Coastal South india

Package Overview

Special Features : Houseboat Stay, Spice Plantation, Elephant ride, Kathakali Dance, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Beautiful sandy Beaches.
Best time : September to April (May to August is Monsoon season & Humid, but travel is Possible).

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Bangalore - Mysore (150 km/03 hr)

  Today you arrive at the Airport. Our representative shall meet you and transfer you to Mysore to check-in the hotel.
  
  Mysore - Mysore is a popular travel destination in South India having rich heritage that consists of numerous palaces and royal buildings. The legacy of successive rulers of Mysore continue to influence music and art even today, making it as one of the important centres of art and culture in India. In addition to its numerous attractions, Mysore city is also known for sandalwood products and the Dussehra festival held every year. Mysore Dussehra is famous far and wide and attracts people from all over the world. The city receives the maximum number of tourists during this period when festivities take place for a period of 10 days.
  
  The Kingdom of Mysore is traditionally believed to have been founded in the year 1399 in the vicinity of the modern city of Mysore and was ruled by the Wodeyar family. The kingdom reached the height of its military power and dominion in the latter half of the 18th century under Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who deposed the Wodeyars to take control of the kingdom and ruled from Srirangapatnam near Mysore.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Mysore

  • Hotspots : Srirangapatnam, Mysore
  • Themes : Heritage

• Day 2 : Mysore

  Full Day Tour/Activity
  Today we take a tour of Mysore and do the following :
  
  Visit Mysore Palace - This palace occupies a prestigious place among the tourist attractions of Mysore. The magnificent structure was designed by an English Architect, Henry Irwin and is an architectural marvel featuring marvelously sculpted pillars, elaborately carved doors and golden howda.
  
  Visit Srirangapatnam Fort - It was built in the year 1454 by Thimmanna, a local chief and later renovated by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
  The imposing Srirangapatnam Fort is surrounded by a double wall, and partly encircled by a moat, the citadel features turreted parapets, dungeons, guardrooms, the grand and Elephant entrance gates and a bridge, which is still in use. It was from this fort that Tipu Sultan fought against the British and was ultimately killed.
  
  Visit Daria Daulat Bagh - It is an exquisite garden within which sits Tipu's Summer Palace. Beautiful murals depicting scenes from Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan's various battles cover this highly ornate building; a small museum showcasing memorabilia belonging to the great rulers is also located here.
  
  Visit beautiful Brindavan Gardens - These gardens are famous for the illuminated dancing fountains that come to life after sunset. They are laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam built across the river Cauvery.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Mysore
  Meals - Breakfast

  • Hotspots : Mysore Palace, Daria Daulat Bagh

• Day 3 : Mysore - Calicut (210 Km/05 Hr)

  Today we drive to Calicut (Kozhikode) and check-in the hotel.
  Rest of the day free.
  
  Calicut (Kozhikode) - It was the erstwhile capital of powerful Zamorins, a historical town with a hoary past. It attained a position of pre-eminence in the trade of pepper and other spices, which made it India's emporium to international trade. It is also a marketing center for commodities like pepper, coconut, coffee, rubber, lemon grass oil etc. On arrival Check-in to Resort. Relax & unwind. Rest of the free at leisure.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Calicut
  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 4 : Calicut - Cochin (224 Km/05 Hr)

  Today we drive to Cochin and check-in the hotel.
  Rest of the day free.
  
  Cochin (Kochi) - It is a cosmopolitan city in the federal state of Kerala. The eventful history of Kochi commenced when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Cochin which was till then a landlocked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Cochin thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Cochin
  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 5 : Cochin

  Full Day Tour/Activity
  Today we take a tour of Cochin and do the following :
  
  Visit Jewish Synagogue - It is the oldest Jewish monument in India. Located in a secluded corner in the heart of Cochin, it was built by the Jewish settlers in 1568. Partially destroyed by the Portuguese, the synagogue was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1664. A beautiful clock tower was added in the mid 18th century and the floors paved with fine hand-painted willow-pattern tiles. Inside, there is an ornate Belgian chandelier, silver and gold Torah scrolls and several hanging oil lamps. The by-lanes which wind around the synagogue are dotted with pretty Dutch and Portuguese bungalows, most of them converted into antique shops.
  
  Visit St. Francis Church - It is the oldest European church in India. It has passed through many phases ever since the Portuguese built it in the year 1503. Now the church is under the Church of South India. By the way, it was in this church that Vasco-da Gama had been buried and his tombstone can still be seen.
  
  Visit Santa Cruz Basilica - This historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1984, Pope John Paul II declared it as a Basilica.
  
  Visit Dutch Palace - It was actually built by Portuguese in mid 16th century and given to the rulers as a token to acquire trading rights. The Palace was later renovated by the Dutch in the year 1663. The two-storey palace is built around a central courtyard with the shrine of Goddess Bhagwati, typical of Kerala architecture. Barren with stark white walls and sloping roofs, the façade of the palace is in sharp contrast to the interiors where more colour and design is visible.
  
  The central hall with its beautifully carved wooden ceiling on the first floor, where coronation ceremonies took place earlier is now a portrait gallery of the rulers. The extensive and exquisite murals in the main Assembly Hall are one of the best in depicting scenes from Hindu mythology including Ramayana. There is also a museum with a vast collection of period costumes, palanquins, turbans and weapons.
  
  Visit Chinese Fishing Nets - This unique fishing technique is believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. They are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Operated from the shore, these nets are set up on bamboo and teak poles and held horizontally by huge mechanisms, which lower them into the sea. They look somewhat like hammocks and are counter-weighed by large stones tied to ropes.
  
  Watch the famous dance drama of Kerala, Kathakali, one of classical dance forms of India. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Cochin
  Meals - Breakfast

  • Hotspots : Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Kathakali, Dutch Palace

• Day 6 : Cochin - Alleppey (65 Km/1.5 Hr)

  Today we drive to Alleppey and check-in the Houseboat.
  
  About Houseboat cruise on Backwaters - Backwaters are a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the surrounding landscape. The life of the people along the backwaters is very different from other regions of Kerala. They do their daily household chores, fish, swim and bathe here. They are so adapted to the water that you can see people talking for an hour, while they are neck deep in water. Canoes with huge sails still transport people and you can find vegetable sellers, fisherman and other household materials being brought door to door by small wooden boats.
  
  This whole area is surrounded with coconut palms and lush green rice fields. This trip enables you to learn more on life of people who are dependent on backwaters.
  
  Overnight Stay - Houseboat
  Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 7 : Alleppey - Kovalam (160Km/04 Hr)

  Today after the morning cruise and breakfast, check-out from the Houseboat at Alleppey and drive to Kovalam and check-in the hotel.
  
  Kovalam - It is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.
  The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - Sunbathing, swimming, variety of herbal body massage. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Kovalam
  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 8 : Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam (Excursion) (95 km/03 hr)

  Kanyakumari - It forms the southern most end of mainland India. It is also the place where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean merge. Kanyakumari has been a great center for culture, civilization and pilgrimage for years. Kanyakumari is named after the virgin goddess Kanyakumari whose temple is situated here.
  
  Full Day Tour/Activity
  Today we take an excursion of Kanyakumari and do the following :
  
  Visit the Kanyakumari Temple - It is dedicated to goddess Kanya Devi. The main entrance to the Kanyakumari temple is through the northern gate. Though the deity in the temple is seated facing east, the eastern gate is kept closed except for some special occasions. There are three corridors that surround the sanctum. After a walk around the outer corridor, the devotees cross the 'Navarathiri Mandapam' and head to the second corridor, which encircles the shrine. From here you can get a clear view of the Goddess.
  
  Male worshipers are required to remove their shirts before entering the temple.
  
  Visit the Vivekananda Rock - It is a sacred monument and popular tourist attraction. A memorial stands on one of two rocks located about 500 meters off mainland India's southernmost tip. It was built in 1970 by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee in honor of the visit of the great spiritual teacher Swami Vivekananda.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Kovalam
  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 9 : Kovalam - Thekkady (150 Km/04 Hr)

  Today we drive to Thekkady and check-in the hotel.
  Half Day Tour/Activity : (2nd Half)
  Today we take a tour of Thekkedy and do the following :
  
  Take a Spice Plantation Tour - Kerala is world famous for its variety of spices and other aromatic plants. A trip to the spice plantation is like being transported into a green paradise. Walk through the aroma of variety of spices, where the air is laden with the fragrance of spices such as pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, vanilla, oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, mint, bay leaf, sage etc. If time permits, you will also be taken to visit a Tea Factory.
  
  Take a Boat Trip on Lake Periyar - This is the best way to observe wildlife in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio-diversity and provides veritable satisfaction to the visitors. Sprawled over an area of 777 sq. km, Periyar is one of the 27 Tiger Reserves in India. There are chances to see animals, including herds of elephants, bisons and packs of wild boars that roam through the woods and along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. There are variety of bird species also in the region.
  The Reserve is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala, rivers Periyar and Pamba.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Thekkady
  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 10 : Thekkady - Madurai (170 km/05 hr)

  Half Day Tour/Activity : (1st Half)
  Today we take a tour of Thekkedy & do the following :
  
  Jungle walk in the Periyar Tiger Reserve - This 3 hr walk (not very hard) is very interesting and offers you a chance to see the wildlife life at a closer distance. If you are lucky you may even spot the rarely sighted leopard & tiger.
  
  Optional (at extra cost) : You can also take an elephant ride inside the Reserve, to enjoy the wilderness of Periyar Tiger Reserve.
  
  Later we drive to Madurai and check-in the hotel.
  
  Madurai - It is an ancient and prestigious city situated on the banks of the River Vaigai. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Indian peninsula and was the capital of the Pandyas and later the Nayakas. It is famous for Meenakshi temple, dedicated to Sundarewshwara (Shiva) and his consort Meenakshi (Parvati).
  
  Overnight Hotel - Madurai
  Meals - Breakfast

  • Hotspots : Meenakshi Temple

• Day 11 : Madurai - Thanjore (182 km/05 hr) (via Trichy)

  Full Day Tour/Activity
  Today we take a tour of Madurai and do the following :
  
  Visit the famous Meenakshi Temple - This twin temple was built 2,000 years ago, with constant additions made to it by many rulers that reigned over the region. It is one of the oldest and the largest temple complexes in India, covering an area of 65,000 sq. metre. It consists of two shrines belonging to Lord Shiva and his consort Meenakshi. It is supported by about Thousand Pillars surrounded by statues and carvings. The temple has seven high gopurams (towers), richly covered with figures of gods & goddesses.
  
  Visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace - It is an architectural marvel, famous for its stucco-work.
  
  If time permits, you can also visit the temples of Aappudaiyaar Koyil Tevara Stalam, Koodalazhagar Divya Desam and Tirupparamkunram.
  Later we drive towards Thanjore.
  
  Enroute we visit Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) - This city is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery and is the fourth largest city in the state. It was a citadel of the early Chola rulers which later fell to the Pallavas kings. This city is also called Rome of the East because every Christian denomination has some kind of an establishment in this city.
  
  At Trichy we do the following :
  
  
  Visit Rock Fort - This is a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the plains to tower over the old city. This temple rises to a height of 83 m and the rock is older than the rocks of Greenland and the Himalayas. It was one of the main centres around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century during the British-French struggle for supremacy of the region.
  The Rock Fort temple complex comprises of three temples - Manikka Vinayaka temple, Uchhi Pillayar Koyil and Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam).
  
  Visit Srirangam - It is an island pilgrim spot in the middle of the river Cauvery, with the famous Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. Tiruvanaikkaval Temple is another famous temple 2 km east of Srirangam Temple.
  
  We continue our drive to Thanjore and check-in the hotel.
  
  Thanjore - It lies south of Chennai, on the banks of river Cauvery. The Chola and Mutharayars Kings had made it their capital and the Nayaks and Maratha Kings further developed its art and culture. Thanjore derives its name from the asura Tanjan. The district is famous for handicrafts like exquisite bronze figures, bell-metal castings, pith work, jack fruit wood musical instruments, hand-loom silk and cotton sarees, paintings etc.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Thanjore
  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 12 : Thanjore - Pondicherry (177 km/05 hr)

  Half Day Tour/Activity : (1st Half)
  Today we take a tour of Thanjore and do the following :
  
  Visit the massive Brihdeshwara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - It was built by Raja Raja Chola I. Its 14-storey Vimana (temple tower) is 216 feet high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The exquisite workmanship of this great temple is a fascinating sight. The Nandi Bull opposite to the sanctum sanctorum weighing 20 tonnes is carved from a single stone.
  
  Later we drive to Pondicherry and check-in the hotel.
  
  Pondicherry - Away from the hustle-bustle of big city, Pondicherry (Puducherry) is a quiet little town on the southern coast of India. It has an unmistakable serene atmosphere - the tree lined boulevards, the quaint French colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual scene, the endless stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches, backwaters, a surprising choice of restaurants serving a melange of cuisines. All of these provide a heady mix that draw travellers from near and far. It is the perfect place to visit if you want to slow down your pace of life.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Pondicherry
  Meals - Breakfast

  • Themes : Heritage

• Day 13 : Pondicherry

  Full Day Tour/Activity
  Today we take a tour of Pondicherry and do the following :
  
  Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded in the year 1920, is the residence where Sri Aurobindo and revered Mother Mirra Richard, popularly known as the Mother, spent the most part of their lives. This place attracts thousands of people each year.Sri Aurobindo preached philosophy of holistic human development and his ideas of a peaceful community from this Ashram. The Ashram is comprised of many buildings and the inmates are a diversified community of around 1,200 members with 400 students of the Centre of Education.
  
  This Ashram has different departments to maintain the basic needs of its members Members engage in various activities in farms, libraries, gardens, and small-scale cottage industries. The Ashram draws lots of respect as the Samadhi place of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. (Samadhi is a state of consciousness induced by complete meditation to attain the final liberation).
  
  Visit Auroville - This idealistic township was conceived by the Mother and designed by the French architect Roger Anger in the 1960s. Auroville is a township where unity is celebrated and everybody has a spiritual vocation. At the moment 2200 people from 43 different countries are living in this international township.
  
  Below are the main attractions at Auroville :
  
  International Commune is the original township where the permanent residents live in settlements under names like Grace, Serenity and Sincerity. It displays many experimental architectural styles, all set in the green environs of orchards and organic farms. Matri Mandir lies at the heart of Auroville and is dedicated to the Mother. It is in the shape of a futuristic dome and has a meditation hall. Quiet Healing Centre is the alternative healing facility at Auroville. Various therapies are available here, and regular workshops are held on alternative medicine. Savitri Bhavan is the hub where various talks, lectures, slide shows are held. It is open to the public from 9 am to noon, and 2-5 pm. Auro Beach, located nearby, is considered one of the best beaches on India's eastern coastline.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Pondicherry
  Meals - Breakfast

  • Hotspots : Sri Aurobindo Ashram

• Day 14 : Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram (132 km/04 hr)

  Today we drive to Mahabalipuram and check-in the hotel.
  Rest of the day free.
  
  Mahabalipuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - The town was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. Formerly, Mahabalipuram was known as Mamallapuram. The beauty and significance of the place lies primarily in its ancient rock cut architecture. It is also a beach paradise with its beautiful sandy beaches, vast casuarina trees and classical handmade crafts. Any visitor who visits Mahabalipuram will remain startled and intoxicated by its grandeur.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Mahabalipuram
  Meals - Breakfast

  • Themes : Heritage

• Day 15 : Mahabalipuram

  Full Day Tour/Activity
  (Note : Depending on time available and your interest, it is also possible to complete the tour/activity in Half Day)
  
  Today we take a tour of Mahabalipuram and do the following :
  
  Visit Shore Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - This is one of the earliest important structural temple in Southern India. Its three sanctuaries are dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The temple was constructed in the 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha (c. 690-728). As its name suggests, the Shore Temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal (Mahabalipuram was the port city of Kanchipuram, the Pallava capital).
  
  Visit Arjuna's Penance (Bass Relief) (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - It is a flat sculpture on a rock wall, with an episode of the Indian epic Mahabharata depicted. Check out the giant rock poised atop a hill called Krishna's Butterball; it is a marvel of balance.
  
  Visit Panch Ratha (Five Chariots) (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - The Panch Ratha is named after each of the five Pandava brothers of the fame of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. These relics are from the 7th century and are one of the finest examples of stone architecture carved out of a single rock.
  
  Overnight Hotel - Mahabalipuram
  Meals - Breakfast

  • Themes : Heritage

• Day 16 : Mahabalipuram - Chennai (60 km/02 hr) (Departure)

  Today you check-out of the hotel and we shall transfer you to the Airport for Departure.
  
  Meals - Breakfast

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Inclusions

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Our Tour concludes : Thank you & Gratitude from Lifex Tours for your patronage & looking forward again to serve you in near future.

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Package Start From

• Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Asia

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount * Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount. * Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

Lifex Discovery Private Limited View Profile

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• No. 209 - C, Floors 1& 2, Majisd Moth, South Extension, New Delhi, Delhi, India - 110049
• 08069247161 (Ext : 469)
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