15 DAYS Mumbai, Bangalore, Chikmagalur, Belur, Halebid, Mysore, Cochin, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Madurai, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram

 

Day 1 Sun: Depart North America
Depart North America on your exciting journey to experience the Southern delights of India. Day rooms are provided in Singapore at the AMBASSADOR TRANSIT HOTEL. East Coast passengers connect through London.

 

Day 2 Mon: Arrive Mumbai (Bombay)
Arrive tonight in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India’s most cosmopolitan city. You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the famous TAJ MAHAL HOTEL (Superior City View Room).

 

Day 3 Tue: Mumbai Sightseeing
After a leisurely morning, embark on a tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens and Malabar Hills, where Mumbai’s rich and famous live, the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. (BD)

 

Day 4 Wed: Mumbai / Bangalore / Shravanabelagola / Chikmagalur
This morning fly to Bangalore, one of the most beautiful and well-planned cities of India. Upon arrival, enjoy your tour of the “Garden City,” including a visit to Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, the Mysore Arts and Crafts Center, the bull temple and the colorful and bustling markets. After lunch, proceed to Chikmagalur, en route visiting Shravanabelagola. Overnight in Chikmagalur at the TAJ GARDEN RETREAT (Standard Room). (BD)

 

Day 5 Thu: Chikmagalur / Belur / Halebid / Mysore
Drive to Mysore stopping en route to visit Belur & Halebid. Belur is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River and the Chennakesava Temple basks in the glory of one of the greatest monuments of medieval art in India. An outstanding example of Indian temple architecture is found in Halebid. The Hoysaleshwara Temple’s entire surface is covered with a succession of friezes running its entire length, featuring elephants, lions, horsemen, and an incredible display of celestial beasts and birds. Tonight, in Mysore view the illuminated City Palace. Enjoy your stay at the LALITHA MAHAL PALACE HOTEL, built by the Maharajah of Mysore. (BD)

 

Day 6 Fri: Mysore Sightseeing
Your tour of Mysore includes visits to City Palace, Chamundi Hill (where Nandi, a huge monolithic image of Shiva’s Bull, is always garlanded with flowers and held in high esteem by Hindus), and the colorful and aromatic spice markets. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening drive 10 miles from Mysore to enjoy the beautiful and exquisitely illuminated Brindavan Gardens, sprawling amid gorgeous cascading fountains. (BD)

 

Day 7 Sat: Mysore/ Bangalore/ Cochin
Drive to Bangalore, en route stopping at Srirangapatnam where the legendary warrior Tipu Sultan built his island fortress and Summer Palace. Upon arrival in Bangalore, connect with your flight to Cochin in the state of Kerala, known for its well-balanced ecosystem. Tonight enjoy a presentation of the colorful costumed Kathakali dance drama. TAJ MALABAR HOTEL. (BD)

 

Day 8 Sun: Cochin Sightseeing / Kumarakom
This morning visit the Portuguese Church built by St. Francis in 1562, the Jewish Synagogue, the famed Mattancherry Palace, and the Chinese fishing nets—ingenious devices requiring little human attention. Depart this afternoon for 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. TAJ GARDEN RETREAT. (BD)

 

Day 9 Mon: Backwaters Cruise
This morning enjoy a boat ride through the series of canals and lagoons snaking their way through several tiny villages and tropical vegetation. Not only do the backwaters of Kerala link the state together, they are an integral element in maintaining ecological balance and creating harmony with nature. Your afternoon is at leisure. You may want to experience an Ayurvedic therapeutic massage, indigenous to this region, which is both relaxing and healing, or perhaps take advantage of the rich waters with a bit of fishing. (BD).

 

Day 10 Tue: Kumarkom/Thekkady
Your exploration of South India continues as you travel to Thekkady, located on the Tamil Nadu / Kerala border. This unique wildlife sanctuary is about 300 square miles and centered on an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. Afternoon is at leisure. TAJ GARDEN RETREAT (BD)

 

Day 11 Wed: Thekkady / Madurai
This morning game viewing is on board boats, which carry you along convoluted waterways and afford sightings of elephant, bison, deer and occasionally tiger. This tropical habitat makes it one of the premiere reserves of southern India with all manner of flora and fauna in abundance. Afternoon drive to Madurai, a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi temple to witness the evening Puja ceremony. TAJ GARDEN RETREAT (BD)

 

Day 12 Thu: Madurai Sightseeing / Chennai (Madras)
This morning visit Shree Meenakshi Temple, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Museum. Continue to Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank, site of the Teppam or Float festival in January each year. Fly to Chennai (formerly known as Madras), the fourth largest city in India. TAJ COROMANDEL HOTEL. (BD)

 

Day 13 Fri: Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram Excursion
Today enjoy an excursion to Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India and is also known for having served as a capital for several dynasties. Visit three of the best temples—Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Vaikuntaperumal (dedicated to Lord Vishnu). Continue your excursion to the ancient Pallavan port of Mamallapuram, en route stop for lunch at a seaside resort. Later visit the 7th century rock hewn monuments. The shore temple, the only surviving one of seven, is a unique example of a temple built of rock quarried elsewhere and carried to shore. (BD)

 

Day 14 Sat: Chennai (Madras) Sightseeing/ Depart Chennai
Your tour of Chennai takes you to Victoria Art Gallery, the Bronze Gallery and Chennai Museum. Fort St. George, San Thome Cathedral and Kapaleeswarar Temple complete your tour of Chennai. Afternoon is at leisure. Tonight say farewell to unforgettable India; and board your international flight home. TAJ COROMANDEL HOTEL. (BD)

 

Day 15: Sun: Arrive North America
Arrive home filled with colorful memories of your sojourn through Southern India.