South India Delight

Arrive at the Chennai international airport. After a traditional ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport. Later board the vehicle and transfer to Mahabalipuram which is a UNESCO World Heritage town renowned for its magnificent rock-cut temples, ancient monuments, and beautiful coastline. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. (Meals: Nil)

After breakfast we explore the group of monuments at Mahabalipuram – a collection of 7th and 8th century religious monuments. The site consists of several categories of monuments like Ratha temples with an architecture of monolith processional chariots built between 630 and 668 CE; Mandapa Viharas – also called cave temples with narratives from the Mahabharata, Shaivism, Shaktism and Vaishnavism; Rock reliefs particularly the bas-reliefs, famous being the Arjuna’s Penace; and stone cut structural temples built between 695 and 722 CE. Rest of the day one can relax at the beach along the Bay of Bengal. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we will visit the temple town of Kanchipuram – a fantasy in stone. Upon arrival we see the important and vibrant temples, some dating from Pallava, Chola or Vijayanagar times and famous for architecture and stone carvings. Later we will drive to the Chennai Central railway station to board the train Vande Bharat Exp. (17:00/ 23:30hrs – train does not run on Thursday) for Mysore. We will be met on arrival at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Mysore used to be the capital city of Kingdom of Mysore and now it is the 3rd largest city of Indian state Karnataka. It is situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we will visit to Srirangapatna – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit Dariya Daulat Bagh – the summer palace of Tipu Sultan built of Teak wood in Indo-Muslim architectural style within a well-manicured garden. We also visit Ranganathaswamy Temple – an intricately carved temple dedicated to Shri Ranganathaswamy, presiding deity of Srirangapatna. After the visit we return to Mysore and start exploring the city. We will visit Mysore City Palace, a historical palace considered to be one of the largest palaces in India and royal residence of Wadiyar dynasty, it is fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Later we will visit Chamundi hills – a Hindu pilgrimage site. (Meals: Breakfast)

Today we transfer to Ooty in the Nilgiri Mountains, a one-time summer retreat for the British which is dotted with tea gardens, waterfalls and colonial architecture. In the afternoon, we visit St Stephen’s Church, constructed by the British in the 19th century to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. Later we explore the Government Botanical Garden, which has vibrant displays planted in English-style terraced beds. (Meals: Breakfast)

Today we enjoy a classic Ooty experience, riding a Toy train through the Nilgiri Mountains to Coonoor. Our picturesque one-hour adventure takes us on the 100-year-old Nilgiri Mountain Railway, through the spectacular forested slopes and tea estates of the Nilgiri Mountains. After spending sometime we return to Ooty. Afternoon we visit a Toda tribal village, where we interact with the community, visit their hut-style homes, known as dogles, and watch a shawl-making demonstration. (Meals: Breakfast)

Today morning we drive through the winding hilly roads to the Coimbatore railway station. We will board the train Ernakulam Exp. (13:00/ 17:10hrs) to Ernakulam. We will be met at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Kochi – also known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, is one of the finest natural and major harbor city of Kerala and it has a cosmopolitan culture highly influenced by historical trading partners. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we proceed for the sightseeing to visit Dutch Palace – built by the Portuguese and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was later renovated by the Dutch (closed on Friday), Jewish Synagogue – the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations (closed on Friday & Saturday) & St. Francis Church – one of the oldest churches in India built by Europeans. Walk through Fort Kochi and see Chinese Fishing Nets – a unique cantilever fishing technique. In the evening we watch live Kathakali dance performance – the traditional dance form of Kerala. We also get an opportunity to watch the artists apply their makeup. (Meals: Breakfast)

This day we will be transferred to the Kochi International airport to catch the flight for back home. (Meals: Breakfast)