Chenai - Goa Overland

Upon arrival in Chennai(formerly known as Madras), our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Hotel in Chennai. On arrival - check in to hotel. (Overnight at hotel in Chennai)

The following day, after an early breakfast checkout from the hotel at 08.00am and we proceed for a colonial tour of Chennai. Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai offers several sights and sounds to savour. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government’s secretariat and is a famous landmark. Another colonial structure worth visiting in the city of Chennai is Santhome Cathedral which was built around 14th/15th century. In addition to above the Kapaleeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the oldest temple in Chennai and the Parthasarathy temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is another important temple worth visiting. After sight seeing of Chennai around 12.00 pm we proceed to reach the laid back beach town of Mamallapuram, about half an hour away. On arrival check in to the hotel and rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy the sandy beach at this heritage town. (Overnight in Mamallapuram) 

After breakfast we go on an interesting ‘History walk of Mamallapuram’ including seeing a snake charmer. We visit a sculpture studio and have a meal at a local restaurant which uses banana leaves for plates. This interesting walk starts at the The Arjuna`s Penance (Bass Relief) and onward visiting monuments of Krishnas Butterball, Rayalagopuram, Ganeshratha, Varahacave, Ottikkal mandapam, Trimurthi caves, Koneri mandapam, Lions throne, Mahishasuramardini mandapam, Dharmaraja mandapam, Ramanuja mandapam, Five rathas (symbolises equality of men & women) & to end with at the famous Shore temple. Rest of the day is at leisure on the beach. (Overnight in Mamallapuram) 

After early breakfast checkout from the hotel at 07.30am and we drive to Kancheepuram - the temple town. On arrival at Kancheepuram sight seeing tour visiting - the famous temples of Varadaraja perumal (dedicated to lord vishu / the 1000 pillard hall is the most attraction), Ekambareshwar(houses the 3000yrs old mango tree which is still alive) & Kailasanathar(dedicated to god Shiva / oldest temple in Kancheepruam).  Onward we visit the traditional sari weaver’s society. Silk has been intermingled with the life and culture of the Indians. Though India is producing all the varieties of silk i.e., dress materials, scarves/stoles, readymade garments, etc., the silk Saris are unique. The Sari is almost synonymous with the word silk. It is the traditional costume of Indian woman since time immemorial. There are innumerable references in Indian literature about this draped garment and the style of wearing differs from time to time, region to region and people to people. The silk saris of India are among the living examples of the excellent craftsmanship of the weavers of the country. After visiting here we break for lunch around 12.00noon and after lunch we drive to reach Bangalore - The Garden city of South India. On arrival Check in to the hotel and rest. (Overnight in Bangalore) 

Day 5, after breakfast we have a sightseeing tour of Bangalore visiting - The Vidhan Soudha, the major attraction in Bangalore. The building is a massive neo-Dravidian building currently functioning as the state legislative assembly. The Cubbon Park in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh (famous for the blooming red roses), Bangalore Palace - built in the year 1887 with architecture based on Tudor Style. The Venkatappa Art Gallery - which houses about 600 paintings. The Tipu's Palace and the adjoining fort are fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture which also offer a glimpse into the Mughal lifestyle of the day. We return to the hotel around 12.30pm and free afternoon for your own activities. In the evening we visit the ISKCON Temple (International Society For Krishna Consciousness). Visit this ornate temple built on a hillock with granite, marble and Korean glass, this huge cultural complex was established to promote Vedic culture and spiritual learning. It houses various deities, including Krishna, Balaram and Radha. (Overnight in Bangalore)  

After breakfast we drive to Mysore 3 hours away - the palace city of South India. On arrival at Mysore we have a sight seeing tour visiting - the Famous “Palace of Mysore”. Built in 1912 in the indo Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. We then go on to The “Jayachanarajendra Art Gallery” housed in the Jaganmohan palace. This has a collection of Exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. We then drive to our hotel and check in. At 16.00hrs we visit the bull temple (a 4.8mts monolith) in the middle of hill on the way to Chamundi temple and then visit the “Chamumdi Hill Temple” at a height of 1062mts. The 2000-year-old temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. A seven storey, 40mts high tower, dominates the temple. (Overnight at hotel in Mysore)

On the 7th day, after an early breakfast at 08.00am we proceed for a day return excursion to Somnathpur and Srirangapattinum. Somnathpur - one need not search far for its history. An inscribed stone slab, in old Kannada, at the entrance says it all. The reigning monarch was Narasimha III (1254-91 A.D.) whose full regal title runs into a sizeable paragraph: "Sri Vishnuvaradhana, Pratapa Chakravarti, Hoysala Bhujabala, Sri Vira Narasimha, Maharajadhiraja, Raja Paramesvara, Sanivarasiddhi, Giridurgamalla etc. Later we drive to Srirangapatnam - place with ancient history is an Island fortress town on the bank of river cauvery. Visit the Srirangapatnam fort and the summer palace of Tippu sultan. After sightseeing of Srirengapatnam around 13.30hrs break for lunch at a nice resort in same town. After lunch we visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary at a 3km distance on one of the three islands in the Cauvery River. It’s a good place to see Storks, Ibis, Egrets, Darters, Spoonbills and Cormorants all year. We return to hotel in the evening and rest of the day for own activities. (Overnight in Mysore)

We check out from the hotel after breakfast at 07.30am and drive to Hassan. On route we visit Saravanabelagola, the famous Jain pilgrim center & one of the oldest in India.  This place is known as one of the greatest monuments of Jain art.  The colossal statue of Gomateswara, with a height of 57 feet, is situated on the summit of Indragiri hill.  It is one of the two giant sculptures in the world, after the Collosus Ramses II in Egypt. Later we drive a short while to reach the hotel in Hassan. At 14.00hrs we visit the famous Hoysala temples of “Belur & Halebid”. The 12th century temples of Belur and Halebid are outstanding for their most beautiful sculptures.  Typically these temples are squat & star shaped. Its outstanding sculptures all over the walls and pillars describes the stories from the old epics of Ramayana, Mahabharatha & Bhagavath Geetha providing some knowledge of Hindu culture. It also describes the story of the rulers of Karnataka and their interest in dance and music. Return to the hotel in the evening. (Overnight in Hassan) 

After breakfast at 08.00am and drive to Hospet 6.5 hours away. Its tourist importance lies in its proximity to Hampi, the site of the medieval Vijayanagar Empire, situated about 13 kms away. The Tungabhadra Dam here harnesses the sweet waters of the Tungabhadra River. At the base of the dam is a garden styled along Japanese lines. On arrival check in to hotel. If you are interested an evening visit to the Dam is worth visiting. (Overnight at hotel in Hospet) 

The next day we visit HAMPI, the seat of the famed VIJAYANAGARA empire. This was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The 14th Century Ruins of Hampi lie scattered in about 26 sq. km, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. The splendid remains of palaces and the gateways of the broken city tell a tale of man with his infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction. Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speaks the same language, a language of glory and beauty. Some important attractions are: The temple of Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy - built in the Dravidian style, the Hampi Bazaar, 35 yards wide and nearly 800 yards long was known to be a "very beautiful street with very beautiful houses", the Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of the famous Hampi Bazaar, The 6.7m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha and the most splendid monument of Hampi the Vithala Temple Complex with its 56 musical pillars. Return to hotel late after noon and rest. (Overnight in Hospet)

After breakfast (day 11) we check out of the hotel at 08.00am and take the 4 hour drive to Badami - Capital of the ancient South Indian Kingdom of the Chalukyas. On arrival we check in to the hotel. Later we proceed for sight seeing of rock-cut cave temples. There are five of these temples and they are over thirteen hundred years old. They have been carved out of the red sandstone hills surrounding Badami. (Overnight in Badami) 

After the breakfast we proceed to a most important place of interest - the monuments at ‘Aihole’ & ‘Pattadakkal’. Aihole  famous as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture", has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The oldest temple here is perhaps, the ‘Lad Khan temple’ dating back to the 5th Century. ‘The Durga (Fort) Temple’ is notable for its semi-circular shape, elevated plinth, and the gallery that encircles the sanctum. ‘The Hutchimalli Temple’ out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra. Not to be missed is the ‘Konthi Temple Complex’ (Kwanthi Gudi). At Pattadakkal we visit the prime attractions such as ‘Virupaksha temple’, ‘Jambulinga temple’, ‘Jain temples’ and the Mallikarjuna  & Papanatha temples. (Overnight in Badami) 

After an early breakfast we checkout from the hotel and we drive 7 hours to Kali Wilderness Camp which leads to Dandeli's enchanting forests. Here we have mystery and excitement where you can race with the wind, trek down nature trails, Hearken to the whisper in the air and see wonder in every tree in the awesome forest. Sight crocodiles basking in the sun and flocks of beautiful water birds as you float down the River Kali in a coracle. Get a glimpse of nature's grand eternal show and take back a renewed spirit. The resort arranges for various programs after discussing with you and according to climatic conditions. (Overnight at Kali wilderness camp).

The next day we check out of hotel and drive the 6 hours to Goa. Tour ends today with a departure transfer to Goa airport. ...full details