South India Tour
Duration : 15 Nights / 16 Days
Places Covered : Chennai - Bangalore - Puttaparthi - Bangalore - Coimbatore
- Palani - Coimbatore - Trichy - Tanjore - Trichy - Thiruparakundrum - Madurai
- Kanya Kumari - Trivandrum - Kollam - Karunagapalli - Alamkadavu - Disembark
- Alleppey - Mararikulam - Cochin - Chennai
Day 1 : Arrive Chennai
Arrive Chennai by an International flight in the night.
Meeting, assistance and welcome with fresh garlands on arrival at Chennai
International airport, and transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check in to
the hotel (Room being held from 1200 hrs Noon).
Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu.
Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350 year-old city is the gateway
to the South, providing many fascinating vignettes of the Southern heritage.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Chennai.
Day 2 : Chennai
Breakfast at the hotel.
After the breakfast, proceed on a full day excursion to Kanchipuram (75 kms)
and Mahabalipuram (70 kms).
Kanchipuram, literally meaning the `City of Gold' or the ` Golden City' is
one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus in India. There
now remain about 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in its outskirts. It
lies 71 kms from Chennai. An erstwhile capital of the Pallavas and Cholas,
Kanchipuram is dotted with the soaring spires of a thousand temples. It has
been a seat of learning and a centre of culture since early times.
While at Kanchipuram you will visit the Kailasanthar temple built in the 8th
century AD by the Pallavas. This is an excellent example of early Dravidian
architecture. Built of honey coloured sandstone, the temple has 54 small shrines
around it. The Ekambareswarar temple is the most impressive with its 57m high
gopuram. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of "Prithvi" (earth).
The temple is famed for its thousand- pillar hall and an ancient mango tree
that is supposed to be 2500 years old. Another beautiful temple, the Vaikuntaperumal
temple is dedicated to Vishnu. Elegant pillars carved with lions, edge the temple
courtyard. Carved in relief around the temple are battle scenes depicting the
wars fought by the Pallavas.
Continue drive to Mahabalipuram and proceed for lunch to a nice restaurant.
Afternoon proceed on a tour of Mabalipuram (20 kms), visiting the glorious
Shore Temple, one of the oldest in South India, stands on the sea shore with
its paved forecourts. It represents the final phase of Pallava art built in
the late 7th century. The weathered perimeter walls support long lines of
bulls and the entrances are guarded by mythical deities.
See the great Bas-relief of Arjuna's penance. This panel (27m x 9m) depicts
the mythical story of the River Ganges issuing from its source high in the
Himalayas and also shows animals, deities and other semi-divine creatures,
fables from the Panchatantra and Arjuna doing a penance to obtain a boon from
Shiva. The five Rathas, are full-sized models of different kinds of temples
and are named after the heroes of the Mahabharata epic. The Mahishasura Mardhini,
Krishna and the Varaha Mandapas are shallow rock-cut halls. They are mainly
of interest for their internal figure sculptures. There is also a School of
Sculpture which merits a visit.
Return to Chennai in the evening (66 kms). Dinner and overnight in Chennai.
Day
3 : Chennai - Bangalore - Puttaparthi
Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning transfer to the Railway station to board
the train for Bangalore.
Leave Chennai for Bangalore by Vrindavan Express (0715/ 1320 hrs).
Bangalore, also known as the Garden City and Silicon Valley of India, is the
capital of the modern state of Karnataka. The city was founded by Kempa Gauda,
a local chieftain, in the 16th century. It became an important fortress city
two centuries later, under the rulers of Karnataka - Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Bangalore Railway station and drive for
Puttaparthi (4 hrs).
On arrival, check into the hotel near Sai Baba's Ashram.
{Important : Sometimes Baba is at Whitefield, very close to Bangalore. This
will not change the program in any way as we would then visit Baba there.
But he is usually at Puttaparthi when he is in India; and we shall plan in
this manner. Audience with the Baba is subject to his being available at the
Ashram).
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Puttaparthi.
Day 4 : Puttaparthi
Breakfast,
lunch and Dinner at the hotel.
Full day at the Ashram of Sri Satya Sai Baba, participating in the prayers and
the discourses and seeking his personal blessings.
Overnight at Puttaparthi.
Day 5 : Puttaparthi - Bangalore - Coimbatore
Breakfast and lunch at the hotel.
Morning visit the Ashram for a final `Darshan' (meeting) with the Baba.
Later drive to Bangalore in time to connect the train for Coimbatore. Dinner
will be provided at a nice restaurant in Bangalore.
Leave Bangalore for Coimbatore by Bangalore-Coimbatore Express leaving Bangalore
at 2215 hrs . Overnight enroute.
Day 6 : Arrive Coimbatore - Palani - Coimbatore
Arrive Coimbatore at 0710 hrs.
Assistance on arrival at Coimbatore railway station and transfer to the hotel.
On arrival, check in to the hotel (Check in time 1200 Noon)
Coimbatore - is the third largest city of the state and also one of the most
industrialized cities in Tamil Nadu. Known as the textile capital of South
India or the Manchester of the South, the city is situated on the banks of
the river Noyyal. Coimbatore existed even prior to the 2nd century AD as a
small tribal village capital called Kongunad until it was brought under Chola
control in the 2nd or 3rd century AD by Karikalan, the first of the early
Cholas. Among its other great rulers were the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas,
Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara kings. When Kongunad fell to the British along
with the rest of the state, its name was changed to Coimbatore and it is by
this name that it is known today, except in Tamil, in which it is called `Kovai'.
Breakfast at the hotel. Late Morning proceed on an excursion to Palani (105
kms).
Palani - is the 1st and probably the best of the Abodes of Murugan. The presiding
deity in the temple is Dandayuthapani and the idol is made of medicinal herbs.
It is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and one of the major Pilgrim centres
in South India, next only to Thirupathi. The visit to the Malikovil, dedicated
to Lord Murugan, would take up the whole day. Climbing up the 650 steps would
be particularly auspicious, as this is the 1st and the most important of the
Murugan Abodes that we would be visiting.
Lunch will be provided at a suitable restaurant in the town (or a picnic lunch
will be provided).
Return to the Coimbatore in the early evening for an early Dinner. Overnight
in Coimbatore.
Day 7 : Coimbatore - Trichy
Breakfast and lunch at the hotel.
Morning at leisure for independent activities. Late morning drive to Trichy.
(210 kms / 05 hrs).
Trichy (Thiruchirapalli), an ancient town in the Cauvery delta, was a Chola
citadel in the 2nd Century BC. The present town and the fort were built in
by the Nayak kings of Madurai.
On arrival, check in to the hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Trichy.
Day
8 : Trichy - Tanjore - Trichy
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning visit the fascinating temple town of Srirangam is on island in the
Cauvery. Seven concentric courtyards encircle the temple and town. Dedicated
to the Lord Ranganathaswamy, the temple has 21 magnificent gopurams and is
adorned with exquisite sculpture.
Time permitting visit to the magnificent Rock Fort, built on an immense rock
formation over 84m high. 437 steps cut into the rock lead up to the Vinayaka
temple built at its highest points. The view from the temple is superb. At
a lower level along the rock is the Tayumalaiswamy temple dedicated to Shiva.
Later, proceed on an excursion to Tanjore (54 kms).
Thanjavur was the capital of he powerful Chola dynasty. Today, it is a little
town set amidst the lush rice fields of the Cauvery delta.
Arrive Tanjore and proceed for lunch at a nice restaurant in the town.
After lunch, visit the magnificent temple of Brihadeeshwara built about 1000
years ago by Raja Raja Chola. This temple is a living testimony to the sculptural
and architectural excellence of the Cholas. Also visit the Thanjavur Palace
partly built by the Nayaks in 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas. Visit the
Saraswathi Mahal Library which has an extensive collection of over 30,000
manuscripts, palm leaf inscriptions and books.
Return to Trichy in the evening. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Trichy.
Day 9 : Trichy - Thiruparakundrum - Madurai
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning drive for Madurai (128 kms) enroute visiting the temple at Thiruparakundrum..
Here you will see the 4th and 5th Abodes of Murgan. Incidentally, these are
the 2nd and 3rd most beautiful in relation to Tirichchendur.
Continue drive to Madurai. Assistance on arrival and check in to the hotel.
Situated on the banks of the Vaigai river Madurai, the ancient capital of
the Pandyan Kings, is a sacred place. Legend has it, that the divine nectar
falling from the Lord Shiva's locks gave the town its name. It has been a
centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. The city resembles a huge
continuous bazaar crammed with shops, street markets, temples, hotels, restaurants
and small industries. Although one of the liveliest cities in the south, it's
small enough not to be overwhelming and is very popular with travellers.
Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon proceed on a city tour visiting the Tirumal Nayak Palace constructed
in the Indo?Saracenic style in 1639 AD. The curved dome, standing without
the support of a girder or rafter, is an architectural feat Pass by the Mariamman
Teppakulam - the tank with a mandapam in the center. Visit Tirumangalam, 19
kms from Madurai.
Also visit the Meenakshi temple - a superb example of Dravidian architecture
and sculpture, the focal point around which the city has developed. The temple
has two sanctora, one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Meenakshi. The splendidly
carved temple complex, with its immense gopurams towering over the city has
colourful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals and tales from Hindu
mythology. See the beautifully carved "Hall of thousand Pillars"
which houses the Madurai museum.
Return to the hotel in the evening for an early Dinner.
Late Evening : Return to the Shree Meenakshi Temple to attend the very special
"night ceremony". The ceremony takes place every evening at 9 PM,
when the temple bronze of Lord Shiva is carried to the bedchamber of Parvati.
The procession is accompanied by religious prayer and enchanting temple music.
Overnight in Madurai.
Day 10 : Madurai - Kanya Kumari
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning drive for Kanya Kumari ( Cape Comorin - 235 kms).
{This is a straight run on the National Highway and as the road is good, we
would be able to cover this distance in 6 hours. Enroute, with a diversion
of about 100 kms round-trip, on the sea coast, visit one of the finest Temples
dedicated to Murugan - his 2nd Abode at the sacred temple town of Thiruchendur.
}
Carry packed lunch from the hotel.
Kanyakumari - the "land's end" of India, is also known as Cape Comorin.
It is the Southern most tip of the sub-continent, where the waters of the
Bay of Bengal, the Arabian sea and the Indian Ocean meet.
It is famous for its fabulous sunrises and sunsets and marvellous beaches.
Pilgrims come from all over India to bathe in the sacred waters and worship
at the temple dedicated to the Virgin Goddess.
Arrive Kanya Kumari by evening. On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Evening, witness the Sunset at the confluence of the three Oceans.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Kanyakumari.
Day 11 : Kanya Kumari - Trivandrum - Kollam
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning proceed on a visit to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. It was here,
that the great Indian Philosopher Swami Vivekananda sat in meditation in 1892.
The elegant `mandapa' has features of all the Indian architectural styles
and the meditation room is a very special place where one can sit in tranquil
harmony with oneself.
Also visit the Kumariamman Temple and the Gandhi Memmorial.
Kumariamman Temple - The legend of this temple is as romantic as the place
itself. Dedicated to the Virgin Goddess Kanniyakumari (Parvati) who stands
guard over the country, the temple is built at the spot where the Goddess
is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Siva to come and claim her
hand in marriage. At one time the shifting sands at the shores of Kanniyakumari
were believed to be multi-hued as a result of the coloured rice that was sprinkled
by approving Gods over the couple at their wedding. Equally fascinating is
the story about the diamond nose stud worn by the Goddess believed to have
(mis) guided many a ship to a sorry end at the treacherous rocks near the
shore. So great was the threat of the reflected light from the nose-stud to
the unsuspecting ships that the door on the side facing the sea had to be
closed for ensuring the safety of the ships.
Afternoon, after lunch, drive to Kollam (165 kms), enroute visiting the Temple
of Suchindram and the Palace of Padmanabhapuram.
Suchindram - situated on the way to Trivandrum , is the great Temple dedicated
to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu
and Brahma. This was where Indira performed penance and was cleansed. The temple
has a beautiful `gopuram' (pinnacle), musical pillars and an excellent statue
of Hanuman, apart from a valuable collection of art from different periods.
Padmanabhapuram was the capital of the Maharajas of Travancore until 1333.
Their erstwhile palace known as the Padmanabapuram Palace is a splendid example
of traditional Kerala architecture. It has beautiful mural paintings and elaborate
woodwork. Padmanabhapuram is known for its fort which encloses, among other
buildings, a Palace and a Temple. The Palace has some important art relics
while the Ramaswamy temple has exquisitely carved panels depicting scenes
from the Ramayana.
Continue the drive for Kollam, where we arrive by evening. On arrival, check
into the Resort.
Dinner at the Resort. Overnight in Quilon.
Day 12 : Kollam - Karunagapalli - Alamkadavu
Breakfast at the Resort.
Morning drive to Karunagapalli (36 kms) to visit the Mata Amrithanandamayi
Ashram. The residence and headquaters of Mata Amrithaanandamayi Devi, is situated
at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. Participate in the discourse at the Ashram,
meditate and have an audience with `Amma' ( Audience with Amma is subject
to her being available at the Ashram).
Lunch will be provided at the Ashram. After lunch at the Ashram, drive to
Alamkadavu (135 kms/ 2 ½ hrs) and board a traditional deluxe House
Boat and begin cruise on the backwaters.. This is a truly interesting experience
as you sail along the tranquil waterways and see the way of life of the local
people who live by the banks of the backwaters. The boat has on board an attendant
and a cook and your every requirement will be attended to. There will be a
little sitting area and private bedrooms with all facilities. Cooking will
be on- board, made from freshly bought produce from the local markets and
the fish freshly caught!
Dock by 1730 hrs for the night at Kayamkulam Lake to witness the beautiful
scene of fish being caught with Chinese fishing nets (it is required to dock
every evening by this time as the fishing community spread their nets in the
evenings).
Dinner will be served on board the Houseboat. Overnight on board.
Day 13 : Disembark - Alleppey - Mararikulam
Breakfast on board the Houseboat.
Cruise through the backwaters in the morning to Alleppey.
Lunch on board the houseboat. Disembark house boat after lunch and drive to
Mararikulam (15 kms).
Arrive Mararikulam and check in to the beach resort.
Mararikulam is a typical village where you can see the rural and scenic beauty
of Kerala. The countryside is dotted with swaying coconut palms and lush paddy
fields. Most of the houses here conform to a traditional style of architecture.
Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Mararikulam.
Day 14 : Mararikulam
Breakfast at the Resort. Day at leisure for independent activities.
The day can be spent relaxing at the beach or enjoying the "Ayurvedic
Massage" for which Kerala is famous. This is a very special 5000 years
old traditional massage using herbal oils and a time-immemorial technique,
guaranteed to rejuvenate and give you a sense of well-being.
If you wish, you can also visit the ancient active temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva, and the local village, including an old "Tarawad" (a traditional
home).
Overnight in Mararikulam.
Day 15 : Mararikulam - Cochin - Chennai
Breakfast at the Resort. Morning at leisure for independent activities.
Afternoon drive to Cochin (45 kms) in time to board the flight for Chennai.
Leave Cochin for Chennai.
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Chennai airport and transfer to hotel,
where a room will be provided for wash and change.
Evening as this is your last day in our India, we shall organize Farewell
Dinner for you at a nice restaurant in the town.
Later, transfer to the International terminal.
Day 16 : Depart Chennai
Leave Chennai by an International flight.
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