SouthIndiaTour2006  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1  Sun    Feb    Arrival Chennai

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel Radha Park

MADRAS   The Raj in the South
Madras is the queen of the Coramandel,  India ’s legendary east coast.  Fort St. George looms over the centre of Madras . Within the Fort are the houses of two heroes of 18th century Madras : Robert Lord Clive, and Colonel Wellesley - who became Duke of Wellington. Here is also Asia ’s oldest Anglican church, St. Mary’s Church (1680). One of its most famous benefactors was Elihu Yale, of Yale University fame. The museum in the fort exhibits many relics of the age. Marina Beach is Madras ’s proud waterfront on the Bay of Bengal . The second-longest beach in the world, it is always spotlessly clean. The Madras National Art Gallery   houses the world-famous symbol of Indian art: the bronze dancing Nataraj, an almost one-metre image of Shiva in his cosmic dance pose, from the Chola Period (10th century).

Overnight at Hotel Radha Park

Radha Park Inn reflects the essence of Chennai, by incorporating traditional Tamilian hospitality with contemporary, state of the art service and technology, thus making it immensely suitable for business travelers and tourists. Its beautiful interiors and high atrium lobby, which allows light to shimmer through translucent roofing, never fails to amaze the guests. The hotel is easily accessible from the airport and downtown Chennai

Day 2  Mon            Chennai / Tirupathi

Morning drive to Tirupathi (2.5 - 3 hrs)

Arrive and stay at the Fortune Kences

Later visit the Temple

Sri Venkateshwara Temple
The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara

Overnight at Hotel Fortune Kences

The Fortune Kences Hotel showcases modern architecture making it a landmark in Tirupati, famous for Lord Venkateswara’s shrine on the Seven Hills of Tirumala. The hotel is situated in Renigunta Road . This First Class Full Service hotel provides the ideal accommodation in the pilgrim city

Day 3  Tue            Tirupathi / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram

Morning drive to Kanchipuram (2.5 hrs). Later drive to Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram is called the ‘City of the Seven Pagodas’. These are sculptures cut out of solid rock. The masterpiece is the ‘Penance of Bhagiratha’, also called ‘Arjuna’s Penance’, the world’s largest bas-relief: 28 metres by seven metres. It shows hundreds of characters from the Mahabharata; one of the elephants is five and a half metre long! A few kilometres away is the ’City of A Thousand Temples ’, Kanchipuram. It is also famous for its weaving centre which makes the fabulous ‘Kanjeevaram’ silk saris

Arrive and check into Mahabalipuram Sterling Resort

Overnight at  Mahabalipuram Sterling Resort

Day 4  Wed           Mahabalipuram / Thiruvannamalai 

Morning drive to Thiruvannamalai (3.5 hrs)

The temple of Lord Annamalai and Goddess Unnamalai in Tiruvannamalai (in Tiruvannamalai Sambuvarayar district) enshrines Lord Siva in His Form of fire, one of the five elements. 

Situated at the foot of a range of hills and extending over some 9.7 hectares of ground, this impressive temple is associated with the popular spectacle of the Kartigai bonfire when, on Kartigai day in December or January, a huge fire is lift up, visible for kilometers around.  Sri Ramana Maharishi, a great saint of our times, spent the days of his ministry in the town.

Two legends are associated with this historic temple, those of Lingodbhava and Ardhanarisvara.  In the first Lord Siva appeared as a cosmic flame of light before Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, who each considered Himself supreme and said that the matter could be tested if the two could search for His (Lord Siva’s) top and bottom.  Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar and delved deep into the earth, Lord Brahma that of a swan and flew into the empyrean; Lord Vishnu failed in His objective and returned.  But Lord Brahma, chancing upon a piece of “thazhambu”, a floral fibre, learnt from it that it had been floating down for forty thousand years from Lord Siva’s head.  He seized upon this and claimed to Lord Siva that he had seen the other’s top.  Lord Siva realized the falsehood and pronounced that there would never be a temple for Lord Brahma in this world.  He also interdicted the use of the floral fibre in His worship.  When Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma repented, Lord Siva took the form the Linga.  Sculptures of the Lingodbhava, as this is called, with a swan on top and a diving boar at the bottom, are found in every Saiva temple, often in niches on the walls of the sancta.

Arrive Thiruvannamalai and stay at Ashram

Overnight in Ashram

Day 5  Thrs           Thiruvannamalai 

Day at Ashram

Overnight in Ashram

Day 6  Fri             Thiruvannamalai  /  Pondicherry  

Drive to Pondicherry (3 hrs)

Situated on the Coromandel coast , about 160 kms south of Chennai, lies the Union Territory of Pondicherry. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India . It is bound on the east by the Bay of Bengal and on the other three sides by the South Arcot District of Tamil Nadu. About 150 kilometres south of Pondicherry , on the east coast, lies Karaikal, while Mahe is situated on the Malabar coast . Yanam is situated in the adjoining East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

Pondicherry traces its origin to Saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the south. The excavations near Pondicherry reveal, that a Roman settlement existed here, 2000 years ago. It was also the site of many a battle between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India, before it attained its independence.

This restored, attractive, former French colony, exudes a Mediterranean aura with its chic streets, elegant houses, ornamental gardens and the Hotel de Ville. Being a small and quiet enclave of Tamil Nadu, it has imbibed the Tamilian culture. Apart from the charming atmosphere, excellent restaurants and cheap beer, what attracts most travellers to Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot.

Arrive and check into Hotel Mass

Afternoon visit the Ashram Auroville

Auroville, 10 km outside town. The ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926, has brought international reputation to this coastal town. The ashram, the spiritual tenets of which combine yoga and modern science is quite popular within India and abroad

Overnight at Hotel Mass

Hotel Mass is a 17 year old Hotel located at Pondicherry and now renovated to a luxury Hotel.

The Hotel has 111 Rooms with the Royal family members playing the hosts.

Facilities at Hotel Mass: Coffee Shop, Swimming Pool, Billiards, Gymnasium, Steam / Sauna / Jacuzzi, Restaurant

Day 7  Sat            Pondicherry / Chidambaram / Kumbakonam / Swamimalai

Drive to  Chidambaram along the Coromandel coast line into the Chola heartland comprising of the flat Kaveri delta.   Much as the mighty Chola empire originally intended, every visitor is immediately awed by the huge temples

Chidambaram:

Chidambaram is so steeped in myth that its history is hard to unravel. As the site of the ‘tandava’, the cosmic dance of Shiva as Nataraja, king of the dance, it is one of the holiest sites in south India and also home of noted Tamil poets and saints.

A visit to Sabhanayaka   Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram gives a fascinating glimpse into ancient Tamil religious practices and belief.  The temple covers 55 acres and is divided by four concentric walls. Oldest part of the temple was built under the Cholas (10 AD)

The legendary king Hiranyavarma is said to have a pilgrimage here from Kashmir , seeking to rid himself of leprosy by bathing in the temple’s Shivaganga tank. In thanks for a successful cure, he enlarged the temple. He also brought three thousand brahmins, of Dikshitar caste, who descendants are to his day the ritual specialists of the temple, distinguishable by top-knot of hair at the front of their heads.

Later drive to Kumbakonam. Arrive and visit the temple

Kumbakonam:

Kumbakonam is one of the oldest towns in Tamilnadu and is famous for its Mahamaham festival. In the 7th Century it was the Capital of Chola Kings. Kumbakonam, the famous temple town of South India , is picturesquely located amidst the two rivers, Cauvery & Arasalar.

Kumbakonam is the temple city of South India situated in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The city is famous for the Mahamaham festival that is celebrated once in 12 years in the Mahamaham tank located in the heart of it. The town has also been well - known for its prestigious educational institutions which have turned out eminent stalwarts in diverse spheres. The town is famous for brass vessels. It is primarily a market town for the predominantly agriculture based villages surrounding it

Overnight at Sterling Swamimalai Resort

STERLING SWAMIMALAI is a 100-year-old heritage home in the heart of South India . It is ideally located between Chidambaram and Tanjore   

It is a confluence of Leisure, Heritage, Health, Nature, Aesthetics & Spirituality that creates harmony for the mind and the soul, offering the guest the Authentic Indian Experience through a life style, art & culture and making the stay a memorable one. 

There are 25 individually and ethnically designed rooms at Sterling Swamimalai and no two rooms are the same. Most rooms are large and spacious with sit-outs. Some rooms have private courtyards. Being a heritage hotel, the room sizes vary from 150 sqft to 300 sqft. Some suites are also attached with a hall and exquisite facilities

The Ayurveda and herbal treatment
The specialty of this centre is the copper tub and sauna bath which is a rarity in this part of the world

Day 8  Sun            Swamimalai / Trichy / Madurai

Drive to Madurai (4 hrs)

One of the oldest cities in south India, the seat of power for the ancient Pandya dynasty, Madurai,  situated on the banks of the river Vaigai, fringed by lush green paddy fields and coconut groves, is an archetypal Hindu city, a swirl of life revolving around its mighty Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple of the goddess Meenakshi, the ‘one with eyes like fish’. Any day of the week more then fifteen thousand people pass through its gates. The nine soaring gopurams of Madurai are the first thing most visitors see, whether coming in by air, rail or road.

Arrive and check into Hotel Fortune Pandayan

Afternoon take city sightseeing tour visiting Sri Meenakshi Temple which is synonymous with Madurai, Tamukkam Palace - the Gandhi & Govt. Museum  and the Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

Overnight at Hotel Fortune Pandayan

Fortune Pandiyan Hotel is located in Madurai - Tamil Nadu's most happening cultural arena, situated on the banks of the river Vaigai, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu , a southern state in India . The newly renovated Fortune Pandiyan Hotel is set amidst 3 acres of gardens. The hotel embodies the spirit of Madurai
 

Day 9  Mon            Madurai / Kanyakumari

Morning drive to Kanyakumari (4.5 – 5 hrs)

At the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanniyakumari Cape Comorin), an important pilgrim centre. It got it's name from the deity of the place, Goddess Kanya Kumari; the virgin.  Kanniyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon day. It is at its best during Chitra Pournami(full moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face to face at the same horizon. The beach itself is a beautiful sight with multi-coloured sand. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view. The government museum offers a good collection of sculptural art crafts of Tamil Nadu. The memorial to Swami Vivekananda, on a rocky promontory just over 400 meters off shore

Arrive and check into Hotel Sea View

Overnight at Hotel Sea View

Day 10 Tue            Kanyakumari

Visit Vivekenanda Memorial Rock. Cape Comorin, Land's End mainland India 's southernmost point, where three seas meet and where the shore temple to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari stands. It is one of the sacred pilgrimage places of the hindus. There are two significant memorials here. One is the Gandhi Mandapam, built to commemorate the immersion of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi in the waters by the temple. The other memorial, dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, is built on the rock 656 ft. from the shore where he meditated in 1892 before taking the message of the Hindu philosophy to the west

Overnight at Hotel Sea View

Day 11 Wed           Kanyakumari / Amiritapuri / Kollam 

Drive to Kollam (4 hrs)

Arrive and stay in Ashram 

Later visit Mata Amritanandamayi in ashram

Mata Amritanandamayi is believed to be an avatar--an incarnation of Mother Divine in human form. She is the first Indian saint to give her blessings by hugging each aspirant who visits her. To receive a hug from "Ammachi," as she is called by her devotees, is to experience the nectar of divine love flowing into your heart and illuminating your mind. This is something that has to be experienced in order to understand its power. A feeling of true spiritual grace is bestowed upon every person who visits this wonderful saint.

The ashram  - The once tiny ashram has now evolved into a sanctum sanctorum where thousands of devotees pour in each day for Amma's darshan, with many others seeking permanent refuge to engage in sadhana and selfless service under Amma's direct guidance. Amma, who travels to more than 20 countries every year, has more than succeeded in spreading the message of love and spirituality. She has led thousands of spiritual yajnas since 1987. And in 1993, at the Parliament of World's Religions held in Chicago , she was elected as one of the presidents of the assembly of global religions. The same year, Hinduism Today, an international journal on Indian culture, conferred the 'Hindu Renaissance Award' on her.

Amma's darshan on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Overnight at Ashram

Modest accommodation in the form of rooms and dormitories is provided at the ashram for visitors. Those who come in large groups are requested to inform the ashram authorities in advance about their visit. At Amritapuri, simple vegetarian meals are served three times a day, with the canteen opening on Sundays and Thursdays. There is also a caf?nd a separate canteen for foreigners. A bookstall displaying various ashram publications, an Ayurvedic products counter, a general store and a cloakroom serve the visiting devotees.

Day 12 Thrs           Kollam

Audience with Mata Amritanandamayi in ashram

Overnight at Ashram

Day 13 Fri             Kollam / Cochin

Drive to Cochin (3 hrs)

COCHIN - A lagoon of islands and peninsulas separated by backwaters of the Arabian Sea, which are connected by bridges and ferries, Cochin has a rich maritime history, and still ships Keralas coir, rubber, seafood and pepper products to foreign ports. Influenced at various times by the Arabs, the Chinese, the Dutch, the British and the Portuguese, it were the white Jews who first emigrated from Roman persecuted Jerusalem in 6th century BC to Cochin . Another and bigger wave came in 1st century AD and thus was founded the first strong community here.

It is the oldest European settlement in India . In 1502 Vasco da Gama seized the port for the Portuguese. Lured by its spices and ivory, the Dutch arrived in 1602 and displaced the Portuguese in 1663. In 1795 Cochin passed into British hands. 

All of these conquerors left their marks, and present-day Cochin ,  Mattancherry, is a curious pot-pourri of Jewish synagogues, Chinese fishing-nets, Portuguese churches, Dutch palaces and British cricket greens. The atmosphere is perceptibly Mediterranean but the climate is characteristically sub-tropical

Arrive and check into Hotel Fort Heritag

Overnight at Hotel Fort Heritage

A Heritage Hotel in the 17th Century Dutch building, classified by Government of India Tourism Department.

Beautifully restored, retaining every feature of the structure, the graceful lines of Fort Heritage are built with laterite, limestone, wood and tiles.

A step away from the sparkling FortCochin beach dotted with the gossamer silhouettes of

the Chinese fishing nets and the historic church of St. Francis , Fort Heritage presents perfect blend of old world elegance and modern comforts.

Fort Heritage offers you a Unique Holiday Experience soaking in an ambience redolent with history , even as you luxuriate in the homely hospitality of an elegant retreat

Day 14 Sat            Cochin  

Take city sightseeing tour by boat

Evening visit Kathakali Dance Performance

Overnight at Hotel Fort Heritage

Day 15 Sun            Cochin / Bangalore / Mysore

Morning transfer to airport in time to board flight to Bangalore

Jet Airways:

9W 3512 at 0830 hrs / 0945 hrs

Meeting and assistance on arrival and drive to Mysore ( 3 hrs) en route visiting Srirangapatnam

Srirangapatnam:

Located at about 140 kilometers from Bangalore and 15 kilometers from Mysore , Srirangapatnam is the biggest of the three islands in the river Kaveri. The island, five kilometers long and two kilometers wide, derives its name from the deity of the temple located on its western side.

 All the major dynasties of the South have left their relics and monuments here-the Hoysalas of the 11th century, the Vijayanagar kings of Chandragiri in the 17th century, the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan clan that came after them.

The Srirangapatnam Fort, defended by a double wall, is the center of attraction here. It was built in 1454 by Thimmanna, a local chief and later renovated by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The river Kaveri skirts one side of the fort forming a natural moat, which is fed by water from the river.

Outside the fort, across the main road, is a garden in the center of which stands Tipu's summer palace. The garden is called Darya Daulat Bagh (the garden of the wealth of the sea). The most interesting feature of this palace is the series of murals, which depict scenes from Tipu's military career, particularly the battle of Pollilur (near Kanchipuram) in which he crushed the British forces under Colonel Bailey

Arrive Mysore and stay at Hotel Green

Mysore :

Sandalwood City . The golden age of maharajahs and princes may be over, but Mysore remains a splendid city of palatial buildings, gardens and broad tree-lined boulevards. There are seventeen palaces here in all, and even the most common public building are adorned with domes, turrets, pavilions and vaulting archways. Mysore is also famed as the Sandalwood City . It is a major centre for the manufacture of incense, the air here is fragrant and sweet with the perfume of musk and jasmine, sandalwood and rose.

Overnight at Hotel Green

The Chittaranjan Palace , built for Mysore 's princesses, has been lovingly restored as a small hotel. In extensive gardens, with formal lawns and shaded pergolas, and fringed by majestic trees, the hotel is an oasis of calm. It has been renovated and furnished using traditional Indian crafts. It offers comfortable surroundings, friendly staff, and a restful, creative atmosphere. Guests have come for a night and stayed for a month!

The Green Hotel has been set up as a model of sustainable tourism, by a UK charity. All profits are distributed to charitable and environmental projects in India .

Mysore , the charming town immortalised by RK Narayan in his Malgudi novels, provides an excellent base from which to tour South India . The Western Ghats , the coffee plantations of Coorg, the game reserves of the Nilgris and the Ooty hill station are all within a few hours drive.

Day 16 Mon           Mysore

Take city sightseeing tour visiting Wadiyar Palace and Chamunda Hills

The palace of the Maharaja was built in 1911-12. It is of harmonious synthesis of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture  with archways, domes, turrets, collonades and sculptures which are magnificient. Also visit the Sri Chamarajendra Art Gallery and the St. Philomena’s Church the largest neo- Gothic churches in India . 

Later drive upto Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of  Mysore ,  visit the Nandi Bull. Overnight at Hotel Green

Day 17 Tue            Mysore / Chennai

Departure transfer to railway station in time to board train to Chennai  

Tour cost includes accommodation at the hotels on twin share basis on room and breakfast basis. Other inclusions and exclusions have been given separately in the end of the programme.

For stay at Ashrams (Thiruvannamalai & Kollam) we have not taken cost for the stay. As a usual practice, authorities at ashram expect a donation of about US$ 50 per person per day from a foreigner for their stay  on full board basis (all meals). This can be paid directly at each ashram on the last day before you leave..

The main program comprises all the places mentioned except Puttaparthi visit, which can be taken as an extension in the end of the main tour. We are giving itinerary and cost for Puttaparthi extension separately.  

Shatabdi Express at 1430 hrs / 2130 hrs

Meeting and assistance on arrival at railway station and transfer to Hotel Radha Park Inn

Overnight at Hotel Radha Park

Day 18 Wed           Chennai / Departure

Transfer to international airport in time to board onward flight

End of the tour

Tour cost: $2,100.00

Single Room Supplement:

US$ 490 per single room

Above cost includes:

Accommodation in double / twin room

Breakfast

Arrival / departure transfers

Transport by chauffeur driven mini / large coach as per the itinerary

Visit to Kathakali Dance Performance at Cochin

Accompanying English speaking escort from day 01 till day 18

Airfare for sector Cochin / Bangalore in economy class

Train fare for sector Mysore / Chennai in air-conditioned chair car

Services of English speaking local guides during sightseeing tour as per the itinerary

All presently applicable taxes

Cost does not include:

Travel insurance

Any meals unless specified

Cost of stay at Ashrams

Entrances to any monuments

Camera fee to monuments

Tips and poterage at hotels, restaurants, drivers, airports, railway stations, etc

Any item which has not been highlighted under inclusions

Expenses of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc

Puttaparthi Extension:

Day 17 Mysore / Puttaparthi

Morning drive to Puttaparthi (6-7 hrs)

Arrive and check into Hotel Sai Tower

Overnight at Hotel Sai Towers

Sai Towers is an up-to-scale hotel with all the modern comforts and a pleasant ambience which will make your stay an unforgettable one. Ideally located opposite Sai Baba's Ashram on the main road, the hotel offers all the necessities and conveniences under the same roof.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 17 rooms replete with modern amenities like attached baths, running hot and cold water, telephones, color TV with satellite channels and round the clock room service.

Dining

The hotel has a multi cuisine air conditioned restaurant that serves delectable Indian, Chinese and Continental food along with hot and cold beverages.

Recreation

The guests can go for shopping at the hotel's exclusive handicrafts emporium or at the books, music and photo shop. For total relaxation of the body, mind and soul daily meditations are also held at the hotel's meditation hall.

Day 18 Puttaparthi

Visit the ashram

Overnight at Hotel Sai Towers

Day 19 Puttaparthi / Bangalore / Chennai

Morning drive to Bangalore in time to board train to Chennai

Shatabd Express at 1625 hrs / 2130 hrs

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel Radha Park Inn

Overnight at Radha Park Inn

Day 20         Chennai / Departure

Transfer to international airport in time to board onward flight

Tour cost fo0r extension:

US$ 370.00 per person when staying in twin rooms and traveling in chauffeir driven Toyota quails / Sumo as per the itinerary

End of the tour