Best of South India Tour

Destinations Covered : Mumbai – Bangalore – Hassan Mysore – Coonoor -Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Houseboat – Cochin – Mumbai
Duration : 15 Nights / 16 Days

Day 01– Arrive Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Check-in at 12 Noon. Afternoon City Tour of Mumbai. Visit Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum (Museum is closed on Mondays) Fish Aquarium, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills offering nice view of Marine Lines & Chowpatty Beach, Kamla Nehru Park, Mani Bhawan (Where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay) then to Dhobi Ghat. Also drive past Afghan Church, Flora Fountain (Bombay nerve-centre), colourful Crawford Market and Marine Drive.

Day 2 – Mumbai – Bangalore
Morning excursion to the Elephanta Caves (Subject to weather conditions). Across the harbour to the world famous, 1200 years old Elephanta Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous TRIMURTI sculpture signifying the trinity of the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer is located here. Afternoon transfer to airport to board flight for Bangalore. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day 3 – In Bangalore
Morning City Tour of Bangalore. Half day sightseeing tour of the “GARDEN CITY” visiting the Lal Bagh which has a variety of old Trees, Fountains, Lotus Pools, Terraces and an assortment of Tropical Herbs and Sub- Tropical Herbs. Also see the Government Buildings and the Maharaja’s Palace. Rest of the day free.

Day 4 – Bangalore – Hassan
Morning Drive to Hassan enroute visiting Sravanbelagola. Arrive Hassan and check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 – Hassan – Mysore
Morning City Tour of Belur and Halebid. Belur is famous for its Hoysala architecture. Its Temple of Lord Channakeshava is embellished with carving which has few equals in the world. Halebid – The seat of Hoysala Kingdom, its great Hoyaleswara Temple was built in the typical Hoysala style architecture. A stellar base with the emblem of the lion and elephants seemingly supporting the temple, signify stability. Afternoon leave Hassan for Mysore by surface enroute visiting Srirangapatnam. Arrive Mysore and check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 – In Mysore
Morning City Tour visiting Srirangapatnam – 16 kms from Mysore, this fort was the stronghold of Tipu Sultan, son of Haider Ali. Tipu made a last minute ditch against the British in 1799 before surrendering his kingdom. Among the many fort buildings still intact, are Tipu’s airy Summer Palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (garden). Here, is also the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple. Afternoon excursion to Somnathpur. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 – Mysore – Ooty – Coonoor
Morning leave Mysore by surface for Coonoor enroute visiting Ooty. On arrival at Coonoor check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 – Coonoor – Madurai
Morning leave Coonoor by surface for Madurai. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 – Madurai
Morning City Tour of Madurai visiting the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace – A gracious building in the Indo saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes and arches. Evening visit Meenakashi Temple during Aarti ceremony. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 – Madurai – Periyar
Morning leave Madurai by surface for Periyar enroute visiting tea plantation. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 – Periyar
Morning and evening boat cruise at lake Periyar. Rest of the day at leisure to visit Kumily spice market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 – Periyar – Kumarakom
Morning leave Periyar by surface for Kumarakom. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 – House Boat .
Today morning switch over to Houseboat and enjoy backwater cruise crossing the narrow canals of Kerala. Overnight at the houseboat.

Day 14 – Alleppey – Cochin
Morning: Disembark at Alleppey and drive to Cochin. On arrival in Cochin check-in at the hotel. Afternoon City Tour of Cochin.Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing Nets, St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Church. Evening attend the Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 – Cohin – Mumbai
In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Mumbai. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 – Depart Mumbai.
Check out at 1200 hrs. Transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.