South India Coast To Coast

Welcome to Bangalore! Situated in the Southern part of Karnataka, at around 3000 ft above sea level, you will discover this beautiful city. Bangalore is well known as Indias Silicon Valley. It is a booming city and the fifth-largest city in India and the fastest growing in Asia! Bangalore may blend ancient and modern, but you can't help but notice how green the city is! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.




Overnight in Bangalore

After breakfast, this tour will take you around Bangalore, starting at Lalbaghm, a botanical garden designed on the lines of a traditional Mughal Garden from the 18th century. Meander past flower beds, lotus pools and fountains and admire the impressive glasshouse. Then visit the Shiva Temple to see the seated Shiva in the Himalayas, built-in 1995. Shiva's idol is a great crowd drawer due to its grandeur, aesthetic appeal, beauty, and majestic looks. This afternoon, depart for Mysore with an en-route visit to the Srirangapattinam Temple, a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagar architecture. The island derives its name from the deity of the temple situated on the western side. Major dynasties of the South have all left their influences here; the Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Kings of Chandragiri, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan, and finally the French and the British. Arrive in Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars which has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, grand buildings, broad shady avenues, and sacred temples. There is an old-world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched. From there you will check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Mysore

This morning you will visit the Deva Raj Market, one of the most colorful local markets in the area, and then the Mysore Palace, one of the most significant sights in Mysore built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches, and colonnades. The Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all around the world. Intricately carved doors open onto luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall boasts an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasera festival. Then you will visit Saint Philomena's Church, a breathtaking cathedral reminiscent of medieval architecture and one of the largest churches in the country. Drive to Jaganmohan Palace which was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and now exhibits paintings dating back to this period. The artists of the time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes and the famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf ' paintings are also exhibited here. This evening, visit the Bull Temple (a 4.8mts monolith) on the middle of the hill on the way to Chamundi Hill Temple at a height of 1062mts. The 2000-year-old temple is dedicated to the Goddess Chamundi. A seven-storey, 40mts high tower dominates the temple. The breathtaking view of the entire city of Mysore can be seen from here.




Overnight in Mysore

Today you will drive to Calicut (Kozhikode), the erstwhile capital of powerful Zamorins. Calicut is a historical town with an ancient past. It attained a position of pre-eminence in the trade of pepper and other spices, which has made it Indias emporium to international trade. It is also a marketing center for commodities like pepper, coconut, coffee, rubber, lemongrass oil, and more. Upon arrival, check in to your resort.




Overnight in Calicut

This morning you will drive to Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala with its modern part Ernakulam and the old peninsular district of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Cochin is situated on the southwest coast of the Indian Peninsula. Over the years, the city has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). It was an important spice-trading center on the Arabian Sea Coast from the 14th century onwards. Cochin was the first European colonial settlement in India, first by the Portuguese followed by the Dutch and British, who ruled here until the 19th century.




Overnight in Cochin

After breakfast at the hotel, explore the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin where the various European influences are most apparent with the merchant houses and old warehouses cramming the waterfront and narrow streets. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays) at the heart of what is locally known as Jew Town, the St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays) built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin King in the 16th century, the Fish Market and the famous Chinese fishing nets, which are huge cantilevered nets believed to have been brought to Kochi by Chinese traders from Kublai Khans court in China. Early this evening, see the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterized by some great storytelling, incredible costumes, and extensive make-up.




Overnight in Cochin

Prepare to be transferred to Alleppey known as the 'Venice of the East.' Alleppey or Alappuzha is a mosaic of mirror-still lagoons, picturesque lakes, fringed canals, and a long sandy beach brimming with glimpses into the daily life of the Kerala countryside. First, enjoy an afternoon cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. Meandering streams, chirping birds, murmuring forests, and the slight breeze will make you feel like you are in heaven. You may sunbathe on the deck or see the landscape from the protection of your cabin. The locals entire lives take place here on the water, where people sail, fish, swim, and bathe. It is where they do their washing and washing up. They have become so adapted to the water that you can see locals talking for an hour, while they are up to their necks in water. Peddlers take care of the supplies and public transport goes on the water. Countless water birds wait for their chance to catch a fish. The trip will take you through a wonderful area full of palm trees, rice fields, and floating water plants surrounding the boat like an emerald-green island.




Overnight Onboard on Houseboat

Enjoy breakfast followed by a morning at leisure, before disembarking the ship at approximately 10:00 AM. From there you will drive to Kovalam. Just 16 km from the capital of Trivandrum, situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea you will find Kovalam. Kovalam translates to a grove of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three sections — Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach, and the most popular, Lighthouse Beach. A golden strip of sand laced with palm trees; this internationally acclaimed, lush, the tropical beach is often referred to as the Paradise of the South. Sunbathing, swimming, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Yoga, meditation, Herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, catamaran cruising; etc are some of the attractions here. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Kovalam

In the early morning, you will depart for Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) for a full-day excursion. Kanyakumari is at the very tip of India, where the three ocean bodies, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea meet. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunsets and moon risings. Visit the Vivekananda Rock situated on one of the rock outcrops just offshore. You will also see a recently built memorial to Thiruvalluvar, the author of the philosophical work Tirukkural, a treatise on the Indian way of life. The Temple of Kumari Amman (the virgin lady) and Gandhi Memorial will also be visited. Return late this evening to Kovalam.




Overnight in Kovalam

In the morning you will drive to Periyar, also known as Thekkady, a beautiful sanctuary situated nearly 1800 m above sea level in the semi and evergreen forests of the Idukki district. Thekkady is a landlocked home for its fauna and flora and for the Mannans, Palians, and Urali tribes who continue to practice their ancient methods of herding and beekeeping. Check-in to your hotel. Enjoy a tour of the Spice Plantation. Famous for their spice plantations, the Cardamom Hills serves as the perfect place to discover a garden where spices and aromatic plants are grown. If time permits you will also have a visit to a nearby tea factory and may enjoy a short ride on an elephant (if time permits).




Overnight in Periyar

Today you will wake up early (6:00 AM) for a guided jungle walk on the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This three-hour walk (not strenuous) is very interesting and will give you a chance to see wildlife from a very close distance. If you are lucky enough, you may even spot the rarely sighted leopards and tigers. Return to your hotel and rest. Optional Tour: This afternoon at approximately 15.30hrs, depart for a popular boat trip to the National Park. This is one of the best ways to observe games in the wild. There are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison, and packs of wild boars roaming through the woods and parading along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. You may also see different species of apes. The golden langur monkey that lives here is rarely seen in the rest of India. Other animals which are home to Periyar are otters and porcupines. Water turtles can often be seen sunning themselves on logs sticking out of the water. Osprey and Cormorants belong to the most important species of birds in the area.




Overnight in Periyar

Today you will depart for Madurai, the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. The name Madurai reminds the city of the legend where a drop of sweet nectar from the hair of the God Shiva fell to Earth here. ‘Madhuram means ‘sweet in Sanskrit. In the afternoon, depart for a sightseeing tour of Madurai with a bicycle rickshaw. The Bi-Cycle Rickshaw tour of Madurai will give you a highly memorable experience. You will ride through the fascinating narrow streets and lanes of Madurai showing the typical life of the locals. The rickshaw pullers of Madurai became unpopular with the locals, as they preferred the more modern form of transport. The Cycle Rickshaw, the most eco-friendly form of transportation was fast being phased out and the hundred and twenty rickshaw pullers of Madurai were being deprived of their livelihood as they were unable to purchase modern forms of transport such as the auto-rickshaw or taxi. To give these pullers another lease of life we have designed this tour as part of our commitment to promote responsible tourism. By booking this tour you will be supporting the rickshaw pullers while encouraging locals to use rickshaws. By Cycle Rickshaw we will visit the Flower, Fruit and Spice Market, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum, and small-scale industries including vessel and cloth making. This evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple to watch the ceremony where the god Shiva is lead to the bedroom of his wife, Meenakshi. Thousands of priests and worshippers visit the temple daily to be blessed by the temple elephant.




Overnight in Madurai

Prepare to depart for Swamimalia with an en-route visit to Tanjore. Discover Brihadeshvara, the magnificent temple with over 1000 years of history and a current UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple evokes the power of the Chola Kings as it towers over the town. Study the detailed inscriptions depicting temple life and the dancers, musicians, potters, goldsmiths, and astrologers who lived there. Enter the pavilion through the main courtyard to see the shining black Nandi Statue, one of the largest in India weighing an astonishing 25 tons. Continue to Swamimalai meaning God's Mountain. It is said that once, as a result of a curse laid on him by Bhrigumuni, Lord Shiva forgot the \"Pranava Mantra\". Lord Muruga is said to have preached the Pranava mantra \"OM\" to Shiva, who stood before his young Guru (Subrahmanya) with great veneration and learnt the Mantra. As this incident took place in the sacred location, it came to be known as \"Swamimalai\" and the deity as Swaminatha, indicating that the son was superior to his father. It is in keeping with this legend that the shrine of Subrahmanya is built atop the hillock and that of Lord Shiva at the base of the hill. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring this heritage resort.




Overnight in Swamimalai

Today you will drive to the laid-back beach resort of Mamallapuram. En route, you will tour Pondicherry, a former French enclave that is particularly famous due to the mystic Sri Aurobindo. While in Pondicherry, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram; \"Auroville is envisioned as a universal town, where people from different nationalities, faiths, and beliefs can live in peace and harmony. The construction of this universal town began in 1968 under the guidance of The Mother, a Paris-born painter-musician who became Sri Aurobindo's disciple and close companion from 1924 until his death in 1950. The development of this utopia is still in progress. Several countries have offered to set up permanent pavilions, reflecting the culture and ethos of their countries.  Continue to Mamallapuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Mamallapuram is referred to as an ‘open-air museum. The name Mamallapuram is believed to have been given after the Pallava King Narasimhavarman I, who took on the epithet Maha-Malla (great wrestler), as the favorite sport of the Pallavas was wrestling. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Mamallapuram, check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Mamallapuram

After breakfast prepare for a tour of Mamallapuram. The richness in Mamallapuram was not known to many, as the Pal Lavas did not expose their quality and innovative creations to the outer world for obvious reasons. The aestheticism in Mamallapuram was hidden until the late 18th century. The city is renowned for its series of charming rathas and the spectacularly carved relief depicting Arjuna's Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century, is a unique temple that houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is one of the many rock-cut caves in Mamallapuram. The Krishna Mandapam has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill in his fingertips. Enjoy a special visit to a Sculpture studio.




Overnight in Mamallapuram

Today you will be transferred to Chennai International Airport for your onward flight back home.