Gems of South India

Meet & greet at Bengaluru airport and transfer to your hotel.

Morning, after breakfast we will start the City tour of India's high tech city known as Bengaluru. First visit Bull temple and Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple, which is made out of monolithic rock in 9th century. Further visit Tipu Sultan's Palace. He was known to be tiger King of Mysore, a contemporary of Napoleon who bravely fought many battles with British. Drive to Lalbagh - the botanical garden of South India. Photostop for Vidhan Soudha, and visit the Visvesvaraya Technological Museum which is one of the modern science museum and has lot of attraction for children including virtual game area, 3D theatre, Engine hall, Fun science gallery and Space gallery. Also see the old church of Bangalore St. Mary Basilica and return to your hotel.

On the way visit Srirangapatna fort, the historical site where Tipu Sultan fought his last battle. Also visit Daria Daulat garden and the Palace of Tipu. Later on visit the famous Ranganatha temple. Drive to Mysuru the former capital of Karnataka state is a famous tourist city, also known for its paintings. On arrival checkin to your hotel. Later on the day visit St. Philomena's church, Chamundi temple and Mysore Palace. It is remarkable to note that Mysore palace is most famous after Taj Mahal and visited by more than 3 million tourists. Further also visit Zoological garden and in the night visit the beautiful Brindavan Gardens with all its fountains in action. Overnight in Mysuru.

Morning drive towards the very famous hill station of Ooty. It is a very popular destination in south as it provides very attractive view of Nilgiri hills and second popular destination after Kashmir for Bollywood films. Average high temperature of Ooty is always in the range of 17 - 20 °C, a very pleasant weather throughout the year. It is located at an altitude of 2240 meters high. On the way to Ooty take a snap of Kalhatti Waterfalls. On arrival visit Ooty Botanical garden. Further visit Tea Museum and see how the tea leaves are processed. The famous Nilgiri teas are made here. In the evening enjoy a boat ride in Ooty Lake. Overnight in Ooty.

Take the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor. Arrive Coonoor and further drive to Cochin. The train and panoramic beauty have been shot in most of the Bollywood movies including Indian actor Shahrukh Khan famous song Chaiyya Chaiyya. The toy train pass through many tunnels and bridges through a very lush green forest terrain. Drive from Coonoor to Cochin and on the way visit the town of Coimbatore. On arrival checkin to your hotel in Cochin and overnight.

In the morning visit the Kochi Fort area, Hill palace museum, Paradesi Synagogue and Chineese fishing nets. In the museum on the displays are mural, oil paintings, sculptures, coins and manuscripts which belong to the Kochi Royal family. Paradesi Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogue constructed in 1568. In the evening drive to Alleppey and board the houseboat. Enjoy romantic overnight and dinner in the houseboat.

In the morning checkout from houseboat and further drive to Thekkady. On arrival check in to your hotel. In the afternoon visit one of the famous wildlife reserves of India. It is also a known Tiger reserve. You can enjoy the wildlife safari from the boat while splashing through the waters of the lake. The flora and fauna of Periyar wildlife sanctuary is very fascinating and enchanting. Elephants herds also comes to the lake in large number and you can watch them playing in their groups. Overnight in Thekkady.

Have you ever fancied an elephant ride in India; this is the best time to enjoy the one in Periyar Wildlife Reserve. In the morning go for a Elephant ride in the Periyar Tiger reserve. In the afternoon checkout and leave to Madurai, a 2500 year old city of India. On arrival checkin to your hotel and in the evening first visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a palace built in 17th century. It is built on massive pillars and with a very big courtyard 3700 m2. Later on visit the most famous Minakshi temple of Madurai. The place where goddess Parvati married to Lord Shiva. This is magnificent temple with great Dravidian architecture. It has 14 gopurams or gates which are upto 50 meter of height. There is also a small museum with many old coins and sculptures. Evening walk on the streets outside temple is good way to see people enjoying their faith and devotion. Return to your hotel.

Morning drive from Madurai to Thanjavur and see the magnificent Brihadeshwara temple. The temple is a World heritage site and built in 1010 AD by Chola king Rajaraja I. The temple is built of Granite and dedicated to lord Shiva. There is a 3.66m high linga inside the temple and total height of the temple is 60.96 m. Later on also visit the Tanjore Royal Museum, which has rare collection of very old bronze sculptures. You can also see a 92 feet Whale skeleton here. Drive to Kumbakonam and visit the bronze making school. Checkin to your hotel and overnight.

Drive from Kumbakonam to Puducherry, a city with more touch to French style as being the French colony for long time. On arrival checkin to your hotel. In the afternoon visit Aurobindo Ashram and Ganesha temple. Later on drive to the village known as Auroville where people from all country lives here in harmony. Also see from outside the Golden colour round shape Matrimandir, a big hall for meditation. The people of Auroville have their own economy with handmade clothes and other souvenirs. Return to your hotel and overnight.

Drive from Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram. The heritage village is located on the Beach where villagers are mainly dependent on tourism and fisheries. You will find some of the good seafood restaurants here. On arrival check in to hotel. In the evening visit the Arjuna's penance, Pancha Ratha and Shore temple. These are rock cut architectures more than 1000 years old.

Early morning drive to Kanchipuram. The city has many ancient temples of fine architecture which belongs to early Dravidian style. On arrival visit Ekambareshwar temple, a 1400 years old temple dedicated to lord Shiva and representing the element - Earth. Later on visit Kailashanathar temple. Kanchipuram is also famous for its Silk saree. Visit one of place to see the handwork of saree (female dress). After lunch also visit Varadharaja Perumal temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. Drive to Chennai and departure to airport.