South India with Mumbai & Goa Tour

On arrival in Mumbai, transfer to domestic airport to catch your flight for Chennai. Upon arrival in Chennai, meet and assist by our representative and then transfer to your hotel.

Overnight will be in Chennai.

After breakfast visit the city of Chennai covering the government museum and Fort St. George. Later excursion to Kanchipuram visiting the Ekambaram temple and the Kailashnath temples dedicated to Shiva. The temples in this region date back to the 6^th and 7^th centuries. Leave for an excursion to Mamallapuram.

Overnight will be in Mahabalipuram.

In the morning proceed for a city tour of Mahabalipuram covering the shore temples that date back from the 8^th century. Also see the rock cut monolithic temples including Arjuna’s Penance and Tiger cave. Post lunch continue towards Pondicherry and visit the Mother’s Ashram. Also worth a visit is the temple complex at Pondicherry.

Overnight will be in Pondicherry.

Board your car in the morning and drive to Chidambaram crossing the unparalleled scenic sights of Southern India. Chidambaram is also known as the “City of the Cosmic Dancer”. This city is also the centre of philosophy art and religion. Post lunch session unfurls the magic of this city of Nataraj – the cosmic dancer. Visit Chidambaram temple planned and built by the Chola kings in the 11^th century.

En route Tanjore visit Gangaikondacholapuram and its monumental temple called Gangaikondacholisvaram built in 1020 AD.

Overnight will be in Tanjore.

Visit the Brihadishwara temple a masterpiece in itself built in 1000AD by the Cholas. Next to be seen is the Tanjore art gallery and the Saraswati Mahal Library with its unique collection of Chola art and rare illustrated manuscripts. A short distance away is the eternal city of Tiruchirapalli better known as Trichy. Here worth a visit is Srirangam temple the abode of Lord Vishnu in his reclining form. All the 1000 pillars in the hall are very intricately designed. Post lunch continue towards Madurai.

Overnight will be in Madurai.

Madurai famous for the Meenakshi Sundereswar temple is the epitome of South Indian temple cities alive and bustling with pilgrims and religious preoccupations. The temple of goddess Meenakshi houses the hall of 1000 musical pillars known for their intricate work. Some free time later in the day to explore this cultural capital of South India.

Overnight will be in Madurai.

Morning, proceed to Periyar and check in at hotel on arrival. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more. Evening go for boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals.

Overnight stay will be at Periyar.

After breakfast visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. Continue drive to Munnar. On arrival in Munnar, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight will be in Munnar.

Proceed for a sightseeing of Munnar which includes the Raja Malai - a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats). Other important places are Muttupetty Dam and Indo Swiss project (you can also enjoy boating in the Lake) and witness tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometres.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Overnight stay will be in Munnar.
 

Early morning proceed to Alleppey. Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. Cruise through the backwaters to Alleppey.

Overnight will be on board Houseboat.

Check out from houseboat and drive to Cochin. On arrival in Cochin, proceed for a half day sightseeing of Cochin. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, etc. Apart from these architectural splendours, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

Overnight will be in Cochin.
 

Post breakfast 7hrs drive to Coonoor for boarding on Hills Train to Ooty. Check in to hotel and relax.

Overnight will be in Ooty.

Post early breakfast, visit botanical garden and view point. Drive down to Mysore. Check-in at the hotel and relax.

Overnight will be in Mysore.

In the evening, take a look at Mysore palace, Jaganmohana palace, art gallery, Chamundi hills, and Devraja market. Evening, visit KRS - Brindavan Garden. After enjoying the best of this imperial city we drive back to hotel for night stay.

Overnight will be in Mysore.

Enroute to Bangalore, visit Srirangapatnam - Tipus palace, fort, and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple. Drive to Bangalore and check into your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax.

Overnight will be in Bangalore.

Visit bull temple, big Shiva Mandir, Lal Bagh and ISKON temple.

Overnight will be in Bangalore.

Transfer to airport to catch your flight for Goa. On arrival in Goa, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight will be in Goa.

Full day is at leisure to relax on beach...

Full day is at leisure to relax on beach...

Full day is at leisure to relax on beach...

Transfer to airport to catch your flight for Mumbai followed by transfer to International airport to board your flight back home with sweet memories of India...