Southern Splendour

10 - 24 February 2013

15 Day - 14 Nights ~ From £2,095

From the architectural richness of Karnataka to the stunning majestic temples of Tamil Nadu, this tour brings out the startling contrast that is Southern India. Yet, all are bound together by a sense of history and timelessness.

London • Bangalore • Mysore • Coonoor • Madurai • Tanjore • Pondicherry • Mahabalipuram • London

Day 01                  To Banaglore

Fly from London Heathrow to Bangalore on British Airways.           

Day 02                  To Mysore via Srirangapatna

Arrive Bangalore early morning. Relax for a few hours at the Hotel Royal  Orchid. Afternoon drive to Mysore. En route visit Srirangapatna, an island fortress on the River Cauvery with high walls enclosing Temples, Palaces and a great Mosque. It was once the home of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore. Two nights at Wind Flower Resort & Spa.

Day 03                  Mysore

Morning visit the superb Temple at Somnathpur built to glorify Hoysala craftsmanship by the famed Commander Somnath. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the lovely city of Mysore. Visit includes the hilltop Sri Chamundeswari Temple, the striking monolithic Nandi Bull, Mysore Palace and the Devraja market. 

Day 04                  To Coonoor via ooty

Morning drive to the delightful Hill Station of Ooty. After lunch at the Taj Savoy, drive to Coonoor. The lazy little train merrily chugs along passing though startling green tea plantations and wooded hillsides. Two nights at Taj Gateway Hotel.

Day 05                  Coonoor

At leisure to enjoy the tea country.

Day 06                  To Coimbatore

Morning at leisure. Afternoon enjoy a Toy Train ride to Mettupalayam. Overnight at Aloft Coimbatore Hotel.

Day 07                  To Madurai

Drive to Madurai. Two nights at Taj Gateway Hotel.

Day 08                  Madurai

Morning enjoy Madurai sightseeing including the famous Meenakshi Temple, a grand spectacle of Dravidian architecture. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 09                  To Tanjore via Chettinadu

Morning drive to Chettinadu- a unique area of Tamil Nadu famed for its culinary delicacies, beautiful mansions, rich cultural heritage, art and architecture. Enjoy a delightful bullock-cart ride to see the Palace and explore the local village. After lunch drive to Tanjore. Two nights at Parishuttam Hotel.

Day 10                  Tanjore

Morning drive to Trichy and visit the Srirangam famed for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dominated by 22 towers (gopurams), with one, reputed to be the highest in the world. Also climb the steps to the Rock Fort Temple with its magnificent views across the countryside. Afternoon visit the unrivalled World Heritage Brihadeeshwara Temple, the masterpiece of Chola architecture. The entire temple structure is made out of granite stones.

Day 11                  To Pondicherry

Morning drive to Pondicherry - a former French enclave, en-route visit Gangaikondacholapuram. Afternoon drive through the French quarters, which still retain their former glory and visit the international community of Auroville. Overnight at Maison Perumal.

Day 12                  To Mahabalipuram

Morning drive to Mahabalipuram and visit the World Heritage site, with its delicate Shore Temples, series of graceful Rathas and the charmingly carved Arjuna’s Penance. Three nights at Ideal Beach Resort.

Day 13                  Mahabalipuram

Morning Chennai sightseeing includes the Fort St George and St Mary’s Church. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 14                  Mahabalipuram

At leisure.

Day 15                  To London

Early morning British flight to London.

THE COST

Per Person on a Double/ Twin share basis                      £2,095.00

Single room supplement                                                    £792.00

If you wish to travel from any other country outside UK please contact us and we will give you a land only cost for the holiday.

Cost Includes:

• International flights and all taxes in economy class.

• Accommodation as per the suggested itinerary.

• All arrival/departure transfers, long drives and sightseeing’s by a chauffeur driven private air-conditioned coach.

• Services of an English speaking local escort.

• Services of local English speaking guide during your sightseeing as specified in your itinerary.

• Entrance fees for all the monuments as specified in your itinerary.

• Meal Plan: Daily Breakfast. Lunch on 12^th & 17^th February.

• Complimentary mineral water whilst driving. 

Cost does not include:

• Visa Fee for India (£40.00 per person. We can assist in securing India visa at a handling fee of £25.00 per person).

• Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, gratuities etc.

• Camera fees at monuments or other places of interest.

• Travel Insurance.

 

For Bookings and Enquiries: please call 020 8901 7320 or E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it