Serene South India

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and assisted with the transfer to your hotel.

In the morning, you will have a guided city tour of Mumbai, which is noticeably tropical. Its weathered Victorian mansions, some still privately owned, and grand public buildings, many beautifully lit at night, stand as a reminder of the days of the British Raj. You visit the Gateway of India, hastily created as a symbol of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V of England on their trip to India in 1911. Afterward, visit the Hanging Gardens, perched at the top of Malabar Hill and providing lovely views over the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, take a short flight to Bangalore, a city full of well-laid-out gardens, wide tree lined avenues, impressive buildings, and lively bazaars.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Bangalore, visiting sights such as the Lal Bagh, which has a variety of old trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces, and an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs. You also visit the 300-year-old Venkataramanaswamy Temple, built by the Waidiyars in the Dravidian style. In the afternoon, depart for Hassan via Sravarnabelgola for an afternoon of guided sightseeing to the famous temples of Belur and Halebid. The temples at Belur and Halebid, which remain incomplete despite 80 years of labor, are offerings of the finest workmanship in stone to the gods. The elaborately-sculpted decoration on the temple, according to some critics, is even better than the friezes at Konark in Orissa and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The Temple at Halebid is still used for worship today. Overnight in Hassan.

In the morning, visit Belur and Halebid. Belur is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River and was the first capital of the Hoysala dynasty. The Channekeshava Temple here is one of three major Hoysala sites still in daily use. One of the earliest structures of its type, the temple was started in 1116 and took almost a century to complete. The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is built on a star-shaped platform and stands in a courtyard surrounded by a rectangular wall. Halebid, an ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire, was founded in the early 11th century as Dvarasamudra, but later named as Halebid. Its famous temple, Hoysaleswara, dates back to around 1121 AD and was never completed. This temple is similar to the one at Belur and is set in a well-tended garden. The Jain temples nearby form another major attraction in Halebid. These 12th century temples stand in a garden enclosure where you can walk around and have a look at the dark interiors with carved ceilings. Arrive in Mysore and transfer to your hotel.

Today you visit Sri Rangapatnam, a fort that was the stronghold of Tipu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali. Among the many fort buildings still intact are Tipu’s airy Summer Palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh garden, as well as the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the sites of Mysore, beginning with a visit to the palace of the Maharaja, built in 1911-12. This palace is built in Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with magnificent archways, domes, turrets, colonnades, and sculptures. You also visit the Art Gallery, followed by a drive up to Chamundi Hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and to enjoy a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back to your hotel, stop at the Nandi Bull, one of the largest solid rock carvings in India. Overnight again in Mysore.

This morning, you will be driven to Ooty, referred to as the Queen of the Southern Hill Stations. It got its name, Nilgiri, or Blue Mountains, from locals more than 850 years ago, because of the blue haze of clouds that cover the hill slopes. After checking in at your hotel, visit the Botanical Gardens where there is a large variety of exotic and colorful plants. You also visit Ooty Lake, where boating is a favorite pastime, and Doddabetta Peak (2623 meters/8600), the highest point in the Nilgiri mountains. The evening is yours at leisure. Overnight at a centrally-located hotel.

Today after breakfast, you will be driven to Cochin via the major fishing harbors of Beypore and Garuwayur. Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala, has a magnificent natural harbor created by the underwater malabar mud banks that ensure calm waters. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.

In the morning, visit the historic city of Fort Cochin, an ancient capital of the Dutch, Portuguese, and British. Your visit will include the old spice market at Mattancherry, the antique shop on Jews Street, the Synagogue, Dutch Palace, and the church of St. Francis, where the remains of Vasco Da Gama were buried before later being taken to Portugal. Afterward, transfer to the backwaters of Cochin, which run from the sea through lush tropical countryside. Your trip on the water may feel a bit like a cruise down the Amazon, with jungle foliage hanging down along the banks, and bird calls in the bush. This relaxing boat trip is fascinating, as your guide discusses the history of the early explorers and traders who used this route as the main course to the sea. Many locals still travel this route on their way to markets and their jobs. On the boat ride, enjoy the magnificent scenery of these palm-shaded backwaters. Overnight on the houseboat.

After breakfast, leave the houseboat and then drive to Periyar. Here in this 8,608 square foot park, preservation of wildlife is very sacred. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to watch the animals in their natural habitat. Cruising on the lake, you are likely to see wild animals such as elephant, water buffalo, deer, and spectacular bird life.

Your day begins with a drive to Madurai, a city with a history that goes back to about 600 B.C. The Pandyan rulers made this their capital until the 14th century and, in its heyday, the city blossomed with writers, builders, poets, and academics. Later, the Nayaks ruled from the middle of the 16th century to 1743. The ten tall Gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple were raised during the Nayaks' dynasty. Spend a full day visiting this huge complex of temples, the Palace of King Triumalay, Gandhi Museum, and the Temple at Alaghat Koli, where you can see its beautifully-carved stone lattice windows. Overnight in Madurai.

Drive to Tanjore, with a visit to Trichy along the way. Trichy is famous for its ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapati. A total of 434 steps were cut out in the rock and interspersed with shrines leading to the temple. Yet another flight of steps leads to the temple of the Lord Shiva. The ascent is accompanied by magnificent views of the sacred Kaveri River. You also visit Sri Rangam, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which contains a bazaar within its walls. Overnight in Tanjore.

In the morning, enjoy a city tour of Tanjore or Thanjavur, visiting the beautiful Cholda Temple of Brihadeeshwara. Its bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of your visit to India’s south. It is also famous for its silk, among the very best in India. In the afternoon, transfer by vehicle to Pondicherry for your overnight.

Today you have a morning tour of Pondicherry, whose association traces its origin to St. Agasthya, the revered sage of the south. Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the final resting place of Sri Auribindo Ashram, a saing-cum-yogi who combined yoga and modern science. You also visit the museum, which has rooms furnished with furniture from the French-India period. Afterward, drive to Mahabalipuram with visits to Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasurm en route. The temple at Gangaikondacholapuram was built by the Chola emperor Rajendra I in the style of the Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur. The small town of Dharasuram contains the Airatesvara Temple, a superb example of 12th century Chola architecture. Arrive in Mahabalipuram, once the principal port of the Pallavas, who ruled between the 6th and 9th centuries A.D. Mahabalipuram offers a breathtaking display of masterful sculptures carved out of solid rocks of granite. After checking into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to relax.

After breakfast, visit Kanchipuram, once the ancient capital of Pallavas and previously one of the seven sacred cities in India. It was famous as a city of 1,000 temples and still to this day has 124 shrines. This city is also famous for its cottons and Kanjivaram silk. The important temples of Kanchipuram are the 16th century Ekambasreshwar Temple, fairly new and the largest of the Shiva temples; Kamakshi Temple, dedicated to Parvati, "the goddess with the eyes of love;" and Vaikunta Perumal Temple, which dates back to the 8th century. Afterwards, return to Mahabalipuram where you visit the Shore Temple, a splendid example of early temple construction in South India, and Penance of Bhagirata, the world's largest bas relief also known as "Argon's Penance."

After breakfast, you are transferred to Chennai where you enjoy a guided tour that include visits to the Art and Bronze Museum, the Flower and Fruit Market, High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, and San Thome Cathedral. Later in the evening, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. A day room can be booked for the evening before departing on an onward international flight (not included in land cost.)