DECCAN HERITAGE
Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Upon arrival at Delhi’s international airport, you will be met by our representative who will assist you with the arrival transfer and check in formalities at the hotel.
Day 2: DELHI CITY TOUR
After breakfast proceed for Full day sightseeing tour of Delhi explore the Qutab complex which houses India's biggest single tower Qutab Minar and the 4th century rust free Iron Pillar; drive past the Mughal citadel named Lal Qila (Red Fort); and Lutyens Delhi with its tree lined boulevards leading to the British Viceroy's Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan) now the official residence of the President of India, the secretariat, India gate and Parliament House. Also visit the grand Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb– the only monument ever built by a queen in memory of her beloved king husband ,which was an inspiration for several other monuments, such as the incomparable Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 3: DELHI- HYDERABAD (By: Flight)
After breakfast transfer to airport to board a flight to Hyderabad.
Departure: Delhi At: 0915 Hrs By: 9W 7009
Arrival: Hyderabad At: 1120 Hrs
Upon arrival at Hyderabad transfer and check in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon proceed for the city tour of Hyderabad.
Visit Char Minar -the city's landmark, has four minarets built in the 16th Century, Mecca Masjid is an impressive 17th-Century mosque built of granite, Birla Temple, the library and the university all display the grandeurs of modern-day India. Salar Jung Museum houses an extraordinary collection including rare fine-art objects of the Nizam, once the wealthiest man in the world.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: HYDERABAD
Today after breakfast proceed for excursion to Golconda Fort.
The ancient fort of Golconda is the former capital of the Qutab Shahi dynasty. Originally a mud structure, it grew into a magnificent fortress citadel. It is known for the use of acoustics in its architectural design - sound signals could be passed from the gates to the top of the fort without the use of modern equipment. Tombs of the dynasty rulers are situated nearby set in manicured gardens.
Afternoon is at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5: HYDERABAD- BENGALURU- MYSORE (By: Flight/ Surface)
After breakfast transfer to airport to board a flight to Bengaluru.
Departure: Hyderabad At: 0835 Hrs By: 6E 151
Arrival: Bengaluru At: 0935 Hrs
Upon arrival at Bengaluru direct proceed for the city tour of "Garden City," called Bengaluru. You will be visiting Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens: is considered to be one of the most diverse botanical garden in South Asia. This garden was laid by Tipu Sultan's father Haider Ali in the year 1740. Many of the tropical plants present in this garden were brought here by Tipu Sultan himself. A wonderful flower show is held in this place every year. The floral clock surrounded by snow white and the seven dwarfs is also a major attraction of this place.
Bull temple: is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore. The temple is dedicated to Nandi, the bull, which is the mount of Lord Shiva. Nandi, the awesome monolithic deity of the Bull Temple, attracts visitors, tourists and devotees from all parts of the country and outside the country. With a height of 4.5 m and 6 m long, the statue is carved out of a single granite rock and is older than the temple in which it is housed.
Bengaluru Palace: The Palace was built by a Wodeyar King in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings. The special attraction is a gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities inside and exquisite carvings and paintings.
Later you will be driven towards Mysore (approx 140 Kms/ 4- 5 Hrs), upon arrival in Mysore transfer and check in at the hotel.
Day 6: MYSORE
Today after breakfast proceed for city tour of beautiful city of stately palaces, gardens, parks and museums called Mysore.
Visit Mysore Palace: (Amba Vilas Palace), known also as the Main Palace, is one among the major attractions of Mysore. The Mysore Palace of today is the fourth palace constructed on the same site. The re-construction of the present day Mysore Palace took place between 1897 – 1912. It was an English architect, Mr. Henry Irwin, who gave an aesthetic combination of Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic, Oriental and Roman styles of architecture to Mysore Palace. The Mysore Palace is a three storey stone-building built with grey granite that has three pink marble domes. There is a 44.2 meter high five storey tower that dominates the palace. The domes of this tower are gilded in gold.
Chamundi Hills: one of the prime attractions of Mysore, is also an acclaimed landmark of the destination. Chamundi Hills is located at an altitude of 1065 meters above sea level, to the south-east of Mysore city. The Chamundeshwari Temple, atop Chamundi Hills, is the temple of the patron Goddess of Wodeyars, Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi. This temple can be dated back to the 11th century. The temple was renovated in the year 1827 by the Kings of Mysore.
Also enjoy the colorful and aromatic spice markets of Mysore. Afternoon, proceed for your visit to Mysore Zoo: is considered as one of the best zoological gardens in India as it is home to diverse species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Mysore Zoo plays an active role as it is involved in the captive breeding programme for the endangered species and also in other conservation activities. Mysore Zoo acts as an ‘orphanage’ to rear abandoned animals like young apes, calves of elephants and gaur, and cubs of tigers and leopards.
Later enjoy the beautiful and exquisitely illuminated Brindavan Gardens: is located below the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, which is popularly known by the name KRS. Krishnaraja Sagar Dam or Kannambadi, which was named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, was constructed during 1924 – 1932 by Sir M. Vishveswariah. Brindavan Gardens is spread over sixty acres. The Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir was the model for Brindavan Gardens. Brindavan Gardens has beautiful lawns, flower beds, shrubs, trees and numerous pools and fountains. Brindavan Gardens looks beautiful during the evenings when the whole garden is lit up with colorful gorgeous cascading fountains.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 7: MYSORE- SHRAWANABELGOA- BELUR- HALEBID- BENGALURU
Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Shravanabelgoa (120 kms / 3 hrs drive). This is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centre, here visit the 17 meter high monolith of Lord Bahubali. Later drive to Belur which is approx. 45 kms from here and is located at river Yagchi. This place was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire. Here visit the Chennakeshava Temple (one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture) & Veeranarayana Temple (which has exquisite carvings of various Hindu Gods). Later visit Halebid (16 kms form Belur), the ancient capital of hoysalas, here visit the Hoysleswara Temple. Later in the afternoon leave for Bangalore, which is approx. 220 kms/ 4-5 hrs drive from here.
Upon arrival transfer and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Bengaluru
Day 8: BENGALURU- COCHIN (By: Flight)
Today after breakfast transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin.
Departure: Bengaluru At: 1100 Hrs By: IT 2453
Arrival: Cochin At: 1215 Hrs
Upon arrival transfer and check in at the hotel. Cochin is a city of waterways with a varied history. Notable here is the Jewish population, arriving over 2,000 years ago and maintaining a strong community ever since. Hungry for spices, the Portuguese, Dutch and British all left their mark on this scenic seaport.
Afternoon is free at leisure, evening, enjoy a special presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali dance drama. Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 9: COCHIN
After breakfast proceed for city tour of Cochin visiting Portuguese church built by St. Francis in 1562 where Vasco Da Gama was originally buried, the Jewish Synagogue and the famed Mattancherry Palace.
Later enjoy a boat ride through the series of canals and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages and tropical vegetation. Cochin is linked with Ernakulum and the rest of the state of Kerala through the "backwaters." Stop en route to see fishermen and their villages, Chinese fishing nets and the beautiful Dutch palace at Bolghatty. Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 10: COCHIN- KUMARAKOM (By: 80 Kms/ 2 Hrs)
Today after breakfast you will be driven towards Kumarakom: experiencing the rich culture and active lifestyle that has evolved over the centuries in and around the backwaters and waterways that thread this region. Set in one of the most idyllic locations in Kerala, Kumarakom is a tiny settlement, nestled in the backwaters.
Rest of the day is free for independent activities; perhaps take advantage of the rich waters with a bit of fishing, or just relaxation.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 11: KUMARAKOM
Today after breakfast enjoy a boat ride on Vembanad Lake to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Part of the forest is submerged in the Lake, offering an irresistible habitat to both migratory and local birds. Water fowl, cormorants, egrets and teals are seen in abundance.
Afternoon is free you may experience an Ayurvedic therapeutic massage, indigenous to this region, which is both relaxing and healing.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 12: KUMARAKOM- THEKKADY/ PERIYAR (By: Surface)
Today after breakfast you will be driven towards Thekkady/ Periyar (175 km / 05 hrs).
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km2 (300 sq mi), of which 360 km2 (140 sq mi) is thick evergreen forest. The Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is
home to herds of elephants, Sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaiperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
Upon arrival in Periyar, transfer and check in at the hotel, later in the evening enjoy a boat ride at Lake Periyar for elephant tracking and bird watching, return back to hotel for overnight stay
(If time permits also enjoy spice plantation visit where one can see the cultivation of a whole range of spices like, pepper, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, vanilla, all spice cinnamon etc. This is followed by visit to the spice shops large & small which are found in the small town of Kumily)
Overnight stay at the hotel at Hotel in Periyar
Day 13: PERIYAR- MADURAI (By: Surface)
After breakfast you will be driven towards Madurai (Approx 120 Kms/ 3-4 Hrs).
Upon arrival in Madurai, transfer and check in at the hotel. Later afternoon you will visit Shree Meenakshi Temple: a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture. The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple. The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure, at the core of which are the two sanctums for Meenakshi and Sundareshvara, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls. Especially impressive are the 12 gopuras. Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases, and are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace –is a spectacle of Indo-Western palatial brilliance in Madurai, it was built by King Thirumalai Nayak (or Nayakkar) with the help of an Italian architect who visited Madurai in circa 1636, as the abode of the king. Thirumalai Nayak Palace has a minimalistic and rather-bland exterior. But on the interior, its grandeur is unparalleled and extraordinary that many of its contemporaries in India. The palace is a blend of Italian, Islamic, European and Dravidian style of architecture. While the domes and arches signify the Islamic touch, the huge and tall white columns speak for the Italian style. The Dravidian style is visible in the patterns on the walls, the ceiling, the windows and the arch ways of the palace.
Gandhi Museum: The Gandhi Memorial Museum is meant to be a living Institutions and not merely a building preserving and showing exhibits, however precious. It seeks to help an ever increasing number of people particularly the youth all across globe to understand and to value the life, work and teachings of Gandhiji. The Picture Gallery presents a visual biography of Gandhiji. It contains photos, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, quotations, and some original articles used by Gandhiji (Relics and replicas). Special Exhibition on "India Fights for Freedom" with 265 illustrations, depicting the history of the Freedom Movement, greets you first. Then follows the exhibition of the choice specimens of Handicrafts donated by the States of Tamilnadu, Mysore, Andhra and Kerala. This leads to the Pictorial Gallery, depicting a visual biography of Gandhiji by means of photographs, quotations, paintings etc. and some of the selected Photostat copies of many of Gandhiji letters.
Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank, site of the Teppam or Float festival in January each year. Built in 1646, the tank is fed by underground channels from the Vaigai River.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: MADURAI- TANJORE- CHENNAI (By: Surface/ Train)
After breakfast you will be driven towards Madurai (Approx 150 Kms/ 4-5 Hrs). Tanjore: ancient capital of the Chola Kings, whose patronage and philanthropy rendered. Tanjore a Veritable haven for artists, musicians and craftsmen. Upon arrival check in at the hotel, later proceed for the city tour of Tanjore visiting Brihadeshwara Temple, built in the 10th Century. The dome on the apex of the central tower, 206 feet tall, is a single piece of granite weighing an estimated 81 tons, which was put in place using a ramp 3 miles long, similar to the technique used in building the Pyramids of Egypt.
Evening transfer to Railway Station to connect overnight transfer for Chennai
Departure: Tanjore At: 2030 hrs By: Rockfort Express
Arrival: Chennai At: 0515 hrs
Overnight onboard train
Day 15: CHENNAI
Today you will arrive Chennai early morning @ 0515 hrs, upon arrival transfer and check in at the hotel. Chennai: the fourth largest city in India, located on the warm shores of the Bay of Bengal. Modern Chennai traces its origins to 1639, when the British East India Company was first awarded a trading post and commenced building Fort St. George.
Afternoon excursion to Mahabalipuram (80 kms/ 1 hr).Visit Dakshinachitra is a heritage village situated on the Mahabalipuram beach and is 25 km from Chennai. Tourists visit this place to see the heritage homes from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This village is developed as a model village representing the 19th century era. The artistic South Indian craft industry is featured here in its traditional form.
Shore Temple: was built during the 7th century by the artisan Rajasimha under the rule of Narasimha Varman II. It is one of the oldest temples that can be found in South India that is built in the Dravidian style. It has lately increased in popularity because it is now listed as one of the world heritage sites of the UNESCO. Numerous carvings can be found throughout the temple. Three separate buildings make up the temple. Two are Shiva temples that fast east and west. The third is a Vishnu temple.
Return back to the hotel in Chennai for overnight stay.
Day 16: CHENNAI
Morning after breakfast proceed for the city tour of Chennai visiting Victoria Art Gallery, Bronze Gallery Chennai Museum. 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, consecrated in 1680.
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.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 17: CHENNAI
Today in time transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination
** TOUR END**