South & North with Taj

Day 01 : Arrive Chennai
Detailed Tour Itinerary: Traditional Welcome on arrival at Chennai International airport.
Chennai is the fifth largest city in India and the capital city of the Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandal coast of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the Musical and Cultural Capital of India.] The city is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. The Tamil film industry, known as Kollywood, the second largest after movie industry (after Bollywood) in India, is based in the city.
Transfer to hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore commercial town. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 02 : Chennai
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Mahabalipuram (60 km, 1 hr drive by road) & Kanchipuram (76 km from Chennai).
Mahabalipuram: -A UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel of Dravidian style incorporating Buddhist elements. These rock cut and monolithic monuments constitutes cave temples and monolithic chariots (Rathas). A walk around these monuments helps in connecting a bond with royal dynasty of Pallava.
Kanchipuram: It is well regarded as City of thousand temples. Kanchipuram attained its highest stature in 4th to the 9th centuries as capital of Pallava dynasty. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (A.D. 520) went to China from Kanchipuram to spread Buddhism. He stayed at the Shaolin Monastery and preached Buddhist ideologies. At that time he trained the local people in the art of Varmakkalai. The art underwent many changes and came to be known as Shaolin kung fu or boxing.
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Day 03 : Chennai Sightseeing/ Pondicherry (162 Kms 3.5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast proceed for guided tour of city visit one of oldest and biggest museum of India -Government Museum, first establishment of British in India-Fort St George ,One of largest auditorium of South Asia Vallur Kottam where a 33mt tall statute of poet-saint Tiruvalluv struck a awe in visitors.
In the evening drive to Pondicherry.
Pondicherry - "The French Riviera of the East" -Puducherry, till recently known as Pondicherry used to be a French colony. It was finally ceded to the Indian federation in 1962, Puducherry or Pondicherry is a beautiful and well planned city. The French element is noticeable everywhere in the city, and gives a distinctive look. The colonial government buildings, the beautiful avenues and the old cottages make this otherwise modern city exude a colonial charm shared by very few other Indian cities. The major tourist spots to be visited during the tours of Puducherry include the beach, Auriobindo ashram, Auroville, the museum, botanical gardens, and the Anglo-French textile mills.
Arrive Pondicherry and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Pondicherry
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast proceed for city tour visit paradise beach, serenity beach, karaikal beach Auriobindo ashram, Auroville, the museum, botanical gardens, and the Anglo-French textile mills. Paradise beach is renowned for dolphins and beautiful crescent shaped beach. Just revive your spirit for full day unfettered fun and relaxation.
Overnight at resort.

Day 05 : Pondicherry to Tanjore (190 kms / 5 hrs drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast proceed for Tanjore enroute visit Rock Fort Temple in Trichy.
Tanjore is the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" and famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple was constructed more than thousand years ago by the King Rajarajan, is an architect's marvel. It is a flourishing centre for bronze sculpture and painting. The pastimes and life of Lord Krishna are seen in Tanjore paintings. The uniqueness of the Tanjore paintings is their extraordinary gold leaf work, attractive jewellery with stones, dazzling color design, and eye catching engraved glasses. The laissez-faire application of gold leaf and precious and semi-precious stones like rubies and diamonds speaks the greatness of the adroit artists of those times. The characteristic of Thanjavur painting is that the figures in the paintings have a round body and egg shaped effulgent eyes and are surrounded by curtains and arch. These paintings will illuminate in the dark room
On arrival check in hotel. Remainder of the day is free to take a retrospect of history of Tanjore and explore its grandeur.
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 06 : Tanjore
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast visit Brahadeeswarar temple originally called as Peruvudaiyar Koil in Tamil, is an ancient Hindu temple located at Tanjore in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This 10th century CE temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples", is a prominent example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The central temple known as the Periya Kovil (Big Temple) stands within a fort, whose walls were later additions built during the 16th century. The name periya Kovil came from its original name "periya aavudayar Kovil" (aavudayar being a local name of Lord Shiva). This awe inspiring temple has many especial feature in its architectural marvel one of them is the sky touching vimana (main tower) of the temple is approximately 65 m (215 ft) high and is the tallest in the world. It was so designed that the vimana never casts a shadow at noon during any period of the year.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : Tanjore- Madurai (200 Kms-6 hrs drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast drive to Madurai.
Madurai: One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.
Arrive Madurai and check in at hotel.
In the afternoon visit the great Tirumala Nayak Palace, Alagar Hills, Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Spare your evening to immerse in divine beauty of Meenakshi Temple.
Overnight at Madurai.

Day 08 : Madurai – Thekkady (137 Kms, 3 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast start for Thekkady. Drive through paddy fields and vast spice plantation.
Thekkady - one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady. Afternoon experience the mind bowing view of calm crystal clear Periyar lake to view the wildlife. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
On arrival at Thekkady check into Hotel.

Day 09 : Thekkady – Kumarakom (128 km, 3 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After early morning breakfast and start for Kumarakom.
Kumarakom - When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Arrive Kumarakom and check in at resort.
In the afternoon visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
In the evening canoe down the narrow canals. Join the evening sunset cruise or enjoy the beauty of backwater by just relaxing near Vembanadu Lake.
Overnight stay at the resort.
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Day 10 : Kumarakom-Alleppey (38 kms, 40 minutes drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast start for Alleppey.
Arrive Alleppey and check in at Houseboat and enjoy an over night cruise cum stay in your houseboat. Food will be served in the houseboat. Enjoy the unique experience of a day on backwaters in a houseboat, and meander through the labyrinth of canals, that makes Kumarakom a top world destination. The backwater ride paints vivid picture of the traditional country life in all its natural beauty.
Over night stay at the houseboat.

Day 11 : Alleppey– Cochin (63 Kms, 1.5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast drive to Cochin.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
Arrive Cochin and check in at hotel.
Relax for the rest of the day or take a walk along the historic colonial streets of Fort Cochin. Watch a Kathakali Show (Traditional art performance of Kerala). Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 12 : Train Cochin to Bangalore (535Kms)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the nearby Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Late evening transfer to railway-station for overnight journey to Bangalore.

Day 13 : Bangalore
Detailed Tour Itinerary:Arrive Bangalore and transfer to hotel.
Bangalore: Reputed as garden city of India Bangalore is capital of Karnataka houses finest temple Gangadhareshware Temple (Cave Temple) -Built by Kempe Gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon.
Afternoon visit to Lal Bagh, Cave temple Remainder of the day is free to explore commercial section of city. Overnight at hotel.
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Day 14 : Bangalore - Mysore (139 kms 3 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After Breakfast drive to Mysore.
Mysore is defined by magnificent palaces, scenic gardens, fragrant sandalwood, luxurious silks, flamboyant festivals-- Mysore is a veritable tourist extravaganza with its glorious history and rich tradition. Located 140 Kms from Bangalore, this City of Palaces bursts at the seams with a mind-boggling array of attractive destinations.
Afternoon visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style; its attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Vrindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 : Mysore Sightseeing /Ooty (155 kms 3.5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style; its attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Vrindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.
In the late afternoon drive to Ooty.
Ooty gurgle of streams, beautiful mist make a impression of welcome to Ooty. Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level it is one most popular hill station of India. Nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore at a distance of commanding a panoramic view of District. Dodabetta perched on altitude of 2637, the merging point of eastern and Western Ghats is the highest peak of Nilgiri. Other tourist attraction includes botanical garden, Ooty Lake, Coonoor etc.
Arrive Ooty and check in at hotel.

Day 16 : Ooty
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast  proceed for full day sight seeing visit to Botanical Garden - is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill, Rose Garden - the rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources with 17,256 rose plants from 1919 varieties, Aquarium: It is close to bus station and is run by Dept. of Fisheries. In this aquarium, department rears exotic fish varieties. Deer Park - It is one of the high altitude animal parks in India, Dodabetta, and Enjoy boat ride in Ooty Lake.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 17 : Ooty-Bangalore-Jaipur (2100 Kms 3.5 hours by air)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After Breakfast drive to Bangalore to catch the flight for Jaipur.
Jaipur - the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. However, Jaipur has joined the parade of metropolitan cities; still there are some traditions and customs in the city, which you will find quite surprising. Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

Arrive Jaipur and check in hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 18 : Jaipur
Detailed Tour Itinerary:After breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber fort palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Mughal ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
City palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city.  It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Evening leisure for shopping or one can visit Birla temple to explore the religious side of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (232 Kms 5 hours drive by road)

Detailed Tour Itinerary: Early morning drive to Agra, via Emperor Akbar's deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri in Agra is a city in Uttar Pradesh, built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar during the 16th Century BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a combination of various regional schools of architecture. Influence of Hindu and Jain architectural features are found in this monument with traces of Islamic elements in it. Fatehpur Sikri is made of red sandstone and the beautiful marvel tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is located here.

Arrive Agra and check in hotel.
Agra- Heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century.

Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached.
Evening proceed for Taj Mahal sightseeing
Taj Mahal For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. The Taj Mahal in Agra India is considered one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in India. The history of the Taj Mahal is one of the great love stories of the world. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658 and was married to Arjumand Bano Begum in 1612 A.D. He called his wife Mumtaz Mahal or Crown of the Palace. Her dying wish to Shah Jahan was that he should "build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before." The history of the Taj Mahal begins with Mumtaz Mahal's tragic end.
Overnight at Agra.


Day 20 : Agra - Delhi (201 Kms 04 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast visit the Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls, and the Itmad-ud-Daulah - the exquisite tomb of a Persian adventurer who became chief minister at the Emperor Jahangir's court. His grand-daughter Mumtaz married Shah Jahan and her tomb is, of course, the Taj Mahal.

Later in the day drive to Delhi.
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India is one of India's fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi & New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects shades of Mughal Emperor whereas New Delhi shows the legacy of what British left behind.
The streets of Old Delhi are narrow & bustling. The beauty & serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), & is tree-lined & spacious.
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 21 : Delhi

After breakfast proceed for day sightseeing of Delhi covering the following areas of New Delhi and Old Delhi
Rajghat - A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu (Father of Nation)
Red Fort (Lal quila) - Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1636 & 1658, when the mougal empire was on its peak.
Jama Masjid (Mosque) - Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India.
Qutub Minar - is the tallest stone tower in India. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer
India Gate - Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms
After dinner transfer to International airport to catch the flight for next destination..