South India Coast To Coast

TOUR DAYS: 15 Nights & 16 Days

Bangalore (Arrival) - Mysore - CALICUT - Cochin - BACKWATERS (HOUSE BOAT) - Kovalam - PERIYAR - Madurai - Swamimalai - Mamallapuram - Chennai (Departure)

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

» NAC - non air conditioned House Boat

» AC - air conditioned House Boat

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis with daily breakfast at listed hotels or equivalent
• Transportation/Transfers by Air Conditioned Vehicle for entire tour as per itinerary
• Sightseeing as per package details
• Service of English speaking local guide at sightseeing spots at Bangalore, Mysore, Cochin, Periyar, Madurai,

Tanjore and Mamallapuram

• One Free Ayurveda General body Massage at Kadavu Resort

• Kathakali dance performance visit at Cochin

• One night on House Boat on full board basis

• Boat trip and Jungle Trekking at Periyar park

• Last day fare well dinner at Mamallapuram

• All applicable taxes (including service tax of 4.90%)

TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Meals other than those listed as inclusive above
• Entrance fees or charges which may be payable at all sight seeing destinations
• Expenses of a personal nature such as: tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc.
• All Internal and/or International flight charges
• Any other cost/expense other than those listed in above inclusions

PRICE INFO AND VALIDITY:

• The Summer Season valid from 15^st April to 30^th of September 2008 only

• The Winter Season valid from 01^st Oct to 31^st March-2008 only

• Peak season quote valid from 20^th Dec to 10th Jan-2008 only

• The above quote is valid from 02 minimum paying persons onwards

• The above quote is subject to change with a proviso that increase of hike in price of fuel/tax, the given quote may vary accordingly

TOUR LODGING MEALS:

MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED except for those mentioned in the program. In most places there is a vast selection of excellent Indian food available. Breakfast and light lunches cost USD 3- 5, while dinner in a more up-market restaurant may cost USD 7. Snacks like sandwiches, patties, samosas and pakoras can be bought on the streets easily for just a few rupees.

TOUR ITINERARY:

DAY 01: ARR. IN BANGALORE

Upon arrival at Bangalore, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer to Hotel. After lunch at 14.00 pm we start a sight seeing tour around Bangalore. Our sightseeing program contains: an ISCON Temple (International Society of Krishna Consciousness), the Bull Temple - with a magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull Nandi (the biggest in South India) and majestic Vidhana Saudha the State legislature house. The impressive day trip you can complete with excited nightlife activities. Nightlife in the town is mostly along Brigade Road, Residency Road or Church Street. For quiet, elegant drinking the best locations would be the 5-star hotels, such as Jockey Club at the Taj Residency or the Polo Club at the Oberoi. A taste of colonial grandeur you will find at the Colonnade at the Taj West End. Other places for going out for a drink are: Down Town, Guzzler Inn, Nasa, Oasis, Pecos a Pinch of Jazz. (Overnight stay in Mysore)

DAY 02: BANGALORE - MYSORE (140 km / 3 h)

Departing the hotel at 08.00am we drive to Mysore - the palace city of South India. On arrival at Mysore, sight seeing tour of Mysore is awaiting of you. We will visit the Famous “Maharaja’s Palace Built in Indo Sarcenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world it was once the residence of Wodeyar. Intricately carved doors open to luxuriously furnished rooms. The palace is especially magnificent on Sunday nights and during festivals. Later drive to hotel and check in. In the evening we will visit Chamundi Hill Standing as the crown jewel of Mysore, Chamundi Hills is the abode of all-powerful Goddess, Chamundi or Chamundeswari with its carved in granite bull. (Overnight stay in Mysore)

DAY 03: MYSORE (Excursion to Somnathpur, Srirangapatnam and Ranganathittu)

After early breakfast at 08.00am we precede for a day return excursion to Somnathpur and Srirangapatnam. In Somnathpur we will visit the Hoyasala temple, which stands in the middle of a walled compound. All around the temple is an open verandah having 64 cells and it stands on a raised platform. After, we will bring you to Srirangapatnam. Located about 15 kilometers from Mysore Srirangapatnam Temple is a blend of Hoyasala and Vijayanagar architecture. The island derives its name from the deity of the temple located on its western side where the major dynasties of the South have left their relics and monuments here the Hoyasala, the Vijayanagar kings of Chandragiri, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan and finally the French and British. After sightseeing of Srirangapatnam around 1.00 pm break for lunch at a nice resort in same town. After lunch we visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary on one of the three islands on the River Kavery. Ranganathittu is an important Asian nesting and breeding ground for migratory birds from across the planet. Here you can spot some species of birds: Spoonbills, Open Bill Storks, Darters, White Ibis, Little Cormorants, Egret, Heron, Partridge, River tern, Stone Plougher, Snake Bird, and other exotic bird. We return to hotel and refresh/relax. (Overnight stay in Mysore)

Depart from the hotel after early breakfast, we drive to Calicut (Kozhikode) - the erstwhile capital of powerful Zamorins, is a historical town with a hoary past. It attained a position of pre-eminence in the trade of pepper and other spices, which made it India’s emporium to international trade. It is also a marketing center for commodities like pepper, coconut, coffee, rubber, lemon grass oil etc. On arrival you will check in to hotel in a charming location with groves of swaying, graceful coconut palms facing the dancing ripples on the water. This unique and languorous backdrop is a tranquil spot and ideal getaway. In Kadavu Resort you will experience the traditional keralian Ayurveda massage. (Overnight stay in Calicut)

DAY 05: CALICUT - COCHIN (224 km / 5 h)

Checkout from hotel after breakfast we drive to Cochin - a cosmopolitan city in the federal state of Kerala. On arrival you will check in to hotel and rest of the day is for your own activities. (Overnight stay in Cochin)

After breakfast, at 09.00am proceed for sight seeing tour of Cochin visiting - - The Jewish Synagogue’ at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, - The St. Francis Church’, the oldest European Church in India, - The Santa Cruz Basilica’ originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, The Dutch Palace, Spice market at the narrow streets and the - Chinese fishing nets’ are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Return to hotel for lunch and later in the evening at 05.30pm visit the famous dance drama of Kerala, the “Kathakali”. This dance can be characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. (Overnight stay in Cochin)

DAY 07: COCHIN - ALLEPPEY (House boat cruise ; Alleppey Round Trip ) (65 km / 1,5 h)

After breakfast, by 10:30 check out from the hotel and we drive to Alleppey - the land of Backwater. In Alleppey you will go for a cruise on the traditional House Boat (Kettu Valam) of Kerala Style which brings you along the narrow, quiet, small villages over 900 km of the labyrinth water world, lined with coconut palms. On the House Boat you will experience the typical food of Kerala, sunbathing on the deck, staying away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. While this trip you can observe the daily activities of the village people, living in the Backwaters area making traditional boats, coconut oil and designing toys with coconut shells. (Overnight stay on the House Boat)

DAY 08: ALLEPPEY - KOVALAM (160 km / 4 h)

Disembark from Houseboat by 10 a.m. and drive to one of the renowned destinations for leisure Kovalam. The journey takes you through the tropical landscape of Kerala. Kovalam beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in South India. On arrival Kovalam check in to hotel and rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight stay in Kovalam)

DAY 09: KOVALAM (Excursion to Kanyakumari)

In the early morning we will visit in Kanyakumari. Located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet, it offers a spectacular view of the sunrise and sunset. Kanyakumari is famous for its on the seaside built a large, beautiful Vivekanda Memorial dedicated to the Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda who, as it is said have meditated here before setting out as an important religious crusader in India. The memorial has been built on the Vivekananda Rock where the great philosopher went into meditation that transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of this century.

We will undertake a boat trip to visit the Vivekanda Memorial. After we will visit Gandhi Memorial, which was built on the spot where the urn containing his ashes was kept for the public to pay the last respect, before immersing at the confluence of the three seas. The Memorial is a testimony to a blend of rich Indian heritage and modern architecture. En route we will visit the famous wooden Padamanabhapuram Palace complex located in a small village. Return to hotel late evening. (Overnight stay in Kovalam)

DAY 10: KOVALAM - PERIYAR/THEKKADY (245 km / 6 h)

After breakfast, around 7:30 a.m. check out from the hotel and drive to Periyar. Periyar, also called Thekkady is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in South Indian. Spread across 777 sq km in the picturesque rainforests of the Western Ghats, this is the only sanctuary in India that offers the unique opportunity of viewing wild life in their natural habitat. Apart of the wild life reserve the landscape here is surrounded by tea, coffee cardamom, cloves, pepper and other Indian spices. On arrival you will check in to the hotel. At around 4 p.m. you will proceed for a guided plantation tour to a nearby garden where various species of spices and other aromatic plants are cultivated. The guide will explain and clarify your doubts according the species used in the Indian cuisine. After the plantation tour we will visit the tea factory where you can see the process of producing the tea. (Overnight stay in Periyar)

DAY 11: IN PERIYAR / THEKKADY

Early morning at 06.00 am we will take you on a guided Jungle walk at the Periyar tiger Reserve National Park. This 3-hour-walk (not very hard) is very interesting and gives you the chance to see the wildlife life at a very close distance. Periyar Reserve is a home to herds of elephants, sambar, gaur, macaques and Nilgiri Langur. If you are lucky you may even spot the rarely sighted leopards and tigers. Return to hotel and rest. At 3.30 p.m. we will take you on the 2-hour Boat Cruise on the Periyar Lake - the best way to observe the wildlife in its nature. During this journey you can see the wild animals along the shore bathing, drinking, resting and foraging. It is an excellent spot to see a family of elephants, wild boar and sambar deer by the water's edge. Other animals you may observe in Periyar are otters and porcupines. Also turtles can often be seen sunning themselves on the pieces of wood that stick out of the water. Osprey and Cormorants belong to the most important species of birds in this area. (Overnight stay in Periyar)

DAY 12: PERIYAR - MADURAI (170 km / 4 h)

Depart from hotel at 8:00 a.m. and the journey is going on to Madurai - the old city of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Situated on the bank of the River Vaigai, Madurai has been once the capital of the Pandyan Empire for nearly thousand years and an important centre of worship, cultural and commerce for a long time. Today the town is considered as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and is famous for its impressive temple dedicated to Meenakshi, Lord Shiva's consort. On arrival you will check in to hotel. By 2:00 p.m. we take you on a sight seeing tour around Madurai. First we will visit Meenakshi temple - one of the largest temple complexes in South India a fantastic example of Dravidian architecture. Its 12 highly decorative gopuras are adorned with carvings of celestial and animal figures. After, we will visit Tirumalai Nayak Palace - a gracious edifice built in the Indo-Saracenic style and Gandhi Museum. Later you will return to the hotel. In the evening we will attend a fantastic night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, where God Shiva is lead to the bedroom of his wife, Meenakshi. Madurai is a great place to look for bronze statues, carpets or other souvenirs. (Overnight stay in Madurai)

DAY 13: MADURAI - TANJORE - KUMBAKONAM (240 km / 5 h)

After early breakfast (by 8 a.m.) you will check out from the hotel and we bring you to Tanjore - the Chola Citadel. Tanjore, a city that has been a home to history and the heartland of hospitality, art, culture, heritage governance, civilization and immortal music, remains a souvenir of a royal past and yet has the resilience of a rising future. Upon arrival we will go on a sight seeing tour around Tanjore. On a program is Heritage Brihadeshwara Temple an exquisite example of the Chola architecture, declared as world heritage monument with several pillared halls, shrines and 250 linga enshrined along the outer walls. Further you will visit the Maratha Royal Palace and museum was built partly by Nayaks and partly by Marathas - royal family resides in this Palace. It is a fascinating building with huge corridors, specious halls, decorated rooms, tall observation towers, beautiful stucco works, wonderful fresco painted walls and ceilings, an underground tunnel and intricate carvings. Further we head to Swamimalai. Upon arrival you will check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for relaxation. (Overnight stay in Swamimalai)

DAY 14: KUMBAKONAM - PONDICHERRY - MAMALLAPURAM (255 km / 6 h)

After early breakfast around 8:00 a.m. check out from the hotel drive to the laid-back beach resort of Mamallapuram. En route we will visit a former French colony Pondicherry which has retained some of its French charms to this day with its well-laid wide and grid-like streets carrying French names, grand boulevards and bouquets of bougainvillea hanging over the ivory-colored walls of colonial mansion. Pondicherry has the exotic charms of sandy beaches, clean promenades, temples, monuments, heritage villas, quaint old - world town and spiritual mystique, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. Later we drive to Mamallapuram. Upon arrival in Mamallapuram you will check in to hotel. The rest of the day is free for own activities. (Overnight stay in Mamallapuram)

DAY 15: IN MAMALLAPURAM

Mamallapuram also known as Mahabalipuram is situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Mamallapuram, a site of many sculptural marvels was once a port city of Pallavas is listed today as a world heritage site and is a renowned center for stone carving. The Pallavas have mastered many marvelous monuments with Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas and Temples where the various panels on the walls depict scenes from Hindu mythology and fables from the Panchatantra. After breakfast we will take you on a sight seeing tour around Mamallapuram. On this tour we will visit "Arjuna's Penance" - the largest Bas Relief whale-back shaped rock contains figures of Gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds and infant represent the entire creation, the "Five Rathas", also known as Pancha Pandava Rathas consist of five monolithic temples where each temple is created in different style. Then we will visit "The shore Temple" the oldest temples in South India, which was built in the 8 century AD, constructed in Dravidian style. This temple has two shrines, one for Shiva and another for Vishnu. For lunch we take you to one traditional Indian restaurant. After lunch we proceed with our tour towards Tiger's Cave which was once an open-air theatre and performed cultural program. At the end we will visit the Crocodile Park located just 14 km from Mamallapuram, which keeps over 1500 crocodiles of several specious of Indian and African alligators, kept in their natural surroundings in open pools and can be viewed from a safe proximity. (Overnight stay in Mamallapuram)

DAY 16: MAMALLAPURAM - CHENNAI (DEPARTURE)

You will check out from the hotel according to your flight timing and we bring you to the airport in Chennai to catch your flight back to your country or origin.

TOUR ADDITIONAL PRICE INFO:

Entrance fees are not included. Most entrance fees in India are not more than USD$2. PLEASE NOTE that there is often an additional camera charge, though this again will not usually be more than USD$2. The charges for using a Video camera are more expensive and will usually be around USD$5