Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Chennai. Our executives will receive you at Chennai Airport. Your welcome will be your first delightful experience of the Indian culture and a glimpse of your future tour. Our executive will escort you to the hotel of your choice. En route you will catch glimpses of Chennai. In the evening we will organise a tour of the Mariana beach known for its scenic beauty. Enjoy South Indian cuisine specialities like dosa, idly, sambhar and uttapam.
Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram. After leisurely breakfast a representative of our company will drive you to Mahabalipuram with a brief detour of Kanchipuram. Kanchi is famous for its silk sarees. You will also love to view some beautiful temples on the way. We will arrange your stay in a five star hotel at Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram was an ancient port and ruled by the Pallavas. The city was named after a Pallavas ruler Narsimhaverman known as Mahabali. This ruler built various monuments during 7th to 9th centuries. Unesco has declared these monuments as the World Heritage site. Most of these temples are rock cut and monolithic. These temples depict the earliest stage of the Dravida architecture. The Ratha Temples are most famous. There are seven Ratha dedicated to the five Pandavas namely Yudhistir, Bhima, Arjun, Nakul and Sahedav and Krishna and his sibling Subhadra. The shore temples are partially submerged into water. These temples were washed away during tsunami and have been reconstructed stone by stone. The Archaeological Survey of India has discovered many pagoda and sculptures under the sea.
Day 3: In Mahabalipuram: Enjoy the day on the sunny beach of Mahabalipuram. Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 4: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry. After early breakfast a representative of our company will drive you to Pondicherry and arrange your stay in a luxury hotel. Pondicherry is a former French colony. A considerable degree of French influence exists. Pondicherry was designed on the French grid pattern with neat sectors and perpendicular streets. The entire town is divided into the Indian section and the French section. Pondicherry is known for its spiritual contribution in Indian freedom struggle. It was the home of one of the most renowned freedom fighter and spiritualist Shri Aurobindo. You will certainly enjoy touring Aurobindo Ashram. You will love to taste French cuisines with an Indian twist.
Day 5: Pondicherry - Thanjavur. After breakfast a representative of our company will drive you to Thanjavur and arrange your stay in a luxury hotel. Thanjavur or Tanjore was once capital of the Mighty Cholas during 10th –11th centuries. This city is famous for the Brihadeswar or Rajarajeshwar Temple, a World Heritage site. This temple is considered as the zenith of the Dravida architecture. Rajaraja Chola built this temple in 1010. It was the centre of the Chola Empire for many years. Maratha and Nayakas built the Vijaynagar fort during 16th to 18th centuries. Nearby art gallery is known for its collection of bronze and granite statues of the Chola period. We will also visit Kumbakonam famous for the Kumbeswarar, the Sarangapani, the Nageswara and the Ramaswamy temples
Day 6: Thanjavur/ Trichy (54Kms / 2Hrs). After leisurely breakfast a representative of our company will drive you to Trichy and arrange your stay in a luxury hotel. Trichy or Tiruchilapalli is situated on the banks of the Cauvery. This city is known for the temple of Srirangam. It is the biggest working temple in the world. Srirangam is an island in the Cauvery. The Gopuram of this temple is 72 meters high. It is said that coast of Srilanka is visible from the top of the Gopuram. This island is the birthplace of famous philosopher Ramanuja, who propounded the theory of Vishitadvaita or qualified monotheism. The Rockfort Temple is considered as the landmark of the city. This Temple is perched upon 80m high abrupt hill. Other attractions included the Jambukeshwara Temple, the St. Lodurdu’s Church, the Hazrat Nathervali, Mukkombu, and the Grand Aniacut a dam across the Cauvery built by Karaikala Chola in 2nd century AD.
Day 7: Trichy to Ooty: (275 K.m./ 6-7 hrs). After early breakfast drive directly to Udhagamandalam. It is a long journey to Udagamandalam. On the way you will have scenic journey of Cardamom hills. Transfer to hotel and relax. In the evening explore the beautiful Ooty on your own. Overnight stay in Ooty.
Day 8: In Ooty: Udhagamandalam, this Queen of hill stations, otherwise known as Ooty, is in the Nilgiri mountain ranges of Tamil Nadu. At a height of 2,268 meters, Ooty is known for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty. For residents of the south it is a delightful place to escape to from the oppressive summer heat. The best thing about Ooty is that it combines the peace and tranquility of a hill station with the comforts of urban life. Ooty’s colonial legacy extends to very nook and corner, and nowhere is it more apparent than in the Ooty club that is beyond compare. Ooty is characterized by rolling meadows, gardens and lakes vaguely reminiscent of England. It still retains something of the Raj in its cottages and stone churches. The Botanical gardens, with 2,000 species of plants of a magnificent flower show was landscaped and established in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweepdale. A fossil of a tree trunk is a unique exhibit here for it is believed to be 20 million years old. There is also an artificial lake where facilities for boating are available. Pony rides, mini-trains rides, and quiet walks amidst the forest roads are other temptations. The highest peak in the Nilgiri range is Doddabetta, 2.623 mts in height and 10 km from the main town. From here one can have a fine view of Ooty city, Gundalpet, Coonoor, Wellington and Mysore on a clear day.
Lets Explore Ooty :
- Botanical Garden - Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction for those who visit Ooty, one of the most popular hill stations of India. They sprawl over 50-acres and lie on the lower slopes of Dodabetta peak, which is the highest point in Ooty.
- Kandal Cross Shrine - Kandal cross, a Roman Catholic Shrine considered, as the Jerusalem of the East is located in Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri Catholics consider it as the "Calvary of Tamil Nadu".
- Mini Garden and Rose Garden - The Rose Garden is situated about 3 to 4-km away from Charring Cross. Mini garden is also situated on the way to the boathouse where the children amusement park is housed.
- Ooty Lake - The beautiful Ooty Lake is a favorite haunt of tourists. It was constructed in the year 1825, through the initiatives of Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. This lake was built in order to provide an irrigation tank to the people.
Day 9: Ooty - Mysore: (160 k.m. 4-5 hrs). After breakfast drive to Mysore was capital city of the Woodiyars and the father son duo of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan. The city has several places of tourist interests like the Shivsamundram Falls, the Serirangpatanam and the Krishna Raj Sagar dam. The Dusshara celebration in Mysore is famous. You will love to visit the Vrindaban gardens in the evening. This site is famous for magical fountains and lighting.
Day 10: In Mysore: After breakfast have continue your sight seeing tour of Mysore. The island fortress of the legendary Tiger of Mysore - Tipu Sultan, takes you through the pages of history. Every stone, every Temple, every Palace and every Mosque in here has a story to tell. The summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, built fully by wood is today a museum devoted to Tipu Sultan. An imposing structure where the mortal remains of Hyder Ali, his wife and Tipu Sultan were confined. Temple of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping posture on the Great Snake Anantha, is one of the Largest temples in the State. It is a beautiful example for both Vijayanagara and Hoysala Styles of Architecture.
St Philomena's Church - A beautiful Cathedral with stained Glass Windows and lofty Towers. Reminiscent of Medival Architecture. Later in the evening transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 11: Mysore to Bangalore: (140 k.m. 3hrs). After late breakfast drive to Bangalore. On arrival at Bangalore transfer to your hotel and relax. Later have a sightseeing tour of Bangalore that includes The Bangalore Palace and Fort: The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, the foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for it's carving and paintings.
Lal Bagh: Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400-acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held in the Glass House.
Cubbon Park :This wooded and beflowered park was laid out in the heart of the cantonment in 1864. Since then, fairy fountains, an august bandstand and a wealth of atatury have been added. But the most important aspect of Cubbon Park is its newer buildings that have added beauty and cultural wealth. Lush green lawns, shady flowering trees, vibrant flower beds, make Cubbon Park an ideal place for morning joggers and alike.
Government Museum: One of the important buildings, the Government Museum is one of the oldest in India(1886). A special attraction here are the antiquities from Mohenjodaro period. Situated nearby the museum is Visveshwaraya Industrial and Technological Museum named after the great engineer-statesman. Next to the Vtim is the Visveshwaraya Industrial Trade Center, the first of its kind in India. In addition to its trade promotional activities, the Center has two exhibition floors housing a permanent display of all that is manufactured in Karnataka.
Near the Museum is the K.Venkatappa Art Gallery which has a permanent exhibition of the works of the great artist, K. Venkatappa. The Gallery does much to encourage art in the state. Also in the Cubbon Park are the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, which houses the public library, the High Court and the Jawahar Bal Bhavan. The Bhavan, with its toy train, fairgrounds and theatre, is a recreational, hobby and educational centre for children.
The Bull Temple: This temple, built by Kempe Gowda, houses the magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. It stands over 15 feet tall and is over 20 feet long. In Nov/Dec every year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple. The first groundnuts are offered by the farmers to the sacred bull.
The Gangadhareshwara Temple: Known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire, this temple was built by Kempe Gowda. A unique phenomena is witnessed here on Jan. 13/14th every year when the rays of the setting sun enter through the window, pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shivalingam.
The Dharmaraja Temple: Located at Nazarethpet in the suburbs of Bangalore, this temple is the starting point of the annual Karaga procession. The revered idols of this temple are the Shri Dharmaraja Swamy, hero of the Mahabharata and Lord Krishna.
Day 12: Bangalore: Dep. Continue your sightseeing of Bangalore. Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan: This Muslim shrine,located in Cottonpet, a suburban locality, is associated with the Hindu Karaga festival too. The procession annually visits the Dargah of this Sufi Saint, Tawakkal Mastan. His tomb attracts both Muslim and non-Muslim pilgrims.
Jumma Masjid: The Jumma Masjid is probably the oldest mosque in the city. It is an imposing structure with tall ornamented granite pillars adorning the elevated prayer hall. Scores of devote Muslim worshippers throng this masjid during the annual festivals of the Muslims. It is located in the busy market area of Bangalore, K.R.Market.
Ravindra Kalakshetra: The Kalakshetra, built to commemorate Rabindranath Tagore's centenary, promotes cultural activity in the city. It has a superb theatre and houses the Cultural Akademi Offices. Next to it is the Gothic styled Puttannachetty Town Hall whose huge auditorium can easily accommodate over 1500 persons.
St. Mary's Church: Established by a French missionary Abbe Dubois in 1811, St.Mary's church is the only church in Karnataka state to be elevated to the status of a minor Basilica. Every September, The Virgin Mary's festival is celebrated with a procession that attracts people of all faiths. The church is situated near the Shivaji Nagar Bus Terminal.
Indian Institute Of Science (Iisc): Also known as the Tata Institute, is one of the country's finest research institutions, specializing in advanced science and engineering studies.
Gandhi Bhavan: The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, housed in the Gandhi Bhavan, houses a comprehensive picture gallery and other exhibits of Gandhiji which depict the life and times of Gandhiji. The Bhavan is open on weekdays(10:30 Am to 5:00 Pm).
Ulsoor lake: A picturesque lake with several tree-shaded islands in it, is an ideal picnic spot. You can go boating or go for a swim in the nearby swimming pool that is part of the recreational complex near the lake. You can also go to the nearby Gurdhwar, the largest Sikh Shrine in Bangalore.
Vidhana Soudha: This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon park, is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing.
The Bangalore Race Course: The Bangalore Race Course is one of the finest in India, with racing events almost all year round (May to June and Nov to Mar). Some of the biggest field stakes in the country can be witnessed here. Later late evening you will be transferred to International airport for your flight to onwards journey. Tour concludes.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Daily Breakfast
- Special South Indian Dinner at Trichy on Banana Leaf
- Dance show at Trichy
- Boat ride at Lake in Ooty
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