South India Temple Tour

Day 01 : Arrive Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai. Meeting & Greeting at Airport and transfer to the prebooked hotel. Overnightat hotel.

Day 02 : Mumbai - Bangalore
After breakfast sightseeing tour to Mumbai visiting Gate Way of India, Princes of Wales Museum, Hanging Garden, Tower of Silence Dhobi Garh and Mani Bhawan. Later in the evening transfer to airport to connect flight for Bangalore - the garden city.

Day 03 : Bangalore
After breakfast full day sightseeing tour to Bangalore. Visit Bangalore's botanical gardens before touring the ancient Bull Temple and Tipu Sultan palace. Afternoon free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Bangalore - Hassan (approx 139 Kms. / 4 hrs. drive)
After breakfast drive to Chikmagular. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Later visit the temples at Halebid, one of the greatest examples of Hindu architecture in India, whose walls are covered with detailed friezes of the life and times of the Hoysala rulers. Our tour continues in Belur with the victory temple, Cheenakesvara, crowded with exquisitely filigreed pillars. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Hassan - Mysore (approx 125 Kms. / 03 hrs. drive)
After breakfast drive Mysore en-route visit the opulent Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, occupied briefly by the future Duke of Wellington in 1799. Continue to the chairing city of Mysore. Our tour includes the Mysore Palace whose rooms are a kaleidoscope of colour.

Day 06 : Mysore - Chennai
After breakfast visit Chamundi Hill - the Climb is said to improve one's karma - for Panoramic views of the city and the giant statue of the Nandi bull. In the afternoon we board the modern Shatabdi Express for our train journey to Chennai where we arrive in the early evening and transfer to the Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07 : Chennai
After breakfast sightseeing tour to Chennai. Chennai is a bustling city with a relaxed and friendly character. Tour include the 17th century Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church where Clive of India was married, the Government Museum to view the Chola bronzes, San Thome Catherdal. The evening is free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Tanjore
After breakfast drive for the tranquil seaport of Mahabalipuram (55 kms / 1½ Hrs) where the legendary Pallava Kings Commissioned a range of temples. The most famous is the shore temple, romantically weathered by wind and sea. Later proceed driving to the great Chola Capital - Tanjore (290 kms / 6 Hrs). on arrival at Tanjore transfer to hotel. Evening is free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 : Tanjore
After breakfast sightseeing tour to Tanjore. Visit the Bridhdiswara Temple built in 1010. With a dome carved from a single piece of granite weighting over 80 tonnes, this magnificent temple is now a World Heritage Monument. Also visit the temple of Airavatesvara at Darasuram whose decorative friezes portray mythological stories. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 : Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai
After breakfast drive to Trichy (approx 56 kms / 1½ hrs. drive). Visit the spectacular temple architecture near Trichy at Srirangam. Set on an island in the Cauvery River within seven concentric walled Courtyards, the Sri Ranganathaswami Temple is one of the largest complexes in India. We take time to stroll though the local village. Later drive to Madurai (approx 131 kms / 3 hrs. drive). On arrival at Madurai transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Madurai - Thekkady
After breakfast sightseeing tour to Madurai. Madurai - an Ancient and traditional town is dominated by the colorful and lively Minakshi Temple whose thousand-pillared hall is crowded with exquisitely carved columns. Explore the ruined Thirumalai Nayaka Palace. Later drive to Thekkady (140 kms/3 hrs). on arrival at Thekkady transfer to hotel. Rest of the time is free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 : Thekkady (Periyar)
After breakfast enjoy morning and evening game viewing in the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar where elephant, sambar, bison and spotted deer may be seen during our lake cruise. Thekkady is renowned for its spices, and the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and a multitude of other spices scent the air as we explore a spice garden. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 : Thekkady - Kumarakom
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom (approx 130 km / 4hrs. drive) negotiates some of India's most stunning scenery. From the sea of clouds over the Cardamom Hills we descend into the lush backwaters of Kerala to Kumarakom. The afternoon is spent relaxing aboard a traditional palm-covered rice barge with a lunch of local cuisine as we are punted through the tree-lined backwaters

Day 14 : Kumarakom - Cochin
After breakfast visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Later drive to Cochin an ancient trading Port (approx 80kms / 2 hrs. drive). On arrival at Cochin transfer to hotel. In the evening there is an opportunity to experience the renowned Kathakail dance at a local hall. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 : Cochin / Out
After breakfast sightseeing tour to Cochin includes Mattancherry Palace, a gift from the Portuguese to the Raja of Cochin. The place has a collection of remarkable 16th century murals painted on wooden walls. In the old Jewish quarter we visit the ancient Synagogue. Later the warehouse and shops of Cochin. Also visit the Church of St. Francis and the tomb of Vasco Da Gama. Later in the evening transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.( Hotel Checkout 12:00 Hrs.)