Holy India Travels

Places to Visit  :  Cochin – Alleppey - Munnar – Thekkady – Madurai – Trichy – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Chennai –Bangalore – Mumbai

Duration of Tour Package  : 17 Nights | 18 Days

Day 01| Arrival at Cochin |

Afternoon/evening arrive at Cochin International airport. Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.

Day 02| Cochin |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Cochin city.  

Cochin– Cochin is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala.

Visit Jewish Synagogue– Cochin is the oldest existing synagogue. The prosperous Jewish trading community built it in 1568 AD. It was partially destroyed in the 1962 war. Later it was rebuilt by the Dutch.

Dutch Palace– The Palace is located at Mattancherry and incorporates fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Santa Cruz Basilica–St.Francis Church, Kochi In 1503, the then Rajah of Kochi permitted Alphonso Alburquerque to build this fort. Within this fort, Alburquerque erected a wooden church and dedicated it to St. Bartholomew.

Fort Kochi Beach– The beach is a wonderful experience during sunsets with the silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets and ships forming its background which makes the experience a memorable one. Mouth watering fresh seafood is available at the stalls near the beach.

Chinese Fishing Nets– Chinese fishing Nets one of the most popular tourist spots in Cochin is the Chinese Fishing nets at Fort Kochi. Set up on bamboo and teak poles, these fishing nets which are of 10 meters in height and spread over 20 meters over the water body is a very unique way of fishing.

Marine Drive– This is a picturesque promenade in Kochi. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. It is also an economically thriving part of the city of Kochi with several shopping malls it is as an important centre of shopping activity in Kochi. The view of the setting and rising sun over the sea mouth. Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.

Day 03| Cochin -  Alleppey ( 55 Kms/ 1.5 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Alleppey.  On arrival embark on deluxe Houseboat local people called Kettuvallam.

A house boat is around 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet.  The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. The house boats have fully furnished single, double rooms with sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs, kitchen and western toilet with WC. In addition there is also separate rest room for the crew. The cuisine is traditional Kerala flavour with the local specialities, delicious fish and prawns.

Houseboat Sail along the winding network of Kerala backwaters, see the unique water world and experience its myriad charms. Spot colorful insects and butterflies flitting over flower bunch that adorn the lush green vegetation on the banks of the Kerala backwaters. Cruise through the unique web of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers.

You will enjoy an overnight leisure stay in a houseboat also enjoy lavish Lunch & Dinner at houseboat. Overnight stay at houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 04 | Alleppey - Munnar (170 Kms/ 3-4 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Munnar. On the way you will visit Tea Plantations - The lush greenery and the soothing cold wind with a mild aroma of tea leaves totally rejuvenates you

Munnar– Breathtakingly beautiful a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days.

On arrival check-in at hotel. After wash & change at hotel start sightseeing tour of Munnar city.

Visit Mattupetty dam– Mattupetty dam and its reservoir  is  located 13 km away from Munnar.  This concrete gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it is used mainly for water storage for hydroelectric projects. Its reservoir is an idyllic place to enjoy the serene nature.

Echo Point - Go there and scream as loud as you can and wait for a minute. You can hear your echo back! Its quite interesting. If you have kids with you they will love it. They can experience this natural phenomenon firsthand.

Tea Museum– This tea museum is first of its kind in India. It is located at KDHP’s Nullatanni estate in Munnar. The aim of this museum according to its founders is to showcase the growth of more-than-a-century-old tea plantations in this region. Anyone visiting this museum will get a clear  picture of how laborious this tea processing really is. Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar.

Day 05| Munnar |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit Lakkam Waterfalls– The waterfall is surrounded by ‘Vaga trees’. The waterfall

originates from the Eravikulam Plateau. Though the stream creates lots of cascades, most of them are inaccessible. But, due to its visual treat, this destination is one of the most preferable destinations for the tourists. Near the hill  station of Munnar is located at a distance of 9 kms from the town. It is an idyllic picnic spot surrounded by verdant rolling hills. A favorite location for trekkers. It is one of the most attractive scenes that you can look at during your

stay at Munnar.

Eravikulam Park– It is an ideal place for seeing the biodiversity of high elevation shola-grassland ecosystem. A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Thar (Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan devan hills.

Evening visit at studio to watch Kerala’s famous traditional Kathakali Dances show. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world.  The Kathakali dance is presented in a group, the themes of which are based on Hindu Mythologies - particularly on epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata. Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar.

Day 06 | Munnar - Thekkady (Periyar National Park) (100 Kms/ 3 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Thekkady.

Thekkady (Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary)– Periyar, spread over an area of 777 sq km, has about 35 tigers and leopards. The park encompasses a 26 sq km artificial lake and is the home of sambars, wild boars, elephants and antelopes which can be occasionally seen on the banks of the river during a boat cruise.

On arrival check-in at hotel. In the afternoon enjoy Boat safari on Lake Periyar to view wildlife. This is best way to see wild animals in Periyar wild Park.

Later visit the Sprawling Spice Gardens in Periyar amidst the Eucalyptus trees. Spice tour of Periyar is the best way to explore the land known for its different aroma of spices. One can find people letting out all kind of yell just to reciprocate the echo getting reflected from surrounding hills. Overnight stay at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 07 | Thekkady - Madurai (140 Kms/3-4  hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Madurai. “Madurai”– Madurai known as “Athens of the East”.

On arrival check-in at hotel. After wash & change at hotel visit  Meenakshi Temple– The Temple has almost become synonymous with the place. This is Madurai's most famous landmark. This 17th century temple has two sanctum Sanctorums: one dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sundareswar ("Lord of Beauty") and the other to Meenakshi, his wife. Meenakshi holds a parrot and bouquet. Meenakshi in Sanskrit means "one who has eyes like a fish".

Thirumalainayak Palace &  Gandhi Memorial Museum, established in 1959, is a memorial museum for Gandhi located in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India. Known as Gandhi Museum, it is now one of the five Gandhi Sanghralayas in the country.

Also enjoy wedding ceremony at Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.

Day 08 | Madurai -  Trichy (135 Kms/ 3-4 hrs)  |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Trichy. On arrival check in at hotel.

After wash & change at hotel visit Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort– The Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort is a historic fort and temple complex built on an ancient rock. It is constructed on a 273-foot high rock. There are two Hindu temples inside the Rockfort, the Uchchi Pillaiyar Koil and the Siva Temple. Geologically the 83 m high rock may date to over one billion years ago.  Overnight stay at hotel in Trichy.

Day 09 | Trichy - Thanjavur -Pondicherry (200 Kms/ 4-5 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Trichy. On the way visit Thanjavur. 

“Thanjavur”–Thanjavur is an important centre of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the great living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur.

Here you will visit  Brihadeeswarar Temple– The Peruvudaiyar Kovil also known as Periya Kovil, Brihadeeswara Temple, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajeswaram at Thanjavur. The temple constructed more than a thousand years ago by the Chola King Raja Rajan is an architect's marvel. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples".

Thanjavur's royal palace is a mixed bag of ruin and renovation, superb art and random royal paraphernalia.

Further drive to “Pondicherry”– Pondicherry or Puducherry is a city, an urban agglomeration and a municipality in Pondicherry district in the Indian union territory of Puducherry. The city of Pondicherry have recorded history after the advent of the Colonial Powers like the Dutch, Portuguese, English and the French.

On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 10| Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram (100 Kms/ 2-3 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning Pondicherry city tour.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram– The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community (ashram) established at Pondicherry by Sri Aurobindo on 24 November 1926 (Siddhi Day). At the time there were few disciples staying with Sri Aurobindo.

Matri Mandir– The Matri mandir (Sanskrit for Temple of The Mother) is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of Integral yoga, situated at the centre of Auroville initiated by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It is called soul of the city and is situated in a large open space called Peace. Matrimandir does not belong to any particular religion or sect.

Promenade Beach– Promenade Beach (or, known as, "Pondicherry Beach") is the popular stretch of beachfront in the city. Along the bay of Bengal. It’s a 1.2-kilometre-long stretch in Pondicherry, starts from War Memorial and end at Dupleix Park on the Goubert Ave.

After sightseeing drive for  . “Mahabalipuram”– It’s also known as Mamallapuram is a town in Kancheepuram district. It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during the time of Periplus (1st century CE) and Ptolemy (140 CE). By the 7th century it was a port city of South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival check-in at hotel.  Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 11 | Mahabalipuram |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram city.

The Shore Temple– The Shore temple (built in 700–728 AD) is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. It was built on a promontory sticking out into the Bay of Bengal at Mahabalipuram. At the time of its creation, the village was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty. As one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples of South India.

The Cave Temples– Cave temples of Mahabalipuram are located on the hillock of Mahabalipuram town. Also called mandapas or rock-cut caves, they are sanctuaries or temples covered with bas-reliefs. The earliest period of use of these caves as sanctuaries is traced to the Buddhist and Jain periods. They were excavated on rock faces which were cut and then carved using chisel and iron mallet.

The Arjuna's penance (descent of the ganges) is one of the most famous stone carvings at Mahabalipuram. It is an enormous relief made on two massive boulders. One of the biggest open-air rock canvases in the world, the Arjuna's penance is 31m long and 9m high.

Pancha pandava rathas: The five Rathas is a set of magnificent monolithic rock temples.. heroes of Mahabharata with their wife Draupadi which is termed as pancha pandava rathas. Also visit Krishna’s Butterball.  Overnight stay at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 12 | Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai (60 Kms/ 1.5 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Chennai. On the way visit to Kanchipuram.

“Kanchipuram”– It is a famous temple city in the Tamil Nadu. It served as the capital city of the Pallava Kingdom. It is also known by its former names Kanchiampathi, Conjeevaram, and the nickname "The City of Thousand Temples".

Visit Ekambaranathar Temple– Ekambareswarar temple is a hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple is the largest temple in the town of Kanchipuram and is located in the northern part of the town. The temple gopuram (gateway tower) is 59m tall, which is one of the tallest gopurams in India.

The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple– This is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram. It is a Hindu temple in the Dravidian architectural style. It is dedicated to the god Shiva, and is known for its historical importance. The temple was built from 685-705AD by a Rajasimha ruler of the Pallava Dynasty.

Further drive for Chennai. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

Day 13| Chennai |

Breakfast at hotel. Today Chennai city tour visit Kalakshetra– A school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing.

Fort St. George– Fort St George is the name of the first English (later British) fortress in India, founded in 1644. The modern city of Chennai. The construction of the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land. Now houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu.

St. Mary's Church– The oldest Anglican Church in India with its premises. Sri Parthasarathy Temple– Built by the Pallavas in the 8th century AD.

Kapaleeswarar Temple– Mylapore also an eighth century Pallava Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. San Thomas Cathedral Basilica rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica.

Evening free to visit Marina Beach &  local markets/bazaar for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

Day 14 | Chennai - Bangalore (330 Kms/ 7-8 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Bangalore. Overnight stay at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 15 | Bangalore  |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Bangalore city.

Visit The Bangalore Fort and Palace– The Fort of Bangalore was built by Kempe Gowda and was later expanded by the legendary king Tipu Sultan. This summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings.

Vidhana Soubha– This splendid building is a marvel of modern architecture and is a perfect amalgamation of traditional neo-Dravidian and modern styles. It is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat and dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park.

The Bull Temple– Kempe Gowda built this temple. The center of reverence is a magnificent Nandi, which is 15 feet tall and over 20 feet long.

Lalbagh - Surrounding one of the towers erected by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, is the 240 acre landscaped Lal Bagh gardens. Haider Ali, the warrior-king of Mysore, decided to create this garden in 1740 on the lines of the Mughal Gardens that were popular during his time. The park has some rare species of plants brought from Persia, Afghanistan and France.  Overnight stay at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 16 | Bangalore – Mumbai (By flight) |

Breakfast at hotel and take flight for Mumbai. On arrival check in at hotel. After wash & change at hotel visit Elephanta caves, An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. It is an island and is located at a distance of 11km from the city of Mumbai. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline. Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 17| Mumbai |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Mumbai city.

Visit to Prince of Wales Museum– Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is one of the premier art and history museums in India. Inside the museum there are lots of collections of heritage things (Close on Monday).  

The Gateway of India– The majestic Gateway of India is a glorious historical memorial built during British rule. This magnificent monument has been built in Indo-Sarcenic style to commemorate the visit King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. Gateway of India is one of the finest example of colonial architectural heritage in India.

Mani Bhavan– Mani Bhavan is a veritable memoir of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Also known as Gandhi Museum, Mani Bhavan served as the residence of the great freedom fighter of India between 1917 and 1934.

Dhobi Ghat– Dhobi Ghat is among the exciting places to see in Mumbai. It is 136-year old Dhobi Ghat and may be called the biggest human powered washing machine. Called the world's largest outdoor laundry, Dhobi Ghat is a very popular attraction among foreign tourists.

The Hanging Gardens– Hanging Gardens are terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side. Hanging Gardens are built on a water reservoir, which provides drinking water to the locals. The site mainly encompasses hedges that are cut in the shapes of different animals and a large flower clock adorning the centre.

Later visit Crawford Market this is one of famous Mumbai Market & Marine driver area. Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 18 |Mumbai / Departure |

Breakfast at hotel and drop at Mumbai international to board on flight to onward destination.

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