Incredible South India Tours
Places Covered: Chennai - Mamallapuram - Kanchipuram - Vellore - Thiruvannamalai - Pondicherry - Madurai - Trichy - Periyar - Alleppey - Cochin - Ooty - Mysore - Hampi - Badami - Bijapur - Goa
Day 01 : Chennai - Mamallapuram
Chennai Airport Pickup-Mamallapuram approx 70kms from the Airport. Mamallapuram is home to some of the very early monuments of India. In Granite Architecture there are four types only and excellent examples of all four types are found in Mamallapuram.
Day 02 : Mamallapuram
Half a day Mamallapuram sightseeing. Afternoon free leisure at beach or visit to Dakshinachitra Cultural Centre.
Day 03 : Mamallapuram - Kanchipuram - Vellore - Thiruvannamalai.
Kanchipuram is very ancient city and is one of India's 7 sacred cities. The main places to visit are Kailasanathar temple, Vaikundaperumal temple, Egambaranatha temple, Varatharaja perumal temple. Vellore has one of Tippu Sultan's forts and Jalakandeswara temple the temple was built by Vijaya nagar rulers and the very best Temple architecture is found in Thiruvannamalai.
Day 04 : Thiruvannamalai - Gingee - Pondicherry
Gingee has one of the most beautiful forts in the world built in the 14th century. Pondicherry was a French State in India and still retains French feeling. Places to visit are Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville and Old French type houses
Day 05 : Pondy - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Tanjore
Chidambaram has 9th Century Shiva temple which houses a unique Emerald lingam statue. A Special pooja is held every day at 11.00 a.m. .Gangaikondacholapuram was very powerful place in 10th Century, South East Asia was controlled from this point. 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 is the biggest temple complex in India and has the tallest temple tower. Visit Rockfort temple for sunset view.
Day 07 : Trichy-Madurai
Madurai Meenakshi Temple is a colourful and lively temple visited by thousands 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 and enchanting drive. Periyar wild life sanctuary is situated around Periyar lake. Here the jungle safari is done by boat to see wild life in and around the lake. There is also a wide variety of water birds.
Day 09 : Periyar - Alleppey
On the way to Alleppey we see beautiful tea/coffee and many spice gardens. Late morning board your houseboat (a converted Rice barge called Kattuvallam in the local language) to enjoy the lush green Kerala backwaters where there is no noise and no disturbance. Meals provided on board
Day 10 : Alleppey-Cochin
After reaching Alleppey in the morning continue the drive to Cochin. Afternoon sightseeing of Cochin The main places to see -17th C Dutch palace, Jew
ish Synagogue, St Francis Church-the great sailor Vasco da Gama was buried here and Chinese Fishing nets- introduced by the Chinese in 13th C.
Day 11 : Cochin - Ooty
A full day drive from Cochin Ooty is situated in Western Ghats, very cool and green hills. 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. Mysore Palace is 18th C Palace built by Indo-Europe artisans and is represents the Muslim style of architecture. It is full of 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 back Mysore and afternoon visit to Devaraja vegetable and flower market.
