Tour Overview
- ReferenceASIT16
- Start Date04/01/2021
- TypeGuided Tours
- LocationIndia
- Departure CityCHENNAI
- End CityMADURAI
- Cancellation policyUp to 24 hours
- Durations 16 days 15 nights
Tour Description
The quality of India is a blend of antiquated sanctuaries and sumptuous eminence, undulating mountains and the noteworthy zest exchange. On this specially custom fitted visit you will go past the cosmopolitan boulevards of the urban communities and find dazzling channels, staggering tigers resting in the wilderness, and summer royal residences loaded up with enormous style. From silk drapery streaming in the light breeze to intelligent mountain lakes, sumptuous nurseries to lovely portal towers, find the mind blowing assorted variety of India by investigating the tropical south.
Your trip starts with your appearance in Madras. The old city has consistently been considered the “Entryway toward the South.” The next day your private guide will meet you and escort you through the city on a private visit. You can see the proceeded with show of the city’s British Colonial past. Your third day carries you to Bangalore where your private exchange will accompany you through the city to see the well known tree lined roads and enthusiastic bazaars. The city’s magnificent history is additionally noticeable in the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and Tipu Sultan’s late spring castle. Outside of Bangalore you will come to Srirangapatna where you will discover the vestiges of the eighteenth century capital city while in transit to Mysore.
Once in Mysore you will visit the impressive Chamundeswari Temple and the radiant vista on Chamundi Hill. Your next goal is Nagarhole National Park, home to a brilliant populace of natural life, including tiger, elephant, and crocodile. You will go through two days investigating the astounding biosphere before showing up in Ooty. The slope town sits on the Nilgiris Mountains and is home to Toy Train station. In Cochin you will locate the notable leftovers of the Spice Trade that has left social tokens of its Portuguese affiliations. Before long you will wind up cruising along the praised waterways of Alleppey until coming to Periyar National Park in the late evening.
An early night voyage permits you to appreciate the dynamic natural life close by the riverbanks. After you advance up the mountains to Kodaikanal you will have two days to appreciate the great scene that has never lost its quietness. In Madurai you will locate the perfect Meenakshi Temple that goes back to the seventeenth century and rules the old downtown area. At the point when you come back to Madras you will make a trip to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram to observe the unimaginable cavern sanctuaries and a stunning bronze help. On your last day in Southern India you will move to the air terminal for your flight home.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the antiquated Indian City of Madurai that goes back to Roman occasions
- Witness the remarkable sanctuaries of Mahabalipuram each cut from a solitary stone
- Discover the lofty history of Bangalore with a voyage through Tipu Sultan's rich summer castle
- Scour the wild at Nagarhole National Park looking for elephants and tigers
- Explore the unmatched snow-capped scene of Kodaikanal
- Cruise through the backwater trenches of Alleppey, known as the "Venice of India"
- Revel in the authentic avenues of Cochin, home to the first port of the celebrated flavour exchange
Tour Includes
- Audio guide
- Breakfast
- Entrance fees
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Pick-up and drop off
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Special activities
- Transport by air-conditioned
Tour Program
DAY 01 - ARRIVE IN CHENNAI – ENTERING THE GREAT SOUTHERN GATEWAY
Arrive Chennai, meet assist at the airport & transfer to hotel. Chennai - Capital of the south-eastern state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is one of the four major metropolitan cities in India. Today, it is hard to believe that a place that was till 1639 just a small fishing village would become such an enormous and beautiful city. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is perhaps the most peaceful and green metropolis in India. Chennai has a number of attractions for the tourists to see. One of them is the beautiful Marina beach, where the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal mingle with the golden sands. The city also has its share of forts and palaces reminding the tourists the glory of bygone eras. Night stay in Chennai.
DAY 02 - IN CHENNAI - THROUGH THE BUSTLE OF THE MADRAS STREETS
After breakfast city tour of Chennai visiting, Kapaleeshwarar Temple : A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, this ancient Shiva temple, is the biggest in Chennai . Fort St.George : Located on the seashore near the harbour, Fort St. George was built for the East India Co. in 1960 AD. Marina Beach : the pride of Chennai is the second longest beach in the World and has a wide sandy foreshore. Other attractions are Fort Museum and St. Mary's Church and Little Mount Shrine. Night stay in Chennai.
DAY 03 – CHENNAI TO MAHABALIPURAM ENROUTE KANCHIPURAM – MORE THAN JUST A JOURNEY
After breakfast depart by surface to Mahabalipuram. Enroute Visit Kanchipuram. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Afternoon city tour of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster! Despite the many visitors, drawn by the former Pallava dynasty town, the place is friendly, relaxed, and the villagers are remarkably unperturbed by their crowds of visitors. Mahabalipuram is renowned for its series of charming rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna’s Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century, is a unique temple that houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is a rock-cut mandapam with two incarnations of Vishnu—Varaha and Vamana—besides scenes of kings and queens. The Krishna Mandapam has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill in his fingertips. Other important attractions of Mahabalipuram include the Mahishasuramardini Cave, Kotikal Mandapam, Ramanuja Mandapam, and the Dharmaraja Cave. Night stay in Mahabalipuram.
DAY 04 – MAHABALIPURAM TO CHENNAI TO BANGALORE – DISCOVERING THE SOUTHERN COSMOPOLITAN
In time transfer to Chennai airport to board flight for Bangalore. Arrive Bangalore, meet assist at the airport & transfer to hotel. Bangalore Known as the garden city of India, Bangalore is one of the most visited destinations of southern India . There are many stories and legends related to the city. However the present look of the garden city was given to it in the 16th century. Because of the initiative it took in the wake of the Information Technology revolution in the country, Bangalore has been nicknamed as the Silicon City of India. Night stay in Bangalore.
DAY 05 – IN BANGALORE - TAKING A HISTORY LESSON
After breakfast City tour visiting the Vidhan Soudha - The building is a massive neo Dravidian architecture presently functioning as the state legislative assembly , Cubbon Park in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh which is famous for the wonderfully bloomed red roses and the Bangalore Palace are some of the other must see of this garden city. Night stay in Bangalore.
DAY 06 – BANGALORE TO MYSORE – DISCOVERING ROYAL RUINS
After breakfast depart by surface to Mysore. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Situated at around 140 km from Bangalore, the city of Mysore extends from 12°18’ North to 76°42’ East. In spite of being close to the industrialized city of Bangalore, Mysore hasn’t been touched so much by modernization and still retains its serenity and old-world charm. A visitor to Mysore has always been fascinated by the city’s quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyars since the 14th century except for a brief period of 40 years in the later 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled over the city. The Wodeyar family managed to get back the kingdom when, in 1799, Tipu Sultan surrendered to the British. The benevolent rule of the Wodeyar kings is evident in the city’s meticulous planning. The city’s architectural heritage and its long-held tradition of music and dance, art and literature were nurtured under their patronage. You can visit the city at any time in the year but it is advisable to avoid the rainy season. The city has pleasant weather throughout the year. The summers are warm, with temperatures varying between 21°C and 34°C, while the winters cool, with the temperatures ranging from 16°C to 27°C . Night stay in Mysore.
DAY 07 – IN MYSORE – FINDING LEISURE IN FLOWERS AND MOUNTAINS
After breakfast city tour of Mysore. The city of Mysore offers a visitor an insight into the lifestyles, cultures and traditions of its erstwhile rulers. The palaces and temples around the city speak volumes about heritage and architecture of the medieval times and the kind of patronage the city received from its rulers. Some of the interesting places to visit around the city are the Mysore Palace, Chamundi, Hills Srirangapatnam, Brindavan Gardens and Lalitha Mahal Palace. Night stay in Mysore.
DAY 08 – MYSORE TO NAGARHOLE WILDLIFE SENCTUARY – EXPERIENCING THE RICHNESS OF WILDLIFE
After breakfast depart by surface to Nagarhole. On arrival check-in at Hotel. If you are planning a getaway, go to Nagarhole. Apart from seeing the vast variety of wildlife, the sanctuary also gives you the much needed break amidst the lush and rich flora and fauna here. Nagarhole is considered to be the finest tiger reserve in India. The name Nagarhole has been derived from the two Kannada words ’Nagar’ meaning snake and ’hole’ meaning stream. As the name suggests, there are quite a few serpentine streams that flow through the rich tropical forests of the park. Established as a National Park in 1955, its area was expanded in the year 1975. The park is also named as Rajiv Gandhi National Park in memory of the former Prime Minister of India. Night stay in Nagarhole.
DAY 09 – IN NAGARHOLE WILDLIFE SENCTUARY – LOOKING OVER THE BEAUTY OF THE RIVER
After breakfast city tour of Nagarhole. A wide variety of flora and fauna and abundance of natural beauty are the major attractions out here. The park has a large elephant and bison population. Moreover, the park also houses a variety of other animal species along with approximately 250 species of birds. The park is easily accessible from the nearby major town, giving you some good accommodation option like the forest bungalows and inspection bungalows. Prior booking of accommodation is advisable. The park has on its north the Kabini River and on its southern fringe is the Bandipur National Park. A dam on the Kabini River and its picturesque reservoir demarcates the two national parks. Moreover, the Coracle ride is a must to have a complete experience of your visit. Night stay in Nagarhole.
DAY 10 - NAGARHOLE WILDLIFE SENCTUARY TO OOTY ENROUTE COONOOR – THE SUMMER CAPITAL
After breakfast depart by surface to Ooty. Enroute visit Coonoor. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Afternoon city tour of Ooty. Move around the town and revel in the scenic surroundings. The Botanical Garden is an ideal tourist spot besides being a source of information about the region’s flora. For those who like to enjoy boat rides and fishing, a visit to the Ooty Lake is a must. Besides these, there are various view points like Lamb’s Rock, Kodanadu and Dodabetta Peak that offer fascinating views of the surrounding plains and hills. Night stay in Ooty.
DAY 11 – OOTY TO COCHIN – COMING OVER THE SEAS
After breakfast depart by surface to Cochin. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Afternoon City tour visiting , St.Francis Church : Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European church. Chinese Fishing Net : Lined along the sea front, these fishing nets exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish, introduced by Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Jewish Synagogue : Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling, during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Night stay in Cochin.
DAY 12 – COCHIN TO PERIYAR ENROUTE ALLEPPEY – FROM THE ENDLESS SEAS TO THE CANALS
After breakfast depart by surface to Periyar. Enroute visit Alleppey. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Afternoon city tour of Periyar. Thekkady has a lot to offer you in sightseeing. The name Thekkady, for those who have already visited this place, brings to mind images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. Moreover, the flora and fauna of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is absolutely thrilling. The wildlife sanctuary here is the natural habitat of a wide variety of animal species. The Periyar Lake is a paradise for the nature lovers. It gives you an opportunity to observe the wild animals roaming in the jungle. The lake is also a birdwatcher’s delight. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Moreover, the Sanctuary Watch Tower situated in the forest interior gives you a panoramic view of the park. Night stay in Preiyar.
DAY 13 – PERIYAR TO KODAIKANAL - THE SPLENDID MOUNTAINS OF KODAIKANAL
After breakfast depart by surface to Kodikanal. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Night stay in Kodaikanal.
DAY 14 – IN KODAIKANAL – ENJOYING THE LAKES AND THE ASPHALTS
After breakfast city tour of Kodaikanal. Night stay in Kodaikanal.
DAY 15 - KODAIKANAL TO MADURAI – FINDING ONESELF IN THE MOUNTAINS
After breakfast depart by surface to Madurai. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Afternoon city tour of Madurai Along with its burgeoning industrial set up, the legends, myths and the thousands of pilgrims swarming the city have given Madurai a unique character and ambience. The architectural marvels of the temples and the exquisite sculptures fascinate all those who have a look at them. You can also participate in the many festivals and regale in the rich tradition of the locals. Some of the major attractions in the city are the Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, The Gandhi Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam and Pazhamudhirsolai. Night stay in Madurai.
DAY 16 – DEPART MADURAI – GOING BACK HOME
In time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
General FAQs
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How many people will be on my trip?
Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. On most of our trips, you’ll be part of an intimate group of 12-16 people, though our group sizes are on average 10 people. Our Overland trips are in purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travelers. Group sizes are displayed on each trip’s overview page on our website.
Tour Ratings
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The best thing about Exotic Luxury Holiday is an attitude towards the service they are providing. Amazing tour planning and execution. Friendly staff – Timely follow-ups even when I have paid the full amount on 1st day of travel. Assigned vehicle was in good condition with a professional driver. Last but not the least – whenever you are in doubt they used to say: “don’t worry we will take care of everything.
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A good introduction to this beautiful country. Overall we had a great trip and it is certainly worth doing for people pushed for time to organize everything yourself. Decent air-conditioned vehicle and a private driver were good, though he was polite and friendly he had very limited English which did impact our enjoyment/knowledge somewhat. Hotels were fine for the amount of time spent there for the most part. Overall it was a good experience but need a bit of improvement.
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As we had limited time in India, we decided to book this tour – what a great decision that turned out to be! We were picked up at the airport by our wonderful driver, we felt safe at all times on the very busy roads. The car was comfortable and air-conditioned, and we had a constant supply of cold drinks which was so welcome as it was very hot. We had a designated guide at every destination, they were all very knowledgeable, and really enhanced our visit. We stopped for lunch each day at great local restaurants, the food was fantastic. We stayed in some excellent hotels.! The tour was well organised, and we packed so much into the 16 days, I don’t believe this would have been possible if we had organised the trip ourselves. This tour is highly recommended, we loved it.