Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Destinations Covered:Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar - Madurai - Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Bangalore - Mysore - Bangalore - Hassan - Bangalore - Mumbai
Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai
Arrive at the Mumbai Airport. Our representative will escort you to the hotel. After a traditional Indian welcome at the reception, check in and relax for the day. Enjoy the various hotel facilities and treat yourself to an assortment of Indian recipes for dinner. You can also visit the Chowpatty beach and the many happening nightclubs to get a taste of a city that never sleeps. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mumbai.
Day 2: Mumbai
Move for a half day sightseeing tour of Mumbai after breakfast at the hotel. Visit Juhu Beach, Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus, art galleries in the Kala Ghoda area, Hanging Garden, Mumbai University, and Supreme Court buildings; half day excursion to Elephanta Caves later in the day. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai - Cochin
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Cochin. On arrival in Cochin, check in at the hotel and relax for a while. Later, move for a city sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit Fort Cochin, St Francis Church, oldest Synagogue, Jew Town, Buildings from the Dutch, Portuguese and English era, Chinese fishing nets, Kochi Harbor, the splendid beaches of Vypeen islands. Return to the hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Cochin.
Day 4: Cochin - Periyar
Leave for Periyar after breakfast at the hotel. En route, enjoy the scenic countryside - misty hills covered in spice plantations, waterfalls and green meadows. Trek through the earmarked trails or enjoy picnics at the spectacular waterfalls. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax on your overnight stay in Periyar.
Day 5: Periyar
After breakfast at the hotel, you can explore Periyar National Park on a nature-walk. However, a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake is considered to be the best way to explore the flora and fauna of Periyar, hidden within its depths. For instance, you can catch the quirky habits of elephants as they descend on the Periyar Lake for a ritualistic bath. For bird lovers, there are the woodland birds, darters and coromants to keep them company. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Periyar.
Day 6: Periyar - Madurai
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Madurai (4-hour drive). On arrival, check in at the hotel and move for a city sightseeing tour. Visit the spectacular Meenakshi Temple and the many stupefying temples in the complex. Later in the evening, visit the colorful bustling markets of Madurai and shop for souvenirs and curios. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.
Day 7: Madurai - Chennai
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Chennai. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Go on a half day sightseeing tour of the city. Visit Marina Beach, churches, film studios, forts and zoo. Overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.
Day 8: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Chennai
After breakfast at the hotel, leave on full day excursions to the temple towns down the shore. While Kanchipuram is famous for its silk and towering temples, Mahabalipuram is home to the only surviving shore temple in India. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 9: Chennai - Bangalore
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Bangalore. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax for a while. Post lunch, move for a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the botanical garden, technology parks, and nightclubs, pubs and cafes. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Bangalore.
Day 10: Bangalore - Mysore
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Mysore (3-hour journey). On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax for a while. Later, move for a sightseeing tour of Mysore. Visit the sandalwood and jasmine markets, Mysore Palace, and Chamundeswari Temple. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mysore.
Day 11: Mysore - Hassan - Bangalore
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Hassan (4-hour journey). Visit Halebid and Belur, medieval capitals of Hoysala Empire that now are popular for their 12th and 13th century temples. Later, drive back to Bangalore and check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Bangalore - Mumbai
After breakfast at the hotel, you can indulge in a last-minute shopping spree or catch-up on sightseeing. Later, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to international airport to board the flight back home or to your onward destination.
|