Incredible South India Tour

Duration

14 days

Max People

50

Min Age

10+

Duration: 13 Nights & 14 Days

Route: BANGALORE-MYSORE-  OOTY-MADURAI –THEKKADY-MUNNAR-COCHIN-ALLEPPEY-KOVALAM-TRIVANDRUM (DEPARTURE)

Tour Plan

Day 1 BANGALORE-MYSORE APPROX : (190 KM / 4 HRS)

On arrival at Bangalore airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Mysore.

Mysore is known as the 'City Of Palaces'. There are number of buildings built by the Royal family and are exquisite examples of Dravidian architecture and display grandeur and lavish life lead by the Emperors while they ruled the state. Apart from the Palaces there are number of other tourist’s attractions that one can visit in Mysore.

On arrival check into the hotel and day at leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2 MYSORE

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Mysore

Mysore Palace: is located in the heart of the city. It is one of the largest palaces in the country.. The palace is now converted into a museum that treasures souvenirs, paintings, jewelry, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. It's a Kaleidoscope of stained glass & mirrors. The tastefully decorated and intricately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated rooms. The ground floor with an enclosed courtyard displays costumes, musical instruments, children toys and numerous portraits. The upper floor has a small collection of weapons. The beautifully carved mahogany ceilings, solid silver doors, white marble floors and superb columned Durbar Hall are a fest to the eyes. The palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Exquisitely carved doors open into stunningly luxurious rooms. The erstwhile Royal family continues to live in a portion of the Palace.

Chamundi Hills can be viewed from a distance of about 8 to 10 kms and from all the corners of Mysore City. Chamundeshwari temple is situated on the top of Chamundi hill which is about 3,489 ft. above sea level .The Chamundi temple has always been patronised by the rulers of Mysore. In 1659 Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar built 1,000 steps and huge Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull. This colossal Nandi is one of the largest in India; the magnificent pendent bells around its neck are exquisite. Nandi and the temple beside it are located at the 700th step of the Chamundi Hill ,a panoramic view of the city is seen from the top of the Chamundi hills.

Brindavan Gardens ,one of the most visited places in Mysore by locals and by tourists is the famous Brindavan Gardens. Located about 19kms from the heart of Mysore these beautiful gardens are laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam built across the river Cauvery. These gardens are famous for the illuminated dancing fountains that come to life after sunset.

Later return back to hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3 MYSORE-OOTY ((140 KM / 4 HRS)

After breakfast transfer to Ooty

Ooty also called Ootacamund is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills. Originally occupied by the Todas, the area came under the rule of the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. Today the town's economy is based on tourism and agriculture, with manufacturing of medicines and photographic film also present. The town is connected to the   rest of India by road and rail, and its historic sites and natural beauty attract tourists.

On arrival check into the hotel  day at leisure at your own activities.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 4 OOTY

After breakfast You will visit.

Ooty Lake: This is an artificial lake, formed by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, in 1824. The artificial lake was formed by the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley.

Government Botanical Gardens; was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale and is spread over 55 acres. Lush green well maintained lawns, rare tree species (like the cork tree which is probably the only such tree in India, the paper bark tree and the monkey puzzle tree - monkeys cannot climb this tree), a 20 million year old fossilized tree, an Italian-style garden bordering a clear pool, a vast variety of flowering bushes and plants in myriad hues (exotic and ornamental), fern house with a vast range of ferns and orchids, are some of the many highlights of this garden. A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every year in the month of May at this garden.

Visit the local markets and see the range of fresh fruits and vegetables variety that is grown locally in the farms around.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 OOTY – MADURAI (approx: 300 Km / 6 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. On arrival, check-in at the hotel

Madurai is one of the important cities in South India. The seventh largest city in Tamil Nadu, it is situated in the banks of river Vaigai. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage and glorious tradition, Madurai is grouped among the antique cities of the India. The history of Madurai dates back to 6th century B.C. During that period, the city was the much-acclaimed capital of the Pandya kings. Now, it function as an important commercial center of South India.

Later in the evening visit the famous Madurai Meenakshi Temple.

A fascinating temple complex, ornate by gateway towers with exquisitely multi-coloured images of gods, demons and mythical figures. Enter through the busy eastern entrance (a lot of craft shops here) and move on to see the 1000 pillar hall and the art museum. Also spend time at the massive temple tank and leave the temple through the hall with magnificently painted ceilings.If you are interested in seeing South Indian temple rituals, then don’t miss the night ceremony here. An image of lord Shiva is brought on a chariot to his wife Meenashi’s shrine amidst much chanting, drums, horns and gathering of devotees. An absolute must-see!

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6 MADURAI

After early breakfast proceed for a walking tour of Madurai

By 07 am join Storytrails on a short walk through this ancient city and chance upon her stories; stories that span the length of time – some set a millennia ago and some of a more recent vintage; stories that zigzag the obscure lines separating history and myth; stories of people who made Madurai, and of those who were her undoing; stories of fickle kings and towering monuments, of whimsical Gods and extraordinary mortals; stories that take you behind the scenes for a glimpse into the city’s heart.

Then proceed to visit

Thirumalai Nayak Palace

It is a 17th century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak, one of the Madurai Nayak rulers in 1636 AD in the city of Madurai, India. This Palace was built with the help of an Italian Architect and is a classic fusion of Dravidian, Islamic and European styles.Tirumalai Nayak's Palace at Madurai was considered to be one of the wonders of the South. Thirumalai Palace was declared as a national monument and is now under the protection of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.

Gandhi Museum

Rani Mangamma's palace has been renewed and converted to Gandhi museum. The museum displays information about Mahatma Gandhi, and most importantly it showcases the original blood-stained garment of Gandhi when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. This museum is one of the 5 museums in India (others in Mumbai, Barrackpore, Sabarmati and Patna) known as Gandhi Sanghralayas.

After lunch do Potters Trail by 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm(OWN COST)

At first, God created man in his image, and now, men create Gods in their mould. Join us on a visit to Potter’s village, and watch mud go from the mundane to the sublime. See how a whole village has hit pay dirt and listen to stories of creators – both mortal and immortal. At first glance, it is the archetypal Indian village – sun burned and sleepy. But walk in, and you can’t help but spot the dolls, of all sizes and in various stages of making. That’s when you realise that this village plays host to many Gods, all made of clay.Watch simple villagers turn creators as their hands fashion mud dolls, stand amazed at their dexterity as they gently pack hundreds of dolls into a fire to bake them and observe their skill as they wield paint brushes to bring a blush on an earthen cheek.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 7 MADURAI- THEKKADY (150KM /4 HRS)

After breakfast ,drive to Thekkady

Thekkady, an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserve sanctuaries in India, Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.

On Arrival Check into the resort

Later visit the spice plantation in Thekkady and a Tribal dance performance.(OWN COST)

Overnight stay at the resort.

Day 8 THEKKADY- MUNNAR (APPROX: 100 KM / 3 HRS )

After breakfast, drive to Munnar

Munnar

Tucked away in the sunny tropical Kerala, is a cool green paradise. Away from heat and dust, one can see the State’s finest Tea plantations. The best Hill station of Kerala... Watch the spectacular beauty of Tea gardens. Enjoy the nature, where the cloud turns into mist, which may touch you with a romantic feeling... It is located 1600 meter from sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.

In the afternoon visit the tea museum and Tea factory.

Overnight stay at the resort

Day 9 MUNNAR

After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Munnar.

Mattupetty Dam

Cradled by the undulating plantation hills of Munnar, and not far away from the Anamudi peak is Mattupetty. Situated in the famous hill town of Munnar, Mattupetty located 13 km from Munnar is situated at a height of 1700 m, and is a delight for nature lovers. Mattupetty offers many fascinating sights to relish. Besides the lush green tea plantations, and the rolling grasslands, the Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place.

Echo Point

This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar approximately 15km away and is an admirable adventure destination for the tourists. Some of the popular activities in this picturesque destination among the explicit views of the lush green hills are trekking and nature walks. An appropriate place to disembark for some time, shriek and scream and enjoy the pleasure of your voice coming back. With a panoramic view, clean mountain air, mist clad hills makes this place worth visiting.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10 MUNNAR- COCHIN (APPROX: 140 KMS / 4 HRS)

After breakfast, drive to Cochin. On arrival check in to Hotel

Afternoon proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin

Chinese Fishing Nets

The Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

St.Francis Church (Fort Cochin)

It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.

Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town

The Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

Mattancherry Palace

With its medieval charm is situated at Palace Road, Mattancherry, Kochi. It was built by the Potuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), Raja of Kochi, in 1555 AD. The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace in 1663, and thereafter it was popularly called Dutch Palace. The rajas also made more improvements to it. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas and notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, which are in the best traditions of Hindu temple art. The palace was built to appease the king after they plundered a temple nearby.

Later, visit local spices market followed by watching colorful performing art – Kathakali Dance (OWN COST). Later return back to hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Cochin.

Day 11 COCHIN –ALLEPPEY((65 KM/2.5 HRS)

After breakfast, START AT 9:30 AM TO ALLEPPEY.By 1200 Noon board your private house boat from Alleppey boat jetty  for a cruise through the Vembanad lake .

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 Specialities - delicious fish and prawns.The cruise takes you along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local alcoholic drink) shops, fishing nets pitched for the day's catch, bunded paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each other. The experience is amazing.. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it’s the life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience.The locals’ travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places enroute to savour the rural village life.

Traditional Kerala cuisine  will be served onboard.

Overnight stay in the Houseboat.

Day 12 ALLEPPEY HOUSE BOAT – KOVALAM (APPROX: 180 KM / 5HRS)

After breakfast Check out at 9am from House boat, drive to Kovalam. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Kovalam is famous for its beaches, & is among the most pristine in India. Kovalam is extremely popular among westerners due to its shallow waters and low tidal waves. It is also one of the oldest tourist enclaves in India, which is known among the tourist circuit right from the 1930s.The white sands, the crystal clear turquoise water of the Arabian Sea, & palm trees add to the beauty of the beach town Kovalam. Enjoy Kovalam and experience sun bathing, swimming etc.

Day at leisure in beach

Overnight stay at the hotel in Kovalam

Day 13 KOVALAM

Day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam

Dat 14 KOVALAM=TRIVANDRUM ( (DEPARTURE) (APPROX: 35 KM / 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Trivandrum airport for the return journey.

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