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The Kings in South India patronized learning and the fine arts. A rich heritage is well preserved to sample even today. We will see the art of Chennai (Madras) and Mahabalipuram, the elaborate temples in Madurai, Tanjore and Trichy. Drive through the lush tea/spice hills of Kerala, the peaceful backwaters and experience the Jewish Heritage in Cochin. Visit the palace of Mysore and the modern city of Bangalore. The resplendent isle, Sri Lanka is a land of happy discoveries. A tropical paradise with a rich history and natural beauty. See the ancient Anuradhapura, Pollonaruwa, Sigiriya and the amazing Dambulla cave paintings and also the hills of Kandy. Tour Extensions are available to Sri Lanka.
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Day 1
YOUR TOUR BEGINS The vast and exotic subcontinent of India beckons as we depart for Chennai (Madras), India.
Day 2 ARRIVE CHENNAI
Late night arrival into Southern India's largest |
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city, Chennai (Madras) gateway to the sunny South.
TAJ COROMANDEL. |
Day 3 CHENNAI (BD)
Tour includes visits to St. Thomas Cathedral which houses the grave of St. Thomas the Apostle and the Bronze Museum. Later a 37-mile drive to Mahabalipuram - the 'city of the seven pagodas'. See the breathtaking display of the pagodas, chiseled out of boulders in the form of temple chariots. The masterpiece is the 'Penance of Bhagirath' the world's largest bas-relief in stone. |
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Day 4 CHENNAI - TRICHY- TANJORE (BL)
Today fly to Trichy. Tour the Srirangam temple, one of the largest and most interesting temple complexes in India. Continue drive to Tanjore (Thanjavur) home of the Chola rulers, the greatest temple builders in the south with rich heritage of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional handicrafts. PARISUTHAM HOTEL.
Day 5 TANJORE (BD)
Tour of Tanjore. The Brihadeswara Temple built by Raja Chola is said to have been the tallest monument in ancient India, rising to a height of 241-ft in pyramidal form. It is rightly said of the Cholas that they conceived like giants and finished like jewelers. |
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Day 6 TANJORE - MADURAI (BL)
Morning we will drive to Madurai en route visiting few Chettinad villages near Karaikudi. Madurai city is planned out in the shape of a lotus with the famous Meenakshi temple in the center. TAJ GARDEN RETREAT. |
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Day 7 MADURAI (BD)
Tour of Madurai and the Meenakshi temple. It is one of the biggest temple complexes in India. The five pagodas that surround the temple are known for their intricate stucco work and the 156-ft high southern gopuram is the tallest. Thirumalai Mahal Palace is constructed, in the Indo-Saracenic style. In the evening attend special temple prayer ceremonies. TAJ GARDEN RETREAT.
Day 8 MADURAI - RERIYAR (BL)
Today we drive through the scenic countryside to Periyar Reserve Park. A dam constructed on a river led to the submersion of a large forest area and the formation of a |
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| lake. The park contains elephants, tiger, sambar, barking deer, lion-tailed macaque and a rich bird life. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Periyar on a forest department run boat. SPICE VILLAGE RESORT. |
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Day 9 PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM (BD)
Today we drive through beautiful countryside to the famous Kerala water canals. The complex network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals form the basis of a distinct regional life-style and traveling by boat is the best way to view it. The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with Chinese fishing nets along narrow, shady canals where coir (coconut fiber), coconut and cashews are loaded on to boats. KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT. |
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Day 10
KUMARAKOM (BL)
Morning a three-hour cruise on the Backwaters. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the Backwaters.
Optional: Enjoy a night on the traditional rice-house boat (Kettuvallam)
Day 11 KUMARAKOM - COCHIN (BD)
Today we drive to Cochin. The Cochin harbor has been trading spices with the rest of the world for over 2000 years. In the evening witness a colorful Kathakali dance performance. BRUNTON BOATYARD HOTEL. |
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Day 12 COCHIN (B)
Tour of Cochin includes visit to the Jewish Synagogue, one of the oldest in India, Jewish town and the Dutch Palace, well known for its mural paintings. See the picturesque Chinese fishing nets in operation at the entrance of the Kochi Harbor; Chinese traders first brought them back from Kublai Khan's court.
Day 13 COCHIN - BANGALORE - MYSORE (BD)
Fly to Bangalore, capital of Karnataka State. This well-planned city is home to India's main Information Technology hub, aircraft, telephone industries and is popularly known as the 'Silicon Valley' of India. Tour Bangalore then travel by road to Mysore, visiting en route the beautiful temple at Somnathpur. ROYAL ORCHID METROPOLE.
Day 14 MYSORE (BD)
As the principal residence of a former royal family, Mysore Palace offers a profusion of exquisite domes, arches and an extraordinary collection of art. On Chamundi Hill see the temple of Chamundeswari, Nearby we see the Nandi bull, a 16-ft high sculpture carved out of a single rock. Later visit the summer palace of Tipu Sultan at Srirangapatnam.
Day 15 MYSORE - BANGALORE - HOMEBOUND (B)
Drive to Bangalore airport for your homebound flights.
Day 16 ARRIVE
West Coast or East Coast. Or begin post tour extension to Sri Lanka.
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