Classic South India Tour: 13 Nights & 14 Days |
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| » Tour Overview » Tour Highlights » Detailed Itinerary » Accommodations » Price » Inclusions & Exclusions |
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| Locations Covered: |
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CHENNAI » PONDICHERRY » TANJORE » MYSORE » HASSAN » BANGALORE » MAMALLAPURAM » CHENNAI |
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| Overview: |
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Enjoy the quintessential 'South India' experience encompassing the best of the adjoining states of Tamilnadu and Karnataka with our 13 night South India tour. Whether it is discovering the awe inspiring 7th century shore temples of Mahabalipuram, the grandiose palaces of Mysore, the magnificent temples in Tanjore, the ancient relics of Belur & Halbeid, the French colonies of Pondicherry or the shopping delights of metropolitan Chennai, this is one experience that will stay etched in your hearts forever |
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| Highlights: |
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| Detailed Itinerary : |
Day 01 - Arrival Chennai
Greeted by a India Travel Centre representative at the Chennai International Airport and transferred to your hotel. The capital of Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest metropolitan city in India, Chennai is a bustling city which will enchant you with its historical delights. Morning at leisure. In the evening, you could enjoy shopping in the colourful marketplaces that Chennai is popular for. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 02 - Chennai
Enjoy sightseeing in Chennai today. You will visit the ancient 'Kapaleeshwarar' temple - constructed in 1250 AD in the 'Dravidian' style and rebuilt by a Vijayanagar king in the 16th century. The temple displays many architectural marvels inlcuding a magnificent 37m tall colored 'gopuram' (or tall structure above the sanctum) and a huge tank. Later, you will visit the Santhome church, a soaring Roman Catholic Church said to house the remains of the Apostle- St. Thomas. The Santhom Basilica has an enormous stained glass window depicting the story of 'doubting Thomas' and a beautiful 1-meter high statue of the Virgin Mary. Visit Kalakshetra - the school of classical dance, music, traditional textile design and weaving. Also visit the Fort St. George built around 1653 by the British East India Company, which over the years has undergone many alterations and now is a precinct housing the Secretariat and Legislature Assembly. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 03 - Chennai – Pondicherry (155km/3.5 hrs)
Drive to Pondicherry today and check-in to your hotel on arrival. A former French colony, the quaint town of Pondicherry still retains its French landmarks and ways of life. It is not uncommon to see local Tamils and French sharing tea and gossip at one of the many road side shacks. Visit the fascinating 'white' and 'indian' settlements which differ by their architecture. In the afternoon, drive to 'Auroville' envisioned as a 'Universal Town' by the French architect- Roger Arger. Auroville was started with the aim of creating a single platform where people of different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, could live together in peace and harmony. In the evening you could go for a short walk on the promenade in front of the sea where you will see several landmarks including the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jeanne d'Arc and Dupleix, the elegant War Memorial. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 04 - Pondicherry – Tanjore (225 km/5.5 hrs)
Drive to the ancient town of Tanjore where many cultural and architectural delights await you. During this drive your 'driver- guide' will stop at places of historical interest such as 'Darasuram' and 'Gangai konda cholapuram'. On arrival in Tanjore, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 05 -Tanjore
Today you can take a day excursion to the temple town of Trichy to visit the 'Srirangam' temple which is an important pilgrim centre. What makes the temple really unique is that it is located on a 600 acre island town enclosed within the seven walls of the monumental 'Ranganathaswami' temple which has 21 giant 'gopurams'. Later, visit the spectacular Rock Fort temple, an 83m high rocky outcrop which houses two famous temples; the 'Sri Thayumanaswamy' temple dedicated to the Hindu god 'Shiva' and the 'Vinayaka' temple dedicated to the elephant god 'Ganesh'. Drive back to Tanjore. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 06 - Tanjore – Mysore
Explore the fascinating town of Tanjore today. You could also visit the 'Brihadeeshwara' temple in Tanjore which is a world heritage monument and one of the 'must-see' monuments in India. In the evening drive to Tanjore Railway station to board a train to Mysore and enjoy an overnight train-ride experience. (Mysore Exp 6231 dep.19:15 / arr.09:20 (next day). Overnight on board. (Vehicle for transfer)
Day 07 - Mysore
Rightly called the 'palace city', Mysore will mesemerise you with its many attractions which include the magnificent 'Mysore Palace'. Built in an Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from different parts of the globe. The palace presents a breathtaking view on Sundays and public holidays when it is lit with ninety seven thousand bulbs. The "Jayachamsrajendra Art Gallery" housed in the Jaganmohan palace is a favorite haunt for art connoisseurs as it has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. Later, we will head to Chamundi Hill perched atop which, is a temple dedicated to 'Chamundeshwari', the patron deity of the Wodeyar. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 08 - Mysore
Today you could visit 'Srirangapatnam' which is an island located about 15 kilometers from Mysore.The island derives its name from the deity of the temple located on its western side where the major dynasties of the South have left their relics and monuments here-the Hoysalas of the 11th century, the Vijayanagar kings of Chandragiri in the 17th century, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan that came after them, and finally, the French and the British. The temple is a blend of 'Hoyasala' and 'Vijyanagar' architecture. You could also visit the 'Ranganathittu' Bird Sanctuary today. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 09 - Mysore – Hassan (140 Km/3 hrs)
Drive to Hassan, a picturesque town in the heart of Malnad with a pleasant climate. This is your access point from where you can explore the historical towns of Belur and Halebid. Check into your hotel on arrival. En-route your drive to Hassan, you could also visit 'Shravanabelagola', an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue 'Lord Gomateswara' which is about 58 ft high and looms over the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill. Every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 10 - Hassan
Today you can explore the many histiorical highlights of Belur and Halebid. Belur is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. The 'Chennakesava Temple' built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Chola kings is a major attraction here. Every inch of the facade of the temple is adorned with intricate sculptures. Halebid was the capital of the Hoysalas and has one of the finest Hoysala temples anywhere. The 'Hoysaleswara Temple', perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 11 - Hassan – Bangalore (220 Km /5.5 hrs)
Drive to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. The fifth largest city in India and one of the fastest growing cities in Asia, Bangalore is popular for being one of the 'outsourcing' hot spots of the world. This metropiltan city offers many urban delights including some great places for shopping. Explore the many shopping avenues and coffee shops on M.G.Road and Brigadier Road, this evening. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 12 - Bangalore – Chennai – Mamallapuram
Morning at leisure. Later transfer to the Bangalore Railway station to board the 'Shatabdi Express' train to Chennai. (08.27/14.45) On arrival, drive to Mamallapuram also known as Mahabalipuram. 'Mamallapuram' listed as a world heritage site, was once a port city ruled by the Pallava Kings.Rest of the day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 13 - Mamallapurm
This morning you can go for a half-day sightseeing tour of Mamallapuram. On this tour we will visit "Arjuna`s Penance"- the largest Bas Relief whale-back shaped rock which has figures of Gods, demi-gods, men, beasts, birds and infants carved into it, representing the entire creation. The "Five Rathas", also known as Pancha Pandava Rathas consist of five monolithic temples where each temple is created in different style. At the end of a trip, visit the "shore temple", one of the oldest temples in South India which was built in the 8 century AD. Spend the evening at leisure on the beaches of Mahabalipuram. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at disposal)
Day 14 - Mamallapuram – Chennai – Departure
Departure transfer to the Chennai International Airport for your return flight. (Vehicle for Transfer)
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| Accommodation: |
| Place | Nts | Standard | Superior | Deluxe | | | Chennai | 2 | Hotel Sabari | Residency Towers | Taj Connemara | | Pondicherry | 1 | Anandha Inn | The Promenade | Le Dupleix | | Tanjore | 2 | Oriental Towers | Ideal River View Resort | Ideal River View Resort | | Mysore | 3 | Sandesh Prince | Metropolitan | The Wind Flower | | Hassan | 2 | Hoysala Village | Hoysala Village | Hoysala village | | Bangalore | 1 | Pai Vista | The Laika Palace | The Taj West End | | Mamallapuram | 2 | Ideal Beach Resort | Ideal Beach Resort | GRT Temple Bay |
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| Prices: |
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Prices from £ 895 per person
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| Tour Inclusions & Exclusions: |
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Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying 1 double/twin room. Prices may vary based on local market fluctuations. For single supplements please contact India Travel Centre. Price Includes: B&B at all hotels except where cited on the itinerary, chauffeur driven AC car, train fares, all entrance fees, guide charges, assisted airport transfers. Price Excludes: International Flights & Internal Flights - Please contact India Travel Centre for booking flights. |
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Discuss this tour with a India Expert on
0800 195 4290 |
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