Spiritual South India Tour

01 Day: Arrival Bangalore

Welcome to the Airport at Bangalore, our representative will assist and escort you by a/c car and transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. During your check in, all the required documents related to the tour, will be given to you and all your queries in concern to the tour and services will be explained. If you are arriving by early flight, after relaxation you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Bangalore: Capital of Karnataka State, Bangalore is famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings. Bangalore is renowned as much for its industrial plants as for its silk saris, and for the sprawling Cubbon Park, which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course. It is now part of the great Silicone Valley, is a beautiful city filled with the tranquillity of its greenery. The Lalbagh garden is particularly beauliful and well laid out. It has one of the largest collections of exotic Indian Tropical and Sub-tropical vegetation, Lakes and Lotus-filled pools.

02 Day: Bangalore

Today morning after breafkast take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting ISKCON Temple, Hare Krishna Hill is the hillock on which this temple is situated. Lal Baugh– One of the main gardens in the city; it derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which are in bloom here, Cubbon Park– a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864. The ambience of the city life is broken with presence of such a large park in the center of the city. The Bull Temple – The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out of single granite rock. Later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple – The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also visit, Vishweshwaraiah Technological Museum, Vidhana Soudha. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

03 Day: Bangalore – Srirangapatna – Mysore (145 kms: 4 hrs)

After an early breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Mysore. Enroute visit the Srirangapatna (20 kms from Mysore) to visit Fort and The Ranganathaswamy temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Ranganatha, a manifestation of the god Vishnu. It is one of the five important pilgrimage sites along the river Kaveri for devotees of Ranganatha. These five sacred sites are together known as Pancharanga Kshetrams in Southern India. After visit continue drive to Mysore, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after relaxation visit Brindavan gardens & spectacular musical fountains, followed by flower and sandal wood market, handicraft museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Srirangapatna (Srirangapatnam) is an island town on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway The town obtained its name from a 1000 year old temple of Lord Sriranganatha. This history-rich town was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore. Tipu Sultan, the eldest son of Haider Ali, was born on December 10, 1750 at Devanhalli. On his father's death in 1782, Tipu Sultan assumed power in Mysore. He continued fighting the British and defeated them in 1783. Tipu Sultan was a far-sighted person who could foresee East India Company's design to get entrenched in India. He negotiated with the French for help and also sought assistance from the Amir of Afghanistan and the Sultan of Turkey.

04 Day: Mysore

After breakfast visit the Palace of the Maharaja. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with magnificent archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures. Also visit the St. Philomenas cathedral followed by a drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars 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. Mysore races its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyars rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendor.

05 Day: Mysore – Ooty (125 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Ooty, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshment take a sightseeing tour of this picturesque hill station visiting Botanical Gardens, a wealth of variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, eucalyptus trees, several old trees and even a fossilized tree trunk that is 20 million years old, followed by boat rides and fishing, Ooty Lake : is surrounded by green hills and huge trees. The sight of lake from the shores is mesmerizing. The Fern hill Palace: was the erstwhile summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The first Fern hills bungalow was built in 1844 as a private The palace resembles a Swiss Chalet, Ooty Golf Links: The golf course is set at an altitude of 7200 feet. The course extends over 193.56 acres and comprises 18 holes. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Ooty: Known as the queen of hills and the most popular hill station in the South India. It is located in the Nilgiri hills at 2286 meter above sea level. With its rolling lawns and salubrious climate it became the important hill station in South India and the summer capital of the former Madras presidency. Ooty still has the touch of the Raj about it, with its cottages and pretty gardens and stone churches that stands among the groves of pine. Old summer palaces of maharajas are now hotels and set in their beautiful parks.

06 Day: Ooty – Coonoor – Ooty (20 kms: 1 ½ hr)

Today morning after breakfast, take the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor- this train runs between Metupalaiyam-Udagamandalam (Ooty), via Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills. The track is 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) long, and passes over 26 viaducts, and through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges. On arrival explore the surrounding places: Ketti Valley –the second largest valley in the world is best viewed if you walk in the railway tracks from Ketti to Aravangadu, Coonoor Golf Links, Wellington Army Barracks (Need Prior Permission for a full tour), SIMS Park, a 12-hectare park exhibiting over 1000 species of plants, Visit Lambs nose followed by Dolphins Nose (10 km. away from Coonoor) offering an excellent view. It encompasses the Catherine Falls (250 feet). Later return back to Ooty by car via Kotagiri and visit Dodabetta Peak: highest point in South India, Pine Forest: a scenic canvas to the valleys and the vast landscapes of the Nilgiris. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Coonoor, surrounded by the tea plantations, and at an altitude of 1850 m, Coonoor is the first of the three Nilgiri hill station-Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Kotagiri and Coonoor – that you come to when leaving behind the southern plains. Like Ooty, it’s on the toy train line from Mettupalayam. While Kotagiri had the Kotas, and Ooty the Todas, so Coonoor was home to the Coon hill tribe. (The suffix, ‘oor’, means village) This now bustling town appears rather squashed between the hills and it’s only after climbing up out of the busy market area with the bus and train terminals that you’ll get a sense of what hill stations were originally all about.

07 Day: Ooty – Cochin (275 kms: 7 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Cochin. Enroute visit Guruvayur visiting the Guruvayur temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and considered to be the Dwaraka of the South. Also visit the famous Shree Krishna temple, which has Guruvayoorappan or the infant Krishna, as the deity. Legend has it that the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods and Vayu, the God of winds. The most famous offering of the temple is Thulabharam, where a devotee presents to the deity his own body weight against products like bananas, rice etc. After visit continues drive to Cochin, on arrival transfer to the hotel, in the evening you may enjoy the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Guruvayur, aptly called the Dwarka of the South, is one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in India. The idol of the famous Sri Krishna Temple here is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself. Every day, endless waves of men, women and children pour in for darshan (audience) of Lord Guruvayur (Lord Krishna). Besides pilgrims and tourists, brides and grooms with hundreds of guests flock here daily to get their weddings solemnized.

08 Day: Cochin

After breakfast, isit Fort Cochin & St. Francis Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday afternoons and all Saturdays & all Passover Days & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace (closed on Fridays & Saturdays). Enjoy the Kathakali Dance, one of India's most famous Classical dances with lavish Costumes, exotic makeup & Masks intensifying the beauty of the dancer’s intricate moments. Overnight stay at the hotel.

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. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin.

09 Day: Cochin – Munnar (130 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning check out the hotel and drive to Munnar, The word "Munnar" means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar range expose its beauty. The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which look like a wide green carpet. You can take a short tour visiting Munnar Tea Factory & Museum (closed on Monday). Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Munnar: the one-time 'summer capital of the British rulers', over the years now became the most sought after tourist destination in Kerala. It is the abundant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, the eastern border of Kerala, 5000 feet above sea level. Intense forests, wildlife sanctuaries and major tea, coffee and spices plantations sprawled over this region. Munnar abounds in animals like wild elephants and Nilgiri Thar and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna. An ideal hill destination to enjoy the sheer nature.

10 Day: Munnar

Today morning after breakfast explore this panoramic hill station- visit Pothamedu to enjoy picturesque view of the coffee, tea, cardamom and other spices plantations in Munnar, Devikulam (7 km from Munnar), this tranquil hill station with its velvet lawns, vibrant flora and fauna with picturesque mountains, a rare experience. Blossom International Park is about 3 km away from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam and its reservoir is located 13 km away from Munnar, Mattupetty is also known for the Indo-Swiss Farm and a dairy farm, Echo Point and Kundala Lake. In the evening you can take a tea and coffee and spices plantation tour visiting tea museum. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

11 Day: Munnar – Periyar (90 kms: 3 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Periyar (Thekkady), on arrival transfer to the Jungle Resort, after refreshment visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, explore the park, animals found here are elephant, wild boars and gaur and birds like grey heron and ibis, here you can enjoy elephant safari in the park and boating at Periyar Lake to view animals, if you are lucky one, may see rare tiger as well and bathing elephants. Later take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, tea and coffee estates etc. On your way back to the hotel, a stopover to the local spice market to shop some fragrant spices. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Periyar: Famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the bank of Periyar River in Kerala, one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 778 square kilometers, this sanctuary also houses Tiger Reserve. Periyar National Park is blend of mercerising charming beauty and affluent nature surroundings. The sanctuary houses sizable population of elephants, also Tiger, Sambars, Bisons, Antelopes and Wild Boars. Here one can enjoy Elephant safari exploring dense forests on the back of Elephant.

12 Day: Periyar – Alleppey (140 kms: 4 hrs) Backwaters tours through sailing boat

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive for Alleppey, on arrival check in to the houseboat and journey begins to explore backwaters world though sailing boat passing thorough tropical countryside, enjoying view of palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights. On the way one can see The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, groups of duck swimming around and colourful birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures treasured in our memories, you can try your hands in fishing from the houseboats. In the evening enjoy beautiful sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats. Enjoy the dinner of your choice cooked and served by the Chef. Dinner and overnight at the houseboat.

Alleppey: a calm backwater town is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of water canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. Alleppy is also famous for Speculative Nehru Trophy Boat Race, celebrated every year- in month of August, the most colourful and exotic snake boat race in Kerala. The city is known for coir products.

Houseboat: Generated through electricity; with sitting cum dining area, private bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver).

Backwaters Tours: The mystifying intricate of forty-five rivers that creates around 900 km roundabout lakes, lagoons, canals, estuaries and deltas in the South Indian state of Kerala, This topographical persona blessed the God's Own Country with elaborate water worlds, commonly known as 'backwaters'. Cruising all along the backwaters of Kerala is an ultimate way to discern its implausible foliage, bona fide, affluent ethnicity and wildlife. The tranquil, steep and Sluggish backwaters tour is like inspiring depictions of nature’s beauty witnessed by the tourists.

13 Day: Alleppey – Kovalam (160 kms: 3 - 4 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam, on arrival transfer to the beach resort. Kovalam is the most picturesque beach of Kerala and just 16 kms away from - Trivandrum; Kovalam is quite famous for Ayurveda treatment and massage. After some relaxation you can enjoy beach activities on Kovalam beach with - surfing skiing and kayaking. Enjoy the sunbathing and Ayurveda massage under the tropical sun. Overnight at the beach resort at Kovalam.

Kovalam: On the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village; called Kovalam is 16 kms away from Trivandrum, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. The beach resort here is of international standard. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a paradise of nature.

14 Day: Kovalam

Today morning after breakfast you can enjoy the day on the sandy beach – may opt for water sports and wellness : Sunbathing, water skiing, Angling, Para- sailing, surfing etc…you may experience renown Ayurveda massage, herbal body toning, treatment offered at most of resorts, this will not give you just relaxation, in fact rejuvenates your body, mind and soul. You can also enjoy special cultural programme and catamaran cruising. Overnight at the resort at Kovalam.

Ayurveda, means the science of healthy living, derives its name from the Sanskrit words, AYUSH (LIFE) and VEDA (KNOWLEDGE). It looks at healing in a holistic fashion. The physical treatment has overtones of philosophical and psychological approaches too. Any ailment in the body is viewed as a result of a combination of factors with special reference to the components of diet. It is here that Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is different and so treatment too should be customized. The Ayurvedic principles are found in detail in Atharva Veda, one of the four Vedas of Hinduism.

15 Day: Kovalam – Kanyakumari (85 kms: 2 hrs)

After breakfast check out the beach resort and drive to Kanyakumari, on arrival check into the hotel. After relaxation visit: Kumari Amman Devi Temple- dedicated to Goddess Devi Kanya, an embodiment of Goddess Parvati. Gandhi Mandapam - Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi- The father of Nation. Then early evening boat cruise to Swami Vivekananda Memorial - where Swami Vivekananda meditated and decided to carry his message of peace across the world. Thiruvalluvar Statue- is the land mark of the Kanyakumari. In the evening enjoy the amazing sunset from Murugan Kundram hills, also rising sun on the same horizon, one of the phenomenal and rare experience in Kanyakumari. Overnight at the hotel in Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari Referred to by the British as Cape Commorin, Kanyakumari in the state of Tamilnadu is located at the southernmost tip of the peninsular Indian. It derives its name from the small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) located on the city’s shore. Kanyakumari is the point of confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This well-known Hindu pilgrimage center is famous for its beautiful sights of sunrise and sunset over the waters.

16 Day: Kanyakumari – Rameshwaram (310 kms: 7 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Rameshwaram. On arrival, transfer to the hotel, after relaxation if time permits in the evening you can visit Adam's Bridge (Ram Setu) the name given to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, this is the series of stepping stones used by the monkey army, led by Hanuman to cross the ocean in a bid to rescue Sita from the clutch of Ravana. Overnight at the hotel, in Rameshwaram.

Rameshwaram is an island separated from the mainland by a small strait of water. Rameshwaram is famous for the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama who, it is believed, had descended on its shores and built a bridge across the Palk Strait to reach Lanka in his quest to rescue Sita from Ravana. Additionally, the temple is famous for being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Siva. Lord Rama had constructed a Siva linga in order to offer thanks to the Lord after killing Ravana. Hence, the temple is a sacred site for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.

17 Day: Rameshwaram – Madurai (170 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast, take sightseeing tour of city, often referred to as the ‘Island of Prayer’, and also considered to Varanasi of the South this major pilgrimage centre is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar. Most of the town’s places to stay and eat are cluttered around the Ramanathaswamy Temple. Built in the 12th century AD, the temple with its awe-inspiring corridors, and the longest in India. Afterwards checkout the hotel and drive to Madurai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for relaxations and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Madurai with its 2500 year old history is the oldest city in Tamilnadu both historically and as per mythology. Legend says that Madurai was originally called a forest Kadambavanam. Once a merchant saw Indra - the king of Devas, worshipping a Swayambhulingam under a kadamba tree in the forest. This incident was reported by Dhananjayan (the merchant) to the king KulasekaraPandian. The king immediately cleared the forest and built a temple around the lingam. And a city was planned around the temple. It is believed that the day when the city was built by the king, Lord Shiva made an appearance and drops of nectar fell from his hair on the town and the city was named Madurai, the nectar city – Mathuram meaning sweetness in Tamil.

18 Day: Madurai

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the visit the Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of the largest temple complexes in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees and glittering market stalls. Later visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace; a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 – foot high stone pillar, still stands. In the evening visit the famous Meenakshi Sundareshwar, to attend the Aarti (Prayers) witnessing interesting rituals and ceremonies. Overnight at the hotel.

19 Day: Madurai – Hometown (By Air)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to the hotel airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. On departure, the tour concludes with the happy memories.