Day 01: Arrival / Bangalore
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as
our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative
would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents
to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest
is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity
to serve you!
Overnight At Vijay Presidency Hotel (Standard
Room)
Day 02: Bangalore
Following a leisurely breakfast, proceed on a guided tour
of the city. Bangalore city has a number of tourist places.
Apart from the numerous gardens, it also has some historical
sites and other places of interest that are worth visiting
and seeing. The Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat, built
in 1954, is the main attraction of this city. It is a marvel
of modern architecture and is a fine amalgamation of traditional
Dravidian and modern styles.
Cubbon Park, the 120-hectare park located near the Vidhan
Soudha, has a number of neo-classical styled government buildings.
The Government Museum of Bangalore (one of India's oldest
museums) and the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial
Museum are important museums within the city. The Lal Bagh
Botanical Gardens, which holds a number of flower shows, especially
during the Republic Day (26th January), is located on the
southern fringes of the city. The 18th-century Tipu Sultan's
Fort and Palace are other important places of interest to
the traveler.
Overnight At Vijay Presidency Hotel (Standard
Room)
Day 03: Bangalore / Sravan Belagola / Mysore
(175 Kms)
After breakfast, ride out to Mysore. Just before entering
Mysore, you could visit Shravan Belagola, which is one of
the oldest and the most important pilgrimage centres for the
followers of Jain religion. It is the site of the 17mtr monolithic
statue of Lord Bahubali - believed to be the world's tallest
monolithic statue.
Upon arrival, check hotel The President
Afternoon, we visit the extremely colorful Devaraja Fruit
and vegetable market where tropical fruits and vegetables
are arranged in fascinating heaps and shapes. Watch out for
the amazing patterns in which fruits and vegetables are heaped
upwards as hills. The adjoining local bazaar is also a very
popular spot with local Indian shoppers where all things needed
for daily use can be found.
Overnight At Hotel The President (Standard
Room)
Day 04: Mysore
The day is planned to explore Mysore. This salubrious and
charming city lies 770-m above sea level is an easy-going
city famous for it's silk and is also a thriving sandalwood
and incense centre. The city is steeped in history. The Mysore
Palace, built in Indo - Saracenic style is one of the largest
and most brilliant palaces in India. It's a kaleidoscope of
stained glass, mirrors, gilt and colours. There are beautiful
carved wooden doors, mosaic floors, as well as exquisite paintings.
Halfway up the Chamundi Hill is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8-m monolith.
It was carved out of solid rock and is one of the largest
in India. Hordes of pilgrims come here throughout the year.
Right on top, is the 2000-year-old Chamundeswari Temple. The
temple provides atypical festive atmosphere without overwhelming
religious overtures.
Overnight At Hotel The President (Standard
Room)
Day 06: Ooty
Following a leisurely breakfast proceed on a guided tour
of Ooty.
Nestled among some of the most spectacular mountains in Southern
India, Ooty is a relic of the British Raj. The towns general
appearance is an unlikely combination of Southern England
and Australia, with single -storey stone cottages surrounded
by trees, fenced flower gardens scattered along leafy, winding
lanes with tall eucalypti stands covering the otherwise barren
hilltops. The other main reminders of the British period are
the stone Churches and the huge boy's school with its landscaped
gardens at the bottom of Ooty's famous lake There is also
the terraced and very English Botanical Gardens, in which
the Government House stands on the lower slopes of Doddabetta
(2623m), the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. From the top of Doddabeta
you can see Connor, Wellington, Coimbatore, Mettupalayam and,
on a clear day, as far as Mysore.
Overnight : Fortune Hotel Sullivan Court
(Standard Room)
Day 07: Ooty / Cochin (250 Kms)
Following breakfast, we ride through tropical forested areas
and the Western Ghats to Cochin.
Upon arrival, check into the Hotel Presidency
Kathakali Dance:
A special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness
the strength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts
episodes from great Indian epics. The extremely stylized gestures,
the elaborate make-up, the masks and the splendid costumes
of these all-male dancers, recreate an incomparable sense
of pageantry.
Overnight Hotel Presidency (Standard Room)
Day 08: Cochin / Alleppey / House Boat
Morning is devoted to explore the legendary eclecticism of
Cochin, a cluster of islands and peninsulas where ancient
Phoenician, Arab, Jewish, Chinese, and European traders came
from afar in search of prized spices, tea, and hardwoods.
Here these influences merged with the traditional culture
to create a Hindu Renaissance reflected in the town's fine
architecture, and its perfection of art and dance forms that
are a focus of your stay. Visit the ancient Jewish Town, the
historic Mattanchery "Dutch Palace" and Fort Cochin,
the oldest European settlement in India. Photograph the cantilevered
Chinese fishing nets and other indelible marks of early traders.
Following the tour, ride to the heart of Kerala's balmy,
coconut-fringed backwaters to Alleppey and experience Kerala's
famous backwaters that comprise of vast lakes and a system
of narrow canals and waterways linking them to one another.
Not so long ago, these waterways served as the backbone of
Kerala's transportation. Alleppey is the ideal place to experience
the fascinating lifestyles of the backwaters
Upon arrival, board the Houseboat for a unique experience
through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of
Kerala.
The materials that go into the making of houseboat are all
local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes,
bamboo mats carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjali
". The Houseboat provides all comforts - Beds, a kitchen,
western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional lanterns are
used as lights. The cuisine is of traditional Kerala flavour
along with the local Specialties - delicious fish and prawns.
We spend the day Cruising on our boat through remote tribal
villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb
experience. Sensational in its own silent way, the cruise
takes you along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers,
coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit) shops,
fishing nets pitched for the day's catch, bunded paddy fields
and manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each other.
The experience enables you to reach beautiful untouched areas.
Overnight and meals in Deluxe Houseboat
(B, L, D)
Day 12: Coir Village / Periyar
Following breakfast, drive to Periyar through fascinating
scenes of natural beauty and some remote tribal countryside.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady in Kerala, is one
of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India. About a century
ago, a British engineer, Col. J. Pennycuick, chalked out a
plan to dam the Periyar River, subsequently, a dam was constructed
in 1895. This resulted in the adjoining forests being granted
protection, by the Maharaja of Travancore. The 55 sq km reservoir
and the surrounding forests, provide protection to the animals
within. Today, Periyar is undeniably, one of the most impressive
wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
Upon arrival check into the hotel Treetop Towers.
This afternoon, we take a boat ride along the lake into the
more inner areas of the reserve. There is probably no sanctuary
in the world where elephant behavior can be watched in such
absolute comfort and safety. The total population is about
800. From the lake we can get as close as 20 meters to watch
placid groups feeding, bathing and mud slinging. We end this
adventurous day at our hotel, turning in for the night matching
the tranquil pace of the forest around us
Overnight: Treetop Towers (Deluxe Room)
Day 13: Periyar / Cardamom House
Following breakfast, we ride to Cardamom House, situated
in stunningly beautiful surroundings on a hillside of the
Western Ghats over-looking a monsoon dependent 400-acre lake.
Cardamom House is owned and managed by Dr. Chris Lucas, a
retired English physician, ably assisted by 6 Indian staff.
All rooms have either twin or separate double-bedded accommodation,
face south, and have modern western style bathroom facilities
en-suite With solar heated hot water. The water comes from
deep bore wells and is potale. With just two guests to each
staff member we can assure that you will, be personally looked
after and "spoiled rotten" during your stay. The
meals are prepared using only the freshest produce purchased
daily from the local markets and the house takes great pride
in the variety of food that they serve.
Meals and Overnight at Cardamom House
Day 14: Cardamom House
Besides experiencing a great, traditional accommodation in
stunning natural settings, we also want you to experience
a typical back of beyond unhurried Athoor village that has
remained frozen in time. We suggest that you simply stroll
through the village at your own pace, absorbing the atmosphere
and watching as the rural life unfolds. On the track you will
pass a Hindu Temple situated under a Banyan Tree, Continuing
your stroll you will pass Banana Plantations, fields of Chilli
and Groundnuts, and of course hundreds upon hundreds of Coconut
Trees. The villagers whose Way of life is dependent on agriculture,
are Very friendly and will welcome you. Some of the Cardamom
House staff either hail from, or are living in Athoor and
will ensure that they are there to help you, introduce you
to people and help with the devilishly difficult Tamil language,
Athoor is truly an unspoiled Indian Village waiting to be
discovered.
Meals and Overnight at Cardamom House
Day 15: Cardamom House / Madurai
Following breakfast, a short drive brings us to the incredible
Temple Town of Madurai. Upon arrival, check in to Pandiyan
Hotel.
Afternoon, proceed on a tour of the city. Madurai is one
of the oldest cities of southern India. It has been a center
of pilgrimage, for centuries. The Meenakshi temple, the main
architectural attraction here, is an excellent example of
Dravidian architecture, with gopurams or multi pillared halls,
covered from top to bottom, in a profusion of multicolored
images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures.
However, besides the temple, our tour includes a walk along
the main street leading to the temple. The well-organized
confusion caused by pilgrims in traditional clothes, pavement
shops of all shades, holy men in robes of different colours
etc add an unmistakable colour and atmosphere to this fascinating
Temple City.
Overnight at Pandiyan Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 16: Madurai / Trichy
Following breakfast, we ride to Trichy. Upon arrival check
into your Hotel Sangam.
This afternoon will add a new dimension to your India experience,
as you sightsee in Trichy with an ascent to the Rock Fort,
and then follow the sacred Cauvery River to the Ramakrishna
Tapovanam Ashram, or residential school, where a monk will
lead you on a tour. Built of pure Hindu Ramakrishna Mutt style,
the serene setting includes grasslands and coconut groves,
a hostel and farm where devotees carry out educational and
social activities. Continue to the Musiri where a scholar
explains the Vedas so integral to Hindu life, with their themes
of creation, preservation and destruction.
Overnight at Hotel Sangam (Standard Room)
Day 17: Trichy / Pondicherry
Following leisurely breakfast, we ride to Pondicherry, upon
arrival check into your hotel LeDupliex Hotel - 5* hotel.
Afternoon, proceed on a tour of the city- Pondicherry. More
than anything else, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo
and the Mother lived for the most parts of their lives, is
a major attraction of this little city. The Pondicherry Museum
is home to some of the most exquisite collections on architecture
and sculpture. Pondicherry also has a pleasant beach alongside
promenade and historical monuments. Some of the other interesting
sites includes the Bharti and Bharthidasan Memorial museums
and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Overnight at Le Dupliex Hotel (Standard
Room)
Day 18: Pondichery / Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram
/ Chennai
After breakfast we visit Mahabalipuram, which is famous for
its shore temples. The sculpture here is particularly interesting
because, instead of Gods & Goddesses, the sculpture shows
scenes from contemporary day to day life - women milking cows,
pompous dignitaries, young girls priming and posing in street
corners or swinging their hips in artful come-ons. Mahabalipuram
is an easy going village of essentially two streets and positioned
at the foot of low lying boulder strewn hill where most of
the fascinating temples and the rock cut carvings are to be
found. It affords a wonderful combination of an excellent
beach, good seafood and the fascinating remains of an ancient
Indian Kingdom.
Later we depart for Kanchipuram, a Hindu Holy City and capital
of the Pallava dynasty from the 7th to 9th centuries AD is
renowned for temples and silk, and you will see plenty of
both. The temples range in date from the 8th to the 17th century.
The latest building was impressive in its size, the height
of its gopuram, the intricacy of its carvings and wealth of
colour, but, the earliest temples, of golden sandstone, are
more aesthetically pleasing, the only colour provided is by
a flock of ring-necked parakeets.
Across the road is a workshop where men sit at a loom, weaving
fabrics that you will recognise immediately as "Madras
cotton". However, Silk-weaving takes place on a grander
scale than the cotton weaving in this town dotted with cottage
workshops. You could visit a factory where all the processes
of spinning, dyeing and weaving take place. Of special note
would be exquisite wedding saris made to order - the silk
is heavily interwoven with gold thread. The sari and blouse
are woven together so as to ensure a perfect match.
Late afternoon drive to Chennai. Upon arrival check into
Radha Park Inn
Overnight at Hotel Radha Park Inn (Standard
Room)
Day 19: Chennai
Following a leisurely breakfast we proceed on a guided tour
of Chennai, one of India's largest cities- Madras is the capital
of the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The Tamillians are the
proud inheritors of a rich cultural heritage, which is one
of the main reasons for their beliefs of superiority over
the hybridized culture of North India. Fort St. George (1653),
built by the British, presently houses the State secretariat
and the legislative assembly. The Fort has an interesting
museum with fascinating collections of memorabilia from the
early days of the British Raj. St. Mary's Church (1678-80),
was the first English church and the oldest surviving in India.
The High court building, built of red sandstone has an interesting
archaeological section and a bronze gallery. The former has
an interesting collection of all major and ancient south Indian
dynasties. The bronze section has interesting collections
of Chola (9th century) bronze art. The High Court, built in
Indo-Sracenic style is supposed to be the largest judicial
building in the world after the Court Of England. The Kapaleshwar
temple is an ancient Shiva temple in typical Dravidian (south
Indian) style. Near the temple, the San Thome Cathedral (originally
built in 1504), is a Roman Catholic Church believed to have
the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle.
Overnight at Hotel Radha Park Inn (Standard
Room)
Day 20: Chennai / Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight back home.
Indicative Low Season Cost Based on 02 People Traveling
Together: USD 1614 Per Person
COST INCLUDES: Accommodation on twin Occupancy Bases;
Daily American breakfast; All journeys as per itinerary in
a Fine Air Conditioned Car; All meal at Houseboat; Services
of professional English speaking local guides as per the program;
Meet and greet services.
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