17 Nights / 18 Days

Madras / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram / Pondichery / Tanjore / Trichy / Madurai / Periyar / Kumarakom / Croisiere sur les backwaters / Allepey / Cochin / Ooty / Mysore / Chikmagalur / Hospet / Hampi / Badami / Hubli / Goa / Bombay

Day 1 – Your Country / Madras

Late night arrival. 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! Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 - Madras / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram

Breakfast at Hotel. Leave for visit Madras (also called Chennai).
Madras, now known as Chennai, is a city on the east coast of southern India. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this capital of the state of  Tamil Nadu is India's fourth largest metropolitan city and one of the 35 largest metropolitan areas in the world. The city is a large commercial and industrial centre in India, and is known for its cultural heritage
Madras, the gateway to south India is a centre of south Indian art, architecture, music, dance, and festivals, Fort museum, Government museum and art gallery are interesting. You will also discover the Strong George Saint and the district of George Town. departure for Mahabalipuram enroute visit Kanchipuram one of the oldest cities of India, is a temple town with imposing shrines and famous for its silk weaving industry. This Golden City of a thousand temples is one of the seven sacred cities of India. It served as the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and Vijayanagar Empire. Some of the best temples in the town are the finest examples of the Pallava architecture
Visit of Kanchipuram and its temples in the course of road, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple - in the 7th century AD. Numerous inscriptions are found in the temple, relating to the wars between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas, dedicated to Vishnu and  Ekambareswarar Temple - renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 metre high Rajagopuram, is one of the tallest towers in South India, dedicated to Shiva
Later Proceed to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival Check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 3 - Mahabalipuram / Pondichery

After the breakfast. Visit Mahaballipuram.
Mahabalipuram to explore the stunning temples and giant rock carvings, created by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman in the 7th century. 14 cave temples have been hewn into the cliff face, but even more remarkable are the nine monolithic “Chariot” shrines, each carved from a single boulder, which stand on the seashore
depart for Pondicherry, a former french colony: the town reveals a lingering continental influence in its architecture and layout. Checkin at hotel. visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by a Bengal philosopher in the early 20thcentury. Aurobindo Ashram, you will be transported to a world of bliss and peace. Here the day starts with meditation and visitors are allowed to take a look of Sri Aurobindo and his chief disciple Mother's room.
You will also visit the Pondicherry Museum where among the artifacts you will see the discoveries of Arikamedu, Chola bronze items. Overnight at hotel

Day 4 - Pondichery / Tanjore

After the breakfast continue towards Tanjore. On the Way, visit of the temples of Chidambaram, Gangakondaicholapuram and Kumbakonam. Chidambaram was a capital of the kingdom Chola, more the brilliance of India of the South. Nataraj temple comprises 4 large "gopuram" decorated finely carved Statues of Hindu divinities. The temple of Gangakondaicholapuram, of which the richly decorated tower, measurement 55 m in height, shelter splendid statues, of which those of Ganesh, of Nataraj and Harihara. Kumbakonam is an animated city, re-elected for its temples with the sculptures sharp and coloured. Sarangapani Temple is dedicated to Vishnu, and that of Kumbeshvara dedicated to Shiva. Continue towards Tanjore. Arrival and overnight at hotel.

Day 5 - Tanjore / Trichy / Tanjore

After the breakfast. Departure for an excursion for Trichy. Trichy is equipped with two splendid Hindu temples. The first, the temple Sri Ranganathaswamy, This temple is at Sri Rangam Island, in the middle of the Cauvery river. This temple was built by various dynasties including the cheras, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar Empire between 13th and 18th centuries.  It covers an area of 2.5 sq.km and the main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple with seven concentric walls and 22 gopurams has a north to south orientation. Sri Rangam island is also known as a centre for religious philosophy and learning. The great Vaishnava acharya Ramanuja taught and wrote in the Srirangam School during the 11th century
The second, the temple Sri Jambukeswara, This temple is situated about 2.5 km east of the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple. It has an interior with a large central court, an excellent example of  the Dravidian architecture of A D 1600.  The rampant dragons, elaborate foliated brackets and royal Nayak portraits are incorporated to its courtyards pillars. 
Later return to Tanjore. Overnight at hotel

Day 6 - Tanjore / Madurai

After the breakfast in hotel, Leave for visits. Tanjore was the capital of kings Chola with which one owes the temples of the city and the surroundings. The area, known for its craft industry, is covered with fertile plains, whose rice plantations cover most of the requirements out of rice for Tamil Nadu. The temple of Brihadishwara, dedicated to Shiva, is the jewel of crowned architecture Chola and is registered with the World Inheritance of UNESCO. Departure towards Madurai, one of the oldest cities of India of the South. Checkin at hotel. leave to discover the famous Meenakshi Temple. The temple with its 12 “gopurams” from 40 to 50 m in height attracts pilgrims from all over India. evening, attend the puja ceremony in Madurai Temple Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 - Madurai / Periyar

Breakfast at hotel, Leave for city tour and Tirumalai Nayak Palace, built in Indo – Muslim style in 1523. A Madurai is a city where you can find: the streets are constantly invaded pilgrims, beggars, merchants, oxcarts and rickshaws. the center of Madurai is a vast bazaar where u can find the shops, markets and salesmen mixture
Later Depart for the small village of Thekkady, with the accesses of the National park of the lake Periyar in the middle of the spice plantations.
Periyar- The most attended natural reserve of India of the south, the park of Periyar extends on 777 km square and includes/understands an artificial lake of 26 square meters on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats.  Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. A wild life reserve hence is an ideal place to track down wild life such as Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous other varieties of birds. The landscape here is with very tropical and you will be surrounded by tea, coffee & other spices.

Check in at hotel. Over night at hotel

Day 8 – Periyar / Kumarakom

Early morning Private boatcruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar - an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast.
drive to Kumarakom and board our private Houseboat. Travel through the lush green backwaters towards Kumarakom enroute seeing various local activities of the people living along the backwaters. Our crew will cook the delicious Keralan food and show places of interest along the way. Overnight and dinner on  Houseboat

Day 9 – Kumarakom / Backwaters

Day at Houseboat with some stops enroute to visit the small typical villages. Overnight at hotel

Day 10 – Allepey / Cochin

After the breakfast taken under the veranda of the boat. Leave for Cochin. On arrival checkin at hotel.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour Cochin
Cochin -  is also known as the cosmopolitan city of Kerala. There are number of islands around Eranakulam. Kochi -the Queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting island and has one of finest natural harbors in the world. The other two islands are Bolghatty island and Willingdon island. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea fares followed the sea route to this district and left their impressions on the places around this district.
Over night stay at the hotel

Day 11 – Cochin / Ooty

After your breakfast, departure for Coonoor where you will catch a small train for Ooty. This small city is a health resort perched about 2,280 m of altitude. You will cross the green reliefs of this area, first producer of tea. Arrival and overnight at hotel.

Day 12 – Ooty / Mysore

Breakfast at hotel. Then leave for Mysore by road. Mysore, the capital of great warrior Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore who was killed while fighting with British in 1799. His remains lie in a magnificent musoleum, the Gumbaz. Nearby is the Tipu’s summer Palace, the Dariya Daulat. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Day 13 – Mysore / Chikmagalur

Breakfast at hotel. Morning city sightseeing tour Mysore, 770 m above sea level, The legend takes its name from a famous demon called Mahishasur, a great warrior who ruled as a tyrant until he was killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Mysore as we see today is most famous for the imposing Royal Palace with a magnificent Durbar Hall, particularly splendid during the Dussehra Festival when the Maharaja’s jewellery, studded gold throne (weighing 200 kgs) is on display. Chamundeshwari temple perched on a hilltop is 2000 years old, Nandi Bull half way to the hill is a 4.8 metre monolith. Afternoon visit Somnathpur Temple Somnathpur, Built in 1268 AD, the temple is known for its Hoysala architecture and is seated on a star shaped base, set on a chiselled plinth and guarded at internals by miniature elephants. The temple wall depicts scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharta and Bhagvata, the three holy religious books of Hindus. Overnight at hotel
Later drive to Chikmagalur. On arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 – Chikmagalur / Hospet

Breakfast at hotel Depart for Hospet enroute visit Hampi is An ideal starting point for the visit of the historic site. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 – Hospet / Hampi / Hospet

After the breakfast, Leave to visit Hampi.
Hampi, as it is popularly known today was the medieval capital of the Hindu empire Vijayanagara (the City of Victory). This ruined city is listed as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in India
Hampi is charismatic even in its ruined state. It attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Vast stretches of boulder-strewn hills make the backdrop of Hampi. Dotted around the hills and valleys are about 500 plus monuments. Among them are beautiful temples, basement of palaces, remains of aquatic structures, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, treasury buildings.., the list is practically endless. Hampi is a backpackers’ paradise, the same way the pilgrims’ delight. In Hampi at every turn there is a surprise.
Return to hospet, Overnight at hotel

Day 16 – Hospet / Badami / Hubli

Breakfast and departure for Badami Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Badami is famous for its four cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Continue towards Hubli. Checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17 – Hubli / Goa

After the breakfast. Depart to leave Goa – it s famousfor its beaches. On arrival checkin at hotel. Afternoon free to relaxe at beach. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18 – Goa / Bombay / Your Country

Breakfast at hotel. Day free to relaxe. Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight back home with the sweet memories of India.

Hotel Proposed – LUXURY

Chennai- Radisson Grt Hotel, The Park, Le Royal Meridien
Mahabalipuram- Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove
Pondichery- Bungalow on the Beach/ Le Dupleix/ Hotel De Lorient
Tanjore- Hotel Sangam
Madurai- GRT Regency/ Hotel Sangam/ Taj Garden Retreat
Periyar- Shalimar Spice Garden/ Spice Village/ Taj Garden Retreat/ Aranya Niwas/ Lake Palace
Kumarakom- Kumarakom Lake Resort/ Coconut Lagoon
Cochin- Brunton Boatyard, The Trident Hilton, Le Meridien
Ooty- Taj Savoy/ Holiday Inn Gem Park
Mysore- Lalita Mahal Palace
Chikmagalur- Taj Garden Retreat
Hospet- Hotel Malligi
Hubli - Hotel Naveen
Goa- Cidade de Goa/ The Leela/ Holiday Inn/ Radisson White Sand Resort

Hotel Proposed – DELUXE

Chennai- Hotel Ambica Empire, Radha Park Inn, Ambassador Pallava, Benz Park Tuilip, The Residency, Comfort Inn Marina Towers
Mahabalipuram- Ideal Beach Resort/ MGM Beach Resort
Pondichery- Anandha Inn/ The Promenade
Tanjore- Ideal River View Resort
Madurai- Hotel Germanus/ Royal Court
Periyar- Wildernest/ Tree Top
Kumarakom- Winsdor Castle/ Abad Palmshore Beach Resort/ Abad Whispering Palms
Cochin- Hotel Casino, Fort Heritage, Fort Cochin, The Avenue Regent, Abad Plaza, Abad Atrium Hotel, Abad Airport Hotel
Ooty- Nahar Nilgiris/ Hotel Sinclairs
Mysore- Southern Star
Chikmagalur- Planters Court
Hospet- Hotel Malligi
Hubli- Hotel Naveen
Goa- Bogmallo Beach Resort/ Varca Palms Beach Resort/ Phoenix Park Inn/ Whispering Palms Beach Resort/ Siolim House

Hotel Proposed – ECONOMY

Chennai- Hotel Shan Royal, Hotel Dasaprakash, Hotel Shelter
Mahabalipuram- Mamalla Heritage/ Hotel Shelter
Pondichery- Hotel Mass
Tanjore- Hotel Parisutham
Madurai- Hotel Pandian
Periyar- Jungle Village
Kumarakom- Winsdor Castle / Tharavadu Heritage Home / Paddy Fields
Cochin- Wyte Fort, Hotel renaissance, Abad Metro, Hotel Abad Fort Cochin
Ooty- Nalapad Residency
Mysore- Hotel Ramanashree
Chikmagalur- Planters Court
Hospet- Hotel Malligi
Hubli- Hotel Naveen
Goa- Leoney Resort/ Sterling Days Inn/ Flushing Meadows Country Resort/ Sonesta Inns Beach Resort

Tour Package Includes:
❂ Hotel accomodation as per the itinerary with daily breakfast.
❂ Surface Travel by airconditioned car
❂ All airport, railway station, other transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary.
❂ Local English speaking guides.
❂ Elephant ride in Amber Fort, Jaipur (Subject to availability),
❂ Boat ride in Udaipur (common Boat).
❂ All applicable taxes, parking fees, driver allowances etc.

Tour Package does not include:
❂ International or domestic flights.
❂ Airport taxes, Visa Charges, Insurance.
❂ Entrance fee to monuments.
❂ Minibar, Tips, laundry.
❂ Any item not shown in Cost Includes.

Notes:

• There will be a supplement for Christmas / New Year / Pushkar festival time.
• There can be some variation in the price according to the hotels finally booked.