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Historically, known for being the desired home of several invaders whether Dutch, Portuguese, French or British. The land of spices, sandalwood, coconut groves and classical lifestyles still continues to wield the magic on a traveler. One starts feeling ever since you slip on the roads of Chennai, Mysore, Calicut, the land of the powerful Zamorius or walk through the temple complexes of Madurai touching the carved pillars and hearing the tinkling bells. The boat trips, jungle walks or the excursion to Kanyakumari which witness the union of three waters, the Arabian, the Bengal waters in the Indian Ocean. This magical land is also popular for the Ayurvedic treatments which you get to experience at Kadavu resort. For a heart that loves greenery, for a mind that settles at the sight of lofty temples there's nothing like South India. |
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Tour Itinerary: |
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DAY 01: BANGALORE AIRPORT TO HOTEL / ARRIVAL TRANSFER.
Upon arrival at Bangalore, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Hotel. Check in the hotel and depart for sight seeing of Bangalore visiting - 'Vidhan Souda'-one of India most spectacular building that houses the secretariat and the state legislature, onward we visit "The Government Museum" -one of the oldest in India established in 1864, the 'Bull temple' - one of the oldest temples of Bangalore built in Dravidian style and houses a monolith Nandi (bull) of huge size and the 'Tipu Sulthan Palace' - a palace completed of 1971 by Tippu sulthan. Finally we visit the ISKCON Temple (International Society For Krishna Consciousness). This ornate temple built on a hillock with granite, marble and Korean glass, is a huge cultural complex and was established to promote Vedic culture and spiritual learning. (Overnight stay in Bangalore). |
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DAY 02: BANGALORE TO MYSORE (140km / 3h).
Check out from the hotel and drive to Mysore - the palace city of South India. On arrival at Mysore, sight seeing tour of Mysore visiting - the Famous "Palace of Mysore": Built in 1912 in the indo Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched and then on to The "Jayachanarajendra Art Gallery" housed in the Jaganmohan palace: that has a collection of Exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. Later drive to hotel and check in. At 16.00hrs visit to the bull temple (a 4.8mts monolith) on the middle of hill on the way to Chamundi temple and then to visit the "Chamumdi Hill Temple" at a height of 1062mts. The 2000-year-old temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. A seven storey, 40mts high tower, dominates the temple. (Overnight stay in Mysore). |
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DAY 03: IN MYSORE.
Excursion to Somnathpur, Srirangapattinam & Ranganathittu
After early breakfast at 08.00am we proceed for a day return excursion to Somnathpur and Srirangapattinam. Somnathpur - one need not search far for its history. An inscribed stone slab, in old Kannada, at the entrance says it all. The reigning monarch was Narasimha III (1254-91 A.D.) whose full regal title runs into a sizeable paragraph: "Sri Vishnuvaradhana, Pratapa Chakravarti, Hoysala Bhujabala, Sri Vira Narasimha, Maharajadhiraja, Raja Paramesvara, Sanivarasiddhi, Giridurgamalla etc. Later we drive to Srirangapattinam - a place with Ancient history is an Island fortress town on the bank of river cauvery. Visit the Srirengapatnam fort and the summer palace of Tippu sultan. After sightseeing of Srirengapatnam around 01.00pm break for lunch at a nice resort in same town. After lunch we visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary at a 3km distance on one of the three islands in the Cauvery River. It's a good place to see Storks, Ibis, Egrets, Darters, Spoonbills and Cormorants round the year. (Overnight stay in Mysore). |
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DAY 04: MYSORE TO CALICUT (210km / 5h).
Depart from the hotel after early breakfast, we drive to Calicut (Kozhikode) - the erstwhile capital of powerful Zamorins, is a historical town with a hoary past. It attained a position of pre-eminence in the trade of pepper and other spices, which made it India's emporium to international trade. It is also a marketing center for commodities like pepper, coconut, coffee, rubber, lemon grass oil etc. On arrival Check-in to the Kadavu Resort - a luxurious resort located in a sprawling area along the backwaters, a charming location with groves of swaying, graceful coconut palms facing the dancing ripples on the water. Its unique and languorous backdrop makes it an ideal gateway, a tranquil spot away from it all. Ayurveda at Kadavu is practiced in its best traditional keralean method. You can opt for a body massage while in here. A perfect place to rejuvenate. (Overnight stay in Kadavu). |
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DAY 05: CALICUT TO COCHIN (224km / 5h).
Checkout from hotel after breakfast we drive to Cochin - a cosmopolitan city in the federal state of Kerala. On arrival Check-in to the hotel and rest of the day free for own activities. (Overnight stay in Cochin). |
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DAY 06: COCHIN SIGHTSEEING.
After breakfast proceed for the sight seeing tour to the old part of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Here you will visit Dutch Palace which was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin King in the 16th century and the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, Santa Cruz Basilica - built by Portuguese in the 16th century, the fishing market and the famous Chinese fishing net - believed having been brought by trader from Kubla Khan's court in China. In the evening at 5:45 p.m. you will visit the popular classical dance-drama of Kerala "Kathakali". This dramatized presentation of a play usually based on the Hindu epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas and has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. The great themes are covered righteousness, evil, frailty and courage, poverty and prosperity, war and peace. This dance drama is famous for amazing costumes, very extensive make-up, and explosive body movement and is performed exclusively by male. (Overnight stay in Cochin). |
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DAY 07: COCHIN TO ALLEPPEY (65km / 1.5h)
House boat cruise: ‘Alleppey Round Trip’.
Checkout from the hotel at 10.30am and we drive to Alleppey - The land of Backwater. On arrival, at 12.00noon check-in to the private House Boat that is waiting to take you a leisurely cruise in the backwaters. A splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the landscape from the protection of the cabin. The population's whole life takes place here on the water. The people sail, fish, swim and bathe here. They do their washing and their washing up. They are so adapted to the water that you can see people talking for an hour, while they are up to their necks in water. Canoes with huge sails still transport people and you can find vegetable sellers, fisherman and other household materials being brought door to door by small wooden boats. This whole area is surrounded with coconut palms and, lush green Rice fields. The major cropping here is of coconut and it is said that the name for this place KERALA was from the old name of coconut as KERA. This trip enables you to learn/ know more on life of people who are dependent on backwaters. (Overnight onboard House Boat). |
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DAY 08: ALLEPPEY TO KOVALAM (160km / 4h).
Disembark from Houseboat at 10.00am and drive to "Kovalam beach" which is rich with palm trees. The journey through the tropical landscape of Kerala gives a good idea of people living in here. Kovalam beach is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in India. On arrival Kovalam check in to hotel and rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at hotel in Kovalam). |
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DAY 09: IN KOVALAM / Day return excursion to Kanyakumari.
After early breakfast at 08.00am drive to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) for a day return excursion. Kanyakumari is at the tail point of India, where the three seas meet together. This place is famous for the spectacular sunset and moonrise. The Vivekananda rock on the island is reachable by the ferry. There is also a recently built memorial to Thiruvalluvar, the author of the philosophical work Tirukkural - a treatise on the Indian way of life. The temple of Kumari Amman (the virgin lady) and Gandhi Memorial are some of the finest attractions. Enroute you will also visit the famous wooden palace at Padmanabhapuram. Return to hotel late evening. (Overnight stay in Kovalam). |
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DAY 10: KOVALAM TO PERIYAR/THEKKADY (245km / 6h).
Check out from hotel after breakfast at 07.30am and drive to Periyar (also known as Thekkady). The name Periyar comes after the Dam made here by the English in 1895. A wild life reserve hence is an ideal place to track down wild life such as Elephants, Bison, Deer and numerous other varieties of birds. The landscape here is with very tropical and you will be surrounded by tea, coffee & other spices. On arrival check on to hotel and at 16.00hrs leave for a guided plantation tour to the nearby garden where in various species of spices and other aromatic plants are cultivated. The guide explains & clarifies your doubts on this tour. Depending on the day's opportunity you will also taken to visit a tea factory nearby. (Overnight stay in Thekkady). |
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DAY 11: IN PERIYAR/THEKKADY.
Early morning at 06.00am you go on a Guided Jungle walk at the Periyar tiger Reserve/national Park. This 03hrs walk (not very hard) is very interesting and gives you the chance to see the wildlife life at a very close distance. If you are lucky you may even spot the rarely sighted leopards & tigers. Return to hotel and rest. At 15.30hrs we leave for the most popular boat trip at the National Park - the best way to observe game in wild is by boat. There are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison's and packs of wild boars that roam through the woods and parade along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. You can also see also different species of apes. The golden langur monkey that lives here is rarely seen in the rest of India. Other animals in Periyar are otters and porcupines. Water turtles can often be seen sunning themselves on the pieces of wood that stick out of the water. Osprey and Cormorants belong to the most important species of birds in this area. (Overnight stay in Thekkady). |
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DAY 12: PERIYAR TO MADURAI (170km / 4h).
Depart from hotel at 08.00am and drive to Madurai - the old city of Tamilnadu. The name Madurai reminds the city of the legend that a drop of sweet nectar from the hair of the god Shiva fell to earth here. 'Madhuram' means 'sweet' in Sanskrit. On arrival check in to hotel and at 14.00hrs for sight seeing tour of Madurai visiting - the famous Meenakshi Temple, where thousands of priests and worshippers come daily, people are blessed by the temple elephant. Further more visit the Tirumalai Nayak palace and Gandhi Museum. Later return to hotel and after dinner visit Meenakshi temple for the ceremony with a fanfare, where the god Shiva is lead to the bedroom of his wife, Meenakshi. Madurai is also a great place to look for bronze statues, carpets or other souvenirs. (Overnight stay in Madurai). |
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DAY 13: MADURAI TO KUMBAKONAM / Via Tanjore (240km / 5h).
Checking out from the hotel after early breakfast at 08.00am and we drive to Tanjore - the Chola Citadel. On arrival sight seeing of Tanjore visiting - the world Heritage Brahadeshwara Temple (dedicated to lord Shiva in the form of Linga) & The Palace Museum. Further head to Swamimalai and on arrival Check-in to the Heritage hotel of sterling resorts. Rest of the day free to explore this heritage resort on your own. (Overnight stay in Swamimalai). |
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DAY 14: KUMBAKONAM TO MAMALLAPURAM / Via. Pondicherry (255km / 6h).
Check out from hotel at 08.00am and drive to the laid-back beach resort of Mamallapuram. Enroute sight seeing of Pondicherry - a former French enclave that is especially famous because of the mystic Sri Aurobindo. At Pondicherry visit 'Sri Aurobindo Ashram' and 'Government Museum'. Later lunch at a nice hotel and then on visit 'Auroville' - the French village where in you will visit the Matir Mandir (the mothers place) & the tourist information center of Auroville. From here you drive for less than 02hrs on the scenic highway to reach Mamallapuram. On arrival at Mamallapuram check in to hotel and relax at the beach. (Overnight stay in Mamallapuram). |
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DAY 15: MAMALLAPURAM SIGHTSEEING.
After breakfast sight seeing of Mamallapuram visiting - 'The Arjuna`s Penance' (Bass Relief), 'Five rathas' (symbolises equality of men & women) & the famous 'Shore temple'. Apart from the above said monuments we also visit many other cave temples. As a special visit, we will take you to a Sculpture studio. Return to hotel for lunch and rest of the day at leisure on the beach. Evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the residing hotel. (Overnight at hotel in Mamallapuram). |
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DAY 16: MAMALLAPURAM TO CHENNAI AIRPORT / DEPARTURE TRANSFER.
Check out from the hotel and drive towards Chennai airport to board the onward flight to respective destinations. |
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(END OF OUR SERVICES) |
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| TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: |
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Accommodation on twin sharing basis with daily breakfast at listed hotels or equivalent. |
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Transportation/Transfers by Air Conditioned Vehicle for entire tour as per itinerary. |
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Service of English speaking local tourist guide at sight seeing spots at places Bangalore, Mysore, Cochin, Periyar, Madurai, Tanjore and Mamallapuram only. |
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One Free Ayurvedic General Body Massage at Kadavu Resort. |
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Kathakali dance performance visit at Cochin. |
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One night on House Boat on full board basis. Cruises: Alleppey round trip. |
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Boat trip & Jungle Trekking at Periyar National park. |
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Last day fare well dinner at Mamallapuram. |
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All applicable taxes. |
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| TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: |
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Meals other than those listed in above inclusions. |
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Entrances at all sight seeing spots. |
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Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc. |
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Inland/International flight charges any. |
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All other than those listed in above inclusions |
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| PRICE INFO AND VALIDITY: |
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The summer quote valid from 01st April 2009 to 30th of September 2009 only. |
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The winter quote valid from 01st Oct 2009 to 31st March 2010 only. |
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Peak season quote valid from 20th Dec 2009 to 15th Jan 2010 only. |
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For the Deluxe category peak season supplement will also be valid between 01 Feb'09 to 28 Feb'09. |
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Additional compulsory Christmas and New year eve supplements will be applicable. |
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The above quote is subject to change with a proviso that incase of hike in price of fuel/tax, the given quote may vary accordingly. |
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| TOUR LODGING MEALS: |
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Meals are not included except for those mentioned in the programme. In most places there is a vast selection of excellent Indian food available. Breakfast and light lunches cost US$ 3 5, while dinner in a more up market restaurant may cost US$ 7. Snacks like sandwiches, patties, samosas and pakoras can be bought on the streets easily for just a few rupees. |
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| Tour Code |
SI-04-001 |
| Tour Length |
15 Nights/16 Days |
| Visit |
Bangalore (Arrival) - Mysore - Calicut - Cochin - Backwaters (House Boat) - Kovalam - Periyar - Madurai - Swamimalai - Mamallapuram - Chennai (Departure) |
| Prices |
Starting At $1398* Only. |
| Dates |
Departure Every Day |
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| Kathakali dance performance visit at Cochin. |
| Boat trip at Periyar National park. |
| One night on House Boat on full board basis. |
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SUMMER: VALID FROM 01st April to 30th September 2009 |
| Standard Category |
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| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis: |
$1398 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$2592 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room: |
$534 Per Single |
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| Superior Category |
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| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis: |
$1735 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$3207 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room: |
$823 Per Single |
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| Deluxe Category |
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| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis: |
$2356 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$4428 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room: |
$1418 Per Single |
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WINTER: VALID FROM 01st October 2009 to 31st March 2010 (EXEPT PEAK SEASON*) |
| Standard Category |
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| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis: |
$1499 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$2748 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room: |
$601 Per Single |
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| Superior Category |
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| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis: |
$1897 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$3504 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room: |
$945 Per Single |
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| Deluxe Category |
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| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis: |
$2849 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$5312Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room: |
$1803 Per Single |
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*PEAK SEASON: VALID FROM 20 DEC 2009 TILL 10 JAN 2010 |
| Standard Category |
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| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis: |
$1634 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$3004 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room: |
$702 Per Single |
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| Superior Category |
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| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis: |
$2093 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$3841 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room: |
$1094 Per Single |
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| Deluxe Category |
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| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis: |
$3483 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$6521 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room: |
$2390 Per Single |
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