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Imagine yourself witnessing the magically carved temples, breathing a whiff of incense, walking through markets dazzling with silks and sandalwood items and of course opening your eyes to a landscape embroidered with banana leaf, paddy fields and coconut groves. Welcome to South India !! This may not be a land of forts and palaces but surely dominated by Temples, Stupas and natural beauty ! Whether its Chennai, Bangalore or Mysore, whether the beautiful Cochin or the wild Periyar the entire journey is made memorable with wonderful events like Elephant Pooja, Kathakali performance, a boat trip at Park and the enchanting boat cruise at Alleppey. |
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Tour Itinerary: |
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DAY 01: ARRIVAL CHENNAI AND TRANSFER TO HOTEL.
Upon arrival in Chennai, our Executive will meet you at the Airport followed by transfer from Airport to Hotel.
Check in the hotel and depart for the sightseeing of Chennai visiting - the ancient "Shiva Kapaleeswarar Temple" is constructed in the Dravidian style on 1250 AD and was rebuilt by Vijayanagar king in 16th century which is displays the architectural elements - rainbow - magnificent 37m tall colored Gopurams, mandapam and a huge tank and the Santhome Church is a soaring Roman Catholic Church is said to house the remains of apostle Doubting Thomas. (Overnight stay in Chennai)
Note: Sight seeing today will depend on your time of arrival. Incase of the said sight seeing not possible for the day, it shall be done the next day morning. |
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DAY 02: CHENNAI TO MAMALLAPURAM (60km / 1.5h).
Checkout from the hotel after breakfast and drive to the laid-back beach town of Mamallapuram. On arrival check in the hotel and depart for the sightseeing of Mamallapuram by walk also known as heritage walk. On the Heritage Walk around Mamallapuram you will visit monuments from 7th century, Sculpture studio and a local snake charmers snake show including small magic right from his sleeve. This 3-hours walk we will start at Arjuna's Penance (Bas Relief on the face of a huge rock). After we proceed to visit the monuments Five Rathas (architectural prototypes of Dravidian temples which symbolizes equality between man and woman), Krishna Mandapam (a rock cut temple of Krishna) and the Shore Temple (temple with 2 shrines, for Shiva and for Vishnu). After a long walk we will go for a traditional Indian lunch on a banana leaf at one of the oldest restaurants of Mamallapuram. (Overnight stay in Mamallapuram). |
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DAY 03: MAMALLAPURAM TO BANGALORE / Via Kancheepuram (340km / 7h).
After early breakfast checkout from the hotel and drive to the temple town of Kancheepuram. Enroute sightseeing of Kancheepuram visiting 'Kailasanathar Temple' built in 700 AD in a typical Pallava style - pyramidal tower, a pillared hall and a vestibule, enclosed by a wall. After you proceed to visit Ekambareshwara Temple' - one of the most famous temples in South India it was in existence even before 6th century A.D. The old Temple was pulled down and the new one was built by Pallavas with some additional work by Cholas and completed by Vijayanagar King Krishnadevaraya. One characteristic feature of this temple is a 3500 - year old mango tree inside the temple which has four branches, each yielding different taste of mangoes - sweet, sour, astringent and bitter. Further you will visit 'Varadaraja Temple" constructed also by pallava, Chola and Vijayanagar which has hundred pillared hall with exquisite sculptures and chains. Here you will also see a unique idol of Lord Varadaraja made of the wood of Arthi tree. After that you will proceed to visit one of the silk weaving Industry. Then on drive towards Bangalore - the Garden city and on arrival check in the hotel. (Overnight stay in Bangalore). |
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DAY 04: IN BANGALORE / Sightseeing.
To have a contrast between modern cosmopolitan and the old Bangalore, we can visit Tipu's Summer Palace, which is, build mostly of wood. Further we will visit a hybrid of an ultramodern glass vernacular South Indian temple architecture, ISKCON's (International Society of Krishna Consciousness). After we will visit the Bull Temple - with a magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. If you like to have a pleasant culture shock we will bring you to the bustling local market, which contains a tarpaulin covered fruit and vegetable bazaar, a spice market, plenty of garland sellers and hole-in-the-wall tailor shops. (Overnight stay in Bangalore).
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DAY 05: BANGALORE TO MYSORE (140km / 3h).
After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Mysore - the palace city of South India. On arrival at Mysore, sight seeing tour visiting Maharaja's Palace (Daily10:00am-5: 30pm). 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 it was once the residence of Wodeyars. Intricately carved doors open to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. In the evening we will visit Chamundi Hill Standing as the crown jewel of Mysore, Chamundi Hills is the abode of all-powerful Goddess, Chamundi or Chamundeswari with its carved in granite bull. (Overnight stay in Mysore). |
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DAY 06: IN MYSORE / Day Return Excursion Srirengapatnam & Somnathpur.
After early breakfast proceed for a day return excursion to Somnathpur and Srirangapattinam. Somnathpur where we visit the Hoysala temple. The Somnathpur temple stands in the middle of a walled compound. All around the temple is an open verandah having 64 cells and it stands on a raised platform. After the lunch we will bring you to Srirengapatnam. Located about 15 kilometres from Mysore Srirangapattinam Temple is a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagar architecture. 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, the Vijayanagar kings of Chandragiri, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan and finally the French and British. (Overnight stay in Mysore). |
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DAY 07: MYSORE TO MUDUMALAI (110km / 3h).
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Mudhumalai - one of South India's largest wild life reserve. Situated in the foothills of Nilgiris, Mudhumalai / Bandipur is a large reserve (3000 sq.km) ranges in vegetation from Semi-evergreen forests to swamps and grass lands. In Mudhumalai the mostly dense forest is home to spotted deer, Indian Bison, tiger, panther, wild boars and sloth bear. The wild life elephant population estimated around 600 is one of the largest in the country. On arrival check in the hotel and day free for own activities. (Overnight stay in Mudhumalai). |
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DAY 08: IN MUDUMALAI.
In the early morning from 6:00-10:00 a.m. we will take you to the forest to spot the Wildlife. An approved jungle guide well versed in the ways of nature providing an illuminating insight into the realm of this forest safari will accompany you on this tour covering some of the most beautiful areas of the park. This safari will give you many photo opportunities as well as to watch the untamed wildlife in its own habit. (Overnight stay in Mudhumalai)
Note: Jeep safari in Mudhumalai is subject to availability/climatic conditions.
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DAY 09: MUDUMALAI TO COCHIN (380km / 8h).
Check Out from hotel after early breakfast and drive to Cochin- a cosmopolitan city in the federal state of Kerala. On arrival check into hotel and rest of the day free for own activities. (Overnight stay in Cochin). |
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DAY 10: IN COCHIN / Sight Seeing.
Morning after breakfast you will go on a sightseeing tour around Cochin where you will visit the old part of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. First you will visit the 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 Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue also built in 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 (5:45) 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 11: COCHIN TO KUMARAKOM (95km / 2h).
Departing from the hotel after breakfast we drive to Kumarakom - The Unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered as the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. On arrival check in to hotel and rest of the day free for own activities. (Overnight stay in Kumarakom). |
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DAY 12: IN KUMARAKOM.
In the evening enjoy the sunset cruises on the Vembanad Lake. (Overnight stay in Kumarakom). |
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DAY 13: KUMARAKOM TO ALLEPPEY (55km / 1.5h)
(House Boat Cruises: Alleppey Round Trip).
Checkout from the hotel at 10.30am and we drive to Alleppey - The land of Backwater. On arrival in Alleppey you will go for a cruise on the traditional House Boat (Kettu Valam) of Kerala Style which brings you along the narrow, quiet, small villages over 900 km of the labyrinth water world, lined with coconut palms. On the House Boat you will experience the typical food of Kerala, sunbathing on the deck, staying away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. While this trip you can observe the daily activities of the village people, living in the Backwaters area making traditional boats, coconut oil and designing toys with coconut shells. (Overnight on board). |
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DAY 14: ALLEPPEY TO KOVALAM (160km / 3.5h).
Disembark from Houseboat at 10.00am after breakfast and drive to Kovalam - one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in India. The journey through the tropical landscape of Kerala gives a good idea of how the people live there. On arrival Kovalam check in to hotel and rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight stay in Kovalam). |
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DAY 15: KOVALAM / Day return excursion to Kanyakumari.
In the Morning we will drive Kanyakumari. The name of this place has been christened after the virgin goddess Kanyakumari Amman. The memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer. Swami Vivekananda was supposed to have medicated on the rock where the memorial stands today. Upon arrival in Kanyakumari we will go by boat to visit Vivekananda Memorial, which stands on one of two rocks separated by about 70 meters from each other. It is a temple which was build by rulers of different dynasties from 12th century and onwards. After we will visit Gandhi Memorial, which was built on the spot, where the urn containing his ashes was kept for the public to pay the last respect, before immersing at the confluence of the three seas. It is a testimony to modern architecture. On the way visit Padmanabhapuram palace, (50 km from Kovalam) - an archaeological museum which contains fine architectural works, sculptures, mural paintings and old weapons. (Overnight stay in Kovalam). |
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DAY 16: DEPARTURE TRANSFER.
Check out of the hotel and drive towards Trivandrum airport to board the onward flight to respective destination. |
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(END OF OUR SERVICES) |
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| TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: |
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Accommodation on twin sharing room 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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Entrances at sightseeing places as per the itinerary. |
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Service of English speaking tour escort for group size starting from 05 pax onwards. |
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Service of English speaking tourist guide at sight seeing spots at places Chennai, Mamallapuram, Bangalore, Mysore and Cochin only. |
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Jeep safari while in Mudhumalai. |
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Kathakali dance performance visit at Cochin. |
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Sunset cruise at Kumarakom. |
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One night on House Boat on full board basis. |
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Lat day farewell dinner at residing hotel in Kovalam. |
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All applicable taxes. |
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| TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: |
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Meals except those listed in above inclusions. |
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Camera fee. |
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Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, porters, laundry, telephones, etc. |
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Elephant ride & Jungle Walk (Will cost extra). |
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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-04-002 |
| Tour Length |
15 Nights/16 Days |
| Visit |
Chennai (Arrival) - Mamallapuram - Bangalore - Mysore - Mudumalai - Cochin - Kumarakom - Alleppey (Backwaters) - Kovalam - Trivandrum (Departure) |
| Prices |
Starting At $ 1,499* Only. |
| Dates |
Departure Every Day |
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| - One night on House Boat on full board basis. |
| - Kathakali dance performance at Cochin. |
| - Jeep safari while in Mudhumalai. |
| - Sunset cruise at Kumarakom. |
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TOUR PRICE: SUMMER
Valid From 01st April To 30th September 2009 |
| Standard |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1499 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 2768 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 635 Per Single |
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| Superior |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1776 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 3240 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 831 Per Single |
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| Deluxe |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 2559 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 4806 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 1614 Per Single |
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TOUR PRICE: WINTER
Valid From 01st October 2009 To 31st March 2010 (Exept Peak Season*) |
| Standard |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1661 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 3085 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 756 Per Single |
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| Superior |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1904 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 3470 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 932 Per Single |
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| Deluxe |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 3571 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 6744 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 2343 Per Single |
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TOUR PRICE: *PEAK SEASON
Valid From 20 Dec 2009 Till 10 Jan 2010 |
| Standard |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 1884 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 3477 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 898 Per Single |
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| Superior |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 2127 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 3956 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 1188 Per Single |
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| Deluxe |
| Minimum of 02 Paying Pax on Twin Sharing Basis |
$ 4017 per Person |
| Minimum of 01 Paying Pax on Single room basis |
$ 7655 Per Single |
| Supplement for Single Room |
$ 3004 Per Single |
| * Prices are Based on Per Person on Twin Share Basis. |
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