known as the Varanasi the south. Evening return back to Madurai.

Overnight stay at Madurai.

Morning city tour of Madurai:- One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.

Afternoon leave Madurai by an air conditioned vehicle for Periyar. On arrival check in at hotel.

Overnight stay at Periyar.

Early Morning Boat cruise on Periyar Lake to see wild animals.

During day time visit Spice Market.

Afternoon once again Boat cruise on Periyar Lake to see wild animals.

Overnight at periyar.

Morning leave Periyar by an air conditioned vehicle for Kumarakom. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon at leisure (Optional can do speed boat ride).

Overnight at stay Kumarakom

Morning leave Kumarakom by an air conditioned vehicle for Cochin. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon city tour of Cochin visit Bolgatty Palace, Chinese Fishing nets, Dutch Palace, Indo-Portuguese Museum and Jewish Synagogue etc.

Evening View Kathakali Dance at Fort Cochin.

Overnight stay at Cochin.

In time transfer to Airport to connect flight for back home.