Magical South India Tour

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Bangalore

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: In Banglore

Morning breakfast at hotel. . Post breakfast full day sightseeing of Bangalore. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Drive Bangalore – Mysore (145 Kms)

Morning drive to Mysore. Enroute stop and visit the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha. On arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon visit the famous Mysore Maharaja Palace, a huge complex belongs to 19th century designed by an Italian architect “Henry Irwin" and built by the Wodeyars. It was the official residence of the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, the Wodeyars, and has two giant durbar halls, massive courtyards, gardens and buildings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Drive Mysore - Coorg

Morning visit the famous Chamundeshwari Temple, located on the Chamundi Hills. Considered as one of the many Shakti Peethas, the temple has an impressive seven-storied Gopuram, decorated with exquisite carvings Afternoon drive to Coorg (120 Kms 3/4 Hrs). On arrival check-in at Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: In Coorg

Coorg, is a rural district in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka. In the area’s north, Madikeri Fort has 2 life-size elephant statues at its entrance, plus a Gothic-style church with a museum on its grounds. Morning breakfast at Hotel, Later visit Dubare Elephant Camp, Golden temple and Madikeri falls. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Drive Coorg – Bekal (150 Kms 04/05 Hrs )

Morning breakfast at Hotel, Later drive to Bekal. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Bekal is a small town in the Kasaragod district on the West coast of the state of Kerala, Bekal is a town located 12 km (7.5 mi) south of Kasaragod town and 14 km (8.7 mi) north of Kanhangad on the State Highway 57. Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala state situated adjacent to the beach. Shaped like a giant keyhole, the historic Bekal Fort offers a view of the Arabian Sea from its tall observation towers, which had huge cannons a couple centuries ago. The state of Kerala is reviewing a plan to start seaplane services connecting Bekal with Kollam Ashtamudi, Kumarakom, Punnamada and famous Paravur backwaters. Bekal in Northern Kerala was one of the top ten travel destinations selected by Lonely Planet Afternoon visit Bekal fort, Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Drive Bekal – Kozhikode (180 Kms 5/6 Hrs)

Morning breakfast at Hotel, Later drive to Kozhikode Kozhikode also known in English as Calicut, Kozhikode is a coastal city in the south Indian state of Kerala. It was a significant spice trade center and is close to Kappad Beach, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. The central Kozhikode Beach, overlooked by an old lighthouse, is a popular spot for watching the sunset. Inland, tree-lined Mananchira Square, with its musical fountain, surrounds the massive Mananchira Tank, an artificial pond. Rest of the day on leisure to enjoy Beach of Kozhikode. On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Drive Kozhikode – Cochin (190 Kms 5/6 Hrs)

Morning breakfast at Hotel, After breakfast drive to Kochi. Located in Ernakulam district, Kochi is also known as the “Queen of the Arabian sea” and it is the commercial capital of Kerala. Visit the famous St. Francis Church, believed to be the oldest European-built church in India. However, it's most famous for the fact that it was once the burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524. Have a short walk to Santa Cruz Cathedral, one of the eight basilicas present in India. It is not only one of the oldest churches in Kochi, but also in the country. In 2004 the cathedral completed 500 years of its existence. Chinese Fishing Nets, undoubtedly Kochi's most recognizable sight, have been there since the 14th century and are remarkably still in use today. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. On arrival check-in at hotel. Visit the famous Mattancherry Dutch Palace which was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in the 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi . Located next is the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Also don’t miss to witness the traditional Kathakali dance show in the evening. Overnight stay in Kochi Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Drive Cochin – Alleppey (60 Kms 02 Hrs )

Morning breakfast at Hotel, Later drive to alleppey. On arrival embark the houseboat also known as Kettuvallams. Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can laze on cushions. Sections of the carved roof of wood and plaited palms open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view. Most of the boats are poled by local oarsmen. Some are powered by engines. Gliding on serene backwaters, visitors can witness an unspoilt Kerala. Meals & overnight on board.

Day 10: Drive Alleppey – Munnar (172 Kms 6/7 Hrs)

Morning breakfast disembark from House boat and drive to Munnar. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. In the forested High Ranges of Kerala there is a valley watered by three rivers. The slopes that rise out of it were once covered by dense jungles where elephants, and ancient men who built stone burial chambers, once lived. The forests are still rich in wildlife but the mountains are now covered in manicured slopes of tea. And the little town in the valley is dedicated to growing, harvesting, curing and selling the drink that cheers but does not inebriate. Munnar languishes in innocent beauty across mist-laden green hills at a height of about 6,000 ft.. The vistas in and around it are breathtaking with the heady aromas of tea, coffee and cardamom wafting from the nearby plantations.. Beyond lies Anai Mudi and the rich tropical forest of the Anamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. and the Eravikulam National Park in Kerala. The Nilgiri tahr in Eravikulam are among the rare breed of mountain goats in the world. The drives out of Munnar are pretty and visitors can trek down to a stream-threaded glen where trout are bred. The green slopes and the dense shola forests in the folds of the hills offer varied, protected habitats for birds. Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques and other monkeys abound. Overnight at Hotel

Day 11: In Munnar

Breakfast at the hotel & proceed to Tea Plantation tour. In the late afternoon you have free time to explore on your own to the breathtaking mountain scenery with a walk. We also encourage you to visit the colorful local market. Overnight at hotel

Day 12: Drive Munnar – Thekkedy (90 Kms 3/4 Hrs)

Morning breakfast at hotel, Later drive to Periyar (150 Kms 3/4 Hrs).. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Later visit to sanctuary with boat cruise. Boat trips on the lake are the usual way of touring the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Thekkady district of Tamil Nadu bordering with Kerala, Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary is one of the most important and frequently visited in India. It conveniently falls between journeys from different parts of Tamil Nadu to important tourist destinations in Kerala. Trips along the large artificial lake surrounded by dense forests is by itself value for money besides offering the opportunity to view wild life specially elephants, wild boar, sambar, etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Drive Thekkedy – Madurai (150 Kms 4/5 Hrs)

Morning drive to Madurai, On arrival Check-in at Hotel. Madurai is an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. Millions attend the processions and ceremonies of April's Chithirai Festival celebrating Meenakshi and Lord Vishnu. Later sightseeing of Madurai, Sri Meenakshi Temple, Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine, Aayiram Kaal Mandapam,Koodal Azhagar Temple & close by places. On arrival check-in at Hotel.

Day 14: Drive Madurai – Pondicherry (350 Kms 6/7 Hrs)

Morning post breakfast drive to Pondicherry. On arrival Check-in at Hotel. Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, gained its significance as "The French Riviera of the East" after the advent of French colonialisation in India. Puducherry is the Tamil interpretation of "new town" and mainly derives from "Poduke", the name of the marketplace or "port town" for Roman trade in the 1st century, as mentioned in The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. The settlement was once an abode of learned scholars versed in the Vedas, hence it was also known as Vedapuri. Rest of the day at Leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: In Pondicherry

Morning breakfast at hotel. Post breakfast sightseeing of Pondicherry whose association traces its origin to Saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the South. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram – the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo, a Saint-cum-Yogi who synthesized yoga and modern science. It is also the final resting place of the ‘Moter’. Also visit the museum (which has rooms furnished with period furniture of French India) Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus. Christmas Celebration at Church. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Drive Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram (110 Kms)

After breakfast depart by surface for Pondicherry (110 Kms 3/4), Upon arrival check in at Hotel. Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram is a historic town that finds mention in ancient Hindu mythology and legends. It was a bustling port city from the 1st century BC till the time of the Pallavas in 9th century BC. Present day Mahabalipuram is a modern town replete with the glorious vestiges of its heritage. You can experience the competitive art works like Sea Shore Temple, Five Chariots, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Varaha Cave, etc. These are the monuments included in UNESCO’s heritage site lists. Relax in the resort. Evening visit Rock Beach. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: In Mahabalipuram

Visit the magnificent rock temples and carvings in Mahabalipuram. Five Rathas (chariots) ceremonial chariots, rock-cut monoliths, named after the 5 Pandavas - heroes of the Mahabharata epic and Draupadi their wife. The Shore Temple by the sea surrounded by gardens designed according to descriptions of the original layout from ancient times. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Drive Mabalipuram - Kanchipuram- Chennai (150 Kms )

Breakfast at hotel and start your drive to Kanchipuram. De dicated to Lord Shiva, the Ekambaranathar Temple has been spoken about by Tamil poets who lived in the 2nd century. During the rule of Pallavas, the original structure was pulled down and new temple was built. During Chola dynasty, the temple was improvised. The temple in its present form was the work of Krishnadevaraya, the most famous Vijayanagar King in the year 1509. Belonging to the 8th century, Kailasanathar Temple is one amongst the oldest structures in the city and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pallava kings were famous for their love for architecture and one glance at the temple would suffice to understand the importance they attached to arts and architecture. The stone carvings with intricate and dedicated workings are beyond words. Spend some time visiting Silk Weaving Centres. Continue your drive to Chennai and relax in the hotel. Overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 19: Leave Chennai

Breakfast at hotel and post breakfast, Half day sightseeing of Chennai. Later in-time check-out from hotel and transfer to airport to board flight for onwards destination. Our services ends with drop at Airport.