Silk and Spice Tour
Duration: 13 Days/12 Nights
Destinations: Mumbai-Bangalore- Shravanabelagola-
Chikmagalur -Belur -Halebid- Mysore- Cochin -Kumarakom-
Thekkady-Madurai- Chennai
Day 01: Arrive Mumbai
You will be received by our representative at the airport, who will then escort you to the hotel. Mumbai earlier known as Bombay is the commercial capital of India. Mumbai is vibrant and is a cosmopolitan city. Overnight in the hotel at Mumbai.
Day 02: Mumbai-Bangalore
The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon transfer to airport to catch a flight to Bangalore. Bangalore is one of the most beautiful and well-planned cities of India. Upon arrival you are met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in the hotel at Bangalore.
Day 03: Bangalore- Shravanabelagola -Chikmagalur
In the morning explore the 'Garden City', where you visit Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the Mysore Arts and Crafts Center, the Bull Temple and the colorful, bustling markets. Later proceed to Chikmagalur, en-route visit Shravanabelagola. Upon arrival in Chikmagalur check into the hotel. Overnight in the hotel at Chikmagalur.
Day 04: Chikmagalur -Belur -Halebid- Mysore
In the morning drive to Mysore stopping en-route to visit
Belur and Halebid. Belur is situated on the banks of the
Yagachi River. The Chennakesava Temple is the most prominent
landmark, which is one of the greatest monuments of medieval
art in India. An outstanding example of Indian temple
architecture is found in Halebid. You visit the Hoysaleshwara
Temple that is marvel in architecture. It's a treat to
watch the elephants, lions, horsemen, and an incredible
display of celestial beasts and birds that adorn the temple.
Upon arrival in Mysore, check into the hotel. In the night
enjoy the view of the illuminated City Palace. Overnight
in the hotel at Mysore.
Day 05: Mysore
After breakfast proceed on a sightseeing tour of Mysore. Sightseeing places in Mysore include the City Palace, Chamundi Hill where Nandi (Shiva's Bull) - a huge monolithic image is always garlanded with flowers and held in high esteem by Hindus; and the colorful and aromatic spice markets. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening drive 10 miles from Mysore to enjoy the beautiful and exquisitely illuminated Brindavan Gardens, sprawling amid gorgeous cascading fountains. Later return to Mysore. Overnight in the hotel at Mysore.
Day 06: Mysore-Bangalore-Cochin
In the morning drive to Bangalore, en-route stop at Srirangapatnam, where you visit the island fortress and Summer Palace of the legendary warrior Tipu Sultan. Upon arrival in Bangalore, catch a flight to Cochin in Kerala. Cochin is famous for its well-balanced ecosystem. In the night enjoy a presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama. Overnight in the hotel at Cochin.
Day 07: Cochin -Kumarakom
In the morning proceed to visit the Portuguese Church built by St. Francis in 1562, the Jewish Synagogue and the famed Mattancherry Palace. You also visit to view the Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon proceed to Kumarakom, the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Overnight in the hotel at Kumarakom.
Day 08: Backwaters Cruise
In the morning cruise down in a boat through the series of canals and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages and tropical vegetation. Backwaters of Kerala not only link the state together but they are also an integral element in maintaining ecological balance and creating harmony with nature. The afternoon is at leisure. You can take a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage. Overnight in the hotel at Kumarakom.
Day 09: Kumarkom-Thekkady
In the morning drive to Thekkady that is located on the Tamil Nadu/Kerala border. Thekkady is home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread over about 300 square meals. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in the hotel at Thekkady.
Day 10: Thekkady-Madurai
In the morning proceed on a boat ride on the lake where you get to see the wildlife animals. Some of the animals you may come across include elephant, bison, deer and occasionally tigers. In the afternoon drive to Madurai, a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers. In the evening proceed to visit the Meenakshi temple. Overnight in the hotel at Madurai.
Day 11: Madurai -Chennai
In the morning visit the Meenakshi Temple, which is an
example of fine Dravidian architecture. You also visit
Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Museum. Continue
your visit to Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank, site of the
Teppam or annual Float Festival held in January. Later
fly to Chennai (formerly known as Madras), the fourth
largest city in India. Overnight in the at Chennai.
Day 12: Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram Excursion
In the morning head on an excursion tour to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India, which served as a capital for several dynasties. Visit three of the best temples-Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Continue your excursion to the ancient Pallavan port of Mamallapuram, en route stop for lunch at a seaside resort. Later, visit the 7th-century rock hewn monuments. The shore temple, the only surviving one of seven, is a unique example of a temple built of rock quarried elsewhere and carried. Overnight in the hotel at Chennai.
Day 13: Chennai / Depart Chennai
In the morning take a tour of Chennai where you visit the Victoria Art Gallery, the Bronze Gallery and Chennai Museum. Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple complete your tour of Chennai. Afternoon is at leisure. Tonight say farewell to unforgettable India and board your international flight home filled with colorful memories of your sojourn through Southern India.
|