Holy India Travels

Places to Visit  :  Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry – Tanjore – Trichy -  Madurai – Thekkady –Alleppey – Kovalam - Cochin - Ooty – Mysore - Bangalore

Duration of Tour Package  :    18 Nights | 19 Days

Day 01| Arrival at Chennai |

Afternoon/evening arrive at Chennai airport. Overnight stay at hotel in Chennai.

Day 02| 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.

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

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

“Kanchipuram”– It is a famous temple city in the Tamil Nadu 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 to Mahabalipuram. “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 04 | 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 05 | Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100 Kms/ 2 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Pondicherry.  “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. After wash & change at hotel start sightseeing tour of Pondicherry city.

Visit 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.  Overnight stay at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 06 | Pondicherry - Thanjavur -  Trichy (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 Trichy. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Trichy.

Day 07 | Trichy -  Madurai (135 Kms/ 3-4 hrs)  |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning 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.

After visit drive for Madurai. “Madurai”– Madurai known as “Athens of the East”.

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

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".

Also visit 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. Overnight stay at hotel in Madurai.

Day 08 | Madurai  - Thekkady (Periyar National Park) (140 Kms/ 3-4 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 09 | Thekkady -Alleppey  (140 Kms/3-4 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.

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

Day 10 | Alleppey - Kovalam (161 Kms/ 4.5 hrs) |

Breakfast at houseboat. Morning disembark and drive to Kovalam. 

Kovalam Beach– One of the most famous and popular of all the beaches in South India. The Kovalam beach in Kerala offers the best of facilities to its visitors like Sunbathing, Swimming, Ayurvedic & Spa Massages and plenty of other options.

On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 11 | Kovalam |

Breakfast at hotel. Here you can enjoy ayurvedic spa/ massage and therapy at hotel (optional activities) Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 12| Kovalam - Cochin (210 Kms/4-5 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Cochin, on arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.

Day 13 | Cochin |

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

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. 

Evening free to visit local market for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.

Day 14 | Cochin - Ooty (300 Kms/ 6-7 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Ooty.  On arrival check-in at hotel. After wash & change at hotel start sightseeing tour of Ooty City.

Ooty Lake– It was built in 1825 and is about 2.5 km long. Visitors to this lake can go for boating on the lake or enjoy their favorite outdoor activity of fishing.

Lamb's Rock is another vantage point that is ideal for taking pictures and is a wonderful picnic spot. Overnight stay at hotel in Ooty.  

Day 15 | Ooty |– Toy Train Ride

Breakfast at hotel. Morning enjoy Toy Train ride from Ooty to Coonoor.  

Toy Train : Travelling at a maximum speed of 33 Km per hour, this 'toy train' to Ooty in Tamilnadu, chugs across plains, plantation and forest clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges on the way, along with the breathtaking view, make this journey to Ooty really memorable. The Nilgiri Railway is a unique feat of Engineering in South.

Later visit Botanical Garden– The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 hectares. 

Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Ooty.

Day 16 | Ooty - Mysore (120 Kms/ 3-4 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Mysore. “Mysore”– The city of Mysore is known as the 'City Of Palaces'.

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

Visit Royal Palace (Mysore Palace)– Also know as Amba Vilas Palace. It is the official residence of the Wodeyars the erstwhile royal family of Mysore. The Palace is a three-storied building built of grey granite and pink marble domes. The illuminated Mysore Palace against the dark black sky is one of the most spectacular and iconic images of Mysore.

Chamundi Hills– The hills average elevation is 1000 meters. The famous Chamundeswari temple is situated on the topof this hill. A panaromic view of the city can be seen from this hill.

Brindavan Gardens– The Brindavan Gardens are located adjoining the Krishnaraja sagara dam built across the river Kaveri. These gardens are primarily symmetrically laid out terrace gardens extending over 60 acres. The Brindavan Gardens are famous for the illuminated musical and dancing fountains that attracts a large number of visitors. Overnight stay at hotel in Mysore.

Day 17| Mysore - Bangalore (181 Kms/ 3-4 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Bangalore. On the way visit Srirangapatnam. Further move for Bangalore on arrival check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 18 | 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 19 | Bangalore / Departure |

Breakfast at hotel and drop at Bangalore international  airport to board on flight for onward destination.

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