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Kerala and the Southern Highlights
From $4,936 - 18 Days - Fully Inclusive From Australia
South India is vastly different from the north both culturally and geographically. This tour visits the city of Chennai, ‘the Gateway to the South’ to the ancient temples at Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram and Hassan to Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. Experience backwater cruising from Nedumudy, miniature train and lush mountain scenery in Mysore and Coonoor, splendid beaches in Kovalam, tea and spice plantations in Munnar and nature spotting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
TOUR ITINERARY
"I loved the trip, everything worked well and we saw a lovely part of India with good food and accommodation. Thus I am now a Wendy Wu fan and will definitely travel with your company again."
Ms Wright, New South Wales - February 2009
Day 1: Australia to Chennai
Fly with Singapore Airlines to Chennai for 3 nights.
Day 2: Chennai
Today we visit Marina Beach, the 2nd longest beach in the world, Fort St. George and see St. Mary’s Church.
Day 3: Chennai – Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram
Drive south to Kanchipuram, here we visit the Shreenivas Silk House before we drive to the Rock Carvings of Mamallapuram.
Day 4: Chennai to Bangalore
Rise early this morning to catch the Shatabdi Express train to Bangalore. Enjoy a tour of the city including a visit to the Bull Temple and Vidhana Soudha.
Day 5: Bangalore to Hassan
Today we head west to Hassan and visit Sravanabelagola, where we climb to the top of the temple. Outside of Hassan visit the famous temples of Belur and Halebid.
Day 6: Hassan to Mysore
Drive south to Mysore visiting Srirangapatnam Fort en route. Inside the fortress walls visit a mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Upon arrival in Mysore visit the Maharaja’s Palace, part of which is still in use. We then drive up to Chamundi Hill to see the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple with a panoramic view of Mysore.
Day 7: Mysore to Coonoor
Today we head to the hills and drive to Coonoor. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 8: Coonoor - Ooty
This morning take the ‘Toy Train’ to Ooty. The town was developed as a hill station by the British in the early 19th Century and is famous for its tea and coffee plantations. We visit the Botanical Gardens and take an optional 15min walk uphill to the local village, where we gain an insight into the lives of the local people and enjoy the amazing view over Ooty and the surrounding mountains. Later this afternoon we return to Coonoor by coach.
Day 9: Coonoor to Munnar
Continuing our descent from the highlands we have a full day of driving to Munnar.
Day 10: Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)
Visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum. Drive to Thekkady and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary.
Day 11: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Rise early for a morning boat ride on Lake Periyar, keep a look out for wildlife such as elephants, bison and wild boar around the lake as we cruise along. This afternoon enjoy an optional 12km walk through the park searching for the local wildlife.
Day 12: Thekkady to Nedumudy/Houseboat
This morning we leave Thekkady and drive to Nedumudy, near Kumarakom, to board our houseboat. Popularly known as ‘kettuvallam’, the houseboats are converted from traditional rice barges. While cruising to Alleppey, witness the lives of the people living in villages around the backwater areas of Kerala. Enjoy dinner as we spend a relaxing night on the houseboat.
Day 13: Alleppey to Kochi
Disembarking from our boat this morning we drive to Kochi. En route visit a local market in Alleppey, a coir factory and the Kokothamangalam Church. Later this evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance Show.
Day 14: Kochi
Enjoy a full day tour of Kochi, including a visit to St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was originally buried and the Santa Cruz Cathedral with its pastel coloured interior and carved wooden panels. We also visit the Jewish Synagogue, in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, stroll through the nearby markets and witness the unique cantilevered Chinese fishing nets nearby.
Day 15: Kochi to Kovalam
Drive to Kovalam Beach this morning. The afternoon is free to relax, go for a walk on the beach and watch the local fishermen haul in their catch.
Day 16: Kovalam - Trivandrum
Enjoy a full day tour around Trivandrum. Visit the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Zoological Gardens and Museums where we visit the Napier Museum with its bronze collection and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Also visit the Observatory, the Kanakakunnu Palace and Sree Moolamthirunal Shastri Purthi Memorial (State Handicraft Institute).
Day 17: Depart Kovalam
Today is at leisure to relax at the resort or walk along the beach. After a late check out transfer to Trivandrum Airport and board our flight back home.
Day 18: Arrive Australia
Arrive home in Australia.
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