INCREDIBLE SOUTH INDIA TOUR
The beautiful and spectacular South India lies in the peninsular Deccan plateau and is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the West, the Indian Ocean in the South and the Bay of Bengal in the East. The region, also known as Dravida, is comprised of four states of Andhra Pradehs, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and two union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
During the course of its illustrative history, a number of dynastic kingdoms ruled over parts of South India whose invasions across Southern and South-Eastern Asia impacted the history and cultures of modern nation-states such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. The region was colonised by Britain and gradually incorporated into the British Empire.
A wide diversity of plants and animals can be found in South India, resulting from its varied climates and geography. Deciduous forests line the Western Ghats while tropical dry forests and scrub lands outer Deccan and thorn scrub forests in its interior. The Southern Western Ghats have high altitude mountain rain forests. Moist forest line the Malabar costal plain and the Western Ghats itself is a biodiversity hotspot, priding the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important sancturies in India.
Not to mention 'God's Own Country' Kerala with its famed backwaters formed by the Vembanad Lake, the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kayamkulam Lake.
The Incredible South India Tour is designed to give you the best of South India...a Kaledioscopic view of its people, culture, landscapes and ancient history.
Tour Itinerary 11 Nights
Region/States covered: Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Karnataka
Day 01 with Arrival Check in : CHENNAI
Arrival at Amma International Airport, Chennai (MAA). You'll be received by a Himani Himalaya Treks & Tours representative and transferred to hotel by private vehicle. Since you'll be arriving early morning (about 2 am), the hotel will be at close proximity to the airport so that you can get a quick rest. Overnight in Chennai
Day 02 : CHENNAI - MAMALLAPURAM
After late breakfast you'll proceed for a half-day sightseeing of the city of Chennai and its beautiful locations. The places to cover today will include:
Kapaleeshwara Temple: The temple's name is derived from the words 'kapalam' (head) and 'eeshwarar' an alias of Shiva. According to the Puranas, during the meeting of Brahma and Shiva at top of Mount Kailash Brahma failed to show the due respect to Shiva. Due to this, Shiva plucked of one of Brahma's heads (kapalams). In an act of penance, Brahma came down to the site of Mylapore and installed a Lingam to please Shiva. The Pallava Nayanmars built this temple around the 7th century CE. According to the Puranas, Shakti worshipped Shiva, in the form of a peacock, which is why the vernacular name Mylai was given to the area that developed around the temple, as 'mayil' means peacock in Tamil.
Shore Temple: Located in Mamallapuram, the Shore Temple is a five-storeyed structural Hindu temple rather than rock-cut, as are the other monuments at the site. It is the earliest important structural temple in Southern India. Its pyramidal structure is 60 ft high and sits on a 50 ft square platform. There is a small temple in front which was the original porch It is made out of finely cut local granite. Recent excavations have revealed new structures here under the sand.
Five Rathas: Located at Mamallapuram, these shrines were carved during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son, Narasimhavarman I, around the late 7th century. Natively called the 'Pancha Rathas', the Five Rathas its an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture. Each temple is carved whole from a rock outcropping of pink granite. The five monolithic pyramidal structures represent the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi from the great Indian mythology of Mahabharata.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Hotel
Day 03: MAMALLAPURAM – THANJAVUR via PUDUCHERRY
After breakfast drive to Thanjavur, derived from "Tanjan", a legendary asura in Hindu mythology, is also known as the 'rice bowl of South India' Thanjavur is one of the ancient cities in India and has a long and varied history dating back to the Sangam period. Enroute stop at and visit Puducherry
Arrival at Thanjavur. Explore the city of Thanjavur in the evening. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 04: THANJAVUR - MADURAI
After breakfast proceed for the day's tour with visit to:
Brihadeeswarar Temple: This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The 'Vimana' (temple tower) is 216 ft high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock, at the entrance measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high.The entire temple structure is made out of hard granite stones. Built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola in Thanjavur, Brihadishwara Temple turned 1000 years in 2010 and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples"
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Also visit other sites in and around, time permitting.
Arrival at Madurai. Later explore the city of Madurai in the evening. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 05: MADURAI - KOVALAM
After breakfast proceed to the day's tour with visit to:
Sri Meenakshi Temple: Located in the holy city of Madurai, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple, is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva - known here as Sundareswarar and his consort, Parvati known as Meenakshi. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The temple complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, that are elaborately sculptured and painted. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is believed to have been built in 1600.
Kovalam is a pristine beach region along the coastal region of Kerala. It’s beautiful shores is surely a mesmerizing sight. Also one of the cleanest beaches in India..
Arrival at Kovalam. Explore the many curios and hangouts along the Kovalam beach in the evening. Overnight in Resort
Day 06: KOVALAM
The whole day is at leisure exploring the beach and collecting upon the wonderful Temple tour of the South from the past few days. Overnight in Resort.
Day 07: KOVALAM - ALLEPPEY
After breakfast drive along the coastal highway of the Malabar Coast of Kerala on the side of Arabian Sea. Once in Alleppey board the House Boat to experience the beautiful Backwaters of Kerala.
Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and sometimes compared to the American Bayou. They include five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The backwaters are formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.
The Backwaters have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. In certain areas, such as the Vembanad Kayal, where a barrage has been built near Kumarakom, salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation purposes.
Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals such as otters and turtles live in and alongside the backwaters. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.
An overnight trip in the Kettuvallams (Kerala Houseboats) in the Alleppey.backwaters
Day 08 : ALLEPPEY - KOCHI (COCHIN)
After arrival in Alleppey houseboat dock in the morning, the tour vehicle will be waiting for you and will proceed to Kochi.
Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is a major port city located on the west coast of India by the Arabian Sea. In 1102 AD, Kochi became the seat of the Kingdom of Cochin, which traced its lineage to the Kulasekhara Empire. Heralded as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the Arabian Sea coast from the 14th century. Occupied by the Portuguese Empire in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in India. It remained the capital of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and later by the British, with the Kingdom of Cochin becoming a princely state.
In Kochi visit:
Fort Kochi Beach: A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.
Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.
Explore other points Kochi, time permitting. Overnight in Hotel
Day 09: KOCHI - MYSORE
Mysore is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka. The name Mysore is an anglicised version of Mahishūru, which means the abode of Mahish or Mahishasura, a demon from Hindu mythology. Mysore is famous for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. Mysore also lends its name to the Mysore mallige, the Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, the Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) and the garment called the Mysore silk saree. Mysore was rated the second cleanest city in India in 2010 and the cleanest in Karnataka.
Mysore Palace: Mysore is commonly described as the City of Palaces, however, the term "Mysore Palace" specifically refers to one within the old fort. The Wodeyar kings first built a palace in Mysore in the 14th century, it was demolished and constructed multiple times. The current palace construction was commissioned in 1897, and it was completed in 1912 and expanded later around 1940. Mysore palace is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in India after Taj Mahal, with more than 2.7 million visitors. Although tourists are allowed to visit the palace, however, photographs inside the palace is prohibited. All visitors must remove their footwear to enter the palace.
Explore the city in the evening at leisure. Overnight in Hotel
Day 10: MYSORE - BENGALURU via SOMNATHPUR
After breakfast proceed to Bengaluru. Enroute stop at Somnathpura and vist the famous:
Chennakesava Temple: This temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and was built by Soma, a Dandanayaka (commander) in 1268 under Hoysala king Narasimha III, when the Hoysala Empire was prominent in South India.
Arrival in Bengaluru. Explore the city in the evening at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 11: BENGALURU
Bengaluru is also famous as the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the South-Eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore was inducted in the list of global cities and ranked as a "Beta World City" alongside cities such as Dallas, Miami, Boston, Kuwait City, Lima, and Munich in the studies performed by the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network in 2008.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing:
Lal Bagh: This a beautiful botanical garden, commissioned by the Hyder Ali in the year 1760. The 240-acre park is home to over 1000 species of flora and a Glass House. The park is known for its annual flower show. The garden surrounds one of the towers erected by the founder of Bangalore, Kempe Gowda I. The Lal Bagh Rock, dating back to 3000 million years, is another attraction.
Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace: Built in 1791, this is a beautiful two-storied ornate wooden structure with exquisitely carved pillars, arches and balconies. It now houses a museum that contains artifacts relating to the Hyder-Tipu regime.
Vidhana Soudha: This is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka. It is an imposing granite building, built in the year 1956 in the 'Neo-Dravidian' style, incorporates elements of Indo-Saracenic, Rajasthani Jharokha and Dravidian styles.
Attara Kacheri (Karnataka High Court): Overlooking Vidhana Soudha is this red brick and stone building in the Greco-Roman style of architecture. It houses the High Court for the state of Karnataka.
Explore Bengaluru's many pubs and nightlife in the eveing at leisure. At night transfer to Airport for International Terminal to onward journey
Services YES and NO
Tour Cost Includes
- · Welcome with flower garland at Airport
- · All land transfers by comfortable deluxe private vehicle (AC Tempo Traveller)
- · All sightseeing as per Itinerary and more, time permitting
- · 3 * star category Hotels on Bed & Breakfast on Twin sharing
- · Stay in Vivekananda Ashram in Kanyakumari on AC Cottages
- · Overnight journey by Deluxe House Boat on Kerala Backwaters from Kollam to Alleppey on AC Rooms
- · All entrance fees to Temples, Museums, and Parks
- · Services of English Speaking Local Guide
- · Inter-State vehicle tax
- · Complimentary Mineral Water (1000 ml) thru the tour (01 bottle/person/day)
Tours Cost Excludes:
- · International flight tickets
- · Beverages & Table Drinks
- · Laundry, Telephone bills, etc
- · Tips & All expenses of personal nature
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