Exclusive South India

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

In the morning, you will have a guided city tour of Bombay, which is noticeably tropical. Its weathered Victorian mansions, some still privately owned and grand public buildings, many beautifully lit at night, stand as a reminder of the days of the British Raj. You visit the Gateway of India, hastily created as a symbol of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V of England on their trip to India in 1911. Afterwards, visit the Hanging Gardens, perched at the top of Malabar Hill and providing lovely views over the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, take a short flight to Bangalore, a city full of well laid out gardens, wide tree lined avenues, impressive buildings and lively bazaars. Overnight at a centrally located hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Bangalore visiting sights such as the Lal Bagh, which has a variety of old trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces and an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs. You also visit the 300-year-old Venkataramanaswamy Temple, built by the Waidiyars in the Dravidian style. In the afternoon, depart for Hassan via Sravarnabelgola for an afternoon of guided sightseeing to the famous temples of Belur and Halebid. The temples at Belur and Halebid, which remained incomplete despite 80 years of labor, are offerings of the finest workmanship in stone to the gods. The elaborate sculptured decoration on the temple, according to some critics, is even better than the Friezes at Konark in Orissa and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The Temple at Halebid is still used for worship today. Overnight at a centrally located hotel in Hassan.

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, visit Belur and Halebid. Belur is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River, and was the first capital of the Hoysala dynasty. The Channekeshava Temple here is one of the three major Hoysala sites still in daily use. One of the earliest structures of its type, the construction of the temple was started in 1116 and took almost a century to complete. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna, is built on a star-shaped platform and stands in a courtyard surrounded by a rectangular wall. Halebid, an ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire, was founded in the early 11th century as Dvarasamudra, but later named as Halebid. Its famous temple, Hoysaleswara, dates back to around 1121 AD and was never completed. This temple is similar to the one at Belur and is set among a well-tended garden. The Jain Temples nearby form another major attraction in Halebid. These 12th century temples stand in a garden enclosure where you can walk around and have a look at the dark interiors with carved ceilings. Arrive in Mysore and transfer to your centrally located hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Today you visit Sri Rangapatnam, a fort that was the stronghold of Tipu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali. Among the many Fort buildings still intact are Tippu’s airy Summer Palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (Garden), as well as the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour to the sites of Mysore beginning with a visit to the palace of the Maharaja, built in 1911-12. This palace is built in Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures that are magnificent. You also visit the Art Gallery, followed by a drive up to Chamundi Hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy a panoramic view of Mysore. On your return to your hotel, stop at the Nandi Bull, one of the largest solid rock carvings in India. Overnight at a centrally located hotel in Mysore.

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will be driven to Ooty, referred to as the Queen of the Southern Hill Stations. It got its name from the Niligiri or the Blue Mountains, from the locals more than 850 years ago, because of the blue haze of clouds that cover the hill slopes. After checking in at your hotel, visit the Botanical Gardens where there is a large variety of exotic and colorful plants. You also visit Ooty Lake, where boating is a favorite pastime and Doddabetta Peak (2623 meters/8600), the highest point in the Nilgiri mountains. Your evening is at your leisure. Overnight at a centrally located hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Today you will be driven to Cochin via the major fishing harbor of Beypore and Garuwayur. Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, has a magnificent natural harbor created by the underwater malabar mud banks that ensure calm waters. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. Overnight at a local hotel in Cochin.

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, visit the historic city of Fort Cochin, an ancient capital of the Dutch, Portuguese and the British. Your visit will include the old spice market at Mattancherry, the antique shop on Jews Street, the Synagogue, Dutch Palace, and the church of St. Francis, where the remains of Vasco Da Gama was buried before it was transferred to Portugal. Afterwards, transfer to the backwaters of Cochin, which run from the sea through lush tropical countryside. It could be compared to a cruise down the Amazon with its jungle foliage hanging from the banks. This relaxing boat trip is fascinating, as your guide discusses the history of the early explorers and traders who used this route as the main course to the sea. Many of the locals still travel this route. On the boat ride, enjoy magnificent scenery of these palm-shaded backwaters. Overnight on the houseboat.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you leave the houseboat and then drive to Periyar. Here in this 8,608 square foot park, preservation of wildlife is very sacred. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to watch the animals in their natural habitat. Cruising on the lake, you are likely to see animals like wild elephant, water buffalo, deer and spectacular bird life. Overnight at a local hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Your day begins with a drive to Madurai, a city with a history that goes back to about 600 B.C. The Pandyan rulers made this their capital until the 14th century and the city bloomed with writers, builders, poets and academics. Later, the Nayaks ruled from the middle of the 16th century to 1743. The ten tall Gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple were raised during their dynasty. Spend a full day visiting this huge complex of temples, the Palace of King Triumalay, Gandhi Museum and the Temple at Alaghat Koli where you can see its beautifully carved stone lattice windows. Overnight at a centrally located hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Drive to Tanjore, with a visit to Trichy along the way. Trichy is famous for its ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapati. A total of 434 steps were cut out in the rock side and interspersed with shrines, leading to the temple. Yet another flight of steps leads to the temple of the Lord Shiva. The ascent is enjoyed by magnificent views of the sacred Kaveri River. You also visit Sri Rangam, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which contains a bazaar within its walls. Overnight at a centrally located hotel in Tanjore.

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, enjoy a city tour of Tanjore or Thanjavur, visiting the beautiful Cholda Temple of Brihadeeshwara. Its bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of your visit to India’s south. It is also famous for its silk, one of the best in India. In the afternoon, transfer by vehicle to Pondicherry for your overnight.

Meals: Breakfast

Today you have a morning tour of Pondicherry, whose association traces its origin to St. Agasthya, the revered sage of the south. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram - the final resting place of Sri Auribindo Ashram, a saing-cum-yogi who combined yoga and modern science. You also visit the museum, which has rooms furnished with furniture from the French-India period. Afterwards, drive to Mahabalipuram with a visit to Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasurm enroute. The temple at Gangaikondacholapuram was built by the Chola emperor Rajendra I in the style of the Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur. The small town of Dharasuram contains the Airatesvara Temple, a superb example of 12th century Chola architecture. Overnight at a centrally located hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit Kanchipuram, once the ancient capital of Pallavas and previously one of the seven sacred cities in India. It was famous as a city of 1,000 temples and still to this day has 124 shrines. This city is also famous for its cottons and Kanjivaram silk. Afterwards, visit Mahabalipuram, once the principal port of the Pallavas who ruled between the sixth and ninth centuries A.D. Mahabalipuram is nothing less than a breathtaking display of masterful sculptures carved out of solid rocks of granite. Visit the Shore Temple, a splendid example of early temple construction in South India and Penance of Bhagirata, the world's largest bas relief also known as "Argon's Penance." The important temples of Kanchipuram are the 16th century Ekambasreshwar Temple a fairly new and the largest of the Shiva temples, Kamakshi Temple, dedicated to Parvati "the goddess with the eyes of love," and Vaikunta Perumal Temple, which dates back to the 8th century.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you are transferred to Chennai. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Chennai, including visits to the Art and Bronze Museum, the Flower and Fruit Market, High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach and San Thome Cathedral. Later in the evening, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast