“MYSTIC OF SOUTH INDIA ”

“The southern parts of peninsular India due to their isolation from the waves of foreign invasions and dynastic upheavals in the vibrant Dravidian cultures. A land of vivid color, palm fringed beach, hill station, spectacular temples, backwater cruises and friendly people.”

DURATION: 15 NIGHTS & 16 DAYS

Destination Covered: MUMBAI – BANGALORE – HASSAN – MYSORE – CHENNAI -MADURAI-COCHIN-GAO-MUMBAI.

02 NIGHTS IN MUMBAI -02 NIGHTS IN BANGALORE -01 NIGHTS IN HASSAN -01NIGHTS IN MYSORE -03NIGHT IN CHENNAI –02NIGHTS IN MADURAI -02 NIGHTS IN COCHIN -02 NIGHT IN GAO.

DAY 01: ARRIVE MUMBAI
Mumbai is India’s most Cosmopolitan City. A survey of the city includes the British built arch in commemoration of the visit of King George V in 1911. The hanging garden, haji Ali’s Tomb, Malabar Hills and the stately domed Prince of Wales Museum. This evening your tour Manager will host a get-together Cocktail and Dinner Party.

DAY 02: MUMBAI /BANGALORE
Just off Mumbai Harbor lies Elephant Island with its 7th century temples cut into rock. Visit the island by motor launch, which departs from the Gateway of India. The gateway now one of Mumbai’s best-known landmarks, was built to commemorate the visit of King George V. Return in time for Lunch. Afternoon at leisure. This evening fly to Bangalore.

DAY 03: BANGALORE
Popularly known as the Garden City. It is well known for its botanical garden and colorful markets. Besides visit the Tipu Sultan Fort and Bull Temple.

DAY 04: BANGALOR / HASSAN
Early departure to visit the hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid. Also visit en-route Sravanabelgola, with its huge status of Gomateshwara carved out of a single piece of rock.

DAY 05: HASSAN /MYSORE
Morning leave for Mysore, a princely state with many palaces. Afternoon visit the Brindavan Gardens with their intricate network of fountains beautifully illuminated at night.

DAY 06: MYSORE / CHENNAI
An afternoon flight takes you to Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal. Chennai a gateway to Southern India traces its origin to 1639 AD. When the British East India Company built an outpost. Fort Street George, near the tiny fishing village of Madras Putnam.

DAY 07: CHENNAI
EXCURSION TRIP TO MAHABALIPURAM: Today’s drive is along the tropical coast road to Mahabalipuram “City of the seven pagodas” a 7th century seaside town noted for its monolithic on moments and marvelous stone sculptures. The “penance of Bhaghirata” reputedly the world’s largest bas-reliefs and the fall, lovely Shore Temple are haunting treasures of the Pallava Empire.

DAY08: CHENNAI
A tour of Chennai includes Fort St. George, the church of St. Mary, consecrated in 1680, is the oldest Anglican Church in India, and the Museum. The 16 century Portuguese Colony of San Thomas and its fine old cathedral are closely associated with the legend of St. Thomas, one of the a post is of Lord Christ.

DAY 09: CHENNAI /MADURAI
Take a short flight to the pilgrim center of Madurai where the gigantic Meenakshi Temple hums with the prince of thousands of pilgrim who thronged there every day.

DAY 10: MADURAI
Today you’ll explore the intricacies of the Meenakshi Temple, which is actually a complex pf several temple, each with its own charm and character, yet blending beautifully with the other. The dancing, singing and countless religious procession which wend there way through the streets of Madera are a feature that dates back to time immemorial.

DAY 11: MADURAI / CHENNAI / COCHIN
Fly via Chennai across the Southern India peninsula to the port city of Cochin, a city of waterways and bridges. You stay on Wilmington Island at the Malabar Hotel. Visit the Portuguese Church built by St. Francis in 1562. The Jewish Synagogue of 1567 and the famed Mattancherry palace.

DAY 12: COCHIN
Cochin is linked with the rest as the state through the “Backwaters” a series of canals and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages and overhung with a profusion of tropical vegetation. Explore these waterways by boat cruise. Stopping from time to seethe life on the shore.

DAY 13: COCHIN / GAO
GAO-the former Portuguese colony offers some of the best-unspoiled and secluded beaches in South Asia. You’ll fly there and stay at Fort Iguana Beach Resort.

DAY14: GAO
A tour of old GAO takes you to the Patriarch’s Palace: Dona Paula Beach, to view the India’s largest natural harbor and the old town to see the Basilica of Born Jesus where the body of St. Francis Savior is enshrined. The missionary work of St. Francis is Roman Catholic.

DAY15: GAO / MUMBAI
This morning you will visit the temples of Ponda. These Hindu Temples were set back in the hilly, wooded areas to escape the wrath of the Portuguese.
In the afternoon board flight toMumbai. Today evening our Tour manager will host a fare well dinner.

DAY 16: DEPARTURE MUMBAI
Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you board your flight back home, taking with your memories that will last a lifetime.

****Tour Ends***

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