G.B. International ::- Indian Tours ::- Cultural Tours
Southern Grandeur
14 Nights 15 DaysToday Arrive Chennai (formerly Madras) The Capital of Tamilnadu. You are greeted & escorted transfer to hotel.
Day 02 Chennai City Tour
Chennai is the gateway of South India will put you in touch with a different phase of India – Classical, Ancient, Gentle. Chennai, the 4th largest city in India. Spread over 50 miles and features a large and beautiful waterfront on the Bay of Bengal. The British East India Company established its first trading post at Chennai, and in 1653 the company built Fort Saint George to protect its position. Inside the Fort we see Saint Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India, and the grave of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Also visit the National Art Gallery, Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes and South Indian bronzes & the Cathedral of San Thomas. Later visit to the Mylapore Temple, Marina Beach & Famous Golden Beach. Overnight stay.
Day 03 Chennai − Mahabalipuram − Kanchipuram
Today we enjoy the nearby scares city of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram The little Sea Side town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour’s drive from Chennai situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu has pries time beaches, spanning 20 kms, bright Sun & Crisp Sand, Wrapping up untold tales of the 7th Century. Overnight stay.
Day 04 Mahabalipuram − Pondicherry
After breakfast we drive to Pondicherry. Pondicherry presents an unusual combination of European Culture & Indian traditions. An added attraction fair is the township of Auroville, an Oasis of Peace & enlightment. Another hallowed spotted Aurobindo Ashram which drowse devotees from all over the world. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight stay Pondicherry.
Day 05 Pondicherry − Thanjavur Sightseeing
After breakfast drive to Thanjavur en route visit to Gangaikonda, Cholapuram, and Swamimalai. Thanjavur is located on eastern coast of Central Tamil Nadu. This ancient city enjoys the distinction of having been the Capital of the Cholas – One of the greatest Dynasties of the South. This morning visit Darasuram Temple and the Institute of Iconography. Later drive to Thanjavur. Afternoon visit the 9th century Chola Temple of Brahadeshwarar Temple. Overnight stay.
Day 06 Thanjavur − Trichy − Madurai
After breakfast drive to Madurai.. En route visit Trichy. Continue drive to Nectar City of Madurai – Meenakshi Temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day, another terrific photographic opportunity. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace, which is in a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 − foot high stone pillar, still stands.
Day 07 Madurai − Periyar Game Sanctuary
We leave Madurai & Drive to a tranquil hill retreat, the Spicy Village. Along the way we pass through Tea, Cinnamon, Clove & Cardamom plantations –beautiful to see & smell! Our hotel is set in a Spicy Garden & has been molded after the Tribal dwellings of the area; each Cottage has thatched roof & a deep, Airy Verandah. This evening we visit the nearby Periyar Game Sanctuary; Game viewing here is like no other Safari experience. Overnight stay.
Day 08 Periyar − Kumarakom Backwater Cruise
Early this morning we enjoy another Safari Cruise in Periyar Game Sanctuary – the best way to see & enjoy the Wildlife Activities.
Later we travel by surface to board the Houseboat (Ketuvallam). Cruise the backwaters & explore the rural life in & around Kumarakom to Alleppey. Lifetime Experience Houseboat - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. Overnight stay.
Day 09 Alleppey − Kochi
After breakfast drive to Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India’s most colorful cities. Visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry “Dutch” Palace. This evening A memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area. Later enjoy the performance of the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous Classical dances. Overnight stay.
Day 10 Kochi − Ooty
Morning leave Kochi for Cool Hill Station of Ooty. You have the afternoon free to explore this beautiful place with its very British atmosphere. Don’t miss the lovely Government Botanical Gardens that were laid out 120 yrs. ago. Overnight stay.
Day 11 Ooty − Mysore Sightseeing
Morning enjoy Toy Train Ride and proceed to Mysore by surface. Mysore is the Sandalwood and Incense Capital of the World & some of India’s finest Crafts, such as Printed Silk, Inlaid, and Furniture & Ivory Carvings are also found here. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant. Evening visit the Chamudishree Temple-which is home to an enormous sculpture of Nandi, the sacred bull. The 16-foot bull was carved from a single boulder & is traditionally laden with flower garlands each day. Overnight stay.
Day 12 Mysore − Hasan
Morning city sightseeing tour of Mysore including the Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore including the Durbar & Marriage Halls & the Government house. Later depart for Hassan – is quite & peaceful town, is a convenient base to visit Shravanbelagola, Belur & Halebid. En route visit Shravanbelagola - 51 kms south east of Hassan. This is the most important Jain Pilgrim centre. Here is the 17 mtr. High monolith of Lord Babubali – the World’s tallest Monolithic statue. overnight stay
Day 13 Hassan − Belur − Halebid − Bangalore
Morning excursion to the 11th century temple of Belur and Halebid. Belur - This quaint helmet is 30 kms from Hassan-is located on the bank of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of Hoysala Empire, Today unforgettable for its exquisite temples. Halebid.- is 27 kms north-west of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid – like those of Belur – bear mute testimony to the rich, culture heritage of Karnataka. Later proceed to Bangalore. Upon arrival transferred to hotel.
Day 14 Bangalore City Tour
Afternoon City tour of the "Garden City" visiting the Lal Bagh laid out by Tipu Sultan and his father in the 18th century which has a variety of old trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces and an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs, Vidhan Soudha – this magnificent building was conceived and executed by Chief Minister Kengal. Government Museum - established in 1886, the government Museum has on display ancient weapons, stone carvings, pottery, paintings and relics of the 5000-year-old Mohenjo-Daro civilization. Overnight stay.
Day 15 Bangalore − Chennai − Onward Destination
Morning is free for own activities later transfers to station to take train for Chennai arrive Chennai in late evening to Or take the connected flight from Bangalore for onward destination
Includes & Excludes
Accommodation- Accommodation in first class hotel with private bath and shower.
- Inclusive of all Hotel Taxes and service charges
- Daily full Breakfast at hotel restaurant
- Inclusive of Taxes.
- All transfers, Sightseeing and excursions by First class Air conditioned Vehicle
- All State taxes, toll taxes & Parking Charges.
- All monument entry fees wherever applicable.
- Internal Rail Journey
- Video & Still Camera
- Laundry
- Insurance
- Tips
- Hard drinks
- Bear
- Telephone Calls
- Expenses like Personal Nature.