Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days
Places Covered: Chennai - Mahabalipuram – Trichy - Thanjavur - Madurai – Periyar – Cochin - Bangalore – Mysore – Belur – Halebid – Hospet – Hampi – Badami – Goa
Day 01 - Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai. Transfer to Hotel. Later we would take you for sightseeing tour of Chennai. The places of interest are Kalakshetra – it is also known as Temple of art is located outside the Elliot's beach established in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale to train, encourage and revive interest in Bharatanatyam which is the classical dance form of the state. Fort St. George - constructed in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company - now houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu. St. Mary's Church - the oldest Anglican Church in India. Sri Parthasarathy Temple - devoted to Lord Krishna was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century AD. Kapaleswarar Temple – located in Mylapore is yet another 8th Century Pallava Temple. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. It is devoted to Lord Shiva. San Thome Cathedral Basilica – rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica; and Theosophical Society - the world headquarters of the Theosophical Society formed to encourage the study of comparative religion philosophy and science. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 - Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram
Drive Kanchipuram situated 76 kms away from Chennai. The little Temple Town of Kanchipuram, or Kanchi, as it is popularly recognized for one of the seven holy cities of the Hindus. It remained the capital of Pallavas from 6th to the 8th centuries. They built numerous temples here. So your trip would include all the major temples to be visited in the city. Visit Kamakshi Temple devoted to Goddess Kamakshi. It has four colourful gopuras and the main chamber has a gold-plated roof. The Kailasanatha Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is the oldest temple constructed by Pallava ruler. This temple is encircled by 58 smaller shrines, each with splendid carvings of the various images of Shiva. The Great Ekambaresh vara Temple, constructed initially by the pallavas, has a 16-pillared mandapa in front of it, was added later by the Vijayanagar Kings. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the largest & ancient temples. The Vaikuntha Perumal temple is one of the 18 temples dedicated to Vishnu, erected by Varman II. This exceptional structure has three main chambers, built one on top of the other. Each of them enshrines an image of Vishnu in a different form - standing, sitting and reclining. The Varadaraja Temple is the town's main Vishnu temple. The chief deity in the form of Vishnu is known as varadaraja. It is believed that the temple stands on the site where Brahma performed a Yagna (Sacrifice) to invoke Vishnu's presence.
Later proceed to Mahablipuram. Mahabalipuram - worldwide renowned for its shore temples, it was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. It is located 58 kilometres from Chennai on the Bay of Bengal. Later we would take you for trip to following places - Caves - There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting an evil spirit on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is an amazing sight to view. Krishna Mandapam - This cave features carvings of a rural scene, presenting Lord Krishna lifting up the Govardhana Mountain, to protect his people from the rage of Indra, the God of Rain. Five Rathas - These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent examples of Pallava art. Fashioned in unusual styles, the five Rathas are named after the Pandava Brothers & Draupadi – the heroes of Mahabharata epic. Arjuna's Penance - This huge whale-back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, and birds and in fact, can be said to represent creation itself. It also illustrates Arjuna - one of the Pandava brothers and a skilled archer, is standing on one leg, doing penance to obtain a boon from Lord Shiva. The Shore Temple - This is one of the ancient temples in South India. They were built in 8th Century A.D. and is an excellent example of the first phase of the structure of temples constructed in the Dravidian style. The two spires of the temples contain a shrine for Lord Vishnu and for Lord Shiva. Evening transfer to railway station for Trichy overnight train. Night on board.
Day 03 - Arrive Trichy
Morning arrive Trichy and transfer to hotel. Later enjoy sightseeing tour of Trichy: Sri Rangnathaswamy Temple - The Temple at Srirangam is positioned 6 kilometers from the city center Trichy. The temple is built on an island in the middle of the Kaveri River and devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is also the largest temple in the world. The Rock Fort –situated on the banks of the Kaveri River is an 84 m high rock which is one of the oldest in the world. The temple that is located 300 feet above the sea level is devoted to Lord Shiva. The extremely huge temple has a 100-pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04 – Trichy – Tanjore - Madurai
Drive to Madurai visiting Tanjore enroute. Visit Sri Brihadeswara Temple – It was constructed by the great Chola King in 10th century AD. It is brilliant example of Chola architecture. The Palace – It is a huge building of stonework built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and later completed by the Marathas. Art Gallery – It is positioned in the Thanjavur Palace only. It has some of the most magnificent and precious Granite and Bronze statues of Chola period. Reach Madurai & check into the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05 - Madurai
Madurai, which is recognized as Athens of the East is also the second largest city on the banks of the River Vaigai. It is a beautiful city famous for its spectacular temples that are examples of rich architecture and magnificent sculptural works. The city is believed to be on of the ancient cities of India. Later we would take you for a tour of Madurai. Visit Meenakshi temple - devoted to Lord Shiva who was identified here as Sundareshvara and his wife Parvati or Meenakshi. The temple has 12 gateways (Gopurams), which vary in height from 45 to 50 m and the highest Gopuram is in the south. The southern gateway is nine stories high and has images of gods and goddesses. Evening witness Prayer Ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 – Madurai - Periyar
Today you will drive to Periyar. Arrival and check into hotel. Visit spice Plantations where you can touch, smell and taste almost all the spices grown here like - pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg. Located by the side of the river Periyar, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the major attraction of Thekkady. Spread over an area of about 777 sq km with about 360 sq. km of which is thick evergreen forest. The sanctuary is natural treasure dwelling of some of the rare species of flora, fauna & wild animals like tigers, elephants, sambars, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. Enjoy the boat ride at Periyar Lake from where you can have the unique experience of watching animals in their natural environment. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 - Cochin
Morning drive to Cochin. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Cochin.
Day 08 – Cochin
Today we will take you for a sight seeing of Cochin The Dutch palace at Mattancherry is located at 10 kms from Ernakulam is well-known for its medieval charm. It houses a gallery of interesting paintings and murals, thus signifying the rich customs of the Hindus through art. The Chinese fishernets were introduced by Chinese traders are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Jewish Synagoge - located at the Jew Street was built in 1568. It is also rated as the oldest synagogue among all commonwealth nations. St. Frances Church - first European church here the body of late Vasco Da Gama was originally buried. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 – Cochin – Bangalore (Flight) – Mysore
Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Bangalore. Arrive & drive directly to Mysore. Overnight Mysore.
Day 10 - Mysore
Today we would take you for the tour of Mysore which would include Mysore Palace - It is one of the magnificent sights to be visited in Mysore. Completely built in 1912 in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, towers, arches and row of pillars, the Palace is a treasure house of wonderful carvings. It is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and was designed by an English architect Henry Irwin. Shri Ramachamarajendra Art Gallery - positioned in the Jagmohan Palace, the art gallery has a precious collection of Tanjore paintings and pictures of the royal family by Raja Ravi Verma. Chamundi Hills & Temple - Mysore is situated at the foothills of Chamundi Hills. Chamundeshwari temple is located on top of the hills which is a famous landmark. There is a statue of Mahishasura located near to the temple, a demon killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. St. Philomena's Church - A beautiful Cathedral ornamented with beautiful stained glass windows portraying scenes from the birth of Christ, the Last meal the Crucifixion, the rebirth and the Ascension of Christ. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11- Belur – Halebid
Today visit of Belur and Halebid. Belur temple took over 103 years to build and is a typical example of the Hoysala style of architecture. It is overflowing with intricate carvings. Scenes from the epics, elephants in battle and sensuous dancers come alive in stone. Later visit Halebid Temple - 16 km east of Belur and 27 km from Hassan, the Hoysaleswara Temple dating back to 12th century, is surprising for its wealth of sculptural detail. The temple walls are covered with an eternal variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. And no two sides of the temple are the same. This wonderful temple is devoted to Lord Shiva has 02 huge Nandi Bulls at the entrance. This temple was never completed despite 86 years of labor. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 - Hospet – Hampi
Drive Hospet. Arrive & check into the hotel. The main substance of Hospet lies in its proximity to Hampi, a world Heritage site. It has the distinction of being the most attractive ruins of any importance to be seen in India. Visit the King's Balance where the weight of the king was weighed against grain, gold or money that was then distributed among the poor. Queen's Bath – has fountains in the shape of the lotus flower that sprinkled perfumed water. The Lotus Mahal is another must visit at Hampi owing to its architectural excellence. In 1565 the city was demolished to grounds by the Sultanates of South. Since then the ruins of the Virupaksha, Vittala, Ramachandra and Hazara Rama temples, images of Ganesha and Narasimha, the Ugra Narasimha, the 6.7 m tall monolith is amongst the more popular images, the elephant stables have been center of attraction.
Later drive back to Hospet Visit Chitradurga considered as the Kallina Kote that means the Place of Stones. Visit the famous Chitradurga Fort which was constructed by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. Seven walls surrounding the fort and nineteen gateways providing entry and exit points to visitors is known for its military architecture. Also visit Harihara town positioned on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The pilgrims believe that the dip in the river here will cleanse them of the sins. Overnight at Hospet.
Day 13 - Badami
Morning drive to Badami enroute visiting Aihole & Pattadakal on the way. Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the southern Dravida School. Aihole is full of ancient temples and forts which are linked with the Chalukya rulers dating back to 11th century. The renowned Durga Temple, Ladkhan Temple, Ramalinga Temple, Meguti Temple and Ravala Phadi Cave are worth visiting. The historic village of Pattadakal is 20 km from Badami. It was the second capital of the Chalukyas and important state functions during the reigns of the Chalukyas were held here. The holy temple complex of Pattadakal consists of 10 major temples, each dazzling with brilliantly textured carvings and pillars. The remarkable temple structures of Pattadakal are a confluence of the North Indian and South Indian temple architecture styles. At the entrance of the site, you can see the 8th century temples of Jambulinga, Kadasiddeshvara, and Galaganatha with their curvilinear shikaras or spires. Later drive to Badami. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 – Badami
Badami is well-known for its rock-cut cave temples. These temples have been engraved out on the red sandstone hills that encircle the town. There are four cave temples at Badami. These temples were constructed in 6th century and lavishly carved with figures of Hindu deities. Three temples are dedicated to Hindu gods. The fourth one is a Jain temple. Visit the archeological museum which displays a wonderful triangular panel depicting Brahma surrounded by intricate foliage. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 - Goa
Morning drive to Goa. Day at leisure to enjoy at the beach. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16 - Goa
Today full day city tour covering Old Goa Churches - Basilica of Bom Jesus, Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Also visit Mangueshi Temples, Panaji City, Dona Paula & Miramar Beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 – Goa
Transfer to airport for flight to home country.
