Duration of South India Tour : 13 days
Destinations Covered : Chennai, Mamallapuram, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Pondicherry, Madurai, Trichy, Periyar, Alleppey, Cochin, Ooty, Mysore, Hampi, Badami, Bijapur, Goa
Day 01 : Pickup from the Chennai/Madras Airport. Visit Mamallapuram approx 70 kms from the Airport. Mamallapuram is home to some of the ancient monuments of India. The most distinguishing feature of Mamallapuram is the prevalence of all the four kinds of possible Granite Architectures in the monuments here.
Day 02 : The initial half a day is spent in Mamallapuram sightseeing tour. Afternoon free leisure at beach or visit to Dakshinachitra Cultural Centre with the exhibits representing the culture of South India.
Day 03 : Mamallapuram - Kanchipuram - Vellore - Thiruvannamalai.
Kanchipuram, the temple city, is a very ancient city and also one of India's 7 sacred cities. The main tourist places in the city are Kailasanathar temple, Vaikundaperumal temple, Egambaranatha temple, Varatharaja perumal temple. Vellore has one of Tipu Sultan's forts and Jalakandeswara temple built by Vijaya nagar rulers and the best Temple architecture is found in Thiruvannamalai
Day 04 : Thiruvannamalai - Gingee - Pondicherry
Gingee has one of the most beautiful forts in the world, which was built in the 14th century. Pondicherry was a French colony in India and still retains its French influence. The most important tourist places are Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville and Old French type houses.
Day 05 : Pondy - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Tanjore
Chidambaram has 9th Century Shiva temple, famous for its unique Emerald lingam statue. A special pooja is held every day at 11.00 a.m. Gangaikondacholapuram was the centre of power in 10th Century; from where the South East Asia was controlled. Dharasuram is known for its Chola architecture and old monuments. Tanjore is known for its unique Shiva temple.
Day 06 : Tanjore-Trichy
Ranganathaswamy temple in Trichy/Tiruchirapalli is the biggest temple complex in India and has the tallest temple tower. The Rockfort temple is visited to have a capturing view of the dusk.
Day 07 : Trichy-Madurai
Madurai Meenakshi Temple is a colourful and lively temple visited by millions of devotees daily. The 17th Century Nayak Palace hosts an evening sound and light show.
Day 08 : Madurai to Periyar
On the way to Periyar, the expanse of lush green agricultural fields and two water falls makes an enchanting drive. Periyar wild life sanctuary is situated around Periyar lake adding up to its natural beauty. Here one can enjoy boating to observe wild life in and around the lake. There is also a wide variety of water birds in this park.
Day 09 : Periyar-Alleppey
On the way to Alleppey, we see beautiful tea/coffee and many spice gardens. Late morning board your houseboat (Kettuvallam) to enjoy the quaint, tranquil and lush green Kerala backwaters. Lunch on the boat.
Day 10 : Alleppey-Cochin
After reaching Alleppey in the morning continue the drive to Cochin. Afternoon sightseeing of Cochin covering the -17th century Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church- where the great sailor Vasco da Gama was buried and Chinese Fishing nets- introduced by the Chinese in 13th century.
Day 11 : Cochin-Ooty
A full day drive from Cochin takes you to Ooty, situated in Western Ghats, amidst the Nilgiri ranges. You can visit the vegetable market in Karamadai on the way and take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway for part of the journey from Coonoor to Ooty.
Day 12 : Ooty-Mysore
On the way to Mysore, you pass through Mudumalai and Bandipur Wild life sanctuaries. At Mysore, the Mysore Palace was built in 18th century by Indo-Europe artisans representing the Muslim style of architecture. It hoards Royal treasures and has beautiful mural paintings. Chamundi Hill and the Big Nandi Statue give a full panoramic view of the city. Sri Rangapatanam Fort and Summer Palace are a short trip from Mysore.
Day 13 : Mysore - Somnathpur - Mysore
Somnathpur is 35 kms away from Mysore. Visit to soft stone carving temple and then back to Mysore. An afternoon visit to Devaraja vegetable and flower market.
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