| Days |
Tour Program |
| Day 01 |
Arrive Chennai
On arrival at Chennai airport or railway station our representative having a placard displaying your name will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay. |
| Day 02 |
Chennai City Tour
This morning after breakfast taka a full day city tour of Chennai visiting Fort St. George, Government Museum, Valluvar Kottam, Snake Park, the Kapaleswara Temple-one of the most famous Shiva temple in south and the Marina Beach-believed to be the second longest beach in the world. (Museum will be closed on Fridays and Birla Planetarium will be covered on that day). Snake Park will be closed on Tuesdays. By evening return to hotel to stay overnight. |
| Day 03 |
Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram
This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Kancheepuram known as one of India's Seven Sacred cities. Visit the Ekambareswar temple, Kailasanathar temple, Sri Kamakshi temple and Varadarajaswamy temple. Late afternoon proceed on to Mamallapuram. Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram. After Check in at hotel visit Arjuna’s Penance-this huge whale back shaped rock contains figures of God, demigods, men, beast, birds, and in fact represents the entire creation. |
| Day 04 |
Mahabalipuram
This morning after breakfast take a full day city tour of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is famous for its stone carvings, sculpted reliefs, rathas and the magnificent Shore Temple which is the most famous monument. The Shore Temple when lit by moonlight is one of the most beautiful locations in the region. The temple is carved from a single piece of stone and has stood for more than 1400 years. Also visit Arjuna’s Penance-a giant bas-relief filled with detailed carvings, including a family of elephants and monkeys. The Pancha Pandava Rathas - five "rathas", literally chariots, dating from the 7th century. The sculptures are complemented by some enormous stone animals, including a large elephant. You can also visit the Sculpture Museum and by evening return to hotel to stay overnight. |
| Day 05 |
Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry
This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Pondicherry at a distance of 162 kms and around four hrs drive. After check in at hotel visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram renowned for the Integral Yoga, meditation and a place to attain inner peace. It was set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, one of India’s greatest philosopher-poets. Later visit Auroville located around 8 km from main city; it was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. Auroville was envisioned as a Universal Town, where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, can live in peace and harmony Nearly 2000 people from 35 countries are living here to realize human unity and transformation of consciousness. During the inauguration ceremony of Auroville on 28th February 1968, the soil of 124 countries was poured into a lotus-shaped an urn, to symbolize universal oneness. Return to hotel to stay overnight. |
| Day 06 |
Pondicherry City Tour
This morning after breakfast visit beach promenade. The 1.5 km long promenade running along the beach is the pride of Pondicherry. On the sea front are several landmarks; the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jeanne d'arc and Duplex, the elegant war memorial raised by the French, the heritage building 'Marie Hall", the 27m tall old light house and many more colonial architecture adds charm to this beach avenue. Also visit Puduvai Museum, Botanical Garden, Manukula Vinayagar temple, Sri Vedapureeswarar temple, Kamatchiamman Temple and Varadaraja perumal temple located in the heart of the city, The Sacred-Heart church and Chunnambar - a river closer to the sea filled with back waters is a charming place to take a boat ride during the sunrise and sunset of the day. Return to hotel to stay overnight. |
| Day 07 |
Pondicherry to Swamimalai to Thanjavur (237Kms / 6Hrs)
This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Tjhanjavur. Enroote you will visit Swamimalai Temple. It is one of the six Abodes (Arupadaiveedu) dedicated to Lord Subramanya, it has an imposing golden chariot made of 7 kg of gold 85 kg of silver and other metals like copper. Overnight at Thanjavur. |
| Day 08 |
Thanjavur city tour and transfer to Trichy
This Morning after breakfast visit the beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadeeshwara which is an outstanding example of Chola Architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is now an UNESCO World Heritage site. Near the Brihadeeshwara temple is the Thanjavur Palace, a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas. The art gallery in the palace, there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. This afternoon proceed to Tiruchirapalli popularly known as Trichy is known for its temple architecture. Overnight stay at Trichy. |
| Day 09 |
Trichy City Tour & transfer to Rameshwaram
This Morning after breakfast visit the Rock-Fort temple which is the landmark of Trichy. A climb of 437 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple. You can also visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Thiruvanaikaval Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sri Jambukeswara Tepmple. This afternoon proceed to Rameshwaram located at a distance of around 250 kms from Trichy. Rameshwaram referred to as “Varanasi of South” is the place where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravana. This is one of the 12 Jyotirlangams of India.
Overnight at hotel in Rameshwaram. |
| Day 10 |
Rameshwaram
This Morning after breakfast visit The Ramanathswamy Temple. Ramanathaswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture. This temple is famous for its 1200 gigantic granite columns, the 54 meter tall gopuram (gate-tower), 1220 meters of magnificent corridors and 22 wells with water tasting entirely different from the other. These are also known for their curative properties. Later visit Dhanushkodi, The chain of small islets and reefs in the sea between Sri Lanka ans Dhanushkodi are collectively known as Adam’s Bridge. Also visit Kothandaraswamy Temple around 12 km from the town is dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana. Ewrawadi at a distance of 24 kms from Rameshwaram is an impostant Muslim pilgrimage center famous for the tomb of Ibrahim Shahid Aulia. Return to hotel to stay overnight in Rameshwaram. |
| Day 11 |
Rameshwaram to Madurai
This Morning after breakfast drive to South India’s temple town Madurai located at a distance of 165 kms from Rameshwaram famous for Meenakshi Temple. Over 2500 years old, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu it is an important cultural and commercial center. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus. This afternoon visit the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Lord Sundareswarar. Thousand of pilgrims all over the country and the world visit this famous temple. The 11 exquisite gopuramas that make up the temple are adorned with figures of Gods, Goddesses and mythical animals. Here do not miss the thousand-pillared Mandapam. Later, visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style famous for stuccowork on its domes and arches. Evening visit to Meenakshi temple again & witness the “Palli Arai” ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at hotel in Madurai. |
| Day 12 |
Madurai to Kodaikanal
This Morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Kodaikanal a charming hill station at a distance of 120 kms from Madurai. After check in at hotel enjoy boating in Kodaikanal Lake. Star shaped Kodaikanal lake is spread over an area of 24 hectare. Wonderful landscaping and boating facilities and the 4 lm long promenade are added attraction. Overnight at hotel in Kodaikanal. |
| Day 13 |
Kodaikanal
If you don’t mind walking to take in the fresh air, we suggest you to take a Coaker’s walk which is spread over 1 km and provide some picturesque view. This Morning after breakfast take a city tour of Kodai town. The Flora and Fauna museum, the Astrophysical Observatory, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks and the Kurinji Temple are the attractions of the Kodaikanal. Overnight at hotel in Kodaikanal. |
| Day 14 |
Kodaikanal Water Falls
This morning after breakfast visit the famous water falls in and around kodaikanal. Thalaiyar Falls also known as 'rat-tail falls’ is one of the highest falls in the world. The 975 ft high fall can be seen while climbing from the Ghat road to Kodaikanal by road. Bear Shola Falls around 2 Kms off the lake is an ideal picknic spot, where once bears came to drink water. Hence the name of the falls became Bear Shola falls. Silver cascade another water fall located 8 km from the lake. The overflow of Kodai lake comes down here, as 180 ft high falls. It is an ideal place to have a bath, Fairy Falls located 5 km from the Kodai lake, is also a delightful picnic spot. A natural bathing base is created here. Return to hotel to stay overnight. |
| Day 15 |
Kodaikanal to Coimbatore
This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Coimbatore know as the “Manchester of South India”. This afternoon visit Perur Temple and Marudhamalai Temple. Perur Temple is one of the seven Kongu Sivalayams anmd the Marudhamalai Temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. Rest of the day is free overnight at hotel in Coimbatore. |
| Day 16 |
Coimbatore to Mettuppalaiyam Station and Nilgiri Mountain Train to Oty
This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Mettuppalaiyam railway station around 20 km from Coimbatore and take Nilgiri Mountain train for Ooty. Train No. 662 Departure from Mettuppalaiyam Station (MTP) at 07:10 hrs arriving Udagamandalam (UAM) at 12:00 hrs. The Nilgiri Mountain Rail is unique as it is the steepest one in Asia and is a UNESCO world Heritage Site. The Railway line from Mettupalaiyam to Ooty is 45.88 km long. Mettupalaiyam is at the foothills with an elevation of about 330 metres and Udagamandalam (Ooty) on the plateau with an elevation of 2200 metres. From Coonoor, the track is uphill till you reach Ooty. If you enjoy taking pictures, keep your camera ready for a few shots of the viaduct between Kallar and Adderley. This ride is sure to be a journey to remember. On arrival at Ooty at 12:00 hrs pick up and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free at your leisure , overnight at hotel in Ooty. |
| Day 17 |
Ooty
Ooty is rightly described as the “Queen of all Hills.” The extraordinary scenaries make Ooty a great tourist spot. The misty dense clouds, the chill weather and the evergreen ambiance make things much fantastic. This morning after breakfast tak a full day city tour of Ooty. The Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, St. Stephen’s Church, Rose Garden, Dodabetta Peak and Stone House are some of the attractions of Ooty. Return to hotel to stay overnight at hotel in Ooty. |
| Day 18 |
Ooty to Mysore
This morning after breakfast your will be transferred by road to Mysore 160 kms from Ooty. This afternoon visit the Mysore Palace referred to as the Maharaja’s Palace. The original palace built wood got burnt down in AD 1897. It was rebuild in AD 1912by the 24th Wodeyar Raja. This entire complex is worth seeing specially the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas. Other attractions of the Mysore are the Chamundi Hill Temple & the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery and the most famous Brindawan Gardens. Stay overnight at hotel in Mysore. |
| Day 19 |
Mysore to Bangalore (140 Kms travel Time 3 Hrs.)
This morning after breakfast your will be transferred by road to Bangalore the Capital of Karnataka and one of India’s happening IT hub. After check in at hotel explore this beautiful city. Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Bull Temple, Venkatapa Art Gallery, The Fort of Tipu Sultan, Bangalore Palace and the Gavigangadhareswara Temple are some of the attraction of Bangalore. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore. |
| Day 20 |
Bangalore to Mumbai by Flight
This morning you will be transferred to Bangalore airport to board your flight to Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai airport pick up and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free at your leisure for rest or shopping. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai. |
| Day 21 |
Mumbai City Tour
This morning after breakfast take a full day sightseeing tour of Mumbai city. The tour includes visits to 26 meters high British-built Arch “Gateway of India”, Mumbai’s landmark built to honour the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Marine Drive dubbed, as the Queen’s Necklace is Mumbai’s most popular promenades and a favorite sunset watching spot. The Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Mumbai. Pass by the `towers of silence’ the crematorium of the Parsis. Also visit Mani Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a museum and research library with 20,000 volumes, The Haji Ali’s tomb. Have fun at Juhu beach, children simply love this place; it is virtually an open air restaurant wit innumerable food counters. Return to hotel for overnight. |
| Day 22 |
Transfer to Airport
Today you will be transferred to International airport to board your flight. |