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Marvellous South 22 Nights / 23 Days
Destinations covered: Bangalore - Hassan - Mysore - Nagarahole (Kabini) - Bandipur - Ooty - Cochin - Kumarakom - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Rameshwaram - Madurai - Chennai
Day 01: Arrive Bangalore
Traditional welcome on arrival at Bangalore International airport followed by transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore commercial town. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.
Bangalore: Reputed as Garden City of India Bangalore is a delightful place with an amalgamation of various rich cultures, crafts, and heritage centres. This capital of Karnataka houses finest temple and garden. Bangalore is even gaining the status of the "Floriculture Capital of India" due to the present blossoming of flower exports from the city. The beautiful parks like the Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are indeed a treat to the eyes. A trip around the city can be very interesting and provides a varied sightseeing experience with Palaces, museums, temples, churches and gardens.
Day 02: Bangalore
After breakfast visit Lal bagh, Cave temple- Built by Kempe gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon, Hesaraghatta. Remainder of the day is free to explore commercial section of city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Bangalore - Hassan (194 Kms -04 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Hassan. Enroute visit Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola: 51 Kms southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres. At Shravanabelgola 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali inspires awe - the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka -a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000 -year- old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
Hassan- Hassan serves a base to visit remnant of one of prominent Royale Dynasty of Hoysala Empire. Era of Hoysala Dynasty was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. A excursion to visit Belur and Halebid awards an firsthand experience of understanding development of art, architecture, and religion in South India On arrival transfer to hotel. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at Hassan.
Day 04: Hassan
After breakfast proceed for excursion to Belur and Halebid.
Belur: This quaint hamlet - 38 Kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank.
Halebid: It is 27 Kms north-west of Hassan and 17 Kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basadis, Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan. Evening return to hotel. Overnight in Hassan.
Day 05: Hassan - Mysore (127 Kms- 3 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Mysore. On arrival check in hotel. Mysore is defined by magnificent palaces, scenic gardens, fragrant sandalwood, luxurious silks, flamboyant festivals-- Mysore is a veritable tourist extravaganza with its glorious history and rich tradition. Located 140 Kms from Bangalore, this City of Palaces bursts at the seams with a mindboggling array of attractive destinations. Afternoon visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style; its attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.
Day 06: Mysore
After breakfast proceeds for Srirangapatna (13 Kms- 20 minutes drive by road). The great Emperor Tipu Sultan is notable for his bravery in India.Visit Island fortress of Tippu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore who put up a valiant fight against British domination. Visit Tippu’s Summer Palace, Mosque, and Sriranganatha Temple. Evening return back to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Mysore - Nagarahole National Park (80 Kms -2hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed to Nagarahole National park. On arrival check in to resort and relax. Nagarahole National Park This Park is also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located 94 km from Mysore. Sprawling between Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka it covers an area of 640 sq km. The exclusive hunting ground of the former rulers of Mysore, the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls.
This forest is home to large elephant population, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears. The large predators prey on a variety of ungulates, like gaur, deer, spotted deer, common muntjac, four-horned antelope, mouse deer and wild boar. Gray langurs, lion-tailed macaques and bonnet macaques represent the primates in the park. Mostly jungle comprises Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak trees. On Border Mountain area Nilgiri tahrs and Nilgiri langurs are found. Evening jungle safari. After safari return to resort watch wildlife picture and Overnight at resort.
Day 08: Nagarahole National Park - Bandipur (100 km- 3hrs drive by road)
At 0615hrs after coffee/tea proceed for coracle ride, (local boat) followed by elephant ride (subject to availability of elephant). After breakfast check out and proceed to Bandipur National park . On Arrival check in to a resort.
Bandipur National Park: This national park has been declared Tiger Reserve by Indian Government. Situated at 90 Kms from Mysore it adjoin Mudumalai National Park in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park to the northwest. It is home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants (as per the 1997 census [2]), along with leopards, dholes, Gaur and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy wildlife safari at 16.00hrs. At 1900hrs watch wildlife film, dinner and overnight at resort.
Day 09: Bandipur - Ooty ( 80kms -3hours drive by road)
Morning proceed for trekking at 0630hrs. Return to resort at 0900hrs, breakfast and proceed to Ooty. As serpentine road approaches Ooty gurgle of streams, beautiful mist make a impression of welcome to Ooty. On arrival check in hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore green valley and green meadows with gust of cool air.
Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level Ooty is one most popular hill station of india. Ooty is home to peak Dodabeta, perched on altitude of 2637, the merging point of eastern and Western Ghats, is the highest peak of Nilgiri. Other tourist attraction includes botanical garden, Ooty Lake, Coonoor etc.
Day 10: Ooty
After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing. Visit Botanical Garden - is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill, Rose Garden - the rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources with 17,256 rose plants from 1919 varieties, Aquarium: It is close to bus station and is run by Dept. of Fisheries. In this aquarium, department rears exotic fish varieties. Deer Park - It is one of the high altitude animal park in India, Doddabetta , Enjoy boat ride in Ooty Lake. Return to hotel and overnight hotel.
Day 11: Ooty - Cochin (281kms -7hrs drive by road)
Morning breakfast, checkout and proceed to Cochin. On arrival Transfer to hotel. Relax for the rest of the day or take a walk along the historic colonial streets of Fort Cochin. Watch a Kathakali Show (Traditional art performance of Kerala). Overnight at hotel in Cochin
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
Day 12: Cochin
After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the nearby Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Cochin - Kumarakom (145 kms-4 hours drive by road)
After early morning breakfast start for Kumarakom. Arrive Kumarakom and check in at resort. Kumarakom - When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. In the evening canoe down the narrow canals. Join the evening sunset cruise or enjoy the beauty of backwater by just relaxing near Vembanadu Lake. Overnight stay at the resort.
Day 14: Kumarakom (Houseboat)
Breakfast at resort. Morning at leisure at resort, 1230 hrs check in at houseboat. Rest of the day at leisure on the House Boat. Sit back and relax while the boat cruises through the narrow serene backwater canals. Lunch, Evening Tea/Coffee with snacks, dinner and enjoy your evening on the sundeck away from polluted cities and maddening crowd. Overnight stay on House Boat.
Day 15: Kumarakom - Kovalam (172 Kms- 4 hours drive by road)
Breakfast at resort. After breakfast start for Kovalam. Check-in at hotel at Kovalam. The rest of the day is kept for leisure at the Kovalam Beach. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Azure water and favourable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round spot for swimming. Sea here is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters. Surfing and swimming are among the other water sports possible in Kovalam beach. Many people from different countries and culture intermingle with each other and get together in this paradise of the South and spend their leisure time joyfully.
Day 16: Kovalam
After breakfast proceed for one day excursion to Trivandrum( 16 Kms 20 minutes drive by road) visit Museum Complex, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Science and Technology Museum, Veli Tourist village. Evening return to Kovalam.
Day 17: Kovalam - Kanyakumari (87 Kms-2 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Kanyakumari. Arrive Kanyakumari check in at hotel. Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari lies at the meeting point of the three bodies of water: the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Mannar and the Indian Ocean, is the terminating point of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
Afternoon islet visit to explore ancient Kanyakumari temple, Vivekanda Rock Memorial, built in 1970, and the sky kissing 133 feet statue of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, one of the biggest statues in Asia. Kanyakumari is noted in India for its heavenly sunrise and sunset. On clear, full-moon evenings, (Chitra Pournami) At one time one can also see the moon-rise and sunset creating a contrast of colour in sky - on either side of the horizon.
Day 18: Kanyakumari - Rameshwaram (320 Kms-8 hrs from train)
After breakfast proceed for Rameshwaram. Arrive Rameshwaram and check in at hotel. Rameshwaram is located on an island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel . The religious island is spread in an area of 61.8 square kilometers and happens to be in the shape of a conch. The beach of Rameshwaram is famous for its beautiful sea featured with no waves at all. Legend has it that Lord Ram of Ramayana prayed to sea god to pave way for lanka (Sri lanka). The sea god granted a boon saying that he will make the sea wave less to aid him build a rock bridge.
The presiding deity here is in the form of a Linga with the name Sri Ramanatha Swamy, it also happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The epitome of South Indian architecture boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple over a period of time starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises twenty two wells where the taste of the water of each well is different from the other.
Day 19: Rameshwaram - Madurai ( 172 Kms -04 hours drive by road).
Morning breakfast proceed for Madurai. Arrive Madurai check in at hotel. Afternoon is at leisure to explore local life and culture. Evening offer aarti in Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Madurai: One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.
Mennakshi Temple: It is one of the few temples in Tamil Nadu to have four entrances facing four directions. The complex is in around 45 acres (180,000 m2) . The temple is surrounded by 12 towers, the tallest of which, the famous Southern tower, rises to over 170 ft (52 m) high.
Day 20: Madurai
After breakfast visit the great Tirumala Nayak Palace, Alagar Hills , Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Overnight transfer to Chennai(344 Kms-9 hrs drive by train).
Day 21: Chennai
On arrival transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore commercial town. Overnight at hotel in Chennai. Chennai is the fifth largest city in India and the capital city of the Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandal coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the Musical and Cultural Capital of India. The city is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. The Tamil film industry, known as Kollywood, the second largest after movie industry (after Bollywood) in India, is based in the city.
Day 22: Chennai
After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Mahabalipuram (60 km -1 hr drive by road) and Kanchipuram (78 km, 1:30 hr drive by road).
Mahabalipuram: A UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel of Dravidian style incorporating Buddhist elements. These rock cut and monolithic monuments constitutes cave temples and monolithic chariots (Rathas). A walk around these monuments inspires to connect a bond with royal dynasty of Pallava.
Kanchipuram: It is well regarded as City of thousand temples. Kanchipuram attained its highest stature in 4th to the 9th centuries as capital of pallav dynasty. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (A.D. 520) went to China from Kanchipuram to spread Buddhism. He stayed at the Shaolin Monastery and preached Buddhist ideologies. At that time he trained the local people in the art of Varmakkalai. The art underwent many changes and came to be known as Shaolin kung fu or boxing. Evening return to Chennai. Overnight at hotel.
Day 23: Chennai Depart
After breakfast transfer to International Airport connect flight to onward destination.
Traditional welcome on arrival at Bangalore International airport followed by transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore commercial town. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.
Bangalore: Reputed as Garden City of India Bangalore is a delightful place with an amalgamation of various rich cultures, crafts, and heritage centres. This capital of Karnataka houses finest temple and garden. Bangalore is even gaining the status of the "Floriculture Capital of India" due to the present blossoming of flower exports from the city. The beautiful parks like the Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are indeed a treat to the eyes. A trip around the city can be very interesting and provides a varied sightseeing experience with Palaces, museums, temples, churches and gardens.
Day 02: Bangalore
After breakfast visit Lal bagh, Cave temple- Built by Kempe gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon, Hesaraghatta. Remainder of the day is free to explore commercial section of city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Bangalore - Hassan (194 Kms -04 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Hassan. Enroute visit Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola: 51 Kms southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres. At Shravanabelgola 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali inspires awe - the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka -a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000 -year- old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
Hassan- Hassan serves a base to visit remnant of one of prominent Royale Dynasty of Hoysala Empire. Era of Hoysala Dynasty was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. A excursion to visit Belur and Halebid awards an firsthand experience of understanding development of art, architecture, and religion in South India On arrival transfer to hotel. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at Hassan.
Day 04: Hassan
After breakfast proceed for excursion to Belur and Halebid.
Belur: This quaint hamlet - 38 Kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank.
Halebid: It is 27 Kms north-west of Hassan and 17 Kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basadis, Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan. Evening return to hotel. Overnight in Hassan.
Day 05: Hassan - Mysore (127 Kms- 3 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Mysore. On arrival check in hotel. Mysore is defined by magnificent palaces, scenic gardens, fragrant sandalwood, luxurious silks, flamboyant festivals-- Mysore is a veritable tourist extravaganza with its glorious history and rich tradition. Located 140 Kms from Bangalore, this City of Palaces bursts at the seams with a mindboggling array of attractive destinations. Afternoon visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style; its attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.
Day 06: Mysore
After breakfast proceeds for Srirangapatna (13 Kms- 20 minutes drive by road). The great Emperor Tipu Sultan is notable for his bravery in India.Visit Island fortress of Tippu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore who put up a valiant fight against British domination. Visit Tippu’s Summer Palace, Mosque, and Sriranganatha Temple. Evening return back to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Mysore - Nagarahole National Park (80 Kms -2hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed to Nagarahole National park. On arrival check in to resort and relax. Nagarahole National Park This Park is also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located 94 km from Mysore. Sprawling between Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka it covers an area of 640 sq km. The exclusive hunting ground of the former rulers of Mysore, the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls.
This forest is home to large elephant population, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears. The large predators prey on a variety of ungulates, like gaur, deer, spotted deer, common muntjac, four-horned antelope, mouse deer and wild boar. Gray langurs, lion-tailed macaques and bonnet macaques represent the primates in the park. Mostly jungle comprises Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak trees. On Border Mountain area Nilgiri tahrs and Nilgiri langurs are found. Evening jungle safari. After safari return to resort watch wildlife picture and Overnight at resort.
Day 08: Nagarahole National Park - Bandipur (100 km- 3hrs drive by road)
At 0615hrs after coffee/tea proceed for coracle ride, (local boat) followed by elephant ride (subject to availability of elephant). After breakfast check out and proceed to Bandipur National park . On Arrival check in to a resort.
Bandipur National Park: This national park has been declared Tiger Reserve by Indian Government. Situated at 90 Kms from Mysore it adjoin Mudumalai National Park in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park to the northwest. It is home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants (as per the 1997 census [2]), along with leopards, dholes, Gaur and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy wildlife safari at 16.00hrs. At 1900hrs watch wildlife film, dinner and overnight at resort.
Day 09: Bandipur - Ooty ( 80kms -3hours drive by road)
Morning proceed for trekking at 0630hrs. Return to resort at 0900hrs, breakfast and proceed to Ooty. As serpentine road approaches Ooty gurgle of streams, beautiful mist make a impression of welcome to Ooty. On arrival check in hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore green valley and green meadows with gust of cool air.
Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level Ooty is one most popular hill station of india. Ooty is home to peak Dodabeta, perched on altitude of 2637, the merging point of eastern and Western Ghats, is the highest peak of Nilgiri. Other tourist attraction includes botanical garden, Ooty Lake, Coonoor etc.
Day 10: Ooty
After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing. Visit Botanical Garden - is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill, Rose Garden - the rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources with 17,256 rose plants from 1919 varieties, Aquarium: It is close to bus station and is run by Dept. of Fisheries. In this aquarium, department rears exotic fish varieties. Deer Park - It is one of the high altitude animal park in India, Doddabetta , Enjoy boat ride in Ooty Lake. Return to hotel and overnight hotel.
Day 11: Ooty - Cochin (281kms -7hrs drive by road)
Morning breakfast, checkout and proceed to Cochin. On arrival Transfer to hotel. Relax for the rest of the day or take a walk along the historic colonial streets of Fort Cochin. Watch a Kathakali Show (Traditional art performance of Kerala). Overnight at hotel in Cochin
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
Day 12: Cochin
After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the nearby Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Cochin - Kumarakom (145 kms-4 hours drive by road)
After early morning breakfast start for Kumarakom. Arrive Kumarakom and check in at resort. Kumarakom - When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. In the evening canoe down the narrow canals. Join the evening sunset cruise or enjoy the beauty of backwater by just relaxing near Vembanadu Lake. Overnight stay at the resort.
Day 14: Kumarakom (Houseboat)
Breakfast at resort. Morning at leisure at resort, 1230 hrs check in at houseboat. Rest of the day at leisure on the House Boat. Sit back and relax while the boat cruises through the narrow serene backwater canals. Lunch, Evening Tea/Coffee with snacks, dinner and enjoy your evening on the sundeck away from polluted cities and maddening crowd. Overnight stay on House Boat.
Day 15: Kumarakom - Kovalam (172 Kms- 4 hours drive by road)
Breakfast at resort. After breakfast start for Kovalam. Check-in at hotel at Kovalam. The rest of the day is kept for leisure at the Kovalam Beach. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Azure water and favourable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round spot for swimming. Sea here is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters. Surfing and swimming are among the other water sports possible in Kovalam beach. Many people from different countries and culture intermingle with each other and get together in this paradise of the South and spend their leisure time joyfully.
Day 16: Kovalam
After breakfast proceed for one day excursion to Trivandrum( 16 Kms 20 minutes drive by road) visit Museum Complex, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Science and Technology Museum, Veli Tourist village. Evening return to Kovalam.
Day 17: Kovalam - Kanyakumari (87 Kms-2 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Kanyakumari. Arrive Kanyakumari check in at hotel. Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari lies at the meeting point of the three bodies of water: the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Mannar and the Indian Ocean, is the terminating point of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
Afternoon islet visit to explore ancient Kanyakumari temple, Vivekanda Rock Memorial, built in 1970, and the sky kissing 133 feet statue of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, one of the biggest statues in Asia. Kanyakumari is noted in India for its heavenly sunrise and sunset. On clear, full-moon evenings, (Chitra Pournami) At one time one can also see the moon-rise and sunset creating a contrast of colour in sky - on either side of the horizon.
Day 18: Kanyakumari - Rameshwaram (320 Kms-8 hrs from train)
After breakfast proceed for Rameshwaram. Arrive Rameshwaram and check in at hotel. Rameshwaram is located on an island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel . The religious island is spread in an area of 61.8 square kilometers and happens to be in the shape of a conch. The beach of Rameshwaram is famous for its beautiful sea featured with no waves at all. Legend has it that Lord Ram of Ramayana prayed to sea god to pave way for lanka (Sri lanka). The sea god granted a boon saying that he will make the sea wave less to aid him build a rock bridge.
The presiding deity here is in the form of a Linga with the name Sri Ramanatha Swamy, it also happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The epitome of South Indian architecture boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple over a period of time starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises twenty two wells where the taste of the water of each well is different from the other.
Day 19: Rameshwaram - Madurai ( 172 Kms -04 hours drive by road).
Morning breakfast proceed for Madurai. Arrive Madurai check in at hotel. Afternoon is at leisure to explore local life and culture. Evening offer aarti in Meenakshi Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Madurai: One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.
Mennakshi Temple: It is one of the few temples in Tamil Nadu to have four entrances facing four directions. The complex is in around 45 acres (180,000 m2) . The temple is surrounded by 12 towers, the tallest of which, the famous Southern tower, rises to over 170 ft (52 m) high.
Day 20: Madurai
After breakfast visit the great Tirumala Nayak Palace, Alagar Hills , Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Overnight transfer to Chennai(344 Kms-9 hrs drive by train).
Day 21: Chennai
On arrival transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore commercial town. Overnight at hotel in Chennai. Chennai is the fifth largest city in India and the capital city of the Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandal coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the Musical and Cultural Capital of India. The city is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. The Tamil film industry, known as Kollywood, the second largest after movie industry (after Bollywood) in India, is based in the city.
Day 22: Chennai
After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Mahabalipuram (60 km -1 hr drive by road) and Kanchipuram (78 km, 1:30 hr drive by road).
Mahabalipuram: A UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel of Dravidian style incorporating Buddhist elements. These rock cut and monolithic monuments constitutes cave temples and monolithic chariots (Rathas). A walk around these monuments inspires to connect a bond with royal dynasty of Pallava.
Kanchipuram: It is well regarded as City of thousand temples. Kanchipuram attained its highest stature in 4th to the 9th centuries as capital of pallav dynasty. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (A.D. 520) went to China from Kanchipuram to spread Buddhism. He stayed at the Shaolin Monastery and preached Buddhist ideologies. At that time he trained the local people in the art of Varmakkalai. The art underwent many changes and came to be known as Shaolin kung fu or boxing. Evening return to Chennai. Overnight at hotel.
Day 23: Chennai Depart
After breakfast transfer to International Airport connect flight to onward destination.