- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
The history of the southern part of India covers a span of over four thousand years during which the region saw the rise and fall of a number of dynasties and empires.
The period of known history of the region begins with the Iron age (1200 BCE to 24 BCE) period until the 14th century CE. Dynasties of Satavahana, Chalukya, Pallava, Rashtrakuta, Kakatiya and Hoysala were at their peak during various periods of history. These kingdoms constantly fought amongst each other and against external forces when Muslim armies invaded south India. Vijayanagara Empire rose in response to the Muslim intervention and covered the most of south India and acted as a bulwark against Mughal expansion into the south. When the European powers arrived during the 16th century CE, the southern kingdoms resisted the new threats, and many parts eventually succumbed to British occupation. The British created the Madras Presidency which covered most of south India directly administered by the British Raj, and divided the rest into a number of dependent princely states.
HOTELS ENVISAGED
| City | Standard Hotels | Deluxe Hotels | Meal Plan |
| CHENNAI | HOTEL SPRING | FORTUNE SELECT GRAND | CP |
| MAHABALIPURAM | MAMALLA HERITAGE | IDEAL BEACH RESORT | CP |
| PONDIHERRY | SHENBAGA | MAISION PERUMAL | CP |
| KUMBAKONAM | QUALITY INN | PARADISE | CP |
| MADURAI | ASTORIA BY SPARSHA | HERITAGE MADURAI | CP |
| THEKKADY | COFFEE ROUTES | GREEN WOODS | CP |
| ALLEPPEY | GREEN LAGOONS HOUSE BOAT | GREEN LAGOONS HOUSE BOAT | CP |
| COCHIN | ABAAM | LEMARITIME | CP |
| OOTY | LAKE VIEW | FORTUNE SULLIVAN COURT | CP |
| MYSORE | SANDESH THE PRICE | ROYAL ORCHID BRINDAVAN | CP |
| HASSAN | SOUTHERN STAR | HOYSALA VILLAGE | CP |
| Bangalore | SANDESH KINGSTON | ROYAL ORCHIRD | CP |
Notes:
- Above rates are net and non-commissionable to you.
- Cost is based on 02 passengers travelling. Extra person will be accommodated in same room with an extra bed
- Check in 1400 hrs. and check out 1200hrs
- Rooms in Munnar and Thekkady are Non Air Conditioned due to their High Altitude.
- All meals inclusive for 1 night on the houseboat.
- Air Conditioning operational times in AC Deluxe Houseboat will be from 09:00 pm to 06:00 am.
- Air Conditioning operational times in AC Premium Houseboat will be from check in to check out.
- Houseboat cruising time will be from 12:30 - 05:00 pm and 08:00 am to 09:00 am.
- Rooms are subject to available at the time of booking.
- Keeping with the heightened security procedures at all hotels and House boat/Day cruise we request all guests to carry a photo-identity with address proof to present at check-in. Foreign nationals are required to present their Passport and valid visa. Indian nationals can present any one of the following: Passport, Driving License, Voter ID card, Aadhaar Card or Bank Pass Book with Photograph. Pan cards are not allowed.
- Air - condition is switched off in hilly regions.
- Early check-ins or late check-outs will be subject to availability and charged as per hotel policy.
- The rates are valid for the dates of travel and hotels as indicated.
- In case of any change in the dates of travel, amendment or rerouting of itinerary, change in hotels/room types, the costs will vary accordingly.
- In the event of circumstances/situations such as road blockage due to strike/agitation, natural calamities, sickness evacuation, delay/cancellation of train/flight etc. Also, due to monsoon rains and extreme weather patterns journey time can vary enormously at all times of year, which is beyond our control
- 5 % GST to be paid extra on top of package cost
Validity: From 01st October to March 31st.
Diwali & Christmas Peak season supplementary hike as per actual basis.
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Itineraries
Day 01
ARRIVE CHENNAI
Visit Chennai, one of the busiest and most vibrant cities of South India. You will be greeted by our representative at the airport and will be taken to the hotel. In the afternoon, you will get the chance to visit the unique city of Chennai. While in Chennai, visit the Fort St George finished in 1653 by the East India Company. It contains interesting memorabilia from the old times. The Fort is open from 9am to 5.30 pm on all days. Next visit the San Thome Cathedral, a soaring Roman Catholic cathedral, was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was re-built in neo Gothic style in the 1890s. In the evening take a comfortable stroll along the lazy sands of the Marina beach.
Day 02
CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM -MAHABALIPURAM
On route to Mahabalipuram , visit the classic towns of Kanchipuram. In Kanchipuram, visit the Sri Ekambareshwara temple, which Of the five South Indian Shiva temples associated with the five elements, this 12-hectare precinct is the shrine of earth. According to legend, the goddess Kamakshi (She Whose Eyes Awaken Desire; a form of Parvati, Shiva's consort) worshipped Shiva under a mango tree here. The temple's name means 'Lord of the Mango Tree' and in one courtyard behind the inner sanctum you can see a mango tree said to be 3500 years old, with four branches representing the four Vedas. Next visit the oldest and the most impressive temple of Kanchipuram, the Kailasanatha temple. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built in the 8th century by the Pallav king Narsimhavarman II. Also take a tour of the silk saree weaving center and purchase an authentic silk saree for yourself.
Next visit the town of Mahabalipuram, which was the major sea-port of the ancient Pallava Kingdom based at Kanchipuram. There visit the Five Rathas, which huddled together look like buildings but astonishingly are carved from a single rock. Next visit the crowning masterpiece of Mahabalipuram’s stonework, the Arjuna penance, a giant relief carving that is one of the greatest works of ancient art in India. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram.
Day 03
MAHABALIPURAM – PUDUCHERRY
After breakfast Check out from the hotel & transfer to Pondicherry 110km .Spend the two days immersing in the beauty and mysticism of the old world charm of the city of Pondicherry ( Puducherry). This former French colony is a tranquil place oozing of the old world charm. Pondicherry was a French colony until 1954, hence French is still the major language spoken there. The hotels, cafes, restaurants etc here give us a glimpse of the seductive French aesthetic architecture. Spend the first day exploring the grand churches of Pondicherry. This place has some of the best over the top cathedrals in India such as Merci, French Missionaries and the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which was completed in 1791, is made in accordance with the traditional Indian architecture. Spend the rest of the evening taking a stroll along the Goubert Ave ( Beach Road), enjoying the peaceful evening.
Day 04
PUDUCHERRY
After breakfast visit the spiritual haven, the Aurobindo Ashram that was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo. The ashram's Bureau Central has interesting exhibitions on the lives and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Overnight at Pondicherry.
Day 05
PUDUCHERRY – CHIDAMBARAM – KUMBAKONAM
In Chidambaram, visit the great temple complex of Nataraja, Shiva as the dancer of the universe. Of the town's many festivals, the two largest are the 10-day chariot festivals in June/July and December/January. In February/March the five-day Natyanjali Dance Festival attracts classical dancers from all over India to the Nataraja Temple. The Nataraja temple on normal days is open from 6 am to noon and from 4.30 pm to 10pm. Next visit Kumbakonam, which in the first glance can easily pass of as another junction town, but scratch beneath the superficial surface and you will find dozens of colourful gopurams pointing skyward, reminding us of the rich legacy of this place. Spend the night at Kumbakonam.
Day 06
KUMBAKONAM – TANJORE – TRICHY – MADURAI
Next visit the vibrant city of Thanjavur famous for its beautifully bizarre sounds and sights. While in Thanjavur, visit the World Heritage listed Brihadeshwara temple, which marks the crowning glory of the Chola architecture. This majestic temple was built in 1003 and 1010 by Rajaraja I, monarch so organised he had the names and addresses of all his dancers, musicians, barbers and poets inscribed into the temple wall. This temple is open on every day from 6 am to 8.30 pm. Next visit Tiruchirappalli is a town brimming with energy and vitality and places the throbbing bazaars and serene temples on the same pedestal. While in Tiruchirappalli, visit the famous Ranganathaswamy temple that has 49 separate shrines all dedicated to Vishnu. he temple's most important festival is the 21-day Vaikunta Ekadasi (Paradise Festival) in December/January, when the celebrated Vaishnavaite text, Tiruvaimozhi, is recited before an image of Vishnu. This temple is open on all days from 6 am to 9 pm. After an eventful day, spend a restful night at Madurai.
Day 07
MADURAI
Madurai, one of the oldest cities of India, is the soul of Tamil Nadu. This place is a perfect amalgamation of modernity and tradition. A visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple is a must for any person who travels to Madurai. This temple is a fine epitome of immaculate South Indian architecture. This temple is open on all days from 4am-12.30pm & 4-9.30pm.
Day 08
MADURAI – PERIYAR (130 KMS / 4 HRS APROX)
After breakfast drive to Periyar. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon enjoy boat ride on Lake Periyar to see wildlife.
The Periyar Valley was under the reign of the Pandyas who ruled from Madurai until the 12th century. In 1895, the Mullaperiyar dam was constructed. The dam, built across the west-flowing River Periyar, stops the river to form a reservoir. It also resulted in the creation of an artificial lake, which enhanced the charm of the valley. The lake, in the centre of the sanctuary, is the nucleus of the reserve and the place where the elephants and the avifauna come to frolic, to drink water and to cool themselves with dips in the hot months. Down to play by creating this artificial lake, the dam changed the landscape and the features of the valley drastically.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the reserve was the hunting ground of the Travancore kings. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern-day southern Kerala, the district of Kanyakumari, and the southernmost parts of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. After India's independence, Travancore merged with Cochin to form Travancore-Cochin which again, sometime later, joined with Malabar district of Madras State to form Kerala. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09
PERIYAR – ALLEPPY (BY SURFACE 190 KMS / 5 HRS)
After breakfast drive to Alleppey, start backwater boat cruise crossing Vembanad Lake into the backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey (Alappuzha) district occupies a prominent place in the tourist map of Kerala interlocked with lakes and canals. Referred to as the Venice of the east by travellers from across the world, this backwater destination is also home to diverse animal and bird life. The cruise starts at 1200 noon and ends in next day at 0900 hrs. The cruising will be through narrow canals and one can experience the local village life in the banks of these canals. The boat will be docked by 5.00 pm and we can enjoy the serene village beauty. Overnight stay on board houseboat.
Day 10
ALLEPPEY – COCHIN ( BY SURFACE 65 KMS / 1.5 HRS )
ALLEPPEY – COCHIN ( BY SURFACE 65 KMS / 1.5 HRS )
Day 11
COCHIN – COONOR ( BY SURFACE 300 KMS / 06 HRS )
After breakfast drive to Coonor, The Nilgiri Hills are famous for their sublime hill stations. Notable among them is Coonoor, located at the head of the Hulikal ravine at an altitude of 1,800 m above sea level. It is 19 km from Ooty (also, Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund), another famous hill station of the Nilgiris. Coonoor is famous for its verdant environs and for a variety of wildflowers and birds. Coonoor provides a perfect setting for activities like trekking and hiking. It is also famous for its tea plantations and festivals. During summer, this hill town is over-spilled with holidaymakers. Coonoor is also an ideal locale for filmmakers, both from India and abroad. It formed the backdrop for David Lean's movie A Passage to India (1984) based on E. M. Foster's novel. Coonoor comes under the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty circuit. On arrival check in to Hotel & Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 12
OOTY – MYSORE
After break catch a Toy train Ooty or Udagamandalam (the Tamil version of the original name) rightly described as "Queen of Hill Stations" by Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, now sprawls over an area of 36 sq km with a number of tall buildings cluttering its hill slopes. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. Ooty still woos people from all over India as well as foreign countries right through summer, and sometimes in the winter months too. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens.
The scenery, as it unfolds during the trip, is breathtaking, awe-inspiring and fantastic. One can notice a marvelous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor. At Kallar it is tropical and at Burliar-the next bus-stop as one proceeds from Mettupalayam-it is sub-tropical. Near Coonoor, it is humid with pines, blue gum (Eucalyptus globules) and cypress trees. As we go from Ooty to Gudalur, the change in vegetation is striking. What a splendid interaction between climate and vegetation! It is therefore very appropriate that Mount Stuart called the whole road leading to Ooty from Mettupalayam, "One long botanical debauch."
On arrival check in to hotel & Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 13
MYSORE
After breakfast visit the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades, sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the art gallery,
Mysore (or Mysuru) is the third largest city in the state of Karnataka, India, which served as the capital city of Mysore Princely Kingdom (Kingdom of Mysore) for nearly six centuries, from 1399 until 1947. Located at the base of the Chamundi Hills about 146 km (91 mi) southwest of the state capital Bangalore, it is spread across an area of 128.42 km2 (50 sq mi). The Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, except for a brief period in the late 18th century when Hyder Ali andTipu Sultan were in power. Patrons of art and culture, the Wodeyars contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city. The cultural ambience and achievements of Mysore earned it the sobriquet Cultural capital of Karnataka.
Later drive upto Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back, see the Nandi bull. Overnight in hotel.
Day 14
MYSORE/HASSAN (By Surface 120kms/ 03hrs)
After breakfast drive to Hassan; The history of Hassan involves two of the greatest dynasties that ruled Karnataka, Western Ganga Dynasty of Talkad (350 - 999 CE.) and the Hoysala Empire (1000 - 1334 CE). Hassan was the seat of power for the Hoysala Empire that ruled large parts of south India in the 11th to the 13th century. The Hoysala rulers had built a huge number of temples during their reign and as many as fifty of these amazing sculptures and architectural structures survive today and are being looked after by the Archeology Survey of India. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hassan became a land of contention between the Keladi Nayakas of Shimoga and the Mysore Kingdom.
Day 15
HASSAN – BELUR – HALIBEDU (By surface 50kms / 02hrs )
After breakfast visit the temples of Belur and Halibedu temple. The Chennakesava Temple was built on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, by the Hoysala Empire King Vishnuvardhana. Belur, which was an early Hoysala capital, is in the Hassan district of Karnataka state, India. It is 40 km from Hassan city and 220 km from Bangalore. Chennakesava (lit, "handsome Kesava") is a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. Belur is well known for its marvelous temples built during the rule of the Hoysala dynasty, making it and nearby Halebidu favored tourist destinations in Karnataka state.
Halebidu (literally "old city") is located in Hassan District, Karnataka, India. Halebidu (which was previously called Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra) was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. It is home to some of the best examples ofHoysala architecture. Most notable are the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples. The city got the name "Halebidu" because it was ransacked two times during the invasion of Mallik Kafur.
Halebidu was the 12th-13th century capital of the Hoysalas. The Hoysaleswara temple was built during this time by Ketamala and attributed to King Vishnuvardhana,[1] the Hoysala ruler. It enshrines Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara, named after King Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his Queen Shantala Devi.
Day 16
HASSAN – BENGALURU (By surface 185 kms /03 to 04 hrs
After breakfast drive to Bengaluru There are numerous versions related to the naming of the city as 'Bangalore'. As per the information available in the Gazetteer of India, the term 'Bangalore' is an anglicized version of "Bengalooru," a Kannad term. The word Bengalooru was in turn derived from the phrase 'bende kaalu ooru', meaning 'the town of boiled beans'. There is story behind naming the city as the 'town of boiled beans'.
It is said that King Ballala of the Hoysala dynasty once got lost in the jungle and was very tired and hungry. In the jungle, he came across a poor and old woman, who offered him some boiled beans. As an expression of his gratitude towards the woman, the King named the place as 'bende kaalu ooru'. However, there are other historical evidences that reveal that the name 'Bengalooru' was recorded much before the reign of King Ballala.
On arrival check in to hotel .Afternoon proceed for the city tour of Bangalore including the visit of botanical garden and drive past Sabah Souda
Overnight in hotel
Day 17
BANGALORE DEPARTURE
BANGALORE DEPARTURE
- Accommodation in well-appointed rooms with TWN/DBL room basis.
- Transport services as per itinerary by A/C Medium Car for Package .
- Daily Breakfast in Hotels
- All Meals in House Boat
- Assistance, toll, taxes & interstate permits
- Train/Flight Fares.
- Guides / Entrances
- Extra Supplements from Hotels.
- Meals other than specified.
- Items of personal nature viz. telephone calls, drinks, laundry bills, etc.
- Anything which is not mentioned under “INCLUDES” header
- 05% Government Service Tax.
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