TOUR ROUTE:

Bangalore – Hassan – Mysore – Mudumalai - Ooty – Cochin – Alleppey/Backwaters – Periyar – Madurai – Karaikudi – Tanjore – Pondicherry – Mamallapuram – Chennai

Accommodations: 

Following is the choice of hotels available in two catagories. Please note that in some places deluxe category hotel is not available, and so same hotels are used for both catagories. If you need any other hotels besides the listed, please let us know. If you are on budget, this tour can be done using budget hotels - combination of simple guest houses and 2 star hotels. We are also able to just organise the trip with your own hotel arrangement, providing, guide, transport etc.

PLACE	NIGHTS	STANDARD HOTELS	DELUXE HOTELS
Bangalore	1 night	Monarch Luxur	Ramanshree Brunton
Hassan	1 night	Hoysala Village	Southern Star
Mysore	2 nights	Regaalis	Sandesh the prince
Mudumalai	1 night	Jungle Retreat	Casa deep wood
Ooty	1 night	Taj Savoy	Sullivan’s Court
Cochin	2 nights	Le Meridien	Old Harbour
Backwaters	1 nights	Houseboat	Houseboat
Periyar	1 nights	Spice village	Cardamom county
Madurai	1 night	Taj Gateway	GRT Regency
Karaikudi	1 night	CGH Vishalam	Chettinad Mansion
Tanjore	1 night	Parisutham	Ideal River View Resort
Mamallapuram	3 nights	GRT Temple Bay	Ideal Beach Resort

Day 1: Arrive in Bangalore (B/D)

Arrive in Bangalore on a flight. Upon arrival, you are met at the airport by Wind Horse representative and will be transferred to a hotel. Depending on your arrival time, if time permits, we will visit: the Bull Temple - one of Bangalore’s oldest built in the 16th century in Dravidian-style, The Tippu's modest palace, A Walk through Lalbagh Gardens and tour Vidhana Soudha - one of Banglore’s imposing buildings that function as state legislative assembly.
(Overnight at hotel in Bangalore)

 

Day 2: Bangalore to Hassan via Sravanabelagola (190Kms/4.5hrs) (B)

After breakfast drive from Bangalore to Hassan, 190km/4.5 hrs. En-route, we stop to visit Sravanabelagola, one of the oldest and most important Jain pilgrim center in India. A statue of Jain deity Gomateswara is here. The colossal monolithic statue is said to be the 2nd tallest sculpture in the world, after the Collosus Ramses II in Egypt. While in Hassan, visit the famous Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid, known for its most beautiful sculptures, compared to any other temples in south India.
Overnight at hotel in Hassan

 

Day 3: Hassan to Mysore (140Kms/3.5Hrs) (B)

Drive for about 140km/3hr to Mysore, which is the city of palatial buildings and tree-lined boulevards. It is naturally charismatic and the city is also famous for its: silk, sandalwood and incense production, its traditional paintings and Yoga gurus. Later in the afternoon, visit the famous Palace of Mysore or Maharaja’s Palace that exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. Then visit Jayachanarajendra Art Gallery housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, which was formerly the Royal auditorium. It exhibits South India’s oldest assortment of kitsch memorabilia from Wodeyars. After some rest at the hotel, in the late afternoon visit the 5m high Nandi bull temple, which is along our way to Chamundi Hill. The 2000-year-old Chamundeswari temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi and is a seven-storey, a 40m high tower, located on the summit of the hill. Return to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Mysore

 

Day 4: In Mysore (Excursion to Somnathpur & Srirenagpatnam) (B/D)

After breakfast, we set out for a day’s excursion to Somnathpur and Srirangapattinum. Somnathpu, is a tranquil village on the banks of the Kaveri. Here in this everlasting rural stillness, like a milestone to eternity, stands one of the last and the grandest of Hoysala monuments, the Kesava Temple. After visiting Kesava temple, drive to Srirangapattinam, an Island fortress town on the bank of Cauvery river. Visit the fort and the summer palace of Tipu Sultan. Visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, which is a short distance away on one of the three islands in the Cauvery River. The sanctuary is a home to: storks, ibis, egrets, darters, spoonbills, aormorants and many other birds. A short boat trip in the sanctuary makes it very comfortable to watch these birds at its closest proximity. Later return to hotel and free evening for a stroll around town. Wrap the day with “Kodagu Cusine” dinner with Kodagu family.
(Overnight at hotel in Mysore)

 

Day 5: Mysore to Mudumalai (95Kms/2.0Hrs) (B)

Check out from hotel and drive to Mudumalai – one of the largest wildlife reserves in South India. Upon arrival, a naturalist will meet you. The naturalist also briefs you about your day program in the jungle at Mudumalai/Bandipur. The activities include an evening elephant ride, a visit to the elephant camp and night safari on a Jeep. Night safari by Jeep is one of the most popular attractions in Mudumalai and the better way to see wild habitats.
Overnight at hotel in Mudumalai

 

Day 6: Mudumalai to Ooty (70Kms/2.0Hrs) (B)

Take a leisure morning walk to hear some nice singing birds. Later after breakfast check out and drive to Ooty (Nilgiris) – the queen of hills. Situated at an altitude of 2240mts above sea level, it is the land of picturesque picnic spot. Once in Ooty visit the Botanical garden and take a ride on the famous Steam train (Toy train) from Ooty to Coonoor. This ride through the verdant vegetation, stunning views & the green landscape is definitely a lifetime memorable one.
Overnight at hotel in Ooty

Day 7: Ooty to Cochin (270Kms/6.0Hrs) (B)

Depart after breakfast and drive downhill traversing mountain roads to Cochin. Cochin (Kochi) – a vibrant city documented since Roman times and is also the oldest European settlement in India. With its enchanting Jewish quarter, picturesque Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples and bustling spice and antiques bazaars, Cochin has a seamless blend of diverse architectural and religious influences. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet, as the Queen of Arabian Sea. Check into a hotel and rest.
Overnight at hotel in Cochin

 

Day 8: In Cochin (B/D)

Visit Jewish synagogue in the heart of the Jew town. Visit the Dutch Palace, Spice market at the narrow streets and The St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European Church in India. Visit Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese, and also see the Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, attend the performance of Kathakali dance. After the dance show, we will visit a “Christian family” for a “Cooking demo/hands-on Cooking” with a dinner and tasting one of the prepared dishes.
Overnight at hotel in Cochin

 

Day 9: Cochin to Alleppey Backwaters (Houseboat) (65Kms/1.5Hrs) (B/L/D)

Around mid morning, drive to Alleppey, the land of backwaters. En-route we stop to visit a modern coir factory producing various coir products from this region. Once in Alleppey, board an air-conditioned houseboat, which becomes accommodation as well as our transport for a relaxing cruise through the tranquil "backwaters" of Kerala. A journey through this quiet region reveals the picturesque rural life of Kerala people; working their fields with water buffaloes, fishing with nets from traditional longboats and washing their clothes at the water edge. One may see some school boats instead of a school bus transporting school children in uniform. We can glimpse through trees at small farms, homes, churches and mosques that dot the canals and lakes. We take our meals on board, served by our on-board chef.
Overnight on boarded Houseboat

 

Day 10: Alleppey to Periyar (140Kms/3.5hrs) (B)

Disembark from Houseboat at 10am and drive through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles to Thekkady or Periyar, home of one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Tiger reserve. The sanctuary is centered on the large (24 sq km) artificial lake formed by a dam across the Periyar River. In the evening, we take a boat trip on this lake to see the wild animals. Usually, we see large herds of wild elephants, bison and wild boars that come along the shores of the lake, just before sunrise and sunset. After the boat trip you will visit the traditional Kerala Marital Art “Kalari Payat,” which is believed to have originated in early 4th century. It is said to be the oldest form of Marital art too.
(Overnight at hotel in Periyar)

 

Day 11: Periyar to Madurai (170Kms/3.5Hrs) (B)

Check out from hotel after breakfast and drive to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, set on the River Vaigai. Visit the famous Meenakshi temple, a breathtakingly baroque with its profusion of gods, goddesses, rearing horses, and mythical figures. Later visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace and we also have time to stroll through a labyrinthine market full of produce, flowers, incense and aromatic herbs. Madurai is also a great place to look for bronze statues, carpets or other souvenirs. Those who feel like may visit Meenakshy temple once again after dinner. At the temple ceremony god Sundareswarar is lead to the bedroom of his wife Meenakshi. Return to hotel in “Cycle Rickshaw” taking narrow routes between the crowded streets.
Overnight at hotel in Madurai

 

Day 12: Madurai to Karaikudi/Chettinad (90Kms/2.0Hrs) (B/D)

Drive to Karaikudi, the capital city of Chettinad - the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking and business community. Many of them had migrated to South and Southeast Asia, particularly Ceylon and Burma in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Chettinad is known for its culinary delicacies. Chettinad food is one reason many people come to know Chettinad. Chettinad is rich in cultural heritage, art and architecture. It is well known for its houses embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms and for its 18th century mansions. On arrival check into a hotel and head out for sightseeing tour. Tonight enjoy a private dinner specially made for you, to taste the “Chettinad Delicacies”.
Overnight at hotel in Chettinad/Karaikudi

 

Day 13: Karaikudi/Chettinad to Tanjore (90Kms/2.0Hrs) (B)

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. Drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur) – the Chola citadel or so called the “rice bowl” of South India. A major part of rice is cultivated here and distributed to most of the states in India. Some special rice is been exported to other countries around the world. Upon arrival visit the famous “Brihadeshwara Temple” – dedicated to god Shiva in the form of Linga, the temple complex is one of the biggest of its kind in India. The temple architecture is very unique. any time of The shadow of the main Gopuram (temple tower) doesn’t fall on the ground at any hour of the day. The temple also houses one of the largest “Nandi” (Bull) in Asia. Next go to visit Tanjore palace museum and art gallery. At the museum you will see a nice collection of unique antique bronze statues, ornaments and weapons used by the king.
Overnight at hotel in Tanjore

 

Day 14: Tanjore to Mamallapuram/via..Kumbakonam (275Kms/6.0Hrs) (B)

Departing after early breakfast, drive to Kumbakonam – a nice village with beautiful temples of Darasuram (Airawatheshwar temple) dedicated to the while elephant in the God’s family. Onward we visit the “Bronze Workshop” to see how they make Bronze Statues. Later drive a short length to visit the temple of “Gangaikoda Cholapuram” dedicated to god Shiva. After lunch go to the laidback beach town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram).

 

Day 15: In Mamallapuram (B)

We start leisurely for sightseeing tour of Mamallapuram’s monolithic shrines and rock-cut temples lying scattered over a landscape heaped with boulders and rocky hillocks. Start with the visit of Arjuna’s Penance (with largest relief carving on earth), the Five Rathas (a cluster of temples named for five Pandava brothers of Mahabarata) and visit the famous Shore temple. We may also visit many other cave temples, depending on interest and the amount of left. As a special activity, we include a visit to a sculpture studio, where they teach and make stone sculpture. Rest of the evening is a free choice.
Overnight at Mamallapuram

 

Day 16: In Mamallapuram (B/D)

Leisure day in Mamallapuram to explore on you own.

 

Optional visits during this day:
1. Village Bicycle tour – a morning half day tour with guide on Indian bi-cycle to the nearest village and see a local village lifestyle.
2. Kancheepuram excursion – a half day tour with lunch to the temple and silk city of Kancheepuram.

 

In the evening you will be taken for a special dinner of “South Indian Dosa Feast” at the roof top restaurant of Mamalla Heritage hotel. Dosa is one of the staples for South Indians. It’s also called the South Indian Pancake. You also may try making your own dosa!
(Overnight at hotel in Mamallapuram)

 

Day 17: Departure transfer

Checkout from the hotel according to your flight schedule. Tour ends today with a transfer to Chennai Airport for your onward journey.