13 Days • Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mammalapuram, Madurai, Thekkady, Periyar, Kumarakom, Cochin, Bangalore, Chikmagalur, Mysore
Day 1 - Arrive Chennai
Upon your arrival in Chennai you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. THE CHECKERS
Day 2 - Kanchipuram Excursion / Mammalapuram
Proceed to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India. Visit three of the best temples—Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara and Vaikuntaperumal. This afternoon, tour Mammalapuram, where you will visit the seventh century rock hewn monuments. Check into your hotel. (B)
Day 3 – Chennai / Madurai
Your morning tour of Chennai takes you to Victoria Art Gallery, Bronze Gallery and Chennai Museum. The Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple complete your visit. This afternoon fly to Madurai. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival. HOTEL SANGAM (B)
Day 4 - Madurai / Thekkady
This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Madurai, which includes Meenakshi Temple, Tirumala Nayak Palace, Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. This afternoon drive to Thekkady. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival. MUTHOOT CARDAMOM (B)
Day 5- Periyar Game Viewing / Kumarakom
Enjoy early morning game viewing by boat on Periyar Lake. Later this morning drive to Kumarakom. Your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take advantage of the rich waters with a bit of fishing, or just relax and soak in the rich atmosphere of your surroundings. BACKWATER RIPPLES (B)
Day 6 - Backwaters Cruise
This morning enjoy the Backwaters, on your boat cruise through the series of canals and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages and tropical vegetation. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 7 - Kumarakom / Cochin
Drive to Cochin, one of the most picturesque places in Kerala. Tonight enjoy a presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama. ABAD AUTRIUM HOTEL (B)
Day 8 – Cochin
Your tour this morning includes a visit to the Portuguese Church built by St. Francis in 1562, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and the Chinese fishing nets-ingenious devices requiring little human attention. This afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 9 – Depart Cochin
You will be transferred to the airport for your departure. (B)
Extension to Karnataka
Day 9 – Cochin / Bangalore / Shravanabelagola / Chikmagalur
Fly to Bangalore this morning. Upon arrival drive to Chikmagalur, en route visiting Shravanabelagola. Upon arrival in Chikmaglur check-in at your hotel. THE GATEWAY Hotel. (B)
Day 10 - Chikmagalur / Belur / Halebid /
Mysore
Drive to Mysore, stopping en route to visit Belur & Halebid. View the illuminated City Palace tonight. HOTEL SANDESH THE PRINCE (B)
Day 11 - Mysore Sightseeing
Your tour of Mysore includes visits to City Palace; Nandi (Shiva’s Bull), and the colorful and aromatic spice markets. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy the beautiful and exquisitely illuminated Brindavan Gardens. (B)
Day 12 - Mysore / Bangalore
Drive to Bangalore, en route stopping at Srirangapatnam. Upon arrival in Bangalore, check into your hotel. Enjoy a tour of the “Garden City,” including a visit to Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the Mysore Arts and Crafts Center, the Bull Temple, and the colorful and bustling markets. THE MONARCH LUXOR (B)
Day 13 – Depart Bangalore
Early this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
