South India Holidays

Day 1 Arrive Chennai
Arrive in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a sightseeing of Chennai city in the afternoon.

Day 2 Chennai
In the morning enjoy an excursion to Mahabalipuram, noted for its rock carvings and the shore temple. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 3 Chennai - Bangalore - Hassan
Transfer to Chennai Central Station for a train ride to Bangalore. Drive through the city for an orientation tour before proceeding to Hassan. Arrive and check in at the Hoysala Village resort.

Day 4 Hassan
A morning visit is arranged to the imposing statue of Gomateshvara at Sravanabelagola. In the afternoon we visit the intricately carved Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid.

Day 5 Hassan - Mysore
Drive to Mysore in the morning and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon visit the Mysore Palace and enjoy a drive up Chamundi Hill to see the temple and the statue of Nandi Bull. Later visit the colorful Devaraja fruit and vegetable market.

Day 6 Mysore
This morning visit Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace at Srirangapattanam and the Ranganathittoo Bird Sanctuary. In the afternoon we drive to Somnathpur to see the beautifully carved Hoysala temple.

Day 7 Mysore - Coorg
Drive to Coorg today visiting the Tibetan settlement at Bylguppe en-route. On arrival we check into the delightful Orange County Resort, in the midst of a coffee plantation, for 2 nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 8 Coorg
A walk through the plantations is arranged for today with a picnic lunch beside the Cauvery River. There is the option for a spot of angling.

Day 9 Coorg - Calicut
An interesting drive across the Western Ghats brings us to Calicut where you stay the night at Kadavu, a traditional resort on the banks of Feroke River. On the way we visit Beypore where sea-faring vessels called "Uru" or "dhows" are hand-made.

Day 10 Calicut - Cochin
Today drive to the port city of Cochin visiting the elephant stables at Guruvayoor en route. Arrive and check in to your hotel. In the evening we enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the backwaters to see Chinese fishing nets.

Day 11 Cochin
The morning sightseeing tour includes the Dutch Palace, a walk through the spice trading centers at Mattancherry to visit the Jewish Synagogue, and St Francis' Church. In the evening we witness Kathakali, the ancient dance-drama of Kerala.

Day 12 Cochin - Alleppey
Take a short drive to Alleppey to board a rice boat for the night. The afternoon is spent cruising along the backwaters, observing village life along the banks. The accommodation is simple but comfortable, with modern en suite facilities.

Day 13 Alleppey - Kumarakom
Disembark at Kumarakom after breakfast and check in at the Resort, overlooking the backwaters. The day is free to relax by the pool, take an Ayurveda massage or explore the nearby bird sanctuary.

Day 14 Kumarakom - Cochin - Onward Flight
Drive back to Cochin in time to connect your onward flight.