LUXURY TOURS IN INDIA

South India Houseboat Tour

Duration : 16 Nights / 17 Days
Destinations : Madras - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Madras - Madurai - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin - Ooty - Mysore - Hassan - Bangalore - Mumbai

This tour is built around south India where we start from madras ( chennai ) the gateway to the south and the capital of Tamil Nadu. After visiting the city we go from here to the beach at mahabalipuram - the city of seven pagodas and kanchipuram - a city of thousand temples and an important centre of silk weaving. A flight from here takes us to Madurai - whose history goes back to sixth century before Christ. Madurai is famous for its Meenakshi Temple. From here we go to Periyar national park where we view the wildlife on the boat and travelling along the backwaters for which Kerala is famous onward to Kumarakom. After relaxing at the lagoon we start our 2 nights / 3 days trip on the backwaters staying in the houseboat. The journey passes through Chambakulum, Ambalapuzha, Karumadi, Kayakulum and Alumkadavu. After enjoying this we are transferred to Cochin - the capital of Kerala offen referred to as gods own country. Here one can have a boat ride or visit the old Jewish community dated back to 52 ad . The drive further takes us to the queens of the southern hill stations - Ootacamund ( Ooty ) - a name drived from the nilgiri or blue mountains. Our next stop is Mysore - a city of 17 palaces. From here we drive to Hassan - famous for the 12 century temples of Belur and Halebid and onward to the garden city of India - bangalore also now referred as the silicon city. A flight from here takes us to Mumbai ( Bombay ) where we take a city tour and depart next day.


Day 01 : Arrive Madras
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. This morning we set out to explore the city of madras. Visit the National Art Gallery Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church and the St. Thomas Cathedral and drive along the marina. Walk with our guide though some colourful market areas.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 : Madras - Mahabalipuram
After breakfast we drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival in Mahabalipuram we check into our pre booked Hotel. Afternoon city tour of Mahabalipuram, once the principal port of the Pallavas who ruled between the 06th and 09th Centuries AD. "The City of Seven pagodas". Is nothing less than a breathtaking display masterful sculpture carved out of solid rocks of granite, the Shore Temple - a splendid example of early temple construction in the south. Penance of Bhagirata the worlds largest bas - relief also known as "Argon's Penance'.


Day 03 : Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram
Depart for a tour of Kanchipuram, city of a thousand temples, Once the capital of Pallava, Kanchipuram still contains no less than 124 shrines. The temples were built mainly by two rulers, Mahendray and Mamalla Narashimha Parman. Typical of their architecture is the Kailasnatha Temple dedicated to Shiva, believed to be 1200 years Old . Other important ones include the 16th Century Ekambasreshwar Temple, Kamakshi Temple, and Vaikunta Perumal. Kanchipuram is the centre of Silk weaving and is famous for its saris and materials. Return to the Hotel, rest of the day is free.

Day 04 : Madras - Madurai (by flight)
Today we are transferred to the airport to board our flight for Madurai.upon arrival we are met and transferred to our pre booked hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05 : Madurai
Madurai's history goes back to six centuries before Christ. The Pandyan rulers made this their capital until the 14th Century and the city flowered with the genius of its writers, builders, poets and academics. Then the Nayaks ruled Madurai from the middle of the 16th Century to 1743. The ten tall Gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple were raised during their dynasty. This is a huge complex of Temples. A thousand - pillored hall and a tank. A full day tour visiting the Meenakashi Temple, Palace of King Triumalay, the great tank, Gandhi Museum and Temple at Alaghat Koli enroute visiting Elephant Rock.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 06 : Madurai - Periyar (by surface)
After early morning breakfast we drive to Periyar ( Thekkady). The drive up to this hilltop wildlife sanctuary is one of the most beautiful . Starting with coconut groves at the lower lever you then see rubber, tea and the spice plantation as you gain height. Upon arrival check into your prebooked hotel.
In the afternoon take a jeep ride to a nearby spice plantation. Late afternoon take a boat ride on Lake Periyar to look for wild animals drinking or taking a dip in this lake.

Day 07 : Periyar - Kumarakom (by surface)
Today we start our drive for Kumarakom. The drive is a beautiful experience passing through the backwaters and plantations. Upon arrival at Kumarkom checkinto hotel.. The rest of the day relaxing by the pool or taking a sunset cruise on a man - powered nice-boat. You may wish to visit the Ayurvedic centre for a herbal massage. In the Evening attend a demonstration of Kerala cuisine cooking.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Transfer to Kumarakom Jetty to start the Houseboat Programme
Today morning we are transferred to the embarkment point for the Houseboat. It is once a life time experience to have such a romantic and beautiful experience. For the next Two nights we spent on the House Boat passing through the Backwaters of Kerala. The journey will pass through the following areas Kumarakom, Vattakkayal, Chambakulum, Ambalapuzha, Karumadi, Kayakulum, Alumkadavu.
Overnight on the House Boat.

Day 09 : On board the House Boat
Overnight on the House boat.

Day 10 : Houseboat Dismbark at Alumkadvu and drive to Alleppey - Cochin
Today morning it is now time for us to Disembark the Houseboat and we are transferred to Cochin via Alleppey.
Upon arrival in Cochin we checkinto our pre booked hotel for an Overnight.

Day 11 : Cochin
Early morning rise and transfer to the backwaters of Cochin, which run from the sea inland through lush tropical countryside. It could be compared to a cruise down the amazon with jungle foliage hanging from the banks. This relaxing boat trip is fascinating, as our guide discussed the history of the early explorers and traders who used this as a main artery to the sea. Even the locals board and disembark, coming and going from village. Return to Cochin and afternoon spent exploring the unexpected and isolated Jewish community. It was a main area for spice trading. Scores of small companies huddle together in old buildings, with the air filled of ginger, cardamom, cumin and clove scent. Local potters load carts of spices running up and down narrow lanes for transport. One street - long area is the Mattacncherry section, used to occupy virtually all Jewish homes, the oldest synagogue in the former British Empire. Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities of coastal south India. It is a city with indelible marks of Christian, Islamic, Hindu and Jewish traditions. The true character of the city us to be found in the older part of the Fort Cochin area which remains as it used to be a 1000 years ago. This part of the City reflects an unusual bled of medieval Portuguese, Dutch and English life grafted on to the tropical Malabar coast. A unique feature here is isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52.
Evening we go to watch the famous Kathakali Dance Performance.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 12 : Cochin - Ooty
Morning after breakfast we start our drive towards Ootacamund most popularly known as Ooty. It is mostly referred to as the Queen of the Southern Hills stations.It drives its name from the Niligiri or the Blue Mountains - the name to the Hills by the inhabitants for more than 850 years because of the blue haze of clouds which envelope the hill slopes.Upon arrival we check into our prebooked Hotel.
Afternoon we drive around Ooty to visit the Botanical Gardens , Lake Doddabetta , Mukurti Peak , the Pykara Dam and the sprawling Tea Plantation.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 13 : Ooty - Mysore
After a relaxed morning we start our drive towards Mysore , wending along through verdant and hilly countryside, where the legendary warrior Tipu Sultan built the island fortress and Summer Palace entirely of wood, with exquisitely painted walls. Upon arrival in Mysore checkinto your prebooked Hotel.
Evening relaxing or visiting the local bazaar.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 14 : Mysore
After a relaxed breakfast we drive for a morning sight-seeing of the city of Mysore. Mysore a city of 17 Palaces - the Maharaja's City Palace being one of the largest in the country. Today's city tour include the zoological gardens, the Chamundi Temple, handicraft Centre and 22 kms away - the Brindavan Gardens, which are a sight by day and night. Evening visit to the gardens where there are many illuminated fountains.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 15 : Mysore- Hassan
Today after an early breakfast we start our Journey for Bangalore Enroute Hassan. Hassan is famous for its temples of Belur and Halebid. Belur, on the banks of river yagachi, was capital of the Hoysala Empire over 800 years ago.
Today it basks in the glory of one of the greatest monuments of medieval art in India. - Chennakasava Temple. Its fantastic paintings and sculptures commemorate the ancient civilization of the South. An outstanding example of Indian temple architecture is found in Halebid, meaning Old Capital. Hoysaleshwara Temple's entire surface is covered with a succession of eleven friezes running its entire length, featuring elephants, lions, horsemen, and an incredible display of celestial beasts and birds. Later continue our drive to Bangalore.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 : Bangalore - Mumbai
Today we are transferred to the airport to board our flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai ( Bombay ) you are met and transferred to your prebooked Hotel. This afternoon proceed on a guided tour of the city, which is distinctly tropical. Its weathered Victorian mansions, some still privately owned, and grand public buildings, many beautifully lit at night, stand as lingering reminder of the days of the British Raj, First visit the Gateway of India, hastily created as a symbol of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V of England on their to India in 1911. Next visit the Hanging Gardens, perched at the top of Malabar Hill, which provide lovely views over the Arabian Sea.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 17 : Leave Mumbai
After what will have been a majestic way to see and experience royal India, we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home.


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