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Day 01 Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai, the gateway of South India. Visit National Art Gallery and
Museum which has a selection of ancient paintings of almost all schools as
well as section devoted to modern art, Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church,
Drive along Marina Beach (the second longest in the world), San Thome
Cathedral, Mylapore Shiva Temple and shopping.
 Day
02 Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is the only surviving Shore temple of India enroute visit
Dakshina Chitra Cultural Centre. Today you will visit Shore Temple, five
Rathas and Arjuna's Penance. Rest of the day relax at the beach. The sun,
sea and sand is at your disposal.
Day 03 Kanchipuram - Vellore - Tiruvannamalai.
Enroute Kanchipuram, one of India's 7 sacred cities. Visit
Kailasanatha temple, Vaikuntaperumal temple, Ekambaranatha temple and
Varadarajar temple. Vellore has one of Tippu Sultan's forts and
Jalakandeswara temple. The temple was built by Vijaya Nagar rulers and is
one of the best Temple architecture. Proceed to
Tiruvannamalai -
visit the Arunachaleeswarar temple and the Ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi
who lived here and taught the virtues of philosophy through silence and
meditation.
Day 04 Gingee - Pondicherry
Gingee has one of the most beautiful forts in the world built in the 14th
century. It consists of three strongly fortified hills in close proximity
to each other. There are many monuments, granaries and temples in these
hills. Pondicherry was a French State in India and still retains French
feeling. Places to visit are Aurobindo Ashram , Auroville and the beach
that runs along the city.
Day 05 Chidambaram - Gangaikondacholapuram - Darasuram - Kumbakonam -
Tanjore
Chidambaram has 9th Century Shiva temple which houses a unique Emerald
lingam statue. A Special pooja is held every day at 11.00 a.m.
Gangaikondacholapuram was very powerful place in 10th Century, South East
Asia was controlled from this point. Darasuram is known for its Chola
architecture and old monuments. Tanjore is known for its architecture and
Paintings. Visit Big temple at Tanjore.
Day 06 Trichy
Ranganathaswami temple in Trichy is the biggest temple complex in India
and has the tallest temple tower. Also Visit Rock fort temple.
Day 07 Madurai
Madurai Meenakshi Temple is known for its architecture with 1000 pillars.
The 17th Century Nayak palace hosts an evening sound and light show.
Evening witness the Night Ceremony at the temple.
Day 08 Periyar
Periyar, known for its wildlife has scenic views making the drive
enchanting. Periyar wild life sanctuary is situated around Periyar Lake.
Here the jungle safari is done by boat to see wild life in and around the
lake. On the way to hotel you can shop for spices.
Day 09 Kochi
Drive to Kochi. Afternoon sightseeing of Kochi visiting the Dutch palace,
Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church and Chinese Fishing nets. Evening
witness Kathakali Dance Show.
Day 10 Kochi Airport Drop (or) Continue to Goa
A full day drive from Kochi Ooty is situated in Western Ghats, very cool
and green hills. You can visit the vegetable market in Karamadai on the
way and take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway for part of the journey from
Coonoor to Ooty.
Day 11 Mudumalai - Mysore
On the way to Mysore you pass through Mudumalai and Bandipur Wild life
sanctuaries. Visit the Mysore Palace and Brindavan Gardens. Chamundi Hill
& the Big Nandi Statue gives a panoramic view of the city.
Day 12 Mysore
 Full
day excursion to Srirangapatna and Somnathpur. Visit to soft stone carving
temple and back Mysore and afternoon visit to Devaraja vegetable and
flower market.
Day 13 Hassan
On the way to Hassan visit Sharavanabelagola, a monolithic 17m height naked
statue at the Jain temple. It is situated on a small hill and has 600 rock
cut steps to reach the temple. Afternoon visit to Belur and Halebid a fine
example for Hoysala Architecture temples.
Day 14 Bangalore airport drop (or) continue to Goa
Full day drive to Hospet
Day 15 Hospet
Hampi was most important historical site, this was capital of Vijayanagar
Empire and it was largest Hindu Kingdom. Visit the Temples, Hills, ancient
bazaar and river side country boat ride.
Day 16 Badami
Aihole & Pattadakal were built in the early years of the Chalukya's
dynasty. Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the Southern
Dravida School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century
A.D. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its
sculptures. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The
Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings. Pattadakal, referred to as
Petrigal, reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7th
to 9th centuries. The oldest in this group is the Sanghameswara Temple.
The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars depicting life of Krishna. Virupaksha
temple has sculptures and panel scenes from the epics, the Ramayana &
Mahabharata. The Papanatha Temple has impressive carvings on pillars and
ceiling.
 Day
17 Badami Full day
Morning tour of Badami. Badami also known as Vatapi is rich with Hindu and
Jain temples carved out of sand stone hills. The carved temples date back
to the 6th century. Of these, three are Hindu and one Jain. Sculptured out
of solid rock they are adorned with carvings. The Fort, on top of a hill
encloses large granaries, treasury & a watch tower. The Malegitti
Shivalaya temple set on the summit of a hill is built of stones without
mortar.
Day 18 Goa drop (or) continue to Hyderabad
Bijapur was a Muslim cultural place. All building and all the monuments
are in a Muslim style. Gol Gumbaz is one of the most important monuments
as Bijapur ruler Ali Adilsha's body is buried here. It is an excellent
demonstration of an Indian engineering technique and it looks like a mini
Taj Mahal!
Day 19 Bijapur- Gulbarga
Gulbarga, has a harmonious blend of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. Jumma
Masjid is a huge mosque and is similar to the great Spanish mosque of
Cordoba. The Khwaja Banda Nawaz tomb is an exquisite monument.
Day 20 Gulbarga - Hyderabad
Visit Charminar - Rectangular Four Arched Monumental Gate often described
as the -The Arch of Triumph of the East, The Mecca Mosque & visit the
Salar Jung Museum - one man collection of Manuscripts, ancient weapons,
costumes & curios. Visit the High Court buildings.
Day 21 Hyderabad
Day free or optional tour to Golconda. Golconda Fort is situated on the
Western outskirts of Hyderabad. The fort built in the 13th century, served
the kings as a Stronghold, Administrative Centre and Market Place. See the
expansive Roof Gardens. Also visit the Tombs of Qutab Shahi Kings in a
beautiful domed Mausoleum surrounded by Gardens. The tombs follow certain
pattern with Hindu style ornamentation, while important ones have their
own Mosques.
Day 22 Departure
Transfer to airport to board the flight to Onward destination.
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Tours can be tailor-made to your needs"
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