South India Deccan Tour

Day 01 – Arrive Goa

Arrive Goa. Received and transferred to the hotel. Check into the hotel.

Day 02 – 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

Day 03 – Goa

Day at leisure to enjoy & relax on the beach.

Day 04 – Goa – Cochin

Board the train to Cochin. Arrive Cochin. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 05 – Cochin

Day free for sight seeing in 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 Synagogue - 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 06 –Cochin – Munnar

Today you will take drive to Munnar. Upon arrival check into the hotel and rest of the day is free for you.

Day 07 – Munnar

Munnar which is situated 1600 to 1800 metres above sea level is also one of the most popular and scenic hill stations in India.
 

It is well-known for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, mountain streams, forests. It also has a variety of plantations like tea, coffee, cardamom and other spices, dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries are full with various types of flora and fauna.

Day 08 – Munnar

Day free for sight seeing in Munnar. The main sight seeing spots are The Evarikulam National Park which is located 16 km from Munnar. This national park is the home of elephants, lion-tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri tahr (a rare mountain goat). The park was initially established to protect the Nilgiri tahr. Later it was declared as a sanctuary in 1975 and then a national park in 1978.
 

One can also visit Anaimudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in southern India. It is the located in the southern region of the park. Travelers can also explore the Rajamala Hills adjoining the national park, en route to Top Station. The Christ Church is also an essential place to visit in Munnar. Built of stone, it was constructed by the British in 1910. This church is known for its stain glass windows.
 

One can also visit the Mattupetty Dam - situated at a height of 1700 m is famous for its extremely specialized dairy farm. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Mattupetty lake just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. And the sprawlingKundala Tea Plantations and the Kundala Lake are additional attractions in the vicinity. Enjoy boating on the lake.

Day 09 – Munnar – Kumarakom

Today you will take drive to Kumarakom, upon arrival check into the backwater resort. Day at leisure at the hotel.

Day 10 – Kumarakom

Kumarakom - Backwaters are one of the exclusive attractions of Kerala, a chain of canals stretching to about 1500 k.m, along with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes. Most of it is naturally formed. Day at leisure to enjoy the nature & splendor of backwaters.

Day 11 – Kumarakom

Take an evening boat cruise on the Kumarakom backwaters which itself is an incredibly different experience and sail towards the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – which is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake.
 

The bird sanctuary is stretched over 14 acres of land. It is also recognized as the ornithologists paradise, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most desired hub of migratory birds. Every year, over 60 species of migratory birds gather here in large numbers. The prominent species include the Siberian stork, Egret, Darter, Heron, Teal, Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Owls.

Day 12 – Kumarakom – Thekkady (Periyar)

Today you will drive to Periyar (4 hrs.). Arrival and check into hotel. 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.

Day 13 – Thekkady – Madurai

Today drive to 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. Reach & check into the hotel. 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.

Day 14 – Madurai – Kodaikanal

Morning drive to Kodaikanal.

Day 15 – Kodaikanal

Today visit Kodaikanal Lake - A wonderful star-shaped lake is positioned in the center of bright green wooded slopes. It is well-known as Kodaikanals most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Enjoy boating and fishing at Kodaikanal Lake.
 

Coakers Walk – It is a 1 km walk from the lake running along the rim of emerald green wooded steep slopes. It provides a dramatic panoramic view of the plains. Green Valley View - It is about 5.5 Kms from the lake and situated very close to Golf club. It provides an outstanding view of the plains and overlooking the Vaigai Dam to the south.
 

Pillar Rocks - A set of three giant rock pillars which stand 122 meters high. There is an outstanding public garden adjoining to the viewpoint. Bear Shola Falls - A big waterfall in a Reserve forest is a perfect picnic spot. Silver Cascade - It is a 180m high fall formed from the overflow of Kodai lake. Later dropped to the hotel.

Day 16 – Kodaikanal – Ooty

Drive by surface to Ooty – also known as the Queen of Hills is South India. Arrive and check-in to hotel.

Day 17 – Ooty

Today we would take you for tour of the city which would include Botanical Garden - Located almost within the city limit of Ooty is a must visit place of Ooty. Government Botanical Garden is home to few of the rarest species of plants, brought here from all corners of the world.
 

Doddabetta Peak – It is situated at a height of 2623 meters above sea level and also the highest peak of Nilgiris hills. Later also visit Ooty Lake – It is an artificial lake is a famous picnic spot. You can enjoy boating on this beautiful lake.

Day 18 – Ooty

After breakfast in the morning proceed to Conoor to visit Tea Gardens, Sims Park and Dolphins Nose. Later visit various film shooting points in Ooty.

Day 19 –Ooty – Nagarhole

Drive to Nagarhole. Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary as the name says it is a home to many varieties of snakes. It was constructed in 1955 and later renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park.
 

This is considered one of Indias best national parks. It has an imposing population of elephants and bison. With anonymous species of animals you will find over 200 species of birds. The diverse varieties of animals found here include four horned antelope, sloth bear, flying fox, panther, gaur, pangolin, Jungle cat, wild dogs. Civet, hare and others.
 

The reptiles at the Nagarhole Wildlife sanctuary include Cobras, Crocodiles, pythons and other lizards. Among the birds here, there are dove, bulbul. Hornbill, eagle, crested hawk, be eater, common babbler etc.

Day 20 –Nagarhole – Bandipur

Drive Bandipur. Arrive & Check into the resort. Today visit to Bandipur National Park – positioned in the southern part of the beautiful state of Karnataka, it is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is also one of Indias eminent sanctuaries, and is a significant Project Tiger Reserve.
 

It was laid by the Maharaja of Mysore in year 1931 and was then extended over an area of 90 sq kms and was later increased to 800 sq kms. Apart from being home to the Asiatic elephant, Bandipur also has a considerable number of tigers. Other natural inhabitants of this lovely forest are gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, Malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare. Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found here.

Day 21 – Bandipur – Mysore

Morning depart by surface to Mysore. Reach & check into the hotel.

Day 22 – Mysore – Bangalore

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. Philomenas Church - A beautiful Cathedral decorated with beautiful stained glass windows portraying scenes from the birth of Christ, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ.Drive to Bangalore & dropped to the airport for flight back to home country.