Cultural South India Tour

1. Day 01 - Chennai

   Welcome to India at Chennai airport by Times India Travels representative / driver and thereafter transfer to Hotel. Chennai is the capital of Tamilnadu that is considered as gateway of South India. The National Art Gallery and Museum with a fine collection of ancient paintings, Fort St. George, Marina Beach (the second longest in the world), Mylapore Shiva Temple, St. Mary's Church, and San Thome Cathedral are the main key attraction of this city.
   
   Overnight at Chennai hotel.
   

2. Day 02 – Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram

   After breakfast drive to Mahabalipuram and enroute visit Kanchipuram, the city of temples in Tamilnadu have more than 1000 temples. Visit Vaikuntaperumal temple, Ekambareswarar and Varadharajar temple. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk sarees. Mahabalipuram is the only coast temple that has survived from the remnants of time. Standing Testimonials for Rock Cut Art.
   
   Overnight at Mahabalipuram hotel.
   

3. Day 03 - Pondicherry

   After breakfast drive to Pondicherry , once a French colony and home to the Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville has become the seat of yoga and meditation. Visit Pondicherry Museum and sculpture gallery with an outstanding collection of artefacts. Relax at the beach in the evening. Overnight stay at Pondicherry hotel.
   

4. Day 04 - Tanjore

   Morning after breakfast drive to Tanjore awaits you with its rich architecture, exquisite handicrafts, paintings, bronzes and South Indian Musical instruments. The tourist places in Tanjore are Brihadeeswara temple- the second largest monolithic sculpture, the Royal palace complex- which houses the library, Nandi (Bull), and museums.
   
   Overnight at Tanjore hotel.
   

5. Day 05 - Trichy

   Morning after breakfast drive to Trichy, the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. See the Lord Robert Clive's house, Srirangam temple, Rock-Fort temple, Ganapati temple on hilltop and Shiva temple.
   
   Overnight stay at Trichy hotel.
   

6. Day 06 - Madurai

   After breakfast drive to Madurai , known for 1000-pillared Meenakshiamman temple. You are also taken to the special religious night ceremony held in the temple. Also visit Thirumalai Nayak's Palace and Gandhi Museum . Overnight stay at Madurai hotel.
   

7. Day 07 - Periyar

   After breakfast drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best game sanctuaries in India . Also cover Thekkady enroute visiting all important tourist places. Enjoy boating on the Periyar Lake, see the sanctuary at its best. Run spice gardens like cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, coffee and tea estates. You can shop at the local market.
   
   Overnight stay at Periyar hotel.
   

8. Day 08 - Kumarakom

   A cruise on Vembanad Lake. Look at the backwater resort. Enjoy your day in swimming or for a massage. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary with a variety of bird species. The breathtaking view of the lake in the morning and evening makes you mesmerized.
   
   Overnight at Kumarakom hotel.
   

9. Day 09 - Alleppey (Alappuzha)

   After breakfast in the morning move towards Alleppey. Backwater destination is famous for snake boat racing events. Your day is free to relax at a backwater resort or proceed for a backwater cruise (optional).
   
   Overnight at Houseboat.
   

10. Day 10 - Kochi

    Early morning drive to the commercial capital of Kerala- Kochi. Vasco-da-Gama placed this spice center and the natural port on the world map. The tourist places in the city includes- a Jewish synagogue - The Dutch Palace, Hindu temples, Mosques, Portuguese Churches, and Chinese Fishing Nets. In the evening, attend and enjoy the traditional Kathakali Dance Show.
    
    Overnight at the Kochi hotel.
    

11. Day 11 - Ooty

    Drive towards Ooty - 'the queen of hill stations'. The marvelous hill station belongs to the 19th century.
    
    Overnight at the Ooty hotel.
    

12. Day 12 - Ooty

    A full day excursion to Ooty and Coonoor. Visit Botanical Gardens, the Ooty Lake , Dodabetta peak offering you panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains in Ooty. Coonoor is a popular hill station, where you can opt for a toy train tour to enjoy the scenic surroundings for Coonoor. Enjoy tourist excursions nearby.
    
    Again overnight at Ooty.
    

13. Day 13 - Nagarhole National Park

    Nagarhole National Park near Mysore, boasts a large population of tigers, leopards and elephants with over 250 species of birds. See the park by jeep, on an elephant and in a citadel. Stay two nights at the Kabini River Lodge on the banks of the Kabini River. Stay at the Kaveri fishing camp on the banks of the river Kaveri in Bheemeshwari where you can find the best season of Mahseer fishing (November to June).
    
    Overnight at the wildlife resort.
    

14. Day 14 - Kabini

    After breakfast drive to Mysore , the Sandalwood City of India . The magnificent palaces, huge buildings, beautifully laid out gardens, and ancient temples are the major attractions of the city. Also visit Mysore Palace , Brindavan Gardens, the Art Gallery , etc.
    
    Overnight at Mysore hotel.
    

15. Day 16 - Srirangapatna / Bangalore

    Visit Srirangapatna - The capital of Tipu Sultan's empire. The huge fortress encloses a mosque. The Ranganatha Swamy temple, Tipu's Summer Palace known as the Daria Daulat Bagh, the Wellesley Bridge, Lal Bagh, the Botanical Gardens, Bull Temple , Tipu's Summer Palace, and shopping at Arts & Crafts Centre Emporium at M.G.Road.
    
    Overnight at Bangalore.
    

16. Day 17 - Bangalore / Departure

    Depart for your destination or way back home from the Bangalore airport with unforgettable memories.
    

Every Itinerary is just given for an idea; it can be customized as per your wish and convenience!!