All
India Holidays Packages - At Compass we are offering you a wide range
of customized and independent holiday travel opportunities. Exceptional
Value - As an all-service company, we can design a program just for
you, with all arrangements handled by a travel specialist, from planning your
special trip to issuing your airline tickets, offering you an exceptional value.
By Air Flight No : 9W 401
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1015 hr
Arrival : 1215 hr
Arrive
at Mumbai early in the morning. Proceed to a hotel close to the airport
for breakfast and then take the morning flight to Cochin. Arrive at
Kochi (Cochin) and meet and assistance at the airport by our representative
and transfer to your hotel. The eventful history of this city began
when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till
then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural
harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors
from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in
India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. The Dutch
wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the
last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in
1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial
centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade
centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship
building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries
later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities. In the early
evening proceed for a private harbor cruise. Enjoy watching the dolphins,
the fishing island and the Bolghatty Palace. Cruise till the mouth
of the sea and enjoy the sunset. Return to the hotel and enjoy a seafood
dinner. Overnight will be at Cochin.
Day 2 : Cochin:
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for a sight seeing tour of
Cochin. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the:
Chinese fishing nets: 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.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE: The Jewish community traces its history to nearly
2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there
are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN
where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built
in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the
synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small
synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue
and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps
that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International
Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown. The Vasco Da Gama Square,
Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow
etc. are also nice for sightseeing. Take a boat ride and visit BOLGATTY
PALACE and VYPPIN ISLAND. In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE
PRESENTATION. Over night stay at hotel.
Day 3 : Cochin - Alleppey:
By Road 60 km in 1 hr
House
Boat Cruise: After breakfast proceed to Alleppey. Alappuzha is
famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes.
Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one
of the major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad"
in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done
below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called
the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched
between the sea and the hills. Check into a traditional houseboat
of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake
on a thatched houseboat. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product
of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are
a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four
rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are
a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals
connect the villages together and are still used for local transport.
Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable. 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. Lunch will be served on the boat freshly
prepared by the crew. In the evening the boat will anchor by the lush
paddy fields and enjoy the tranquility of the water around. Dinner
would be laid out in the boat. Spend night on houseboat.
Day 4 :Kumarakom - Periyar (THEKKADY):
By Road 130 km in 4 hr
Reach Kumarokom at noon. Visit the Bird Sanctuary. Proceed to Periyar.
Enjoy the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains
with the low flying clouds passing by. Visit Tea Plantations and
also see how tea is processed.
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.
Day 5 : Periyar:
Enjoy breakfast at the resort. Take a jungle trek in the morning
with your guide. This is a very interesting trek and not very hard
also. Afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper,
coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could
stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Stay the
night at Periyar.
Day 6 : Periyar - Madurai:
By Road 180 km in 6 hr
Drive
to Madurai after breakfast. Reach and transfer to hotel. One of South
India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated
Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has
a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than
2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre
even as early as 550 AD It was the Capital city for the great Pandyas
kings. Madurai's Main attraction is the Famous Sri Meenakshi Amman
temple a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with
Gopurams carved from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of
multicolored images of Gods. Tamil & Greek documents record the
existence of Madurai from the 4th Century BC. The city was known to
the Greeks through Magathenes who was their ambassador to the court
of Chandraguptha Mauriya. This city was popular in trade especially
in spices. It was also the site the Sangam the academy of the Tamil
Poets. And Madurai is the centre of all the cities and Madurai is
famous for the cotton Sungudi Saris. In the evening visit the great
Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. Later, visit
the Tirumala Nayak Palace - A gracious building in the Indo saracenic
style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Also
visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Afternoon
will be free. Overnight will be at Madurai.
Day 7 : Madurai - Trichy - Tanjore:
By road 190 km in 6 hr
Enjoy sightseeing in the morning.
Gandhi Museum: The Gandhi Memorial Museum is one of the distinct
places to be visited in Madurai. This Museum is one of the rare living
memorials of "The Father of India". The Museum is set in
relaxing grounds and has a clear historical account of India's struggle
for Independence.
The Vishnu Temple: There is a Vishnu Shrine called Kudal
Algar (Kudal is the former names this town) and it is said that
Lord Vishnu came down to this place to give away Meenakshi to God
Sundareshwara. The vimana or the tower of the god in the temple
is of a very fine workmanship and is known as the Ashtanga Vimana.
The Marriage of the Meenakshi is to have been celebrated on the
day of Panguni Uttram generally occurring on the Full moon day of
the month of Panguni (March - April). And is a very important Event
in this place.
Thirumalai
Nayak Palace: This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai
Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today
was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex
was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted
mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. In these
two parts, there are royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments,
armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden.
King Thirumalai Nayak celebrated festivals like Sceptre festival,
Navarathri, Chithirai festival, Masi festival and the Float festival.
He conducted daily dance and music performances in the palace. This
palace was destroyed by his grandson Chokkanatha Nayak and the valuables
were transferred to other places. During the British rule, in 1822,
Lord Napier made several renovation works. Then the palace was utilized
to house some officials of the judiciary and district administration.
After independence, this palace was declared as a national monument
and is now under the care of the Tamilnadu Archaeological Department.
Drive to Tanjore and on your way stop at trichy. Visit the ancient
temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, 434 steps cut out into the rock
side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple. Visit SRIRANGAM,
a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu sprawled on a Island in
CAUVERY RIVER which contains within its walls a Bazaar (TRADITIONAL
MARKET OF INDIA) as well. Gaze up at the twenty-one magnificent towers
of the temple surrounded by seven walls. On arrival, transfer to hotel
and relax. Tanjore is also known as Thanjavur (The rice bowl of TAMIL
NADU). Proceed for sight seeing of Tanjore. Visit the famous Chola
Temple of Brihadeeshwara - A WORLD HERITAGE MONUMENT. Its bronze and
handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of the tour to South
India. The majesty of the palaces and art gallery attached to the
temple is really awe-inspiring. It is also famous for the silk. Overnight
will be at Tanjore.
Day 8 : Tanjore - Pondicherry:
By road 65 km in 1 hour
Proceed for a sight seeing of the city of Tanjore also known as Thanjavur.
See the beautiful Chola temple of Brihadeeshwara. The temple is capped
by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80
tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp-
an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. You
will also visit the Palace and its Art Gallery, which contains several
granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. After lunch at local
restaurant, proceed to Pondicherry, which carries a strong whiff of
the French presence in India. This erstwhile French colony on the
East Coast of South India merged with the rest of the country in 1954.
Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St.Agasthaya settled
down. Overnight will be at hotel. Day
9 : Pondicherry:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Drive to visit Aurbindo Ashram, the
city of dawn, 10 km north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurbindo's
ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so
as to unite the spirit and matter. Enjoy the promenade and the city.
Overnight will be at hotel.
Day 10 : Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram:
By Road 100 km in 2 hours
After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram. Afternoon visit the city
- built in 7th century, earlier called Mahabalipooram, this ancient
Pallava port, is today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels.
In this ancient seaside town shrines and huge sculptures cut-out of
rocks more than 1200 years back during the reign of Pallava Kings
in the region can be seen. The rock carvings depicting mythological
episodes - of demons, Gods and animals in battle and others - are
truly poems in stone. The only shore temple which remains here is
the spectacular two - spired shrine, unique because it houses both
Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu in its sanctum-sanctorum. Overnight
will be at the beach resort.
Day 11 : Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai:
By Road 76 km in 2 hours
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram - is the ancient capital
of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124
shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th
and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. The important temples
here are of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy.
Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. Arrive Chennai - the gateway
to southern India, established in 1639 by the East India Company,
is one of the oldest cities of the country. The first British Warehouse
came up in 1639 when the British acquired the sandy beach from the
local Nayaks on lease. It was called Madraspatinam then. Later by
1654, the Fort St. George was built. Still later the neighboring villages
were included in the city which came either as grants or gifts. Triplicane
was rented from the Sultan of Golconda in the year 1676. In 1744 Robert
Clive worked as a writer from the Fort, later to become a military
man of British Army. The Fort House, which housed the Governor and
his council, were added in the 17th Century, the Assembly Hall in
1910 and the Secretariat in 1925. All the neighboring areas were merged
into the city now known as Madras or as Chennai as it is officially
known. Until Independence, Madras was the capital of what in British
times was called the Madras Presidency, comprising nearly the whole
of South India, including the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada
speaking areas. Check in at hotel and stay overnight. Day
12 : Chennai:
Proceed for city tour of Chennai in the morning after breakfast. Santhome
Cathedral. Built by Portuguese in the 14th and 15th century, this
Cathedral is named after St. Thomas. Historically important, it is
one of the pilgrimages for the Christian community.
Fort St. George, one the first few bastions built by the east
India company, marks the beginning of Chennai as a modern city. It
occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. This bastion
achieved its name from St. George, the patron saint of England. The
state legislature and the secretariat are located in Fort St. George.
It houses the St. Mary's church the oldest Anglican Church in India
which was built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the
oldest British tombstones in India. The Fort Museum, once a building
that housed Chennai's first lighthouse, first commercial bank and
first 'club', is now a well-kept repository of tangible memories of
early Madras. Kapaleeswarar Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar
temple has inscriptions from the 13th century A.D. The temple 'Gopuram'
(tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture.
The walls and pillars of temple have very delicate and intricate carvings
which depict the scenes from Hindu mythology. Overnight will be at
Hotel.
Day 13 : Chennai - Mysore:
By deluxe train in 8hrs (0600/1300) Take deluxe train to Mysore.
Breakfast will be served on the train. Reach and proceed to the hotel.
The picturesque railway station of Mysore has repeatedly won awards
by the Indian Railways for its extremely courteous and excellent service
by the staff at the counters. Mysore is connected by broad-gauge rail
to Bangalore and also has meter-gauge services to Chamarajanagar (south)
and to Arasikere (north-west). Mysore city was the capital of the
old royal Mysore province. The word Mysore expands to "Mahishasurana
Ooru" which means the town of Mahishasura. The story goes that
the demon Mahishasura was killed by goddess Chamundeshwari atop the
Chamundi hill near Mysore, and hence the name. Ever since, the Mysore
royal family has worshipped Chamundeshwari as the palace deity. Hills
dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of Mysore town today. To
the people of India the word Mysore is synonymous with Sandalwood,
silk and fine inlay-work using ivory. It is the home of incense sticks
dipped in sandalwood oil perfume base and has two well known incense
factories - the Aravinda Parimala and the Vasu and Cycle brand (together
these two account for 70% of the incense stick export from India).
Mysore is also the home of many well regarded musicians and artists.
It is even today the hub of the tourist map of Karnataka. Nearby are
several places of interest to visitors, some of these are Brindavan
Gardens, Srirangapattana, Rangana Tittu bird sanctuary, Chamundi Hills,
Nanjanagudu, Bandipur forest reserve, Shivanasamudra falls, and Talakaadu.
Enjoy sightseeing tour of the city.
Mysore
Palace: The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important 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 over the world. Intricately carved doors
open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has
an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel
studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the
Dasera festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, the palace
presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.
Chamundi Hills: A well known 335 meters high landmark, Chamundi
Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps
laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. Half-way up along
the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 meter
monolith. At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari,
the patron goddess of the Wodeyars.Close to the temple is the gigantic
statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view
of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces.
Brindavan Gardens: Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan
Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over an
acre, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop
for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'.
Timings: Monday-Friday: 6:30 PM - 7:25 PM and Saturday-Sunday: 6:30
PM - 8:25 PM
St. Philomena's Church: A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of
medieval architectural style, is one of the largest churches in the
country. Built in the gothic style, the Church is an imposing structure
with stained glass windows and lofty towers.
The Art Gallery: The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art
gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period.
The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes.
The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf ' paintings are also exhibited
in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary artist like Raja
Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich. Overnight will be at Mysore.
Day 14 : Mysore - Bangalore:
By Road 150 km in 3 hours Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Drive
to Bangalore. On your way you will visit the following places:
Daria
Daulat Bagh: Tipu's Summer Palace, built in 1784, is located here.
Made of teak, this Indo-Sarcenic structure has ornate and beautiful
frescos. It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu's valor and
his losing battle against the British.
Fort: It is here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with
his legendary sword. An obelisk in the fort marks the place where
he fell - betrayed by his own men. The fort holds within it, a mosque
and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, Tipu's
tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory. Reach Bangalore
and check in at hotel. A major industrial and commercial center, with
scientific and research activity, Bangalore is multifaceted: modern
marvels, historical monuments, bustling shopping plazas, a race course
and golf courses. Called the Silicon Valley of India for its growing
software industry, it is also known as the city of draught beer. Bangalore
is capital of Karnataka which harbours a diversity of interests such
as the ruins of Vijaynagar, sculptures of Belur and Halebid, mausoleum
of Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, golden sands of Karavalli, proud hills of
Kodagu, forests of Bandipur, Nagarhole and Bannerghatta, and Chikmagalur
with its mountains and coffee plantations, majestic Mysore and the
world's tallest freestanding monolith of Bahubali at Sravanabelagola.
In the evening visit a nice pub or explore the MG ROAD. Overnight
will be at Bangalore.
Day 15 : Bangalore - Mumbai:
By Air Flight No : 9W 401
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1015 hr
Arrival : 1215 hr Start sightseeing tour of the city after breakfast.
Vidhana Soubha: This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that
dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon park, is the home of
the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood
door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing
building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during
special periods and is a sight worth viewing.
Cubbon Park: This wooded and beflowered park was laid out in the
heart of the cantonment in 1864. Since then, fairy fountains, an august
bandstand and a wealth of atatury have been added. But the most important
aspect of Cubbon Park is its newer buildings that have added beauty
and cultural wealth. Lush green lawns, shady flowering trees, vibrant
flower beds, make Cubbon Park an ideal place for morning joggers and
alike.
Lal
Bagh: Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his
son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants
from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species
of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical
plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's
Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400-acre park.
Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India
is held in the Glass House.
Tipu's Palace & Fort: The Bangalore Fort was built by
Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tipu Sultan. Within its walls is the
well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple.
The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887. Inspired
by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style,
complete with Gothic windows, the foiled windows, battlements and
turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this
summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous
for it's carving and paintings.
Take afternoon flight to Mumbai.
Reach and check in at hotel close to the airport.
Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents
and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most
multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State
formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India
and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets
lying off the KONKAN COAST of western India. Oozing with the cocksure
self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass"
(carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial
hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.
Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely
populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient
settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba"
- a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal
Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern
section of the Mumbai city.
In the evening enjoy shopping and explore the JUHU BEACH.
Juhu is one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India.
Located 18-km north of the city centre, it's a beckoning beach on
the shores of Arabian Sea and is one of the posh localities of Mumbai
where one can find the bungalows of the famous film personalities.
Many shootings are held here too.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
Day 16 : Mumbai - Home:
Take early morning flight home with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
Packages Include:
A. DOUBLE SHARING ACCOMMODATION AT MENTIONED HOTELS,
B. DAILY BREAKFASTS AT HOTELS,
C. AC VAN (10 SEATER) AT DISPOSAL ALL THROUGH THE TOUR,
D. DRIVER ALLOWANCE, PARKING AND TOLL TAXES,
E. ALL HOTEL AND GOVERNMENT TAXES,
F. ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES FOR SIGHTSEEING WHEREVER REQUIRED,
G. SERVICE TAX AS PER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS,
H. DELUXE HOUSEBOAT (4 BEDROOM PRIVATE) FOR ONE NIGHT CRUISE,
I. PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCES,
J. KATHAKALI DANCE SHOW AT COCHIN,
K. HARBOUR CRUISE AT COCHIN,
L. AC FIRST CLASS DELUXE TRAIN FARES,
M. ALL MEALS DURING STAY AT HOUSEBOAT,
N. MEET AND ASSIST SERVICES ON ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE.
HOTELS :
City
DELUXE & LUXURY
HOTELS
NIGHTS
Cochin
TAJ MALABAR
2
Kumarokom
DELUXE HOUSEBOAT
1
Thekkady
TAJ GARDEN RETREAT
2
Madurai
TAJ GARDEN RETREAT
1
Tanjore
SANGAM
1
Pondicherry
DE L' ORIENT
2
Mahabalipuram
TAJ FISHERMAN COVE
1
Chennai
TAJ COROMANDEL
2
Mysore
METROPOLE
1
Bangalore
TAJ RESIDENCY / THE
PARK
1
Mumbai
LEELA KEMPINSKI
1
PRICING: (PER PERSON IN US$)
Occupancy
Tour Price
Airfare
Sharing a double
room
2999
392
Please note that lunches and dinners are not included along with camera,
etc. fees at the monuments and personal expenses. The tour price is
valid for minimum two persons traveling together. All hotels mentioned
are subject to availability at the time of quotation and prices are
on per person basis for minimum two adults traveling together and
sharing a room. The local airfare will be separate and on actual.
Currently the airfare is 392 $US per person inclusive of all taxes
and surcharges. The car included in the tour cost is a SUV which will
be very comfortable.
Fascinating South India Tour,
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Arrive
at Mumbai early in the morning. Proceed to a hotel close to the airport
for breakfast and then take the morning flight to Cochin. Arrive at
Kochi (Cochin) and meet and assistance at the airport by our representative
and transfer to your hotel. The eventful history of this city began
when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till
then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural
harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors
from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in
India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. The Dutch
wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the
last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in
1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial
centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade
centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship
building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries
later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities. In the early
evening proceed for a private harbor cruise. Enjoy watching the dolphins,
the fishing island and the Bolghatty Palace. Cruise till the mouth
of the sea and enjoy the sunset. Return to the hotel and enjoy a seafood
dinner. Overnight will be at Cochin. 
House
Boat Cruise: After breakfast proceed to Alleppey. Alappuzha is
famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes.
Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one
of the major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad"
in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done
below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called
the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched
between the sea and the hills. Check into a traditional houseboat
of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake
on a thatched houseboat. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product
of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are
a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four
rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are
a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals
connect the villages together and are still used for local transport.
Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable. 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. Lunch will be served on the boat freshly
prepared by the crew. In the evening the boat will anchor by the lush
paddy fields and enjoy the tranquility of the water around. Dinner
would be laid out in the boat. Spend night on houseboat. 
Drive
to Madurai after breakfast. Reach and transfer to hotel. One of South
India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated
Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has
a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than
2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre
even as early as 550 AD It was the Capital city for the great Pandyas
kings. Madurai's Main attraction is the Famous Sri Meenakshi Amman
temple a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with
Gopurams carved from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of
multicolored images of Gods. Tamil & Greek documents record the
existence of Madurai from the 4th Century BC. The city was known to
the Greeks through Magathenes who was their ambassador to the court
of Chandraguptha Mauriya. This city was popular in trade especially
in spices. It was also the site the Sangam the academy of the Tamil
Poets. And Madurai is the centre of all the cities and Madurai is
famous for the cotton Sungudi Saris. In the evening visit the great
Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. Later, visit
the Tirumala Nayak Palace - A gracious building in the Indo saracenic
style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Also
visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Afternoon
will be free. Overnight will be at Madurai. 
Thirumalai
Nayak Palace: This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai
Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today
was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex
was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted
mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. In these
two parts, there are royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments,
armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden.
King Thirumalai Nayak celebrated festivals like Sceptre festival,
Navarathri, Chithirai festival, Masi festival and the Float festival.
He conducted daily dance and music performances in the palace. This
palace was destroyed by his grandson Chokkanatha Nayak and the valuables
were transferred to other places. During the British rule, in 1822,
Lord Napier made several renovation works. Then the palace was utilized
to house some officials of the judiciary and district administration.
After independence, this palace was declared as a national monument
and is now under the care of the Tamilnadu Archaeological Department.
Drive to Tanjore and on your way stop at trichy. Visit the ancient
temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, 434 steps cut out into the rock
side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple. Visit SRIRANGAM,
a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu sprawled on a Island in
CAUVERY RIVER which contains within its walls a Bazaar (TRADITIONAL
MARKET OF INDIA) as well. Gaze up at the twenty-one magnificent towers
of the temple surrounded by seven walls. On arrival, transfer to hotel
and relax. Tanjore is also known as Thanjavur (The rice bowl of TAMIL
NADU). Proceed for sight seeing of Tanjore. Visit the famous Chola
Temple of Brihadeeshwara - A WORLD HERITAGE MONUMENT. Its bronze and
handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of the tour to South
India. The majesty of the palaces and art gallery attached to the
temple is really awe-inspiring. It is also famous for the silk. Overnight
will be at Tanjore. 
Day
9 : Pondicherry: 
Day
12 : Chennai:
Mysore
Palace: The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important 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 over the world. Intricately carved doors
open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has
an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel
studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the
Dasera festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, the palace
presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty. 
Daria
Daulat Bagh: Tipu's Summer Palace, built in 1784, is located here.
Made of teak, this Indo-Sarcenic structure has ornate and beautiful
frescos. It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu's valor and
his losing battle against the British. 
Lal
Bagh: Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his
son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants
from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species
of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical
plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's
Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400-acre park.
Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India
is held in the Glass House.