16 nights of Cities, Spices & Scenery of Southern India

Day 1:

Arrival at Chennai's International Airport and transfer to hotel. Check in at Radison Blu City Centre.

You are met at the airport by Creative Travel representative where a special welcome awaits for you with the nice Garlands of Marigold Flowers. After meet and greet at the airport, transfer to the hotel for check in. Overnight at the Hotel.

Chennai is the fourth largest city in India. It was the site of the East India Company's first settlement. Founded in 1639 on land given by the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of the Vijayanagar rulers of Hampi, a small fort was built at a fishing settlement in 1644 and a town, which subsequently became known as George Town, grew in the area of Fort St, George.

Today Chennai is the cultural center of South India and has become a major center of commerce. Sky pierce palm trees mingle with modern building forming and interesting contrast of the old and the new. The colonial influence in well seen in the architecture of the old buildings that dot the city.

Day 2:

Half day tour of Chennai. Check in at Radisson Blu Temple Bay.

Morning after breakfast, proceed on a half-day tour of Chennai. Chennai is a typical Indian city and is the capital of Tamil Nadu. Though it was the oldest settlement of the British, Madras remained unaffected in spirit. Only the cathedral and the Fort of St. George is a reminder of its British past. Visit the Marina Beach-second longest beach in the world; it's an elegant promenade; Fort St. George-the first foothold of British from where Robert Clive started the expansion of British rule.

Your tour will feature historic as well as contemporary places of interest, such as the Victoria Art Gallery, Bronze Gallery and Madras Museum. Continue your drive through Egmore to Georgetown stopping at Fort St. George, housing the State Parliament. Located within the ramparts of the fort is St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Asia, constructed in 1680 AD The fort museum features relics of the Raj. Drive along Marina Beach, visiting San Thome Cathedral, where lie the mortal remains of St. Thomas Christ's apostle and the earliest Christian missionary in Asia. Your final stop is colorful Kapaleeswarar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, where you have an opportunity to mingle with the devotees and observe the various rituals of Hinduism.

This afternoon drive to Mahabalipuram (approx. 1 hour drive). On arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for activities.

Day 3:

After breakfast proceed to visit Kanchipuram also known as the Golden City of Temples, one of the seven sacred cities of India and was the capital of Pallavas, Cholas and Rajas of Vijaynagar.

After breakfast proceed to visit Kanchipuram also known as the Golden City of Temples, one of the seven sacred cities of India and was the capital of Pallavas, Cholas and Rajas of Vijaynagar. Kanchipuram is a spectacular Temple City and its gopurams can be seen from a long way.

It is considered one of the seven main sacred cities of India and a major center of Hindu worship and Tamil history. Of the original 1000 temples, there are still about 125 left spread out across the city. Many of them are the work of the later Cholas and of the Vijaynagar kings. Kanchipuram is believed to give eternal happiness to one who goes there Kanchipuram is famous for its hand-woven silk fabrics.

Afternoon visit Mahabalipuram - ancient coastal port South of Madras, this city built by the Pallava king Mahendra Varman, was a seaport to connect his empire with Southeast Asia. Here you will see many sculptures and temples of typical South Indian architectural design.

Among them are the Five Radhas - a group of monolithic monuments and animal figures carved out of solid rock. Also see the world famous Shore Temple lashed by the waves of the sea and the huge fresco; 'The Penance of Bhagirath'. What is special about the sculptures at Mahabalipuram are their depictions of day-to-day – women milking buffaloes, pompous city dignitaries, young girls primping and posing on street corners or swinging their hips in artful come-ons.

This is unlike or places where sculptures stress heavily on gods and goddesses. The world's largest bas-relief, called both Arjuna's Penance and Descent of the Ganges, was carved here during the reign of Narasimha Varman. Some say that the mass of delicate figures rendered in profusion on the whale-shaped rock depict Shiva releasing the sacred River Ganges from its heavenly source and sending it down to earth; others believe that it shows the great archer, Arjuna, doing penance to persuade the gods to give him a special bow with which to overcome his enemies. The Shore Temple is the sole survivor of seven such temples.

Return to the Hotel for rest and relax. Enjoy sometime on the beach here.

Day 4:

Transfer to Tanjore. Check in at Sangam

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface for Tanjore (approx. 6 to 7 hrs drive). Upon arrival check into the Hotel with some rest and relax.

Tanjore once the capital of Chola Kings, has the Brahadeswara temple(or the big temple of God).The temple tower rises to a height of 15mts from a square base of 29 mts and then tapers off, making a total of 66mts.

The evening is free to relax in the Hotel.

Day 5:

Visit Tanjore and Trichy. Arrive in Madurai and check in at hotel Sangam.

Morning after breakfast proceed to visit Tanjore including Chola architecture continues with the Bridhdiswara Temple built in 1010. With a dome carved from a single piece of granite weighting over 80 tonnes, this magnificent temple is now a World Heritage Monument.

Afternoon drive to Madurai (approx. 4 hrs drives) enroute visit Trichy.

It is positioned in between the Sevaroi and Palani Hills. There is a myth that the name Trichy was named after 3 headed Demon Trisira. This flourishing mercantile centre, Tiruchirappalli is well known for its educational institutions, industries and temples. This is a famous tourist spot. Rock Fort and Ranganath Swami Temple in Sree Rangaram are two prime attractions for the tourists and Pilgrimage.

Situated on the banks of the river Cauvery, Trichy or Tiruchirappalli is one of the most famous temple towns of south India. Trichy is famous for its rich cultural and splendid architectural heritage and the town represents a fine blend of tradition and modernity. Also the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu, Trichy is also referred as gateway to many great temple cities and historical sites of Tamil Nadu. Visit and explore Trichy with Tour Packages for Trichy and get fascinated with the unique charm of the city.

The tour concentrates on the spectacular temple architecture near Trichy at Srirangam, set on an island in the Cauvery River within seven concentric walled Courtyards; the Sri Ranganathaswami Temple is one of the largest complexes in India.

Arrive and check into the Hotel in Madurai. Evening is free to relax in the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 6:

Morning tour of Madurai.

Madurai is a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw wallahs. Its narrow overcrowded streets seem to be bursting at the seams with activity. It is southern India's oldest center of pilgrimage and learning and is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. This interesting city was the capital of the Pandyan Empire till the 14th century and is one of the oldest cities in India. Madurai is situated on the banks of the Vaigai River.

Morning tour of Madurai visit the Meenakshi temple one of the biggest temple complexes in India - 46 ft. long by 790 ft broad built in the 17th Century. It is a rectangular twin shrine: the southern temple dedicated to Meenakshi (the consort of Shiva) and the other to Shiva. It is Madurai's greatest landmark - a file city within a city: the complex includes a bazaar that bustles from dawn to nightfall. The high point of the Meenakshi temple is Hall of a "Thousand Pillars", built in the 16th century which is as great a work of structural engineering as it is of art. Also visit the palace of Tirumala Nayak which is an example of the architectural mastery of the Nayaks - a blend of Hindu and Saracen architecture. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 foot high stoned pillar still stands. Return to the Hotel for rest and relax.

This evening again proceeds to witness famous Hindu Temple "Meenakshi temple" to witness Aarti ceremony. Return to the Hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 7:

Tour to Thekkady; visit the park for game viewing.

After breakfast depart for Thekkady by surface (Approx. 186 kms / 5-6 hrs drive) located on the Tamil Nadu & Kerala border this region is known as the Spice Village of India for its vast spice and tea gardens. The road winds through mountains, descending through a carpet of tea bushes, estates of tall rubber trees and gardens of coffee, cardamom and pepper. The aroma of spices fills the air. Upon arrival in Thekkady (Periyar) you will check in to hotel.

Later this afternoon visit the park for game viewing by motor launches, convoluted waterways afford sightings of elephants, bison, deer and occasionally a tiger. All manner of flora and fauna flourish in this tropical habitat, making it one of the premiere reserves of Southern India.

Evening return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 8:

Return to the Hotel for Breakfast and then depart Thekkady for Kumarakom by surface (Approx. 5 drive). On arrival check in at the hotel.

The state of Kerala, apart from being the one of the most progressive states in the nation is also known for its numerous canals and waterways and its verdant forests and mangrove swamps. Set in one of the most idyllic locations in Kerala, Kumarakom is a tiny settlement, nestled in the backwaters.

This is a tranquil resort is nestled between the waterways of the Bird Sanctuary at Vembanad lake. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or enjoy an optional ayurvedic massage or a boat trip on the lake. Kerala offers a variety of therapeutic massages, which are both relaxing and healing and are indigenous to this region.

Day 9:

Rest day is free to relax in the Hotel and can enjoy backwater around the Hotel. Optional: One can enjoy Ayurveda treatment at the Hotel on own cost.

Rest day is free to relax in the Hotel and can enjoy backwater around the Hotel. Optional: One can enjoy Ayurveda treatment at the Hotel on own cost.

Ayurveda - A Natural Way of Feeling Better

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to toning the body. A relaxing massage with herbal oils is highly rejuvenating. Ayurveda is an Indian system of medicine. Ayurveda means the science of life / health and employs naturalistic methods based on the theory of panchabhuta or five elements. Tone up the nervous system with the help of aromatic and medicinal oils used by expert masseurs.

Ayurveda evolved around 600 B.C. in India. During the 500-600 B.C., knowledgeable philosophers such as Agasthya, Charaka, Sushrutha and Kashyapa churned from the vedas the references to all illness, diseases, and drug-medicines and compiled the samhitas. It is from this samhitas that the physicians later absorbed the knowledge of Ayurveda and applied them for curing illness. Ayurveda is not only the ancient Indian science of preventative health and healing but also a philosophy of living.

This new system of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practiced ever since. Today, it's a unique, indispensable branch of medicine - a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your body's humours - vata, pitta and kapha - to achieve the right balance.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh you, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health.

Day 10:

Transfer by small boat Jetty to the Main Jetty where you will embark the House boat. Cruise through narrow lakes and canals towards to Alleppey. Enjoy Backwater on board. Lunch, Tea / coffee, Snacks, Dinner on board.

Later transfer by small boat Jetty to the Main Jetty where you will embark the House boat. Cruise through narrow lakes and canals towards to Alleppey. Enjoy Backwater on board. Lunch, Tea / coffee, Snacks, Dinner on board.

The coastal town of *Alleppey* on the Arabian Sea, called as the Venice of the east for the numerous canals that meander through the town. This town holds a thrilling event of snake boat race every year during August. It is also known for its cashew nuts.

The backwaters in Kerala is a network of 1500 kms of canals both manmade and natural, 38 rivers and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. Before trucks became popular, the main cargo transportation was through backwaters by 'Kettuvalloms'.

Kettuvallom means, ‘stitched boat'. Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (Riceboats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the Kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now these kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction. A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

Houseboats (Kettuvalloms) of Kerela: The Houseboats of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length, retrieved from being lost to the State altogether. Once they ruled the backwaters, poled along by one or two men, heavily loaded with rice, coconut and other commodities. But in the recent times, the kettuvalloms have been replaced by more and modern modes of transport, relegating them to neglect and decay.

It takes great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying huge planks of jack wood together. Curiously enough, not a single nail is used in their making. There used to be an entire clan of artisans who were involved in kettuvallom construction.

Today, an innovative holiday idea has restored these majestic representatives of a unique culture and with them their makers.

The houseboats that cruise these emerald waterways are an improvisation on the large country barges which were an essential part the land's ethos in days gone by. Modified to meet a novel concept of holidaying, the kettuvalloms are comfortably furnished with an open longue, one or two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette, and are extremely eco-friendly, merging smoothly into the panorama. Every boat is manned by a crew - usually a cook, guide and oarsman.

Day 11:

Disembark at Alleppey and depart by surface to Cochin. Upon arrival in Cochin check into the hotel, rest of the day is free for independent activities.

After breakfast disembark at Alleppey and depart by surface to Cochin. Upon arrival in Cochin check into the hotel, rest of the day is free for independent activities.

This evening witness the famous South Indian classical dance - Kathakali. The origins of India's most Spectacular dance-drama go back 500 years to a time when open-air performances were held in temple courtyards of in villages. There are over 100 different arrangements, all of them based on stories from the Ramanaya and Mahabharata. Kathakali isn't simply another form of dancing- it incorporates elements of yoga and ayurvedic (traditional India medicine. All the props are fashioned from natural materials – powdered minerals and the sap of certain trees for the bright facial make-up the beaten bark of certain trees, dyed with fruits and spices, for wigs, coconut oil for the black paint around the eyes etc.

After the classical Dances show return to the Hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 12:

Half day tour visiting the Jewish Synagogue.

Cochin is also known as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' due to its natural harbour being one of the finest. Cochin is a city made of islands connected to Ernakulum on the mainland by bridges and ferries. The interesting city of Cochin perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala.

This quaint town has seen historic visits from sea faring traders in the past from Portugal, China etc bringing to it different cultures that make up its fabric.

Morning, leave for half day tour visiting the Jewish Synagogue (of 1568), which is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. It is an interesting little place with hand painted willow pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in China in the mid-18th century. The synagogue is located in an area called Jew Town, which also is one of the centres of the spice trade in the region. Also visit the ancient Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace built by the Portuguese in 1557.

This Palace was presented to the ruler of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. The Palace's alternative name "Dutch Palace" resulted from substantial renovations by the Dutch after 1663. The most important feature of the palace is the astonishing murals that adorn some of the palace rooms, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharta and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. Another stop is made at the St. Francis Church, the oldest European built church in India.

Constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars who accompanied the expedition led by Pedro Alvarez.

The famed Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa, died in Cochin in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen inside the church.

Afternoon free for independent activities.

Day 13:

Transfer to airport to board Jet Airways flight to Bangalore.City tour of Bangalore. After city tour drive to Hassan and check in at Ashok.

After early breakfast transfer to airport to board the flight at 07:30 hrs to Bangalore. On arrival at Bangalore at 08:35 hrs proceed for a quick city tour of Bangalore.

Bangalore- visit the Lal Bagh, Cubbon Park,Bull Temple, Government Museum & Vidhana Soudha. Vidhana Soudha a magnificent post-independence structure incorporating the traditional feature of architecture, the Vidhan Soudha is located in Cubbon Park. This is an imposing granite structure with a total plinth area of over 5,00,000 sq.ft and houses the secretariat, the state legislature and several government offices. The huge carved doors of the cabinet are made of pure sandalwood.

Cubbon Park In the heart of the city is the Cubbon Park. This beautiful 300 acre park built by Lieutenant General Sir Mark Cubbon in 1864 has public library and the museum. The Vidhan Soudha and many Greco-colonial style buildings of the British era like the Public Library and the High Court are located here.

Bull Temple at Basavanagudi is one of the oldest temples, typical of the Dravidian style of architecture. Built by Kempe Gowda, the Nandi, the sacred bull, carved out of a single boulder, is 6.1 meter long and 4.6 meter high.

After the city tour drive to Hassan (approx. 5.5 hrs drive). Upon arrival check into the Hotel with rest evening is free to relax.

Hassan derives its name from Goddess Haasanamba, who is the main deity of the region. A temple is dedicated to the goddess by the name of Hasanamba Temple. The city was founded during the Hoysala Dynasty, which ruled the region from the 11th to the 14th century. During the peak in their reign, the Hoysalas ruled most of Southern India. Most of the kings in the early part of the Hoysala rule were of Jain faith, but historical findings suggest that they later shifted their faith to Shiva.

Belur, which is an important tourist place in Hassan, was one of the first capitals of the Hoysala Kingdom. Belur in Hassan houses the Chennakesava Temple Complex, which consists of the Chennakesava Temple and the Kappe Chennigraya Temple which attracts a lot of pilgrims every year.

Another important pilgrim centre in Hassan is Shravanabelagola. It is an important pilgrimage centre for Jains. The ceremony of Mahamastakabhisheka takes place here every 12 years which sees a conglomeration of a large number of devotees.

Day 14:

Drive to Mysore, rest of the day at leisure.

Belur: This quaint hamlet - 38 kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers they are all there - awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Inside are hand-lathe-turned filigreed pillars. The Veeranarayana Temple and the smaller shrines are well worth a visit.

Halebid: It is 27 kms north-west of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same.

This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labor. The Jain basadis nearby are equally rich in sculptural detail. Belur and Halebid are 222 and 216 kms from Bangalore, respectively. Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan.

Evening is free for independent activities.

Day 15:

Transfer to Mysore and check in at Fortune JP Palace.

After breakfast depart by surface to Mysore (2 to 3 hrs drive). Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 16:

Half day city tour of Mysore

Here you will visit first Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, the beautiful profile of this walled Indo-Saracenic Palace, the seat of the maharajas of Mysore, graces the city's skyline. An earlier palace burnt down in 1897 and the present one was completed in 1912, at a cost of Rs 4.2 million. Inside it's a kaleidoscope of stained glass, mirrors, gilt and gaudy colors. Some of it is undoubtedly over the top but there are also beautiful carved wooden doors and mosaic floors, as well as a whole series of mediocre, though historically interesting, paintings depicting life in Mysore during the Edwardian Raj.

Also visit the Garden. Return to the Hotel for rest and relax. Evening is at Leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel

Day 17:

Visit Srirangapatnam. Transfer to Airport for departure.

After breakfast drive to Bangalore (3 to 4 hrs drive) airport enroute visiting Srirangapatnam.

Srirangapatnam - The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan is just 16km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, Tipu's Summer Palace, the Wellesley Bridge, and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned. Equally impressive is the ornate white-domed Gumbaz, an imposing structure with doors of ebony inlaid with ivory and lacquered with Tipu's tiger- striped emblem. About 1km to the east of the fort is Tipu's Summer Palace (known as the Daria Daulat Bagh) set amidst a lovely garden.

Arrive Bangalore and straight drive to International airport to board flight for onwards destination.