SOUTH INDIA BY RAIL
12 NIGHTS / 13 DAYS
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................
BANGALORE | MYSORE | CHENNAI | MAHABALIPURAM | MADURAI |
THEKKADY | COCHIN | KOVALAM | TRIVANDRUM
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................
DAY 01 BANGALORE – MYSORE
Arrival at Bangalore. You are greeted
& assisted at the Airport by GITC representative and transferred
to Mysore.
Situated 140 km away from Bangalore is the former princely city
of Mysore with its magnificent palaces and a myriad of historic
sites. The city of Mysore offers visitors an insight into the
lifestyles, cultures and traditions of its erstwhile rulers. The
palaces and temples around the city speak volumes about heritage
and architecture of the medieval times and the kind of patronage
the city received from its rulers. Check in at hotel for 02 nights.
Overnight at HOTEL REGAALIS.
DAY
02 MYSORE
After breakfast, Sightseeing tour of Mysore and its vicinity.
Morning, visit Srirangapatnam, the summer capital of Tipu Sulthan
& Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Afternoon, visit Chamundi
hill - a popular tourist and pilgrimage center which is topped
by the huge Chamundeswari temple; Maharaja’s Palace - the
magnificent three-storied structure which was once the residence
of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore and Deva raja Market.
Overnight at HOTEL REGAALIS
DAY
03 MYSORE ++ CHENNAI
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Mysore railway station
to board train to Chennai. On arrival, check in at hotel for 01
night.
Train
No.2008 SHATABDI EXP. 14:20/21:30 hrs
Overnight at HOTEL SAVERA.
DAY
04 CHENNAI – KANCHIPURAM - MAHABALIPURAM
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Mahabalipuram. En route
visit Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram, the city of 1000 temples is among the 7 most sacred
pilgrim centers of the Hindus. The city was the capital of the
early Cholas till the 2nd century BC and a Pallava capital between
the 6th & 8th centuries. Today you will visit the famous temples
of Kanchipuram, viz., Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambaranathar Temple,
Devarajaswami Temple and can have a glimpse of the thriving handloom
industry spread over here. Check in at hotel for 01 night.
Overnight at G R T TEMPLE BAY.
DAY
05 MAHABALIPURAM – CHENNAI ++ MADURAI
After breakfast, check out and proceed for a half-day sightseeing
of Mahabalipuram.
The little seaside town of Mahabalipuram, an hour’s drive
from Chennai, has a beautiful beach spanning 20 kms. The 7th century
town is famous for its rock-hewn temples, sculptures and the world’s
largest stone basalt relief. Mahabalipuram is a sculptors’
delight. Visit Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Five
Rathas & Shore Temple.
Evening, transfer to Chennai railway
station to board train to Madurai.
Train
No.2631 NELLAI EXP. 21:00/05:20 hrs
Overnight at the G R T REGENCY.
DAY
06 MADURAI
On arrival at Madurai, meet & transfer to hotel for 01 night.
After breakfast, visit Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum and
Meenakshi Temple. Evening, watch the pooja ceremony at Meenakshi
Temple.
Overnight at the G R T REGENCY.
DAY
07 MADURAI – THEKKADY
After breakfast, check out and drive to Periyar (Thekkady), South
India's most popular wildlife sanctuary.
In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife
reserve in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque
plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for trek
and mountain walks. The artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar
dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This
sanctuary offers the unique experience of viewing wildlife at
close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Check in
at hotel for 02 nights.
Overnight at the GREEN WOODS.
DAY
08 THEKKADY
After breakfast, you can enjoy a boat ride through the Periyar
Lake. If interested you can opt for a short trek in the fragrant
spice plantations. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the GREEN WOODS.
DAY
09 THEKKADY – KOTTAYAM ++ COCHIN
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kottayam railway station
to board train to Ernakulam (Cochin).
Train No.7229 SABARI EXP. 10:05/11:25 hrs
The commercial capital of Kerala
and one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Cochin is
renowned as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. An obscure
fishing village that became the first European township in India,
Cochin has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped
by the Portuguese, Dutch and later the British. The result of
these cultural influences is seen in the many examples of Indo-European
architecture that still exist here. Check in at hotel for 01 night.
Evening, watch spectacular ‘Kathakali
Dance’ in a local theater.
Overnight at the OLD COURTYARD.
DAY
10 COCHIN ++ TRIVANDRUM - KOVALAM
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing of Fort Cochin covering
Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace & Chinese
Fishing Net. Check out and transfer to Ernakulam railway station
to board train to Trivandrum.
Train
No.2075 JAN SHATABDI 17:25/2055 hrs
On arrival, meet and transfer
to Kovalam. Check in at hotel for 03 nights.
Overnight at HOTEL SAMUDRA
DAY
11 KOVALAM
The palm-fringed beach of Kovalam is one of the most famous beaches
in India. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles
of white sand washed away by the surf, make this beach a paradise
come true. Kovalam offers a variety of activities including snorkeling,
catamaran ride, sunset viewing, cycling on the beach etc.
Breakfast at the hotel. Day free
to relax by the beach.
Overnight at HOTEL SAMUDRA
DAY
12 KOVALAM
Breakfast at the hotel. Day free
to relax by the beach.
Overnight at HOTEL SAMUDRA.
DAY
13 KOVALAM - TRIVANDRUM
On time transfer to Trivandrum airport to connect flight to onward
destination.
------
END OF SERVICES -----
Cochin
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): open 1000 – 1700 hrs;
closed on Fridays.
Jewish Synagogue: open 1000 – 1200 hrs; 1500 – 1700
hrs; closed on Fridays, Saturdays & Jewish holidays.
St Francis Church: open 1000 – 1700 hrs; closed on Sundays.
...
just a click away!
