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A Taste of Kerala With Tamilnadu
12 nights / 13 days |
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Day 1. Arrival Chennai
Pickup and drive to Mahabalipuram for overnight stay. This tiny town on the
shores of the Coromandel coast is famous for its 7th Century Shore Temples
and Arjuna's Penance, a large relief carving on a rock twelve metres high
and thirty metres long. There is also a cluster of smaller temples scattered
over the main area.
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
Day
2. Mahabalipuram with s/s to Kanchipuram -
125 Kms
Kanchipuram is a temple town and one of the seven sacred cities in India
and the temples are dedicated to both Lord Shiva as well as Lord Vishnu.
Your visit will include the Sri Ekambaranathar Temple, dedicated to Lord
Shiva and one of the largest in the city, the Kamakshi Amman temple,
Devarajaswami and the Vaikunta Perumal temple. From the original 1000
temples there are now just over 200 left. There will also be a visit to the
silk makers. Kanchipuram is also one of the most important centers for hand
woven silk and the favourite choice of Indian brides.
Kanchipuram
Day
3. Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - 110 Kms
Previously a French State this small Union Territory has some different
features to the surrounding area of Tamil Nadu. In the French Quarter there
are wide well paved roads with shady sidewalks to explore the remaining
French Architecture. In this area is the Aurobindo Ashram, parts of which
are open to visitors. The Samadhi of Aurobindo and The Mother are set in an
open courtyard in the main Ashram building. In the surrounding streets are
various working departments of the Ashram open to visitors.
Pondicherry
An
afternoon siesta from 1300- 1600 hrs is common with most shops closing at
this time. In the evening it is a pleasant activity for the clients is to
walk on the foreshore overlooking the ocean. It is possible to arrange short
boat trips on the sea front looking for dolphins.
Festivals in Pondicherry during the month of February/March the Masi Magam.
On the full moon day of the Tamil month of masi, pilgrims both in the sea
deities from 40 temples from the surrounding area are taken in colourful
procession for a ceremonial immersion. Fire walking sometime accompanies
festival here.
Day 4. Pondicherry - Chidambaram -
Tanjore (180 Kms)
Continue the drive inland to Tanjore, the ancient capital of the Chola
kings. Tanjore is famous for its distinctive art style. Whole day to visit
Tanjore which is famous for its distinctive art style. Morning visit to the
Archaeological Museum which houses sculptures and photographs of the temple
prior to restauration and the Thanjavur Palace in the old town. A
Visit to the Brihadishwara Temple and Fort is a must. Built by Raja in 1010
it is one of the few temples in India with a World Heritage listing and
dedicated to Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. Two hundred and fifty lingams are
enshrined along the outer walls. This temple is open from 6am - 1pm and
again from 3pm - 8pm.
Brihadishwara Temple
Day
5. Tanjore - Trichy (75 Kms)
Trichy was a Chola citadel long before Christianity. Later it became a part
of the Vijayanagar dynasty. Its most famous landmark is the Rock Fort
Temple. Perched 83 m high on a massive outcrop it dominates the landscape.
The climb is stiff but very much worth the effort. Also make a visit to the
Sri Ranganathaswamy and Sri Jambukeshwara Temples just 3 km north of the
Rock Fort.
Rock Fort Temple Trichy
Day
6. Trichy - Madurai (135 Kms)
After breakfast drive to Madurai and Check in at Hotel for overnight stay.
Afternoon at leisure.
Meenakshi Temple Madurai
Day
7. Madurai
Madurai is famous for the Sri Meenakshi temple complex. The gopurams are
covered by a coloured profusion of Hindu gods and goddesses, animals and
mythical figures. A visit to Madurai shows the visitor the spiritual side of
South Indian culture. The temple complex is a hive of activity from early
morning until evening, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. For 1rupee
the resident elephant will place a "tilak" on your forehead with
his trunk. Madurai is just a morning's drive from Thekkady. The drive itself
is beautiful, taking you over the Nilgiri Hills down on to the plains of
Tamil Nadu.
Day 8. Madurai - Thekkady (125
Kms)
Suggest you leave early for the drive into the state of Kerala and the
village of Thekkady. This village is just on the rim of the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary.approx. four hour drive. The drive is through lush green coconut
groves, rubber plantations and finally tea plantations.Thekkady is nestled
in the Nilgiri Hills at 3000 ft and famous for it's spice plantations and
thePeriyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Rest of the day at leisure.
Periyar Wildlife Thekkady
Day
9. Thekkady
Early morning boat safari over Lake Periyar. Return to your hotel for
breakfast. Afternoon visit to a private spice plantation. Wear closed shoes
- it feels like a jungle walk. Spices growing here include vanilla, black
pepper, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and mace, surrounded by coconut palms,
bananas and jackfruit.
Rejuvenation Massage
Rest
of the afternoon at leisure - time to try out an Ayurvedic massage at your
hotel. A cooking demo will be given in the evening followed by a cultural
programme. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 10. Thekkady - Alleppy
(Houseboat) - (175 Kms)
Leave after breakfast for the drive down to the small town of Alleppey.
Your overnight stay will be at the house boat which includes all meals. The
spectacular beauty of Kerala's backwaters needs no introduction.
Houseboat or Kettuvallam
Traditionally,
the houseboat was called Kettuvallam, which means a boat made by tying
together pieces of wood. Unbelievable as it may sound, not a single nail is
used in the making of a Kettuvallam. Jack wood planks are joined together
with coir rope and then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nut
shells. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly
bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc These
traditional country boats were used as the mode of transport in the early
times from the isolated interior villages to the towns. But these boat
services have been laid off with the developments taken place in the
transport services in the recent past. Today these giant 80-foot long crafts
have been adapted into luxuriously furnished houseboats. A Kettuvallam
usually has one or two bath attached rooms, an open lounge, deck,
kitchenette and a crew comprising two oarsmen and a cook. Traditional
lanterns are used as lights. Your holiday in this tranquil world is the
comfortably furnished houseboats.
Day 11. Alleppy - Cochin - 75 Kms
A short drive north and you will be in one of Kerala's most fascinating
town's right on the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival check in hotel. Rest of the
day at leisure.
Day 12. Cochin
Suggest you make a sightseeing tour. The tour should include a visit to the
Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch East India buildings, St Francis Church
(Portuguese) Mattancherry Palace and the Santa Cruz Basilica.
Kathakali Dancer
Your
visit to Cochin would not be complete without a visit to a performance of
Kathakali. This 500 year old dance drama is performed by all male dancers,
accompanied by music, who play out a story, using their eyes, face muscles,
hands and feet. A must is to reach the theatre ahead of time, in order to
see the performers putting on their incredible make-up and their magnificent
costumes.
Day 13. Cochin - Onward
Destination
Departure to Cochin Airport for your final departure or onward destination.
End of services.........
We wish you a safe flight……………….
Extension : A
If you wish to carry on with your tour we can suggest you the following :
Cochin
- Kozhikode - Mysore - Sravanabelogola - Hassan - Hospet - Vijayanagar -
Bangalore
Day 13. Cochin - Kozhikode - 190
Kms
After breakfast leave for Kozhikode in the north of Cochin. This is just
for an overnight stay to cut the long drive short to Mysore.
Day 14. Kozhikode (Kerala) -
Mysore (Karnataka) - 220 Kms
There are lots of interesting things to do and see. The Mysore Palace has
been the home of the Maharajas for generations. go to visit the inside
during the day and if you are lucky enough to be in Mysore on Sunday see it
from the outside in the evening when it is fully illuminated.
Mysore Palace
Other
places of interest are :
» Chamundi Hill - Visit the temples at the top of the hill (ascend
with vehicle) and walk down in order to see the huge carving of Nandi
(Shiva's vehicle).
» Devaraja Fruit and Vegetable Market. This must be one of the most
colourful in India!
Day 15. Mysore - Sravanabelogola -
Hassan (200 Kms)
After breakfast leave for Hassan. Stop on the way to visit
shravanabelagola. Your overnight stay will be in Hassan.
Shravanabelagola :
Wedged between two star rocky hills, this legendary pilgrim center and
shrine of the Jains. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, a Jain
saint and an object of worship for centuries, standing atop one of the hills
(Indragiri) is 18 meter high and is said to be the tallest monolithic statue
in the world
The Gomatheswara at Shravanabelagola
The
symmetry in stone was created around 983 AD by Chamundaraya, a general and
minister of the Ganga King Rachamatta. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival, an
elaborate ritual, held here once every 12 years, attracts devotees from all
over the World.
Day 16. in Hassan
Whole day in Hassan. You can also visit Belur & Halebid , which is veru
clsoe to Hasan. Return to Hasan for overnight stay.
Chennakeskava Temple
Belur
:
Just 34 km from Hassan, Belur is famous for its exquisite temples. Belur is
known as Dakshina Varanasi or South Banaras for its temples. The serenity of
Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Channakeshava, built by the
Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 117 A. D. to commemorate his conversion from
Jainism to Vaishnavism. Hoysala sites still in use - try to visit for the
morning or early evening ceremony.
Hoysaleswara Temple Halebid
Halebid
:
Just 16km from Belur, Halebid is famous for its Hoysaleswara Temple,
constructed around 1121 and never completed. Still considered one of the
best examples of Hoysala art, the outer and inner walls are covered with
gods, animals and birds
Day 17. Hassan - Hospet ( 360 kms)
Leave very early morning it is a long drive today. If you wish stop at
Chitradurga on the way to visit Kallina Kote Fort (Palace of Stone).
Continue drive to Hospet for overnight stay.
Hospet Temple
Chitradurga
:
Chitradurga is an administrative district of Karnataka state in southern
India. Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped
lofty hill found there.
Tradition dates Chitradurga District to the period of the Ramayana and
Mahabharata. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati River,
with the Tungabhadra River flowing in the northwest. During the British
times it was named Chitaldurg. It Also popularly known as Chitradurg. The
district was practically ruled by all the well known dynasties that ruled
Karnataka.
Chitradurga features bold rock hills and picturesque valleys, huge towering
boulders in unimaginable shapes. It is known as the "stone fortress"
(Kallina Kote). The landscape looks much like a mischievous giant's
playground, with boulders thrown around, forming silhouettes against the
sky.
Obavvana Kindi (The crack), Chitradurga Fort
The
Fort
The place is renowned for its Kallina Kote which was built in parts by the
Palegar Nayakas, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. It comprises of a series of
seven enclosure walls in Kannada. Eighteen ancient temples can be found
inside the fort. This seemingly impregnable fort has 19 gateways, 38
posterior entrances, a palace, a mosque, granaries, oil pits, four secret
entrances and water tanks.
Day 18. Hospet - Vijaynagar -
Hospet
Hospet is known as the gateway to Hampi. Located at a distance of 340 km
from Bangalore and 13 km from Hampi, the site of the medieval Vijayanagar
Empire. The once-powerful Vijayanagar Empire was compared to Rome by the
Portuguese traveler Paes.
Major Tourist attractions near Hospet are Chitradurga and holy town of
Harihara, situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The pilgrims
believe that the dip in the river here will cleanse them of the sins because
of an association between Lord Vishnu and the Tungabhadra River.
Pilgrims bathing
However,
the main importance of Hospet lies in its proximity to Hampi, a world
Heritage site. Hampi is the village close to the ruins of Vijayanagar, once
the Capital of the largest Hindu empires in South India history covering the
period from 1336 to 1565. It has some of the most fascinating ruins and
temples in all of India. Be sure to visit accompanied by a guide as the area
is not overly safe especially at dawn and at dusk.
Virupaksha Temple
Main
sites to visit are Hampi Bazaar, Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill, Vittala
Temple, Sule Bazaar and the Achyutaraya Temple. Further on is the Royal
Centre, housing the Lotus Mahal palace which was the centre of the Zenana
(women's quarters) and the elephant stables
The other major attraction near Hospet is the Tungabhadra Dam built on the
Tungabhadra River. Just around the dam is a very beautiful garden developed
in Japanese style.
Day 19. Hospet - Bangalore - 6 hrs
drive
Leave Hospet in time to take your flight to next destination. From
Bangalore all the international flights are taking off.
Extension : B
If you wish to carry on with your tour we can suggest you the following :
Hospet
- Hubli - Goa - Mumbai
Day
19. Hospet - Hubli (120 kms)
After breakfast leave for Hubli. The twin cities of Hubli - Dharwad are
located at the east of the famous Western Ghats and is surrounded by hills
and lakes.
Hubli :
Hubli is a major city of this district and is a famous industrial town.
This historic town was known as Raya Hubli and also as Elaya Puravada Halli
during the ancient times. This city metamorphosed into an important
commercial centre for trade in cotton and iron during the reign of the
Vijaynagara empire. The city is noted for its handloom textile units and has
many cotton ginning and processing mills. The district has some of the
important monuments like the beautiful temples, churches, mosques, and
monasteries that are worth a visit. Not to be missed are the delicious
Pedas, the specialty of the district.
Dharward
:
The word "Dharwad" means a place of rest in a long travel or a
small habitation. For centuries, Dharwad acted as a gateway between
Malenaadu(western mountains) and Bayalu seeme (plains) and it became a
resting place for the travelers. Another theory is, during VijayaNagara rule
of Dharwad, there was a ruler by name "Dharav" (1403 AD) and
Dharwad got its name from him. There are some inscriptions that refer to
Dharwad as KampaNa Sthana.
The inscriptions found near Durga Devi temple, in Narendra( a village near
by) and RLS high school date back to 12th century and have references to
Dharwad. This proves that Dharwad existed in 12th century and it is now at
least 900 years old!!!!..
Day 20. Hubli - Goa ( 250 Kms )
After breakfast leave for Goa. Upon arrival check in at your hotel. Res of
the day free.
Goa Beach
Day.
21, 22 & 23 In Goa
Day at leisure.
Day 24. Goa - Mumbai
Leave for airport in time to take your flight to Mumbai. You will be met
upon arrival and will take you to a hotel for your short stay.
Day 25. Mumbai - Onward Destination
Depending on your flight your driver will take you to the aitport for your
onward destination.
End of services.....
We wish you a safe flight……………….
PLEASE
NOTE :
- All of the above is subject to availability. If the accommodation
requested or offered is not available, we will try to arrange
alternative hotel accommodation at the same / similar level. However
this could sometimes entail extra cost as not all hotels maintain the
same rates.
- The price of the tour is subject to change if the Hotels / Government
of India / Airlines should make increases in their prices / taxes.
- There will be 2% Surcharge on credit card payment.
- For International flights airlines require you to report for check in
3 hrs prior to departure if you are flying economy class.
- Return flights should be reconfirmed at least 72 hrs prior to
departure. Anglo Indiago will do this for you on request; however we are
not responsible if the request is not made to us and seats are released
by the airline.
- Hotel Check - in & Check - out time 1200 NOON
Please
make sure you have following valid documents with you before you leave for
India.
- Valid passport
- Valid Visa
- International air tickets.
- Overseas medical insurance. (Mandatory)
Map of Kerala
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