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South India Tour Palaces & Temples

16 Days / 15 Nights (Tour Code: PI-0367)
Bengaluru-Mysore-Ooty-Coimbatore-Kochi-Thekkady-Periyar-Kumarakom-Kovalam-Madurai-Thanjavur-Puducherry-Chennai

Day Details
Image Gallery

Day 1: Bengaluru

Met upon arrival at Bangalore Airport. On arrival airport transfer and check-in to the Hotel.

Day 2: Bengaluru - Mysore

After breakfast explore the "The Garden City" you will see Vidhan Sabha, built in the year 1954 is one of the major centers of attraction in Bangalore. The architecture of the building is based on the neo Dravidian style and it presently houses the Legislative Assembly of the state of Karnataka.Bangalore is a booming city and considered fifth largest and the fastest growing city in Asia. Home to well over 6 million people,and a base for over 10,000 industries, Bangalore combines a quaint old world charm with the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolitan city. It is a delightful place with an amalgamation of various rich cultures, crafts, and heritage centers. This city while enjoying the reputation of being a modern, high-tech city, still offers a lot of places of historical interest for the avid sightseer to explore. A trip around the city can be very interesting and provides a varied sightseeing experience with Palaces, museums, temples, churches and gardens. It has an enviable posterity and presents much to be discovered. Despite being one of Asia's fastest growing cities, Bangalore remains one of the most elegant metros in India.A well-planned city,with tree-lined avenues,a large number of parks, gardens and lakes,Bangalore is aptly called India's garden city. Bangalore is even gaining the status of the "Floriculture Capital of India" due to the present blossoming of flower exports from the city. The beautiful parks like the Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are indeed a treat to the eyes.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3: Mysore

In this day for sightseeing tour to - Mysore Palace - This structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style, this place excludes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mandap and the Gallery are the main attractions here.

Overnight stay at Mysore.

Day 4: Mysore

In the morning, go to refresh yourself at a place you will love to visit. You are going to Ooty. Arrive and check into hotel. Later visit Ooty.If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847.The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 hectares. The Gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close.

If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists.

Ooty Lake

If you love the outdoors, Ooty lake is a must see for you. It was built in 1825 and is about 2.5 km long. Visitors to this lake can go for boating on the lake or enjoy their favorite outdoor activity of fishing. If the latter really appeals to you then remember to get fishing permission before you head to buy baits!

Dodabetta Peak

<a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AJG','OTY','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">The Dodabetta Peak</a> stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10kms from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of he valley below. Many say that on a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.

Lamb's Rock

Lamb's Rock is another vantage point that is ideal for taking pictures and is a wonderful picnic spot. It is merely 9kms. From Coonoor and is known for the splendid views it offers of the plains of Coimbatore and the tea states in the surrounding areas.

Kodanadu's View Point

Kodanadu is about 16kms from Kotagiri, and is situated on the eastern edge of the Nilgiri range. It is a great vantage point that offers a breathtaking view of the Moyar river and the tea estates. There is a watchtower here that offers a view of the Rangasamy peak.

Overnight stay.

Day 5: Mysore - Ooty

Morning drive to Coimbatore airport to connect flight to Cochin.On arrival at Kochi transfer to the hotel.Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6: Ooty

Morning after breakfast visit Jewish Synagogue-Built in 1568, the oldest synagogue in the common wealth stands, adorned by hundreds of exquisite hand painted Chinese tiles in blue & white <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AN9','COK','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">St. Francis Church</a> - Originally built out of wood in 1503 and thus earning fame as the oldest European church in India. <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AH9','COK','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Dutch Palace</a> - As you climb its stone steps you enter a different world of Palanquins and heraldy, and rich murals. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 7: Ooty - Coimbatore

Today you will drive to Periyar. Arrive and check-in at hotel. In the evening enjoy boat ride at Lake. Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. To maximise you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own boat

Overnight stay.

Day 8: Coimbatore - Kochi

Morning for Jungle activities.Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God's Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake.

Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park

Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.

The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national park often see a Python and sometimes even a King Cobra.

In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more.

Proceed from Periyar to Kumarakom. Overnight at Kumarkom.

Day 9: Kochi

Morning depart by surface to Kovalam. On arrival transfer to hotel in Kovalam.

Day 10: Kochi

Full day free to relax on beach.Spend the moments of leisure at the beach site, especially during sunset. Laze on the golden sands and walk on it, to marvel at lush greenery all around. Relish at variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisines that will delight the foodies. The restaurants alongside the beach serves some lip-smacking Kerala sea food and continental cuisines including German and Swiss specialties.Kovalam beach is a one stop answer to all adventure buffs. It is a dream destination to indulge yourself in various thrilling adventure sports within the territory of this exotic beach in your Kovalam tour. Visitors can experience the tremendous joy of surfing, swimming, skiing and kayaking in the vast azure water of Arabian sea which touches the golden sands of Kovalam. The safe zones for adventure sports are marked with the green flag and the area with red flags in not safe for the tourists. Add more fun to your trip by indulging yourself in angling. Hire the boat from fisherman and set out to catch colorful fishes.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Kochi - Thekkady

Morning drive to Madurai. On arrival 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.On arrival transfer and check-into the Hotel.Evening visit Meenakshi Temple - This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town - a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. Overnight stay.

Day 12: Thekkady

After breakfast drive to Thanjavur. On arrival check in at Hotel.Afternoon sightseeing of Thanjavur visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort built by great Chola king in the 10th century it is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. On the top of the apex of 63 meters high, a dome is said to be constructed from a single piece of granite, weighing an estimated 81 tones.Thanjavur Palace & Museum the palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built by the Nayakas around 1550 and partly by the Maratha. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 13: Periyar - Kumarakom

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry enroute sightseeing of Chidambaram -9th Century Shiva Temple one of the oldest and magnificent temples of the South. Shiva Natrala or the Dancing Shiva stands in his cosmic dance pose in the golden rooted sanctorum. Flanking the temple are 108 sculptured illustrations of Bharat Natya Shashtra, Kumbakonam. On arrival Pondicherry check in at Hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 14: Kumarakom

Morning excursion tour of Auroville and <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AAP','PNY','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Sri Aurobindo Ashram</a> and explore the archaeological excavations and French period furniture. Later drive to Chennai. On arrival check in to Hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 15: Kumarakom - Kovalam

Full day for excursion to Kanchipuram Temple and covering Mahishasurmardini caves in Mahabalipuram. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty, bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage.Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. 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.

It was during the reign of King Narasimha Varman I, the name Mahabalipuram was changed. It was renamed mahabalipuram which is called till now. There is a story behind. The name Mamallpuram king Narasimha Varman I was a great and valiant warrior. He was given the title Mamalla which means ‘the great wrestler' so the name was converted from Mahabalipuram to mahabalipuram considering the great king and his achievements.

It is believed that there were seven magnificent temples what are known as the seven pagodas, built near the sea share. But the lonely survivor is the shore temples. It was originally constructed during the 7th century and later it was Narasimha Varman II, (Rajasimha) completed the skilled work in his rule. This is one of the oldest of the south Indian Temples which were structural temples constructed in the nature Dravidian style. There are three temples of which two Shiva Temples face east and west respectively. The other one is the Vishnu Temple. The Vishnu temples were built by Narasimha Varman I and the other two were built by Narasimha Varman II. One can find the beautifully carved twin Dwarka Palaks (gate keepers) at the entrance of the east facing Shiva Temples. On both sides of the temple inside are the marvelous sculptures of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu with their better halves. The top part of the Shivalinga figure inside the temple is found damaged. There are sculptures of Somaskanda - lord Shiva with his better half, Parvati, and his sons, Skanda and Ganesha are found on the near wall. Apart from Lord Shiva's sculpture, one can find the sculptures of Narasimha and Goddess Durgha also.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 16: Kovalam

On time transfer to the airport to connect flight for your onward destination.