Mumbai - Bangalore - Mysore - Nagerhole - Mudumalai - Ooty - Cochin - Kodaikanai - Madurai - Trichy - Chennai

From the glamorous magic of Mumbai, to the spiritual energy of ancient shrines, and from the historical wonder of awesome palaces to the natural beauty of Southern India's finest wildlife parks, this tour provides a deep and meaningful immersion in real India.

ITINERARY

DAY 01  MUMBAI  On arrival in Mumbai (Bombay) you will be welcomed by our guide and settled into your hotel.

DAY 02  MUMBAI - BANGALORE 
Our first stop from the bustling metropolis is the Elephanta Caves, found on Gharapuri island in Mumbai's harbour. The caves date back to 600 AD, and from a carefully symmetrical collection of shrines, courtyards, halls and porticos all hewn out of solid rock, and filled with intricate sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. The place echoes all around with a deep spiritual energy that you will come to feel more as the tour continues.  In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangalore.  On arrival you are transferred to your hotel.

DAY 03  BANGALORE - MYSORE 
An opportunity to explore this multifaceted city, now the thriving capital of Karnataka. Here we visit the Vishveshwara Museum, exploring the rise and rise of Bangalore's intensive technological industry, before journeying out of the city to windswept Hampi. A strange yet beautiful small town, Hampi houses the ruins of an ancient Hindu kingdom that eventually fell to its Muslim neighbours. Here stand the ruins of the ancient capital of Vijayanagar, once a thriving centre piece whose legacy for the region is a great number of rock-carved temples. Now bustling with visitors eager to soak up the sense of the past, this little city lives once again.  Afterwards we drive 140 km to Mysore and settle into your hotel.

DAY 04  MYSORE 
Mysore is the second biggest city of Karnataka, but is undoubtedly its cultural heart and soul. The Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore ruled from this royal seat for centuries, and their patronage ensured a rich mix of artists, writers and craftsmen flourished here. Much of the city's architectural heritage remains unspoiled by the pressures of the modern day, and we visit the pride of this kingdom, the magnificent Mysore Palace. One of the largest and most spectacular palaces in all of India, it is made up of a colourful mix of architectural styles that make it one of the most dramatic national monuments. It is now a museum, show-casing treasures from all over the world that reflect the rich and adventurous history of this princely state. The silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated by ninety seven thousand bulbs and shimmering against the black night is one of the most enduring images of India.

DAY 05  MYSORE - NAGARHOLE 
We set off for the hills and drive 80 km to the Nagarhole National Park.  We stay at the park’s accommodation and take an evening jeep safari through the park to view the various animals busy with their nocturnal activities.

DAY 06  NAGARHOLE 
The whole day is spent at the park, with morning and evening jeep rides to view the game and free time to stroll around and enjoy the lush environment. The original tropical forests, around which the park has grown, were once the exclusive hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore. From here spread out plains and the enchanting 247 square-mile park in which an astonishing abundance of wildlife including large mammals such as tiger, leopard, wild elephant, dhole (Indian wild dog), and gaur (Indian bison). Other species present are chital spotted deer, muntjac (barking deer), mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, mongoose, civet and otter.

DAY 07  NAGARHOLE - MUDUMALAI 
We journey onto another of India’s National Parks, this time at Mudumalai, situated in the foothills of the beautiful Nigiri Range.  Overnight accommodation is at the park in a forest rest house.

DAY 08  MUDUMALAI  Another great day to view the wildlife.  Expect to see many elephants, as this park is home to India’s largest population of wild elephants.

DAY  09  MUDUMALAI - OOTACUMUNA 
This morning we drive to Ooty, the south’s premier hill station.  Nestled in the Nilgiris, or Blue Mountains, Ooty used to be a popular destination among the British during colonial days. Ooty is known for its salubrious climate and wonderful gardens, where we relax in comfort.  Overnight at Ooty.

DAY 10  OOTY 
Free day to relax and enjoy independent activities in this beautiful and calming setting. Ooty's many tea estates made it famous, and you can take the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam. It winds its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels, chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, and bustles past gurgling streams and tea gardens. Lofty mountains, dense forest and sprawling plains all accompany the miles of tea gardens in this feast for the eye.

DAY 11  OOTY - COCHIN 
We drive from Ooty to Cochin and settle into your hotel.

DAY 12  COCHIN 
This morning we tour the city with its diverse blend of monuments, shrines, synagogues and churches.  Cochin is a city of peninsulas and islands and traders have been visiting its natural harbour for centuries.

DAY 13  COCHIN - KODAIKANAL 
Morning drive to Kodaikanal and settle into your accommodation.  The rest of the day is free to relax in this scenic hill station, situated in a fold in the Pali hills of Tamil Nadu, with panoramic views at every turn.

DAY 14  KODAIKANAL 
Day free for independent activities.  Enjoy the clean air and spend a day on Kodaikanal Lake, which spreads out in a massive star shape over sixty acres. Or visit the Bryant Park, situated on the eastern side of the lake, which is noted for flowers, hybrids and rafts. The pride of Kodaikanal is the Kurinji-flower, which blossoms once in 12 years. There is also the Shenbaganur Museum, one of the best orchidoriums in the country, with more than 300 species of orchids.

DAY 15  KODAIKANAL - MADURAI 
Today we drive to Madurai, an important cultural and commercial centre that is planned in the shape of a lotus. Check into your hotel on arrival. We visit the Sri Meenaksi temple, a somewhat all-encompassing and eclectic work of Dravidian architecture that is adorned from head to foot with gopurams in a head-whirling collage of rainbow coloured images of gods and goddesses, animals and mythical creatures. We lose ourselves in the Hall of a Thousand Mirrors.  This evening we view a enthralling sound and light show at the Meenaksi temple. 

DAY 16  MADURAI - TRICHY 
Today we head for central Tamil Nadu, to Trichy.  The city is steeped in mystical history, as seen at the Singaram Temple, located on an island at the centre of the city.  The temple houses the sleeping image of Vishnu and is a site of major pilgrimage.  We check into the hotel in Trichy for the night.

DAY 17  TRICHY  Sleep in today as you will need your energy to climb the 400 steps from the entrance to the summit of the Rock Fort Temple.  Take in the vista and soak up the atmosphere of this city of great historical footing.

DAY 18  TRICHY - CHENNAI 
Late morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Chennai.  On arrival we transfer to the hotel.

DAY 19  CHENNAI 
Today we stroll along the beautiful beaches and visit the rock temples and frescoes that abound in this artistic area. Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram are the sites of some of India’s most ancient temples, an fantastic way to end your sojourn in South India.

DAY 20  CHENNAI - MUMBAI 
Today we fly back to Mumbai and spend the afternoon at leisure.  Check into the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 21  MUMBAI  Morning transfer to the airport or station for your onward or homeward destination.  Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS
Accommodation on a room-only basis.
All internal flights economy class: MUMBAI - BANGALORE; TRICHY - CHENNAI; CHENNAI - MUMBAI.
All transfers by car, including drop-offs and pick-ups at the airport or station.
All sight-seeing and safari tours as specified.

Tour Cost
Per Person on Twin Sharing :  -  USD $ 2175