ARRIVE CHENNAI (MADRAS) :

CHENNAI CITY TOUR :

Visit Fort St. George, constructed in 1640 AD, St. Mary's Church, the oldest surviving British building. Mylapore, site of the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. San Thome Cathedral, Parathasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna; Government Museum and Art Gallery housing an excellent collection of items from all the major South Indian periods. Visit Kalakshetra, an artist’s colony where ancient arts and crafts are practiced and taught to students. Afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own, chauffeur driven car provided.

CHENNAI- day at leisure :

This day, is at leisure to explore the city on your own with a chauffeured car at your disposal within city limits.

KANCHIPURAM EXCURSION - MAHABALIPURAM :
Tour Kanchipuram also known as Siva Vishnu Kanchi, one of the seven holiest Hindu cities also famous for its spectacular temples. Many of the temples are the work of the later Cholas of the Vijay Nagar kings. Kanchipuram is renowned for hand woven silk fabrics, originated under the patronage of Pallava kings. Weavers were employed to produce clothing and fabrics for kings. After the tour, travel overland to Mahabalipuram, known for its beaches and shore temples. Check into the hotel and relax by the beach.

GRT Temple Bay Hotel- An elite luxury resort set on 46 acres of pristine waterfront with a breath taking view of the Bay of Bengal. Relax in the graceful and stylish rooms, cottages, villas, banquet and conference facilities as well as specialty restaurants, making your stay more memorable.

MAHABALIPURAM :

Mahabalipuram, the 7th century city of the Pallavas is considered pioneer in the Dravidian architectural style. Built in the 5th and 8th centuries AD, temples strike a romantic theme. The sculptures in particular are interesting as it depicts scenes from daily life. Visit Arjuna's Penance, the world's largest bas-relief measuring 27 meters and 9 meters along its length and breadth respectively. This huge whaleback shaped rock contains figures of Gods, Demigods, men, beasts and birds. Continue to the Five Rathas, which are actually five monolithic temples. The most mesmerizing aspect of this monument is that the four of the Ratha’s are believed to be carved out of a single rock formation.

MAHABALIPURAM- day at leisure.

Day free to relax at the beach, explore the temple or visit nearby villages, artists colonies, sculpture gardens etc. A chauffeured car will be at your disposal within city limits.

MAHABALIPURAM/CHENNAI/KOCHI (COCHIN) :

Travel to Chennai to fly to Kochi. This city is set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is evident in Kochi and its people.

HOTEL TAJ MALABAR - Situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbor, the hotel combines old-world elegance with modern day convenience. In its heritage wing, built in 1935, graceful Victorian interiors aptly reflect the inherent beauty of Kochi. The tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of classic with contemporary.

The Jiva Spa: Blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies, Jiva Spa offers the best in Indian rejuvenation therapies ranging from Indian aromatherapy massages, time-honored Indian treatments, body scrubs and wraps. Signature Jiva Spa experiences bring guests the essence of traditional royal wellness and therapeutic experiences.

KOCHI Touring :

Morning, visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the king of Kochi, Raja Verra Kerala Varma, as a gesture of goodwill. The Dutch substantially renovated it after 1663, hence, called the Dutch Palace. St. Francis Church is India is India’s oldest European-built church. Vasco de Gama the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remain were transferred to Lisbon. The Jewish Synagogue was constructed in 1568; is the oldest synagogue in the region. Proceed to the Chinese Fishing Nets, reflecting the traditional method of fishing. Continue to the spice markets, a rich trading centre in medieval times.  This afternoon is at leisure to explore the island on your own or visit the nearby town of Ernakulum, to attend a Kathakali dance performance. A chauffeur driven car will be at your disposal within city limits.

KOCHI- Backwater Cruise :

The backwaters are a gateway for visitors to see firsthand the unhurried village life of rural Kerala, where life is tough and traditional work is labor intensive. Here, one meets the people engaged in country boat building, prawn cultivation, sand mining, coir manufacture, limestone collection, rice farming, duck rearing, bamboo basket making, straw mat weaving and much more. Visit a coir and coconut farm - spices garden like black pepper, coffee, cashew nut, coco, pineapple, nutmeg, beetle nut and much more. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore the city on your own with a chauffeured car at your disposal within city limits.

KOCHI/BANGALORE/MYSORE :

A short flight brings you to Bangalore. After a brief city tour, travel overland to Mysore stopping en route at Srirangapatnam, an island in the Cauvery River where Tipu Sultan built his Summer Palace. Arrive in Mysore, the abode of untold grandeur and glory. The capital city of the Wodeyars Kingdom has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples.

ROYAL ORHID METROPOLE HOTEL- is steeped in history and culture of Mysore. Its imperial arches, imposing pillars and ornate corridors still capture the old world charm of this majestic guesthouse built by the former Maharaja of Mysore for his distinguished British guests. Stay in the exclusive Heritage guestroom.

MYSORE TOUR :

Mysore or Mahishur as it was called earlier traces its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Tour the palace, built between 1897 and 1907 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. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The palace is illuminated on Sundays and during Public Holidays, presenting a spectacle of breathtaking beauty. Continue to Chamundi Hill, a well known 335 meters high landmark. Stop en route to see the Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 meter monolith. At the top of the hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars and a gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit also offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces.

MYSORE- Day at leisure :

Spend the day at leisure to explore the city on your own with a chauffeured car at your disposal within city limits.

MYSORE / HASSAN :

This morning is at leisure. Later, travel overland to Hassan, which prospered under the control of the great Hoysala Empire from the 11th to 13th century AD. During this era, the great temples of Belur and Halebid were constructed. Hassan was greatly influenced by Jainism, later becoming a well-known center for Jain literature.

HOYSALA VILLAGE RESORT- combines the geometric disciplines of local Hoysala architectural tradition and the idyllic simplicity of Malnad villages. Set in the midst of lush greens, one can feel the peace, enjoy the luxury, drink in the natural vistas and indulge in modern facilities.

BELUR & HALEBID :

Tour the temples of Belur and Halebid belonging to the most artistically period of Hindu cultural development. At Belur the Channekeshava Temple is a Hoysala masterpiece built in a walled spacious place where the carving matches the equality of the architecture. The construction of the Hoysaleswara Temple begun by Kedaroja ruler Narasimhal in 1141 now lies incomplete after 86 years of chiseling.

HALEBID/BANGALORE/HYDERABAD :

Travel overland to Bangalore and board flight to Hyderabad, richest and largest state at the time of India's independence. The city is nearly 400 years old and is perched on the top of the Deccan Plateau. A multitude of influences have shaped the city’s character. Its palaces and buildings, houses, tenements, gardens and streets have a history coupled with an architectural individuality of its own, making Hyderabad a city of enchantment.

TAJ KRISHNA HOTEL: An architectural masterpiece, this luxurious hotel offers a grand staircase, marble pillars and ornately carved décor that wraps guests in opulent luxury, where every moment feels like a fantasy.

HYDERABAD- City Tour :

Tour of Hyderabad reveals an amalgam of old world charm coupled with modernity. Visit Char Minar, Mecca Masjid, Birla Temple and Salar Jung Museum housing the Nizam’s private art collection. This afternoon, is at leisure to explore the city on your own with a chauffeured car at your disposal within city limits.

DAY AT LEISURE :

This day is at leisure to explore the city on your own with a chauffeured car at your disposal within city limits.

HYDERABAD/HOME :

Your spectacular journey through Southern India comes to an end as you board your flight home taking with you fond memories, sights, sounds and spiritual facets of India.