South India Legacy

Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days
Places Covered: Madras - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Madras - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin - Ooty - Mysore - Hassan - Bangalore - Mumbai

Day 01 : Arrive Madras
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. This morning we set out to explore the city of madras. Visit the National Art Gallery Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church and the St. Thomas Cathedral and drive along the marina. Walk with our guide though some colourful market areas.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 : Madras - Mahabalipuram
After breakfast we drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram we check into our pre booked Hotel. Afternoon city tour of Mahabalipuram, once the principal port of the Pallavas who ruled between the 06th and 09th Centuries AD.

Day 03 : Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Depart for a tour of Kanchipuram, city of a thousand temples, Once the capital of Pallava, Kanchipuram still contains no less than 124 shrines. The temples were built mainly by two rulers, Mahendray and Mamalla Narashimha Parman.

Day 04 : Madras - Madurai (by flight)
Today we are transferred to the airport to board our flight for Madurai.upon arrival we are met and transferred to our pre booked hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05 : Madurai
Madurai's history goes back to six centuries before Christ. The Pandyan rulers made this their capital until the 14th Century and the city flowered with the genius of its writers, builders, poets and academics. Then the Nayaks ruled Madurai from the middle of the 16th Century to 1743. The ten tall Gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple were raised during their dynasty.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 06 : Madurai - Periyar (by surface)
After early morning breakfast we drive to Periyar ( Thekkady). The drive up to this hilltop wildlife sanctuary is one of the most beautiful . Starting with coconut groves at the lower lever you then see rubber, tea and the spice plantation as you gain height. Upon arrival check into your prebooked hotel.

Day 07 : Periyar - Kumarakom (by surface)
Today we start our drive for Kumarakom. The drive is a beautiful experience passing through the backwaters and plantations. Upon arrival at Kumarkom checkinto hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Transfer to Kumarakom Jetty to start the Houseboat Programme
Today morning we are transferred to the embarkment point for the Houseboat. It is once a life time experience to have such a romantic and beautiful experience. For the next Two nights we spent on the House Boat passing through the Backwaters of Kerala. The journey will pass through the following areas Kumarakom, Vattakkayal, Chambakulum, Ambalapuzha, Karumadi, Kayakulum, Alumkadavu.
Overnight on the House Boat.

Day 09 : On board the House Boat
Overnight on the House boat.

Day 10 : Houseboat Dismbark at Alumkadvu and drive to Alleppey - Cochin
Today morning it is now time for us to Disembark the Houseboat and we are transferred to Cochin via Alleppey.
Upon arrival in Cochin we checkinto our pre booked hotel for an Overnight.

Day 11 : Cochin
Early morning rise and transfer to the backwaters of Cochin, which run from the sea inland through lush tropical countryside. It could be compared to a cruise down the amazon with jungle foliage hanging from the banks. This relaxing boat trip is fascinating, as our guide discussed the history of the early explorers and traders who used this as a main artery to the sea.
Evening we go to watch the famous Kathakali Dance Performance.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 12 : Cochin - Ooty
Morning after breakfast we start our drive towards Ootacamund most popularly known as Ooty. It is mostly referred to as the Queen of the Southern Hills stations.It drives its name from the Niligiri or the Blue Mountains - the name to the Hills by the inhabitants for more than 850 years because of the blue haze of clouds which envelope the hill slopes.Upon arrival we check into our prebooked Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 13 : Ooty - Mysore
After a relaxed morning we start our drive towards Mysore , wending along through verdant and hilly countryside, where the legendary warrior Tipu Sultan built the island fortress and Summer Palace entirely of wood, with exquisitely painted walls. Upon arrival in Mysore checkinto your prebooked Hotel.
Evening relaxing or visiting the local bazaar.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 14 : Mysore
After a relaxed breakfast we drive for a morning sight-seeing of the city of Mysore. Mysore a city of 17 Palaces - the Maharaja's City Palace being one of the largest in the country. Today's city tour include the zoological gardens, the Chamundi Temple, handicraft Centre and 22 kms away - the Brindavan Gardens, which are a sight by day and night. Evening visit to the gardens where there are many illuminated fountains.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 15 : Mysore- Hassan
Today after an early breakfast we start our Journey for Bangalore Enroute Hassan.Hassan is famous for its temples of Belur and Halebid. Belur, on the banks of river yagachi, was capital of the Hoysala Empire over 800 years ago.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 : Bangalore - Mumbai
Today we are transferred to the airport to board our flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai ( Bombay ) you are met and transferred to your prebooked Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 17 : Leave Mumbai
After what will have been a majestic way to see and experience royal India, we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home.