BEST OF SOUTH INDIA

South Indian region includes entire Indian peninsula which starts from the Deccan in the north and ends with Cape Comorin. At India's peninsular tip, there is the mesmerising South where the Muslim influence was evanescent. Hinduism in South was least altered by the external influence and it’s at its most exuberant. The Temples of South are unlike those of the North and superbly Vibrant.South India is a linguistic-cultural region of India that covers the four Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Best of South India tour is a grand tour starting from Chennai the gatway of south india then we visit some ancient temple towns such as kanchipuram, mahalbalipuram, trichy, tanjore & madurai and later we go through gods own country Kerala we visit some exotic beaches, backwater & tea plantation , wildlife and later we visit hillstation. In the later half of our tour we visit karnataka starting with Bangalore , then mysore , hassan , hampi, hospet, Badami. At the last week we reach Goa & we end the tour in Mumbai although Goa & Mumbai doesn’t come in South india but you can’t afford to miss these beautiful towns.

Best Time to visit : October – March

Validity : 31 March 2014

Detailed tour itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Chennai

About Agra-

Arrive at Chennai International Airport,. Upon Arrival you are welcomed and assisted by the local representative after that transfer to the hotel and your rest of day is free for leisure and overnight at the hotel

Day 02: Chennai

Chennai, the capital city, popularly regarded as the 'Gateway to the South represents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. The places of interest are Kalakshetra, a school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing; Fort St. George built in 1653 during British reign in India, - now houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu; St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India with its premises; Sri Parthasarathy Temple built by Pallavas in the 8th century AD; Kapaliswara Temple, Mylapore also an eighth century Pallava Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; San Thomas Cathedral Basilica rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica; and Theosophical Society - the world headquarters of the Theosophical Society formed to encourage the study of comparative religion philosophy and science.Afternoon at leisure

Day 03: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry

Morning drive to Kanchipuram.Kanchipuram, 70 kms west of Mahabalipuram, this city of thousand temples lies. One of the seven sacred cities of Hindus, it was the capital of the early Cholas as far back as the 2nd century BC. Kanchi was a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. Apart from temples, the city is also famous for its silk weavers, settled here some 400 years ago and have given it an enviable reputation. Later proceed to Mahablipuram.Mahabalipuram, driving south of Madras on the coast lies Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), the ancient port of Pallavas. The pallavas have created many marvellous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, Monolithic Rathas and Temples. Krishna Mandapam, has a big bas relief, notable for its realistic representation. The world's largest bas relief measuring 27m x 9m, whale back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demi-gods, men .beasts, birds and representation of the entire creation. Shore Temple, one of the oldest in south dating back to 8th century AD is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The Five Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples, each created in different style.reach pondicherry and Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Pondicherry

Pondicherry - Although the French influence is gradually fading, Pondicherry retains a few Gallic accents. Pondicherry's main sights are the Rai Nivas, the Sacred Heart Church and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram retreat was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo after whose death the spiritual authority passed to one of his disciples, a French woman known as the Mother. The Mother was also instrumental in founding the city of Dawn Auroville, 10 km from Pondicherry. Its original charter aimed at creating a city of the future where people from India and abroad could live and work together in a spiritual environment. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Pondicherry– Thanjaur

Drive to Tanjore visiting enroute Chidambram. Chidambram, the seat of the Cosmic Dancer; dedicated to Lord Nataraja. Spread over an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on each side, the temple is distinguished by the five sabhas or counts. The towering gopurams, the tallest one on the north is 42.4 m are carved on it with 108 dance poses of Bharatanatiyam.On arrival, check-in at the hotel.Afternoon visit Tanjore.Tanjore - The home of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional hadicrafts, Tanjore (Thanjavur) is famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple constructed more than a thousand years ago by the Chola King Raja Rajan is an architect's marvel. The Art Gallery and the Saraswathi Mahal Library are also well known places of interest.

Day 06: Thanjaur –Trichy - Madurai

Drive to Trichy, 56 km for sightseeing.Srirangam - 5 kms from Trichy, located in an island is Srirangam. Surrounded by the Kaveri water is a 600 acre island town enclosed within the seven walls on the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami temple. There are no less than 22 gopurams, one of which is the tallest in India. The 72 m high 13 tiered gopuram dominates the landscape for miles around.The Rock Fort situated on the banks of the Kaveri river, Trichy's most famed land mark is an 84 m high rock, one of the oldest in the world aprox.3,800 million years. The attraction is not for fort itself but the temple at the summit. 344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top where are the inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century B.C. Later drive to Madurai and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 07: Madurai – Periyar national park

Breakfast at the hotel and Madurai, known as Athens of the East, it is the second largest city on the banks of the River Vigai. The city believed to be more than 2500 yeras old. The city got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva's locs when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Madurai where the people wake up at the chant of hymns is proud of magnificent 'The Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple. Of its 12 gopurams, four of the tallest stand at the outer walls of the temple. The 48.8 m high southern gopuram is the most spectacular and have over 1500 sculptures. In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the Meenakshi temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva.today we drive to Periyar national park and check in at the resort and in the afternoon we visit Periyar national park. Park is famous for Elephant, wild cats etc. we come back to the resort and Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Periyar National Park – Alleppey

Breakfast at the hotel and today we drive to Alleppey and check in at the houseboat and full day leisure at the houseboat and overnight at the houseboat.

Day 09: Alleppey – Kovalam

Breakfast at the hotel and today we drive to Kovalam and check in at the hotel and in the evening we visit one of the famous beach of India “The Kovalam Beach” and later we come back to the hotel and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Kovalam

Breakfast at the hotel and today we visit southern most past India “Kanyakumari”. There we visit some interesting places such as Kanyakumari temple, Padmanabhapuram temple and sunset point. We drive back to Kovalam and Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Kovalam & Around

Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today it is one of the world famous tourist destinations for Beach lovers. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore .On arrival Kovalam transferred to beach resort later move out for a local tour of Kovalam and Trivanduram visit covering Museum complex, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Science & Technology museum, Veli tourist village, Aakulam boat club, Shangmugham Beach Evening return back to resort rest of the day is at leisure to relax on the beach shore and you can make use of resort facilities, Swimming pool, Health club, out door and indoor games and you can also take a Ayurveda Massage at resort and over night stay at resort.

Day 12: Kovalam – Cochin

Breakfast at the hotel and check out from the hotel and we drive to Cochin and Transferred to the hotel and in the afternoon we go for half day city tour of Cochin. We visit some of the famous places of Cochin such as St. Francis church, Jewish Synagogue , Bolghatty Palace, Chinese fishing nets and Sant Cruz Baslica Church. We come back to the hotel in the evening and overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Cochin – Munnar

Breakfast at the hotel and today we drive to Munnar (one of the finest hill station of South india) and check in at the hotel and our afternoon is free for leisure , in the evening we can take a walk through lush tea gardens of Munnar.( A must visit place in Kerala) and Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Munnar

Breakfast at the hotel and today we visit full day trip to Munnar. We visit famous tea gardens of munnar and also visit Photo point, Mutthupeddy dame, Echo point & tea Museum. Come back to the hotel in the evening and Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Munnar – Ooty

Breakfast at the hotel and today we drive to Ooty and check in at the hotel and today we are free to do own activities and overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Ooty

Breakfast at the hotel and today we do a full day tour of ooty and in the evening we come back to the hotel and overnight at the hotel

Day 17: Ooty – Mysore

Breakfast at the hotel and today we drive to Mysore and later we go for Half-day city tour of Mysore and and overnight at the hotel.

Day 18: Mysore – Bangalore

Breakfast at the hotel and and later we check out from the hotel and drive to Bangalore and upon arrival we check in at the hotel and later we go for half day city tour of Bangalore and Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19: Bangalore – Hassan

Breakfast at the hotel and today we drive to Hasan, visit Sravanabelogola that is renowned for the 17m high statue of Lord Gomateshvara atop the Indragiri Hill. Later visit Behur and Halebid. Revel in the nostalgia of the historical sites in the state of KarnatakaOvernight stay at the hotel.

Day 20: Hassan – Hampi

After having your breakfast, today you will travel north to reach Hospet. On reaching Hospet, you will check-in at the hotel. Make yourself comfortable and get ready to go for a sight-seeing trip that will include Archeological museum, Himavat Kedaya Waterfall, Jogimatti, Murugharajenra Matha and Ankli Matha. Calling it a day, stay for the night in your hotel

Day 21: Hampi

Following your breakfast, you will drive towards Hampi, a World Heritage Centre. On reaching Hampi, check-in at the hotel. Relax for some time and then you will move to visit the Vithala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, House of Victory, Hazara Ramaswamy Temple, King's Balance, Lotus Mahal and Mustard Ganesha. You must have got tired by now. So, relax yourself for night in the hotel.

Day 22: Hampi - Badami

Early morning, have your breakfast as today you will move towards Badami. In order to reach Badami, you will drive across the Deccan Plateau en route Hospet. On your way, you would visit a picturesque gorge located between two sandstone hills. In the afternoon, you will stopover South Fort to see the exquisitely carved temples dating back to the 6th century. On reaching Badami, you would check-in at the hotel and retire for the night.

Day 23 Badami

Following breakfast, you would go for a sight-seeing trip. Your itinerary will include remarkable temples of Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole is regarded as the birthplace of Indian temple architecture; moreover it was the first capital of Chalukyan. You will also visit the ancient cave temples of Badami. Calling it a day, rest for the night in your hotel.

Day 24: Badami – Goa (350 Km /7 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel and check out from the hotel and we drive to goa and transferred to the hotel and rest of day is free for leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 25: Goa

Breakfast at the hotel and today we do half day tour of old goa and we visit some of the famous churches and other vintage things related to goa and overnight at the hotel.

Day 26: Goa

Breakfast at the hotel and today we visit North goa and south goa and also boat Cruise at Mondovi River and we come back at the hotel and overnight at the hotel.

Day 27: Goa – Mumbai

Breakfast at the hotel and later we are transferred to the airport to take flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival we are transferred to the hotel and overnight at the hotel.

Day 28: Mumbai – Fly out

Breakfast at the hotel and later we go half day city of Mumbai and later we are transferred to the airport to take flight to desired destination.

Cost of the Tour

Hotel Used

Tour Inclusions

Tour Exclusions

Terms & Conditions

Payment Policy

CANCELLATION POLICY

The time schedule fixed by the local tour operator should be strictly adhered to. Fore any inconvenience, loss, or consequence suffered due to tourist’s failure to keep the local tour operators timings, the tourist alone would be responsible. The aforementioned description is just for informative purpose. Final package tour components shall be mentions on the voucher at the time of finalizing the tour package. The travel tour Components mentioned here are subject to change at last minute variation that may occur due to factors beyond control of the Gem Events N Vacations Pvt. Ltd.

• Accommodation on twin sharing as per itinerary
• A/c transportation as per itinerary
• Daily buffet breakfast as per itinerary
• English speaking guide will be provided as per Itinerary.
• Accommodation in House boat and stay in Periyar national park on all meals basis.
• 01 Jungle safari in Periyar national park.
• 01 Kathakali Dance show in cochin.
• Package includes all present applicable taxes.
• Any Air fare is not included in the package.
• Any expense such as water bottle, tipping, laundry or other personal exp. Is not included in the package.
• Any airport tax & food cost is not included and shall be charged separately.
• Monument fees is not included in the package.
• The above rates are based on minimum 02 persons travelling together.
• Tariffs given to you are net- Non Commissionable.
• Child below 12 years can share the bed with the parents with an extra cost.
• Airfares may change without any notice at any time during the validity of the package.
• Rates are subject to change in case of any changes in hotel taxes, rate of exchange, transport rates, government taxes, entrance fees
• International check in time is 1200 hours, check out time is 1200 hours. Early check / late check out is subject to availability of rooms
• Cancellation charges would apply as per our Cancellation policy.
• Payment at the time of booking – 50%
• Remaining 50 % payment 15 days prior to arrival.
• In case booking made less than 15 days 100% payment at the time of booking.
• Immediate after confirmation -25% of the package cost.
• 15 days or less but more than 7 days -50% of the package cost
• Less than 7days – No refund.