South India Vacation with
Kerala
Day 1: Arrive New Delhi
Our representative will receive at International Airport and transfer you
to Hotel by private car.
Delhi: The capital city of Independent India isoften the starting
point of a visit to India. Like Rome it is an eternal cityand is a name
with music in it for most of the people. For Indians it is thecapital of
their country, the centre of power and cultural; for the simplevillager
it is identified as the home of Panditji, as Mr. Nehru wasaffectionately
known. For foreigners who have read of it in their newspaper andseen on
their Television, it is a strange, and sometimes puzzling blend ofancient
and modern, of pageantry and socialisticplanning.
There are today two Delhi's : Old Delhi -the city built by Shahjahan the
man who built the Taj Mahal and New Delhi -built by the British in 1931.
It is this juxtaposition of the Old and the Newone which is one of the attraction
of the capital. While the Old Delhi evokes adistinctly oriental atmosphere,
New Delhi has wide avenues and imposing officebuildings. Both the cities
with monuments and mosques that can keep any touristhappy for days.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in hotel.
Day
2: Delhi
After breakfast depart for sightseeing Tour of New Delhi by private car
to visit:-
India Gate: It is a majestic high arch, 42 metres high, built as
a memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in World War I. Beneath it burns
an eternal flame. From the base of the arch, one can get a good view of
Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Humayuns Tomb: It was built by Humayun's widowed Queen Haji Begum,
in the 16th century. Architecturally the forerunner of the Taj Mahal, it
stands in Nizamuddin, which has Mughal architecture at its graceful best.
Bahai Temple: Situated atop the Kalkaji hill, this distinctive lotus
shaped marvel in marble, surrounded by a landscaped garden, has been dubbed
the 'Taj Mahal of the 21stcentury'.
Qutub Minar: The 72.5 metre high-tower dates back to the 13thcentury
and is one of the greatest bequests of Islamic culture. At its base lies
the Quwwatul-Islam Masjid, the first mosque in India.
Iron Pillar: A famous iron pillar of the 5thcentury, inside Qutub
Minar complex. It has remained rust free for 1500 years. According to local
belief if you can get your fingers to touch, with your back to the pillar,
your wishes will be granted.
Rashtrapati
Bhawan: It is the official residence of the President Of India, formerly
the residence of the Viceroy of India, it has a magnificent view of the
Rajpath and symmetrical North and South Block Government offices. Designed
by Sir Edwin Lutyens and occupied in 1929, it is set in 330 acres of land.
Imperial in design, it has spacious staterooms and an elegant Mughal Garden
open to public once a year around February and March.
Central Secretariat Buildings:
The Parliament House: This circular shaped colonnaded building houses
the two houses of parliament - the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Its doomed
Central Hall is 90feet in diameter.
A drive through the Diplomatic Enclaves to see the various High Commissions.
Return to hotel for lunch.
After lunch depart for sightseeing of Old Delhi by the same car and driver
to visit:-
Ferozshah Kotla: Is the site of the city Ferozabad built in the 14thcentury
by Emperor Ferozshah Tughlaq. The famed 14 metre-high polished sandstone
Ashoka Pillar carrying Emperor Ashoka's message of peace which stands here
today is around 2,300 years old. Ferozabad, the fifth city was demolished
by Shah Jahan (17thcentury) to built Shahjahanabad.
Rajghat:
This simple square platform of Black Marble on the banks of the River Yamuna
marks the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. His last words "He'ram"
are inscribed on a platform which is surrounded by a serene garden.
Red Fort: Emperor Shah Jehan, the builder of the Taj Mahal built
Delhi's most magnificent monument, the Red Fort, in 1648. Some of the buildings
it encloses are Diwan-I-am or the hall meant for public audiences; Diwan-I-Khas,
where private audiences were granted; Rang Mahal, the water cooled apartment
of the royal ladies; the Pearl Mosque, a lovely, ornate dream in white marble.
Jama Masjid: Is the largest mosque in India, and stands across the
road from the Red Fort. Built in 1656, it is an eloquent reminder of the
Mughal religious fervour. Its spacious courtyard can hold thousands of the
faithful.
Chandni Chowk: Its nerve centre, is still a very busy commercial
centre, and in its ancient, narrow lanes is kept alive the traditional workmanship,
which makes Delhi famous.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple: Popularly known as Birla Mandir, is a large
Hindu Temple built in 1938. People of all faith can enter and worship but
one must walk barefoot into the courtyard and further on.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day
3: Delhi - Bangalore
After breakfast our representative will transfer you to airport by private
car:-
Depart Delhi by 9W815 at 0950 hrs
Arrive Bangalore at 1225 hrs
Our representative will receive at airport and transfer you to Hotel by
private car.
Bangalore: Founded in 1537 by Kempegowda, afar-sighted local chieftain,
Bangalore has blossomed into one of Asia's fastest growing cities. The garden
city combines the vibrant pace of a modern metropolis with a quaint old-world
charm. According to local folklore the present name -Bangalore, derive from
'Bendakalooru' or the town of boiled beams, a name given by a Veera Ballala,
a king of the Vijayanagar dynasty, who having lost his way in the forest
was given a bowl of boiled beans by a kindly woman here. The city is known
as the cleanest city of India.
After settling down in the hotel depart for sightseeing of Bangalore city
by private car to visit :
Cubbon Park, Government Museum, Vidhan Sabha, Lalbagh Botanical Garden
and Ulsoor Lake.
Return to hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 4: Bangalore - Mysore
After breakfast depart Bangalore for Mysore (134 kms) by private car with
a good driver, stopping enroute to visit the famous
Summer Palace of
Tipu Sultan known as:
Srirangapatnam: 16 Kms from Mysore is the town of Island fortress,
which stands in the middle of the river. Tipu Sultan, the Muslim ruler who
has become a legend, waged war against the British with the French alliance
from here. He was ultimately defeated here in 1799.
After seeing Srirangapatnam drive on to Mysore, arriving Hotel by lunch
time.
Mysore:
Mysore city, known as the Garden city of India is 86 miles from Bangalore
(South West) the Chamundi hills serves as a backdrop to Mysore. During the
Dussehra season people from all parts of the world come to the city and
the nine days celebration of Navratri is climaxed by a spectacular procession
by the 10th day.
Mysore is a great handicraft centre, It is also a sandalwood city, where
you find sandalwood agarbathis and other articles.
After settling down in the hotel depart for sightseeing of Mysore city by
the same car with an English speaking guide to visit:
Chamundi Hill, Government Silk Factory, Sandalwood Oil Factory, Art Gallery
and Brindaban Gardens.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5: Mysore - Ooty
After breakfast depart Mysore for Ooty (160 Kms) by the same car and driver,
arriving Hotel before lunch.
Ootacamund
(Ooty): The Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu are an integral part of the
great plateau occupying the junction of the Eastern and Western ghats. It
derives its names from "Nilgiri" or the 'Blue Mountains'- a name
given to the hills by the inhabitants more than 850 years ago because of
the blue haze of the clouds which envelope the hill slopes. Udagamandalam
or Ooty as it is popularly called is the chief hill station of these hills
and is often called as the "Queen of Hill Stations" at an altitude
of 2,286 m. Boating, Horse-riding, racing, fishing, golf, hiking are the
major activities of the tourists. Nilgiris is the home of the Toda Tribe
whose origins are yet unknown. Not far from Ooty are the smaller and quieter
hill resorts - Kotagiri and Coonoor.
After lunch depart for sightseeing of Ooty (Ootacamund) by the same car
and driver to visit:-
Botanical Garden: This garden was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis
of Tweedale. A variety of exotic and ornamental plants adorn this garden
which is the venue for the Flower Show held in May every year. There is
a fossil tree trunk 20 million years old in the midst of the gardens.
Lake: This artificial lake was set up in 1824 by Mr. John Sulivan,
the then Collector of Coimbatore. Boating is possible from 08.00 hrs to
18.00 hrs. on all days. The lake garden and toy train rides are other attractions.
VIEW POINTS LIKE :
Ketty Valley View: Located on the road to Coonoor, this idyllic spot
is cluster of tiny villages that extend to the plains of Coimbatore and
Mysore plateau.
Doddabetta:
It is the highest peak (2623 metres) in the Nilgiris and is about 10 Kms.
from Ooty. It lies at the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats and offer
beautiful vistas of the Nilgiri Hill ranges, it is surrounded by dense sholas.
There is a telescope house which is an added attraction.
Wenlock Downs: A vast expanse of undulating landscape offering the
Gymkana Club, the Government Sheep Farm and the Hindustan Photo Films Company
besides pleasure of long stroll on quiet roads.
Lady Canning Seat:
Dolphin's Nose: It is about 12 Kms. from Coonoor bus stand situated
near Tiger Hills. Enjoy the micro climate of the shola forest criss-crossed
by the winding to road, you can also take a glimpse of the Catherine Falls
from here. The area is also abundant with wild life.
Limb's Rock:
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 6 : Ooty
Full day set-aside for walking tour of surrounding area.
Overnight in hotel.
Day
7: Ooty - Cochin
After breakfast depart Ooty for Cochin by the same car and driver, arriving
Hotel by lunch time.
Cochin: Is regarded as one of the beauty spot of India. The port
of Cochin is known as the queen of the Arabian Sea and the industrial hub
of the state where the ancient civilisation mingles with the 20th century.
Cruising in the backwaters is a real pleasure and is the most fascinating
way to observe the countryside. Vasco-Da-Gama was buried here in 1524 but
14 years late the remains were taken away to Portugal.
After lunch leave for sightseeing of Cochin by the same car with an English
speaking guide to visit:
Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jew Town, ST. Francis Church,
Chinese Fishing Nets, High Court Building, Broadway Shopping Centre and
Santacruz Cathedral.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 8: Cochin
After breakfast get ready to enjoy a motor launch ride on the back waters
of Cochin on palm fringed water and see the Kerala way of life through the
lake.
Backwater Cruise In Cochin:
Normally Cochin backwater cruise includes the sightseeing of Cochin by boat.
Visiting,
Jewish Synagogue - the magnificent structure was built in 1568. The
Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, copper plates of inestimable historical
worth containing the privileges granted to Jews by the Cochin Maharajas,
and the exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles are of great interest.
Dutch
Palace - was built by Portuguese and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin
in 1568. At the centre of the building is a large coronation hall. Seventeenth
century mural paintings depicting scenes from the India epic Ramayana can
be seen in the Palace.
St. Francis Church - was the first church to be built in India by
the Portuguese. Vasco-de-Gama, who discovered the sea route to India from
Europe, was buried here.
Chinese Fishing Nets - The old lingering remnants of the Chinese
influence are the Chinese fishing nets still in use around Cochin.
Bolgatty Island - This long narrow palm fringed island, is situated
amidst 15 acres of lush green lawns. Built by the Dutch in 1744, it became
the seat of the British Resident.
Pallipuam Fort, Vypin - It is situated at the far end of Vypin Island.
Small and hexagonal, it was built in 1503, claiming to be the oldest European
fort in India. Open onThursdays only.
Return to hotel for lunch.
After lunch at leisure.
In the evening depart to enjoy witnessing the famous Kathakali Dances in
an Auditorium by private car and driver:-
Kathakali
Dances: A performance of the traditional Kathakali dance is one of Cochin's
highlights. This form of dance theater, dating back 500 years, can be seen
nightly, with explanation and narration, all over the city. By tradition,
all dancers are male and wear elaborate costumes and mask like make-up to
mime stories from the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Arrive early for the performance and peer backstage to see the lean, athletic
performers transform themselves into oversized deities attired in bulky
tutu like burlap underskirts, layers of bright garments, heavy jewelry and
head dress. The make up is highly symbolic: Green denotes the hero king
or god, and black and red denote demons. The actor slips a seed from the
cunlappuvu, or eggplant vine, under his eyelids to make his eyes red.
As much as an act of worship as a highly dramatic folk theatre, Kathakali
is traditionally performed by the flickering light of temple lamps, accompanied
by musicians and a chanting Brahman priest. Artistes use a vast repertoire
of acrobatic eye movements, dramatic facial expresssions, and perfect muscle
cotrol that require years of training.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 9: Cochin - Periyar
After breakfast depart Cochin for Periyar by the same car and driver, arriving
Hotel by lunch time.
Periyar
National Park: Periyar is one of India's picturesque reserves. The sanctuary
is set around the artificial lake formed by damming the Periyar river, led
to the submersion of a large forest area and the formation of 55 sq. km
lake. There are stumps and branches of the dead trees in the lake giving
a fossilised appearance. In the words of the leading naturalist, M. Krishnan,
"Nowhere in India, nowhere else in the world, can one observe these
great beasts in such variety and so many circumstances as here-herds, parties,
lone bulls, veterans long past their prime and calves barely a week old,
elephants of all shapes and size can all be seen here".
The most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake
in a boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants
coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna be seen are Tiger,
Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine,
Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur
and Black Langur (Monkey). Tiger and Leopards seldom come to the lakeside
by day.
After lunch free at leisure.
Overnight in hotel.
Day
10: Periyar
After breakfast full day set-aside for enjoying a boat cruise in Periyar
Lake with lunch break.
The most enjoyable part of seeing the wildlife is going around the lake
in a boat. From the safety of a boat you can witness herds of wild elephants
coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are:
Tiger, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild
dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel,
Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come
to the lakeside by day.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11: Periyar - Madurai
After breakfast depart Periyar for Madurai by the same car and driver, arriving
Hotel by lunch time.
Madurai: The second largest city in Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest
cities of India, is celebrated for its Meenakshi Temple which is an exquisite
example of this style and architecture, has nine majestic Gopuram. The most
interesting feature of this temple is the thousand pillared hall built in
the 16th century, some of its life-size sculpture are a marvel of patience
and artistic skill. The city is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai.
After settling down in the hotel depart to visit the famous:-
Meenakshi Temple: One of the biggest temple complexes in India. Dedicated
to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswar ( Siva). A superb example of Dravidian
architecture and sculpture, the focal point around which the city has developed.
Out of the five towers, the tallest is the southern (48.8). There is a museum
in Thousand Pillared Hall.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day
12: Madurai - Tiruchirapalli
After breakfast depart for sightseeing of Madurai city by the same car and
driver to visit:-
Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Vandiyur Mariamman Tank, Koodal
Alagar Temple( Vishnu Temple ) and Gandhi Museum.
Return to hotel for lunch.
After lunch depart Madurai for Tiruchirapalli by the same car and driver,
arriving Hotel by evening.
Tiruchirapalli: Situated in the banks of river Cauvery, the Chola
Centre from the Sangam Age. The Nayaks of Madurai built the town and the
Fort which played a vital role in the Carnatic war in the 18th Century.
It is now pilgrim and a business centre.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 13: Tiruchirapalli
After breakfast depart for sightseeing of Tiruchirapalli city by the same
car and driver to visit:-
The Rock Fort, Srirangam, Sri Ranganatha Temple.
Return to hotel for lunch.
After lunch depart for an excursion to Tanjore:-
Tanjore:
The grandest temple in all of South India, the Brahadiswara Temple in
Thanjavur, the headquarters town of the district of the same name, is noted
for its superb religious, historical and artistic associations. Through
it the Cholas expressed their faith, the irpersonality and the magnificence
of their empire. Between the 10thand 14thcenturies, Tanjore became the centre
of learning and culture.
Places you visit in Tanjore:
Sri Brahadiswara Temple, Art Gallery,Library, Hall Of Music, Schwartz Church,
Thetank.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: Tiruchirapalli - Pondicherry
After breakfast depart Tiruchirapalli for Pondicherry by the same car and
driver, arriving Hotel before lunch.
Pondicherry: Pondicherry is 160 Km from Madras. An ancient city,
was prosperous as early as the 1st Century and trades with a Roman settlement.
Legend has it that Sage Agastya built his Ashram here and Pondicherry became
a Vedic centre. Its ancient name was Vadapuri. 9th century inscription indicate
the presence of Sanskrit University. Professor Jouveau Dubriel, a French
archaeologist has claimed that the old Ashram of Agastya was at the same
place where there is today Aurobindo Ashram.
French became the rulers of this small place in 1816. It became a part of
India in 1954. The city is planned on the pattern of French
architecture.
The road still bear the French mane and Indian-born French citizen celebrate
Bastille Day on 14th July.
After settling down in the hotel depart for sightseeing of Pondicherry by
the same car with an English speaking guide to visit:
The Beach, French Institute, Romain Rolland Library, Sri Aurobindo Ashram,
Vedapuriswar Temple, Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus As Also Auroville -
An international township arising from the philosophical teachings of Sri
Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, the Mother.
Return to hotel for overnight.
Day 15: Pondicherry - Chennai
After breakfast depart Pondicherry for Chennai by the same car and driver,
stopping enroute to visit the famous:-
Kanchipuram: is one of the seven great ancient cities of India, and
the only one South of the Vindhyas. It was the capital for the Cholas, the
Pallavas. Kancheepuram is the city where Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism
flourished. It is also the seat of Sankaracharya of Kanchi Koti Peetham.
Places you visit in Kanchipuram:
Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple,
Sri Ekamranatha Temple And Sri Varadaraja Temple.
Mahabalipuram:
Once a flourishing port of the Pallavas is now a Major Beach Resort. It
is 57 Km from Madras. Beautiful monument erected by the Pallavas. There
are sculptural panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas and Structural Temples.
Places you visit in Mahabalipuram:-
Caves, The Shore Temple, The Five Rathas, Old Light House, Trimurthi Caves
And Varaha And Tiger Caves And Sculpture Training Centre.
After seeing Mahabalipuram, continue drive to Chennai, arriving in the hotel
by evening.
Chennai (Madras): Capital of the state of the same name is the gateway
to a pleasant land, the city of an ancient civilisation exemplified in its
many monuments of the past with a rich heritage of culture. The Marina Beach
in Madras is considered to be the second largest beach in the world. Then
there is the senate house built in the Indo-Saracenid style, a little further
long is the Chepauk palace; built in the Moorish style, there is also an
aquarium, with many species of exotic fish. At the northern end of 0the
Marina there is a War Memorial and quite nearby is the Fort St. George within
which the most important monument is the Church of St. Mary. This state
is also known as the land of temples, the Gopuram of temple tower; with
its giant bell ringing dominate the landscape of every town, village and
hamlet. About 60 Kms away is Mahabalipuram known for its rock cut 7th Century
monolithic shrines and its beautiful Shore Temple.
Overnight in hotel.
Day
16: Chennai
After breakfast depart for full day sightseeing of Chennai City by the same
car and driver to visit:-
National Art Gallery, Museum, People's Park And Zoo, Fort, San Thome's
Catheral Along The Marina, Mylapore Temple, Victoria Technical Institute,
Aquarium & Theosophical Society.
Return to hotel in the evening.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 17: Chennai - Delhi
After breakfast our representative will transfer you to airport by private
car:-
Depart Chennai by 9W 831 at 1135 hrs
Arrive Delhi at 1415 hrs
Our representative will receive at airport and transfer you to Hotel by
private car.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 18: Depart Delhi
Today our representative will transfer you to Indira Gandhi International
Airport for taking flight to next destination.
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