Day 1: Cochin
Arrive Cochin. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin including The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.
Day 2: Cochin - Periyar
Morning drive on a scenic route dotted with plantations of rubber, cardamom, cocoa, green pepper and areca nut, to the wildlife reserve at Periyar. Arrive Periyar and check – in at hotel. Rest of the day free for walk around in the peaceful town known for various Spice and coffee plantations
Day 3 : Periyar - Munnar
Early morning enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to see wild elephants. Afternoon drive to Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala. Arrive Munnar and check – in at hotel.
Day 4: Munnar
In Munnar Day is free to relax and to walk around. Munnar is situated near the Anaimudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats.
Day 5: Munnar - Kumarakom
Morning drive to Kumarakom near Kottayam and stay in one of the backwater resorts. The panoramic backwaters here offer an ideal retreat to enjoy nature at its best.
Day 6: Kumarakom - Alleppey
Morning drive a short distance before switching over to a boat for a through many canals and waterways up to Alleppey. The backwater cruise in a country boat is the best way to explore the villages and rural life. In Alleppey you will be taken aboard your floating houseboat, a different boat with a bedroom and en-suite rest room for your comfort. Enjoy unlimited surfing on backwaters, sip a coconut, get disturbed by only the chirping of birds and occasional ripples in water and savor mouthwatering delicacies prepared in front of you by your Kitchen crew. Spend the night on board the houseboat.
Day 7: Alleppey - Trivandrum
Morning board your transport for an interesting drive to Trivandrum. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Trivandrum, visiting the ancient temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy is one of the major attractions in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Napier Museum was built in 1880 and shows a harmonious blending of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles.
Day 8: Trivandrum - Excursion
Full day return excursion to Cape Camorin, the southernmost part of the Indian mainland. Visit the Vivekananda Memorial which is built about 400 metres offshore.
Day 9: Trivandrum
Transfer to airport for return flight.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dream Tour South India
Dream Holidays
Day 01: Chennai
ON Arrival you will be met with our Tour Manager, will assist your hotel transfer and Hotel Check in. Night stay in hotel
Day 02: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mamallapuram
Post breakfast at the hotel take half day city tour of Chennai covering visit to Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Santhome Basilica, Marina Beach, proceed on to Kanchipuram, visit to Ekambareshwara temple, Kailasanatha temple, Sri Kamatchi Amman Temple and Varadharaja swami temple take lunch in local restaurant and after proceed on to Mamallapuram, check in to hotel and night stay
Day 03: Mamallapuram – Trichy (Over night train)
After Breakfast, tour of Mahabalipuram the city of Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas. Here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture. Later in the evening drive to Chengalpattu Railway Station to board your train for Trichy night train, over night journey
Day 04: Trichy
Morning arrive Trichy and transfer to hotel. PM city tour visiting... Trichy was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century it witnessed the Carnatic wars fought between the French and the English. Lord Robert Clive's house is still there to see and so is the Danish Church. The Rock-Fort is the landmark of Trichy. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganesha on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple and night stay at Trichy.
Day 05: Trichy – Tanjore – Madurai
Post breakfast drive to Madurai Enroute visiting Thanjavur. At Tanjore, visit the beautiful Chola Temple of Brahadeeswara which is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp, an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. Its bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of a visit to South India. Proceed on to Madurai. Arrive and check-in Hotel. Overnight stay at Madurai
Day 06: Madurai
Morning visit the great Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Later, visit the Thirumalai Naik Palace - A gracious building in the Indo Saracen style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches, evening visit to Tiruparamkundram Rock temple. Overnight stay at Madurai
Day 07: Madurai – Thekkady
Morning drive to Thekkady the earliest sanctuary to be set up in 1934, it extends to 777sq.kms and forms part of the high mountain ranges, the Western Ghats. Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Amongst the animals which can be seen are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, languor monkeys, etc. Overnight stay at Periyar
Day 08: Thekkady – Kumarakom
After Breakfast, drive to Kumarakom. Arrive and embark on to the houseboat. Cruise in the backwaters, traversing the narrow canals, witnessing the village life of Kerala. While on board your crew will serve you the delicious food, purchasing the fresh vegetables from the Market, later in the evening the Houseboat will anchor on the Vembanad Lake. Over night stay in the boat.
Day 09: Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin
Early morning boat will continue the journey towards Alleppey finishing point Jetty, from there you will be picked by your vehicle and proceed your drive to Cochin. Upon arrival check in to hotel, post lunch city tour of Cochin. Cochin is the natural Harbour created by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks. Vasco-de-Gamma placed it on the world map. Visit the Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish synagogue, St. Francis Church and view the operation of the Chinese fishing nets. Evening visit to Cochin cultural centre for viewing the Kerala Traditional Art - Kathakali Opera, performed by Professional Artist. Over night stay at Cochin.
Day 10: Cochin – Departure – (By Flight) - Arrival Bangalore - Mysore
Today post breakfast based on your flight schedule, departure transfer to Cochin Airport to board your flight for your onward journey to Karnataka – Arrival at Bangalore, upon arrival meet and greet assistance to transfer Mysore, drive 3.5hrs to Mysore Enroute visiting Srirangapatinam, the city established by King Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. The city fell after three repeated wars fought against the British forces. Arrive Mysore and check-in Hotel. Night stay at Mysore
Day 11: Mysore
Post breakfast city tour visiting the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracen styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundershwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull, later drive back to hotel for night stay
Day 12: Mysore – Hassan
Post breakfast drive to Hassan, Enroute visiting Saravanabelagola – Monolithic Gomateswara Temple - At Saravanabelagola, hewn out of a single rock and visible from a distance of 25kms is the statue of Lord Gomateswara which is bathed with milk and honey once every 12 years and continue to Hassan. Upon arrival check in and post lunch tour of Belur and Halibid. The Chennakesava temple of Belur built 900 years ago is an exquisite example of Hoysala art. Halebid's 12th century Hoysaleswara and Kedaresvara temples are master pieces of Hindu art, drive back to hotel for night stay
Day 13: Hassan – Hospet
Today Morning drive continues to Hospet. Visit Hampi. The once beautiful capital city of Vijayanagar Empire - greater than Rome, had palaces, temples & sculptures, spread all over. The city was razed to the ground by the Sultanates of South in 1565.
Day 14: Hospet – Hampi – Hospet
After breakfast, visit Some of the interesting ruins remaining are the Virupaksha, Vittala and Hazara Rama temples huge Ganesha and Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the Queen's Bath, carvings on the Ramachandra temple & Lotus Mahal, drive back to hotel for night stay
Day 15: Hospet – Badami
Post breakfast take drive to Badami stopping at Aihole & Pattadakal on the way. Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the southern Dravida School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century A.D. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its sculptures. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings. Pattadakal, referred to as Petrigal, reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The oldest in this group is the Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars depicting life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures and panel scenes from the epics, the Ramayana & Mahabharata. The Papanatha Temple has impressive carvings on pillars and ceiling and after exploring the city drive back to hotel for night stay
Day 16: Badami
Today full day city tour of Badami, also known as Vatapi is rich with Hindu and Jain temples carved out of sand stone hills. The carved temples date back to the 6th century. Of these, three are Hindu and one Jain. Sculptured out of solid rock they are adorned with carvings. The Fort, on top of a hill encloses large granaries, treasury & a watch tower. The Malegitti Shivalaya temple set on the summit of a hill is built of stones without mortar. Overnight at Badami
Day 17: Badami – Hospet – Bangalore (By Train)
Today post breakfast check out from the hotel and drive back to Hospet to board your train for your onward journey back to Bangalore, over night journey in Train
Day 18: Bangalore – Departure
Upon arrival meet & greet transfer to hotel. Rest hours free and time to pack your baggage, later night transfer to Airport to board your flight with Colorful Memories of Southern Splendor
Day 01: Chennai
ON Arrival you will be met with our Tour Manager, will assist your hotel transfer and Hotel Check in. Night stay in hotel
Day 02: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mamallapuram
Post breakfast at the hotel take half day city tour of Chennai covering visit to Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Santhome Basilica, Marina Beach, proceed on to Kanchipuram, visit to Ekambareshwara temple, Kailasanatha temple, Sri Kamatchi Amman Temple and Varadharaja swami temple take lunch in local restaurant and after proceed on to Mamallapuram, check in to hotel and night stay
Day 03: Mamallapuram – Trichy (Over night train)
After Breakfast, tour of Mahabalipuram the city of Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas. Here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture. Later in the evening drive to Chengalpattu Railway Station to board your train for Trichy night train, over night journey
Day 04: Trichy
Morning arrive Trichy and transfer to hotel. PM city tour visiting... Trichy was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century it witnessed the Carnatic wars fought between the French and the English. Lord Robert Clive's house is still there to see and so is the Danish Church. The Rock-Fort is the landmark of Trichy. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganesha on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple and night stay at Trichy.
Day 05: Trichy – Tanjore – Madurai
Post breakfast drive to Madurai Enroute visiting Thanjavur. At Tanjore, visit the beautiful Chola Temple of Brahadeeswara which is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp, an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. Its bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of a visit to South India. Proceed on to Madurai. Arrive and check-in Hotel. Overnight stay at Madurai
Day 06: Madurai
Morning visit the great Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Later, visit the Thirumalai Naik Palace - A gracious building in the Indo Saracen style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches, evening visit to Tiruparamkundram Rock temple. Overnight stay at Madurai
Day 07: Madurai – Thekkady
Morning drive to Thekkady the earliest sanctuary to be set up in 1934, it extends to 777sq.kms and forms part of the high mountain ranges, the Western Ghats. Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Amongst the animals which can be seen are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, languor monkeys, etc. Overnight stay at Periyar
Day 08: Thekkady – Kumarakom
After Breakfast, drive to Kumarakom. Arrive and embark on to the houseboat. Cruise in the backwaters, traversing the narrow canals, witnessing the village life of Kerala. While on board your crew will serve you the delicious food, purchasing the fresh vegetables from the Market, later in the evening the Houseboat will anchor on the Vembanad Lake. Over night stay in the boat.
Day 09: Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin
Early morning boat will continue the journey towards Alleppey finishing point Jetty, from there you will be picked by your vehicle and proceed your drive to Cochin. Upon arrival check in to hotel, post lunch city tour of Cochin. Cochin is the natural Harbour created by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks. Vasco-de-Gamma placed it on the world map. Visit the Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish synagogue, St. Francis Church and view the operation of the Chinese fishing nets. Evening visit to Cochin cultural centre for viewing the Kerala Traditional Art - Kathakali Opera, performed by Professional Artist. Over night stay at Cochin.
Day 10: Cochin – Departure – (By Flight) - Arrival Bangalore - Mysore
Today post breakfast based on your flight schedule, departure transfer to Cochin Airport to board your flight for your onward journey to Karnataka – Arrival at Bangalore, upon arrival meet and greet assistance to transfer Mysore, drive 3.5hrs to Mysore Enroute visiting Srirangapatinam, the city established by King Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. The city fell after three repeated wars fought against the British forces. Arrive Mysore and check-in Hotel. Night stay at Mysore
Day 11: Mysore
Post breakfast city tour visiting the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracen styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundershwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull, later drive back to hotel for night stay
Day 12: Mysore – Hassan
Post breakfast drive to Hassan, Enroute visiting Saravanabelagola – Monolithic Gomateswara Temple - At Saravanabelagola, hewn out of a single rock and visible from a distance of 25kms is the statue of Lord Gomateswara which is bathed with milk and honey once every 12 years and continue to Hassan. Upon arrival check in and post lunch tour of Belur and Halibid. The Chennakesava temple of Belur built 900 years ago is an exquisite example of Hoysala art. Halebid's 12th century Hoysaleswara and Kedaresvara temples are master pieces of Hindu art, drive back to hotel for night stay
Day 13: Hassan – Hospet
Today Morning drive continues to Hospet. Visit Hampi. The once beautiful capital city of Vijayanagar Empire - greater than Rome, had palaces, temples & sculptures, spread all over. The city was razed to the ground by the Sultanates of South in 1565.
Day 14: Hospet – Hampi – Hospet
After breakfast, visit Some of the interesting ruins remaining are the Virupaksha, Vittala and Hazara Rama temples huge Ganesha and Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the Queen's Bath, carvings on the Ramachandra temple & Lotus Mahal, drive back to hotel for night stay
Day 15: Hospet – Badami
Post breakfast take drive to Badami stopping at Aihole & Pattadakal on the way. Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the southern Dravida School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century A.D. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its sculptures. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings. Pattadakal, referred to as Petrigal, reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The oldest in this group is the Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars depicting life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures and panel scenes from the epics, the Ramayana & Mahabharata. The Papanatha Temple has impressive carvings on pillars and ceiling and after exploring the city drive back to hotel for night stay
Day 16: Badami
Today full day city tour of Badami, also known as Vatapi is rich with Hindu and Jain temples carved out of sand stone hills. The carved temples date back to the 6th century. Of these, three are Hindu and one Jain. Sculptured out of solid rock they are adorned with carvings. The Fort, on top of a hill encloses large granaries, treasury & a watch tower. The Malegitti Shivalaya temple set on the summit of a hill is built of stones without mortar. Overnight at Badami
Day 17: Badami – Hospet – Bangalore (By Train)
Today post breakfast check out from the hotel and drive back to Hospet to board your train for your onward journey back to Bangalore, over night journey in Train
Day 18: Bangalore – Departure
Upon arrival meet & greet transfer to hotel. Rest hours free and time to pack your baggage, later night transfer to Airport to board your flight with Colorful Memories of Southern Splendor
Monday, January 19, 2009
Railway Cancels luxury tours
Indian Railways' joint venture with a private tour operator for a luxury package tour from Kolkata to Mumbai via Goa had to be postponed till the end of 2009 after denied security assurances from Goa government, the tour company officials said Saturday.
The Railways' service arm, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) tied up with Kolkata-based tour operator I-Nova to offer tourists a package tour on a 16-coach luxury train, complete with hostesses, belly-dancers, multi-cuisine food and even a star-studded Bollywood night.
"Director of Goa Tourism department Elvis Gomes told us after the Mumbai terror attacks that there is a threat at the beaches too and he will be unable to provide security to so many tourists (over 700) at the moment," I-Nova group's managing director Rajib Mukherjee told reporters here.
He further noted the Goa government has already banned all beach parties.
"And, one of the USPs of our tour was the beach carnival at Goa that included belly dancers, samba and salsa dancers from Brazil and Russia, a rain dance party and Asian martial arts performance. So, there is no point in going to Goa and not enjoying the beach."
The tour conductors had numerous discussions with the Coast Guard Inspector General (IG) (western region).
"The IG advised us not to take the risk. We too got scared," said Mukherjee.
Mukherjee also said the tour operators wrote to the central home ministry seeking security for tourists during their rail journey.
"The train was to take the Karnataka route from Kolkata and back. But the home ministry has yet not responded to our letter asking to assure security during the journey."
However, IRCTC, which provided the train, has not incurred any loss. But I-Nova has suffered a loss of Rs.70 million.
"IRCTC will not suffer any loss as we will adjust the amount with other tours we conduct round the year," Mukherjee said.
The tour scheduled for Jan 2-11, has been postponed to December 2009.
"Already, 50 percent reservations have been done for the December tour," Mukherjee said. (IANS)
The Railways' service arm, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) tied up with Kolkata-based tour operator I-Nova to offer tourists a package tour on a 16-coach luxury train, complete with hostesses, belly-dancers, multi-cuisine food and even a star-studded Bollywood night.
"Director of Goa Tourism department Elvis Gomes told us after the Mumbai terror attacks that there is a threat at the beaches too and he will be unable to provide security to so many tourists (over 700) at the moment," I-Nova group's managing director Rajib Mukherjee told reporters here.
He further noted the Goa government has already banned all beach parties.
"And, one of the USPs of our tour was the beach carnival at Goa that included belly dancers, samba and salsa dancers from Brazil and Russia, a rain dance party and Asian martial arts performance. So, there is no point in going to Goa and not enjoying the beach."
The tour conductors had numerous discussions with the Coast Guard Inspector General (IG) (western region).
"The IG advised us not to take the risk. We too got scared," said Mukherjee.
Mukherjee also said the tour operators wrote to the central home ministry seeking security for tourists during their rail journey.
"The train was to take the Karnataka route from Kolkata and back. But the home ministry has yet not responded to our letter asking to assure security during the journey."
However, IRCTC, which provided the train, has not incurred any loss. But I-Nova has suffered a loss of Rs.70 million.
"IRCTC will not suffer any loss as we will adjust the amount with other tours we conduct round the year," Mukherjee said.
The tour scheduled for Jan 2-11, has been postponed to December 2009.
"Already, 50 percent reservations have been done for the December tour," Mukherjee said. (IANS)
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