From the endless beaches of Goa, to the magnificent ancient temple sites of Mahabalipuram, to the spices and spice plantations South Indian cuisine is so famous for, a visit to South India is a tantalizing mix of sights, smells and experiences. On this 11-day small group cultural tour, we will experience the best of this region as we travel from Mumbai to Chennai, with stops at mystical Mysore, famous for its regal gardens and palaces, the grand churches of Goa, known for their influence on Christianity in Asia, and much more.
| Day 1: | Arrive Mumbai | |
| Day 2: | Mumbai |
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| Day 3: | : Mumbai / Goa by flight |
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| Day 4: | Goa |
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| Day 5: | : Goa / Bangalore by Flight |
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| Day 6: | Bangalore / Hassan (Drive 190 kms / 4 ½ hrs) |
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| Day 7: | Hassan / Mysore (Drive 130 kms / 3 hrs) |
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| Day 8: | Mysore |
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| Day 9: | : Mysore / Chennai by Train # 12008; Dep: 14:15 / Arr: 21:40 hrs |
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| Day 10: | Chennai |
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| Day 11: | Chennai / Onward Destination |
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We start our day with a visit to the Gateway of India, Mumbai's most famous monument. Here we embark on our excursion to the Elephanta Caves*, located on an island in the Sea of Oman. The caves contain a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave. We return to Mumbai by motor launch and visit the Prince of Wales Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus*, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival Architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. The building, designed by the British architect F. W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the 'Gothic City' and the major international mercantile port of India. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. Our Next Stop is at Mani Bhawan, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed here during the Freedom Struggle. The house is now converted into a Museum. From here we leave for the Jain Temple and Hanging Gardens, the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, the bustling Crawford Market and drive past Haji Ali, the tomb of a wealthy Muslim merchant. We end our tour at the Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest outdoor laundry. The word Dhobi Ghat is used all over India to refer to any place where many washers are present.
Please Note: - Elephanta Caves is closed on Mondays
Although best known for its miles of palm lined beaches along the Arabian Sea, Goa holds other, more important attractions. The Churches and Convents of Goa*, the former capital of the Portuguese Indies, illustrate the evangelization of Asia. These monuments were influential in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the countries of Asia where missions were established. We will visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in the 16th century, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are enshrined; the Se Cathedral, which is the most imposing of all churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted interior overwhelms the visitors by its sheer grandeur. The cathedral has five bells of which one is the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the World. The remainder of the day is free to relax on the beach or enjoy the bazaars of Goa.
Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Bangalore. On arrival in Bangalore, we are transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day is free.
In the morning we explore Bangalore, visiting the Vidhana Soudha, an imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite, that houses the Legislative Chambers of the state government; the 3000 acres of verdant tranquility of Cubbon Park; Tipu Sultan's Palace, now a museum, and one of the most remarkable Islamic buildings in the city; Lal Bagh Garden, India's most beautiful botanical gardens with rare trees brought from far off Persia, Afghanistan and France. Later we drive to Hassan & check-in at our hotel.
Our morning tour of Hassan includes the exquisite temples of Belur and Halebid.The main structure of the temple in Belur, which is star-shaped, is a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Inside, even in the darkness, you can see the hand-lathe turned shining pillars, each unique in its own splendor. Halebid was known as Dwara Samudra, the wealthy capital of the Hoysalas. The great city of Dwarasamudra flourished as a Capital of the Hoysala Empire during the 12th & 13th centuries, reflected in the strikingly beautiful Hoysala temples. In the afternoon we drive Mysore en-route we visiting Srirangapatam, the island fortress that was once the capital of the warrior-kings Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. Arrive Mysore we check-in at our hotel.
Mysore, The city of Dusserah, palaces and parks, is one of the few places in India, which still breathes the air of medieval country splendor. In addition to its beauty, quietude and equable climate. Mysore offers a convenient base for a number of interesting excursions, making it a very popular resort. Our tour of Mysore starts with a visit to Mysore Palace - Once the capital, seat of power of the ruling Wodeyars, is one of the largest of its kind in India and one of the most splendid. This Indo-Saracenic building has among other things stained glass chamber ceilings, a carved silver door, a solid gold throne and a gallery of exquisite paintings. 13 kms off Mysore city are the Chamundi Hills; halfway up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 metre monolith. Right on top is the 2000 -year old Chamundeswar Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family. 19 km north -west is the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and the Brindavan Gardens famous for its dancing musical fountains. 14 km northeast of Mysore on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway is Srirangapatnam, the island fortress that was once the capital of the warrior -kings Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore.
We take an excursion to visit the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram*. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. On our return we tour Chennai, visiting the National Art Gallery & Museum, which contains some of the best collections of bronzes in the country including the famous icon of Natraja. We continue to India's oldest surviving British church, St. Mary's Church, built in 1680. We end our tour with a visit to People's Park and the beautiful Marina Beach and the clock towers.* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED
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