Battlefields of British India

GLIMPSES OF SOUTH INDIA

17 Days
London – Mumbai – Bangalore – Mysore – Chennai – Mamallapuram – Trichy – Madurai – Trivandrum – Kovalam – Thekkady – Cochin –
Mumbai – London

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 01 – Depart London

Day 02 – Arrive Mumbai – City Tour
Early this morning you arrive at Mumbai, the commercial hub of India. You are met and transferred to hotel. Later embark on a sightseeing tour of Mumbai City visiting the Gateway of India, Hanging Gardens, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive and other local sights. Overnight stay.

Day 03– Mumbai / Bangalore – City Tour
Early morning you are transferred to the airport to board flight to Bangalore, the "Silicon City" of India. On arrival you are met and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon embark on a sightseeing tour of this City of Gardens. Visit the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens laid out in the 18^th century, the majestic Vidhana Soudha building, which houses the State Legislature and Secretariat and the local bazaars. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 04– Bangalore / Srirangapatnam / Mysore
This morning drive to Mysore en route visiting Srirangapatnam, the summer capital of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, who ruled much of South India in the 18^th century and were practically the only local rulers who put up any resistance to the might of the British Empire. Here visit the Daria Daulat Bagh that was the summer palace, Gumbaz, the onion-domed mausoleum of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.

Continue drive to Mysore and check into hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening visit the Brindavan Gardens, the beautifully landscaped gardens adorned with musical fountains, laid out on the terrace of the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam built across the Cauvery River. Return to Mysore for overnight stay.

Day 05– City Tour – Mysore / Chennai
This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Mysore, the Sandalwood City. Visit the Mysore Palace, the largest of its kind in India whose architecture has been inspired by the Buckingham Palace of London. Also visit the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery located in the Jagan Mohan palace and other local sights.

In the afternoon you are transferred to the railway station to board express train to Chennai: Shatabdi Express dep. Mysore at 14:20hrs / arr. Chennai at 21:25hrs. You are met on arrival and transferred to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 06– City Tour – Chennai / Kanchipuram / Mamallapuram
In the morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Chennai, the bustling metropolis of South India. Visit Fort St. George, a reminder of the British Empire, St. Mary’s, the first Anglican Church ever consecrated on Asian soil, the colourful Kapaleeswarar Temple and the National Art Gallery with its fine collection of Chola bronzes.

In the afternoon drive down to Mamallapuram. En route visit Kanchipuram the "Golden City of a Thousand Temples", which is also famous for its Silk Weaving tradition. Continue drive to Mamallapuram and check into beach resort. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 07 – In Mamallapuram – City Tour
This morning explore the famous 7^th century rock-cut shore temples of Mamallapuram. Also known as the Seven Pagodas, these temples with intricate carvings have different stories to tell. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax at the beach. Overnight stay.

Day 08 – Mamallapuram / Srirangam / Trichy
This morning drive to Trichy en route visiting the Srirangam Temple, one of the landmarks of Trichy. Built on an island in the middle of River Cauvery, the temple is probably the largest and one of the most interesting complexes in India. Continue drive to Trichy and check into hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 09 – In Trichy – City Tour & Tanjore Visit
In the morning tour the City of Trichy, which was one of the main centers around which the 18^th century Carnatic Wars were fought between the British and French colonial powers to gain supremacy in India. Visit the imposing Rock Fort, the other landmark, a spectacular monument perched on a massive outcrop of rock, towering over the city.

Later, drive to the nearby town of Tanjore, which is famous not only for its temples but also the unique style of painting known as the "Tanjore Art". Visit the 10^th century Brahadeeswarar Temple, an outstanding example of Chola architecture, the City Palace, Art Gallery and other local sights. Return to Trichy for overnight stay.

Day 10 – Trichy / Madurai – City Tour
This morning drive to Madurai, the most vibrant town of South India where all activities are centered around the Sri Meenakshi Temple. On arrival check into hotel. In the evening visit the temple to witness the nightly wedding ritual of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple itself is a sight to see – a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with a breathless profusion of multi colored images of gods and goddesses, animals and mythic figures. Overnight stay.

Day 11 – Madurai / Trivandrum / Kovalam
This morning drive to Kovalam en route visiting Trivandrum, the Capital of Kerala and a beautiful seaside city. Here visit the ancient temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity of the town, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery and other local sights. Continue drive to Kovalam and check into beach resort. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at resort.

Day 12 – In Kovalam – Kanya Kumari Visit
Day is at leisure to relax on the beach. In the evening visit Kanya Kumari (Cape Comorin) – the end point of the Indian Peninsula where the three seas Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet, to view the spectacular sunset. Overnight stay.

Day 13 – Kovalam / Thekkady – Periyar Visit
This morning drive to Thekkady the base to explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival check into the hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a Boat Ride on Lake Periyar to view wildlife. Overnight stay.

Day 14 – Thekkady / Cochin
This morning drive to Cochin and check into hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening enjoy a presentation of the colourfully costumed Kathakali Dance drama. Overnight stay.

Day 15 – In Cochin – City Tour
This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of this multi faceted city, which displays a blend of peoples and architecture. Visit the Cochin Fort, a busy year around harbor, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and other local sights. In the afternoon enjoy a Boat Cruise on the famous backwaters of Cochin. Overnight stay.

Day 16 – Cochin / Mumbai – Outbound
Day is at leisure. In the evening you are transferred to the airport to board flight to Mumbai. On arrival at the Mumbai domestic airport you are transferred to the international airport to board your midnight flight back home.

Day 17 – Arrive London