Best of South India Tour Package

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Day 1Arrival at Chennai (Madras)

Upon your arrival at the Chennai International airport you will have a reception at the airport and then be transferred to the hotel. Chennai is the capital of State Tamil Nadu and one of the four largest metropolises of India.
Today, you will go for a half day city excursion. Madras is a pulsating metropolis with over 6 million residents. Today many south Indian feature films are shot here so the city has earned the name “Hollywood of India”. On the city excursion, you will visit the Kapaleshvara temple which is dedicated to God Shiva and is a good example of the colorful south Indian temple architecture. After that, you will visit the Fort St. George, a trade post built during 1639. You will also visit the 16th-century St.Thomas Church. At the National museum, you will see sculptures out of the Pallava, Pandava and Chola time. Your excursion will also include a visit to the Marina Beach.An overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 2Drive from Chennai via Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram (138 km, 2-3 hours)

After breakfast you will drive about 40 miles to the far temple city, Kanchipuram. It is among the “sevens holy cities of” India. After each Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallava, the Chola and the Vijayanagar kings. While the country is dotted with fabulous temples, you will visit the three most important temples in South India: the Kailasanatha-temple, the Vaikunthaperumal temple, as well as the Ekambareshwara temple. Kanchipuram is also very well known for its hand woven silk materials. You’ll then drive to Mahabalipuram which is well known for its 7th century Five Rathas. These are the world’s largest stone relief. You’ll then arrive and be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 3Explore! Mahabalipuram

After breakfast you will start your tour by visiting the 7th-century Shore temple which is surrounded by lush gardens. In addition you’ll visit the 7th- century Five Rathas, which are the world’s largest stone relief; Bhagiratha’s Penance, a 1900-square-foot rock block; and rock cut caves from the 6th and 7th centuries. In the evening, you can explore this small town, where you can also see the soap stone workers making designs and sculptures with chisel and hammer. An overnight stay in Mahabalipuram.

Day 4Drive from Mahaballipuram via Pondicherry to Tanjore or Thanjavur (272 km, 4-5 hours)

After breakfast, you will drive to Tanjore. En route you’ll visit Pondicherry, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the city Auroville, which covers more than 2000 acres. Today also, you can see the influence of French rule in Pondicherry, because the Frenchmen strongly were represented here until 1954. Many residents still speak French in addition to Tamil. You’ll then continue on to Tanjore where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 5Drive from Tanjore to Trichy or Trichurapalli (62 km, 1-2 hours)

After breakfast you’ll visit the 9th-century Brihadeshwara Temple. This temple gave Tanjore its name of the “Jewel of South India”. The temple–dedicated to the God Shiva–features a 200-foot-high tower shaped like a pyramid. It is crowned by a heavy cupola weighing 88 tons. You’ll also visit Raja Rajan Art Gallery which houses bronze statues of the 9th through 16th centuries. You’ll continue on to Trichy where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for refreshment and rest. During the afternoon you’ll visit the famous Rock Fort Temple that is carved out of rock that is about 300 feet high. Wear your walking shoes because you’ll have to climb 345 steps to get to the top of the temple. Once there, you will have a wonderful view of the city. You’ll also have time to visit Srirangam, home to 21 temple towers on an island in the Kaveri River. The Ranganathasvami temple, dedicated to God Vishnu, is one of the largest temples in South India and is famous for its beautiful sculptures. After that, you will visit the Jambukeshwara temple, dedicated to God Shiva, and one of the oldest and largest in Tamil Nadu with five walls and seven Gopurams (soaring towers). An overnight stay in Tanjore.

Day 6From Tanjore to Madurai (190 km, 4-5 hours)

After breakfast you will drive to Madurai. Madurai is home to many: Pilgrims, beggars, business persons, cow vehicles and many awaiting Rickshaw drivers. It is one of the oldest cities of South India and a center for Pilgrimage. The main attraction which lies in the middle of town is the Sri Meenakshi Temple. It was built during the 17th century in the Dravidian style with many Gopurams (soaring temple towers)and features colorful pictures of God, Goddesses, animals and mystical figures. Religious ceremonies take place here from early morning to late night. Pilgrims from all over the world visit here and sometimes up to 10000 persons are at the Temple. One of the largest temple complexes of India, within the Sri Meenakshi Temple is a market. Evenings you can pursue a temple ceremony. You’ll also have time to visit the 16th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace before retiring at your hotel. An overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 7Drive from Madurai to Munnar (160 km, 4 hours)

After breakfast you will drive to Munnar. Munnar is over 5000-foot-high mountain station surrounded by a stretch of mountains covered with tea plantations. Munnar is the trade center for special teas, lying on one of the world’s highest cultivating areas. You can see the rare Nilgiri Tahr (a type of mountain goat), enjoy the panorama, or climb the cliffs of Anamudi (2695 meters), south India’s highest mountain tip. You will also visit Tea Museum and Tea Factory and local Bazaars. An overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 8Drive from Munnar to Thekkady (90 km, 2 hours)

After breakfast you’ll drive to Thekaddy. This trip through the mountains, spice plantations and tea plantations will definitely reenergize your senses. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for rest and refreshment. In the late afternoon you’ll enjoy a boat trip in Periyar Wildlife National Park. This park is one of the world’s best places to see elephants in their natural surroundings. Before sunset, you’ll also be fortunate to see other wild animals visit the bank of Periyar Lake to drink and eat. You can also enjoy a pleasant walk in the markets for some spices shopping before returning to your hotel. An overnight stay in Thekaddy.

Day 9Transfer to Kumarakom and check in the private houseboat

After breakfast you’ll drive to Kumarakom. On the way you’ll visit a Spice Farm, where you can see various spice plantations such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, peppermint, clove, vanilla, ginger, chili, tea and coffee plants. Then you’ll continue on to Kumarakom where you can start your private overnight houseboat trip. The entire day will be spent in the Backwaters where breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served. Here, you will glide along the canals and observe the daily live of the Kerala people living on the banks of Backwaters. At night you will settle down to spend it in the house boat on the lake. An overnight stay in Houseboat.

Day 10 Transfer to beach resort in Mararikulam (41 km, 1 hour)

Today, after breakfast, you will leave the houseboat and be transferred by car to your beach resort of Mararikulam. Mararikulam is the internationally acclaimed beach destination of India with its white silvery sand beaches. Rest of the day is free. An overnight stay in Mararikulam.

Day 11Drive to Cochin (42 km, 1 hour)

After breakfast, you will go on a Cochin. First you will visit the St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by the Portuguese. Then on to the Mattancherry Palace or “Dutch Palace” built by the Dutch and subsequently on handed over to the local queen. At the harbor, you can view unusual Chinese fishing nets, which marks the visit of Chinese folk in Cochin. You’ll also discover the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1558. Around the Synagogue, you can purchase a lot of unique and old products.

After sightseeing of Cochin, transfer to Cochin airport for your onward flight.

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones visits Taj Mahal

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones visits Taj Mahal

World renowned Hollywood couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones is in India. Catherine posted photographs for her fans of their visit to the Taj Mahal on her social media page. They posed with their two children at the world famous Taj Mahal, and also walked along the Mughal gardens.

She posted her first picture in India on Monday, from New Delhi. She captioned the picture, “New Delhi, India, today. When you dream of visiting a country all your life, and it lives up to everything you hoped it would be.”

A day later, they went to the Taj Mahal, where they were spotted walking hand-in-hand. She later updated – “The Taj Mahal, today in India. Breathtaking view and experience. It’s just the ultimate love story.”

Michael Douglas also shared a couple of photographs on his official page, exclaiming, “Wow!” In three other pictures, he posed at the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, India Gate and at Humayun’s Tomb.

Michael Kirk Douglas, born September 25, 1944 is an American actor and producer. Douglas’s career includes a different range of films in independent and blockbuster genres, for which he has received a number of accolades, both competitive and honorary. These awards include the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment” and the AFI Life Achievement Award, which “honor[s] an individual whose career in motion pictures or television has greatly contributed to the enrichment of American culture”

Catherine Zeta-Jones, born 25 September 1969 is a Welsh actress. Born and raised in Swansea, Zeta-Jones aspired to be an actress from a young age. As a child, she played roles in the West End productions of the musicals Annie and Bugsy Malone. She studied musical theater at the Arts Educational Schools, London, and made her stage breakthrough with a leading role in a 1987 production of 42nd Street. Her screen debut came in the unsuccessful French-Italian film 1001 Nights (1990), and she went on to find greater success as a regular in the British television series The Darling Buds of May (1991–93). Dismayed at being typecast as the token pretty girl in British films, Zeta-Jones relocated to Los Angeles.

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Jonty Rhodes Visits Taj Mahal

Jonty Rhodes Visits Taj Mahal

Jonty Rhodes, a world renowned South African cricketer visited the Taj Mahal recently. He visited the world famous Taj Mahal with his daughter and son. His wife did not accompany him this time, as she has been to the Taj Mahal before.

He reached Agra around 11 o’clock and straight away went to visit the Taj Mahal. He was recognized by the locals and allowed them to take selfie. He then visited the graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. He took a great interest in the marble inlay work at the Taj, and asked questions related to the workers who worked in its construction.  Later, he also visited Agra fort.He was on the same day visit to Agra.  He twitted about his visit that “The Taj Mahal is really a symbol of love.”

Jonathan Neil “Jonty” Rhodes is a former South African Test and One Day International cricketer. He is regarded as one of the greatest fielders of all time, which he perfected to fly towards the ball for any direction at ease.Rhodes made his Test début against India in the first Test of the “Friendship Tour” at his home ground in Kingsmead, Durban on 13th November 1992, scoring 41 in the first innings and 26 not out in the second. He played for the South African cricket team between 1992 and 2003.

Jonty Rhodes and his family has a long emotional bond with India. On 24 April 2015, Rhodes wife Melanie gave birth to a daughter named India Rhodes, in Mumbai. The couple named her after our country, stating they admired the rich culture and geographical diversity of the country. It is a very spiritual country, very forward thinking nation. I really like that combination. You have to have a good balance of life. With the name like India, she will have the best of both worlds and that sort of balance.

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Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Goa

Today you will arrive at the Goa international airport. Goa is India’s smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. It is located in West India in the region known as the Konkan. Goa is India’s richest state with a GDP per capital two and a half times that of the country as a whole. It was ranked the best placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on Population based on the 12 Indicators. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Goa.

Day 2Full day sightseeing of Goa

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a full day sightseeing. You will drive to Palolem beach along the scenic coastal drive. Visit the Betul Beach and Cape Rama Fort enroute to Palolem Beach. Thereafter if time permits, then you will visit the Cotigao Wild Life Sanctuary. On your way back, you will visit Sri Mallikarjun temple. An overnight stay in Goa.

Day 3Visit of Madgao, Rachol Seminary and Dudhsagar Falls

After breakfast, you will drive to Madgao. You will Visit the Holy Spirit Church in Madgao. Drive further to visit Rachol Seminary and then continue to Ponda. You will also visit the Mangeshi temple and Shanta-Durga temple. Thereafter, you will drive down to a spice plantation. In the evening, you will drive to the Dudhsagar Fall. An overnight stay in Goa.

Day 4Visit South Goa and North Goa

After breakfast, you will drive down to Panjim – Capital of Goa. Visit the local market and continue to Old Goa and then you will visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The Jesuit church is India’s first Minor Basilica, and is considered as one of the best examples of baroque architecture in India.
Then you will visit Se Cathedral which was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Alfonzo de Albuquerque over a Muslim army, leading to the capture of the city of Goa in 1510. Since the day of the victory happened to be on the feast of Saint Catherine, the cathedral was dedicated to her. The cathedral originally had two towers, but one collapsed in 1776 and was never rebuilt.
At the end you will visit the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. There are three tier facade octagonal towers on each side and in the central niche there is a statue of St. Michael. The main entrance is decorated with circular pilasters and rosette band. The central nave is barrel-vaulted while the crossing is rib-vaulted which supports the choir. The internal buttress walls, separating the chapels and supporting the gallery on top, have frescoes showing floral designs. Above the tabernacle in the main altar is a large statue of St. Francis of Assisi and Jesus on the cross, statues of St. Peter and St. Paul are seen below. The adjoining walls of nave retain painted panels depicting scenes from the life of St Francis of Assisi.After your visit to the churches, continue to drive on the national highway till Parnem to the extreme north of Goa to the Tiracol Fort. An overnight stay in Goa.

Day 5Exploring North Goa!

After breakfast, you will explore the famous beaches of North Goa – Harmal (Aramboli), Vagaator, Baga and Calangute. Also you will visit the two famous forts of Chapora it occupies an important position which, in every direction commanded distant approaches. Rising above the wide Chapora River, long before the Portuguese arrived in Goa, was a fort in place of the present one built. Even after the Portuguese acquired Bardez, the fort changed hands several times and was much sought after. And Aguada was the most prized and crucial fort of Portuguese. The fort is so large that it envelops the entire peninsula at the south western tip of Bardez. Built on the mouth of river Mandovi, it was strategically located and was the chief defense of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas. An overnight stay in Goa

Day 6Time at leisure!

Today you will spend the entire day at leisure. An overnight stay in Goa.

Day 7Departure

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, you will be transferred to the international airport for your onward journey.

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Golden Triangle including Khajuraho – Varanasi

Day 1Welcome to Delhi!

You will arrive at the Delhi Airport. Delhi is India’s national capital and the second largest metropolis after Mumbai. Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region.
Transfer to hotel. An overnight stay in Delhi

Day 2Exploring Delhi!

On your first day you will explore the old and new city of Delhi. You’ll be mesmerized by the 100-foot, red-stone boundary walls of Red Fort built during the 17th century. Opposite this ancient structure is the Jama Masjid (Jama Mosque), built in 1656 AD, construction of red sandstone and white marble. It is the largest mosque in India where 20,000 people can pray together. You will also tour the town in a Rickshaw. Along the streets of old Delhi you will see the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) Memorial, which is close to the river Yamuna. Next, you will visit the Humayun Tomb, tomb of the second Mughal emperor, which was completed by his wife during the 16th century. The Qutub Minar, a 220-foot tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, was built between 1199 and 1368 AD. It runs counter to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India. There you’ll also see the Government Buildings & Parliament and India Gate which is 130-foot wall built in memory of the soldiers who died during the First World War. An overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3Explore Delhi once again / Drive to Jaipur (265 km, 5-6 hours)

Today after breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will go for the sightseeing of Delhi. Today your day will experience the religious side of India, because you will visit different temples dedicated to different religions of India. First you will visit Akshardham Temple, the largest temple complex of India. It is considered to be the most beautiful Temple of India, and one of the architectural wonders, as the whole Temple is built without the use of any cement and lime. Technology of interlocking of stones has been used in this temple. It also boasts off 150 kilo Gold Statue, the main shrine in the temple. Later you will visit Sikh Temple, dedicated to Sikh Religion in India.
Then it’s on to Jaipur, the capital of the state Rajasthan. It is also well known as the “Pink City” because the houses’ facade and city wall are all pink. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 4Explore! Jaipur

After an early breakfast you will drive to fort Amber (10 km), the former capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs. On the way, you will stop to visit the city’s landmark: the Hawa Mahal (palace of the winds). Built during the 18th century, the five-story building features 953 windows and niches from which the royal women observed the procession in the street without being seen. Next you will visit Amber Fort, which lies on 400-foot-tall hill and is surrounded by the chain of mountains known as Aravalli. You will ascend the fort on an elephant back like a Maharaja. Afterwards you will visit the Pink city Jaipur. The City Palace built in 1734 lies in the center of Jaipur and is now the residence of the royal family of Jaipur and a beautiful museum. After that you will visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory. It was built in the 18th century by the city founder Jai Singh II. The instruments are out of stone and marble and served to explore the night skies. In the evening an excursion to Nahargarh Tiger Fort to experience beautiful view and sunset over Jaipur. You will then return to your hotel. An overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5From Jaipur to Ranthambore (145 km, 3-4 hours)

Today you will drive to Sawai Madhopur to visit Ranthambore National Park, which is world famous for its Tigers. After arrival, transfer to your hotel in Ranthambore. Afternoon, you will go for your first Jeep safari in the Ranthambore National Park. In the evening return to the hotel. An overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Day 6Ranthambore Tour (Safari to Jungle with Jeep)

Your day will be dedicated for a jungle safari by jeep canter through Ranthambore National Park. You will be accompanied by a naturalist who can explain the wildlife, plants and other sites that you will see during the Safari. In late morning, you can visit the Ranthambore Fort, whose foundation was made 1000 years ago. You may encounter a tiger at the fort as they love to live in it during the hot hours of the day.
Afternoon again, you will go again for your Jeep safari in the Ranthambore National Park. In evening you will return to the hotel. An overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Day 7From Ranthambore to Agra (270 km, 5 hours)

Today you will drive to Agra. En route you will visit Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and famous for different bird species. 20 km ahead, you will also visit Fatehpur Sikri (36 km from Agra), the former metropolitan of Akbar, built in 1569. Akbar moved the capital to Fatehpur Sikri, but after 13 years due to the scarcity of water, the capital was shifted to Lahore in Pakistan and later again to Agra. You will continue your drive to Agra. After arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel. An overnight stay in Agra.

Day 8Explore Agra!

At sunrise, you will visit the world renowned Taj Mahal (built between 1631to 1653 AD). A poem in white marble it was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its extravagant architecture reveals its secret of being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. 20,000 workers with experts from Italy, France, Iran and Asia were busied for 21 years with the monument.Return to hotel for breakfast.
Afterwards you will visit the huge and massive Agra Fort at the west bank of the Yamuna River. The Agra fort was built in the 16th century by Akbar and was completed by his grandson. Then you will visit Sikandra, the impressive grave of Akbar, the most powerful of all Mughal emperors that is located about 10 km away from the city. You will also visit Itmad-ud-daula (also known as baby Taj), situated on the other side of the river. Finally at sunset you will see Taj Mahal once again but this time from the other side of the river Mehtab Bagh, from where most of the beautiful pictures are taken. You will then return to your hotel. An overnight stay in Agra.

Day 9From Agra to Khajuraho (2 hours by Train)

In the morning after an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Agra railway station to board the train Shatabadi Express for Jhansi. After your arrival in Jhansi, you will be met by one of our representatives and taken to Khajuraho by car. En route you will visit Orchha, which is famous for its 17th century forts and palaces. You will then continue your drive to Khajuraho. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 10From Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh (275 km, 6 hours)

After breakfast, you will visit the East and West Group temples which houses artwork and sculptures about love making. The 1000-year-old temples are truly unique in the world. You will then drive to Bandhavgarh National Park, which has the highest density of tigers in India.
Bandhavgarh is the zone with most tigers on the Indian subcontinent. Easily accessible hilly areas and grasslands present themselves good opportunities to observe tiger in its natural habitat. Through the unusual density of the wild cats (tigers) in this zone, Bandhavgarh became world-famous. But also other species live in this unique national park: Gaur (Indian Bison), Leopards, four kinds of deer (barking, sambar, hog, black buck and chital), Nilgai (or Bluebull), wild pigs, Indian bears, rhesus monkeys, Langurs, jungle cats, hyenas, jackal, foxes and Dhole (Indian wild dogs).
Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Bandhavgarh.

Day 11Bandhavgarh (Safari to Jungle by Jeep and Elephant)

Today, your day will be dedicated to the jungle safari both by jeep and elephant through Bandhavgarh national park. You will be accompanied by a naturalist who can explain the wildlife, plants and other sites that you will see during the Safari. An overnight stay in Bandhavgarh.

Day 12Bandhavgarh (Safari to Jungle by Jeep and Elephant)

Your day will be dedicated for a jungle safari both by jeep and elephant through Bandhavgarh national park. You will be accompanied by a naturalist who can explain the wildlife, plants and other sites that you will see during the Safari. An overnight stay in Bandhavgarh.

Day 13Transfer to Varanasi by Train

In the morning you will be transferred to Katni Railway Station (2 hours from Bandhavgarh) for your train to Varanasi. You will arrive at Varanasi in the evening. After arrival, transfer to hotel. An overnight stay in Varanasi

Day 14Explore! Varanasi

Early that morning you can enjoy a boat ride on the river Ganges. You can watch the golden sunrise and see hundreds of people worshiping and taking bath in the holy river. You will then return to your hotel for breakfast.
Afterwards you will tour the old city and visit temples including Kashi Hindu University where more than fifty thousand students from all over the world are enrolled. Also, visit the fort on the bank of the river Ganges. Most of the part of this fort is now converted into a beautiful museum.
Later you will be transferred to your hotel and after a short break you make an excursion to Sarnath (10 km), one of the head centers of Buddhism. Buddha preached his first sermon in Sarnath after he got enlightenment. Of the entire complex, the Dhamekh Stupa (built during the 5th and 6th centuries) and the Dharma Chakra are imposing buildings built to pay tribute to the place where Buddha preached his first disciples. You will also visit the Dharmarajika Stupa (273-326 BC) where Buddha meditated, and where the alleged bones of Buddha are said to be at rest. Afterwards visit Sarnath Museum.
Evening you will go Ganges and boat ride once again to watch the world famous religious ceremony on the ghats of river ganges. You will return to your hotel. An overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 15Flight from Varanasi to Delhi

Today you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Delhi. After arrival you will take your connecting flight.https://www.thetajtours.com/tour/golden-triangle-including-khajuraho-varanasi/