Grand Tour of Southern India

Stay – Mumbai

On the day of arrival at Mumbai airrport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Aurangabad

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed local sightseeing of Mumbai, visit the Gateway of India, Gandhi Memorial, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Prince of Wales Museum, and Juhu Chowpatty. Later in the afternoon take a flight to Aurangabad from Mumbai airport. Upon arrival at Aurangabad airport, our representative will transfer you to the hotel for overnight stay.

Stay – Aurangabad

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a guided tour of Ajanta Caves (Ajanta caves is closed on Monday). Ajanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses 30 rock-cut Buddhist Caves. The caves have beautiful paintings and sculptures which are rightly called the Buddhist masterpieces. After sightseeing around the place, drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Stay – Mumbai

After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Ellora Caves. Ellora Caves encompasses 34 rock cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu & Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century A.D. The most remarkable among them is the Kailash Temple, meant to be a replica of Lord Shivas celestial abode - Kailash is the best example of Rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel. Also visit the Daulatabad Fort which was built by the Yadavas. Initially, the fort acted as a southern military base. After sightseeing, we will transfer you to Aurangabad airport to board the flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel for night stay.

Stay – Bangalore

After breakfast, fly to Bangalore from Mumbai Airport. Upon arrival at Bangalore airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later proceed for sightseeing of Bangalore - the Garden city of India, visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, a 240 acre garden with largest collection of tropical plants, aquarium, Glass House and a lake, later visit Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha (outside view), and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. In the evening, visit ISKCON temple at Hare Krishna Hill. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Mysore

After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Mysore. Mysore is the cultural city of Karnataka and known for beautiful palaces and charming gardens. On arrival at Mysore, check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit Mysore Zoo, and in the evening visit Brindavan Gardens, one of the major attractions near the city of Mysore. The main attraction of the Brindavan Gardens is the musical fountain in which bursts of water are synchronized to the music of songs. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Mysore

After breakfast, visit Srirangapatna and the Kesava temple at Somnathpur, later visit the Golden Throne at the Durbar hall (During Dussehra Festival), the Mysore Palace, and Chamundi Hills (Chamundeshwari Temple). Also visit the St. Philomena's Church, built in the Gothic style - it is one of the largest churches in the country. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Bandipur National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Bandipur National Park. Bandipur National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and is a picturesque location, situated amidst Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway. On arrival at Bandipur, check-in to the wildlife resort. Relax at the resort or enjoy the calm serenity of the forest resort. Later in the afternoon, proceed for Jeep Safari inside the National Park. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the resort.

Stay – Ooty

Early in the morning, leave for Mudumalai National Park and a declared Tiger Reserve to enjoy Jeep Safari. It is an ideal home to several endangered and vulnerable species nestling Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Gaur and Indian Leopard. The sanctuary has about 50 species of fishes, 21 species of Amphibians, 34 species of Reptiles, 227 species of Birds and 55 species of Mammals. After enjoying wildlife safari, proceed to Ooty - the queen of hills. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit the Botanical garden - picturesque gardens spread across 22 hectares with 650 species of plants and trees, also visit Doddabetta Peak - the highest peak in the Nilgiris. Evening is reserved for exploring the local markets of Ooty and to enjoy a boat ride at Ooty Lake. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Ooty

After breakfast, proceed full day sightseeing of Coonoor. Drive to Coonoor, upon arrival visit Tea Gardens, Dolphin Nose, Lambs Rock, and Sims Park which is spread over an area of 12 hectares and is situated in Upper Coonoor. All the attractions of Coonoor offer enchanting views of the Nilgiri hills. In the evening, drive back to Ooty for night stay.

Stay – Ooty

After breakfast, drive to the rain-forest region of Wayanad. Occupying a position on the edge of the stunning Western Ghats, Wayanad is an area of outstanding natural beauty with lush tropical forests, deep valleys, waterfalls and sprawling plantations. Upon arrival, check in at the resort. The evening time is free to spend at the Pookot Lake and having a wonderful time where you can connect yourself with the real nature. Overnight stay at the resort.

Stay – Wayanad

The day is free at leisure, you can enjoy bird watching and a natural walk in the tangled forests. Or you can rejuvenate your mind, body and sole in the lap of the nature. In the evening, return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Stay – Kozhikode

After breakfast at the resort, leave for Kozhikode/Calicut. Upon arrival check-in at the hotet. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit Kozhikode Beach, Beypore Beach, and Kappad Beach - a historically significant location. It was here that Vasco Da Gama landed on May 27, 1498 - opening the first sea route from Europe to India. Also, visit Kalaripayattu School at Kozhikode to be a spectator to the ancient martial art of Kerala. Kalaripayattu considered as the mother of all the martial art forms. Kalaripayattu is a little bit a mixture of dance and defence. It is warfare with the peerless rhythmical feel that makes you forget that what you were watching is once a route to a fight. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kozhikode.

Stay – Kochi

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Cochin. Upon arrival at Cochin, check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later proceed for a half day guided tour at Cochin, visit Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, Dutch Palace, Pareekshith Thampuran Museum, Pallipuram Fort, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bolgatty Island, and Indo Portuguese Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Munnar

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Munnar “Scenic Hill Station of Kerala”. On the way to Munnar, visit Kodanad Elephant Care Centre, beautiful waterfalls and natural scenic spots. Upon arrival at Munnar, check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Munnar

After breakfast spend the day with local sightseeing. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale, Munnar is 1600 Meter above sea level. This majestic hill station was once the summer resort of the British government in South India. Local sightseeing of Munnar includes visit to Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake and Echo point. Afternoon proceed to Rajamalai were the rarest species of mountain goat, "Nilgiri Thars", can be spotted. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Munnar

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady (the location of the Periyar National Park). Upon arrival at Thekkady/Periyar check-in at your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit Kumily - a beautiful town and a popular tourist destination near Thekkady. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Thekkady

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Thekkady or Periyar National Park. Thekkady is spread across 777 sq km of which 360 sq km is thick ever green forest. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty, the sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. It is one of those wildlife reserves in India that remain open even in monsoon season. Optional activities like Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit and Elephant Ride can be done at an extra cost. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Kumarakom

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Kumarakom “Town of Backwaters”. Upon arrival at Kumarakom, check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, proceeds for local sightseeing in and around Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a tiny backwater hamlet perched on the western banks of the Vembanadu Lake. The stretch of backwater is spread over 900 sq. km, visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach & Backwaters, and Bay Island Driftwood Museum etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Alleppey

After breakfast, drive to the Backwaters of Alleppey. Set out on an enchanting overnight backwater cruise in traditionally decorated houseboat. Check in time is 01:00 PM and cruise starts with lunch. While cruising in these floating villas, let your eyes settle for the rare and the unusual - skim past Chinese fishing nets, bowed-down paddy fields, and local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, rustic homes, and ancient temples and swaying coconut groves. Evening is free at leisure, you can explore the local market of Alleppey. Food will be served onboard. Overnight stay at the houseboat.

Stay – Kovalam

After breakfast, check out from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam (04 Hrs Drive); on arrival check-in into hotel. Kovalam is one of the prime beach destinations in India. Enjoy the evening watching a spectacular sunset or swimming at the picturesque Kovalam Beach. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Kovalam

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing experiencing a tour around Trivandrum, visit The Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Museum, and Sri Padmanabha Temple. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to the famous Kovalam Beach and you can relax your mind and body there. Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam.

Stay – Kanyakumari

Early in the morning, leave for Kanyakumari - the southern most tip of India, also the meeting point of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Upon arrival at Kanyakumari, check-in to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel and later, visit The Kumari Amman Temple or Kanya Kumari. From her love of Shiva to the ruby on her nose ring, which can be seen far from the sea, confusing sailors in thinking it is a lighthouse- everything enchanting and mysterious seems to converge in this temple. Also visit Suchindram Temple, this temple is dedicated to Sthanumalaya (Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma). Later, visit the Vivekananda rock memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue - one has to use the boat facilities to visit this beautiful memorial spot. Later in the evening, return back to the hotel for night stay.

Stay – Kanyakumari

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Madurai. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later visit visit Meenakshi temple - One of the biggest and oldest temples in India. It is an ancient centre of worship as well as an Art Museum. After visiting Meenakshi temple, return back to the hotel for night stay.

Stay – Kumbakonam

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Kumbakonam, en-route halt at Tiruchirappalli, visit Rock Fort Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple and Srirangam Temple. Later continue your drive to Kumbakonam, upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Kumbakonam

After breakfast, enjoy your full day at the resort exercising Yoga and Ayurveda activities under the supervision of an expert instructor. Overnight stay at the Ayurvedic resort.

Stay – Kumbakonam

After breakfast, enjoy your full day at the resort exercising Yoga and Ayurveda activities under the supervision of an expert instructor. Overnight stay at the Ayurvedic resort.

Stay – Kumbakonam

After breakfast, enjoy your full day at the resort exercising Yoga and Ayurveda activities under the supervision of an expert instructor. Overnight stay at the Ayurvedic resort.

Stay – Pondicherry

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival at Pondicherry, check–in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, enjoy the pleasant weather of the place and capture some special moments at the Promenade Beach. You can also explore the Nehru Street Market for shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory town bounded by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree–lined streets, mustard–colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade runs along the Bay of Bengal and passes several statues, including a 4m–high Gandhi Memorial.

Stay – Pondicherry

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, visit the Auroville City. Founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa, Auroville is an experimental community in southern India. It is a free town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Auroville Botanical Gardens protects the region’s tropical dry evergreen forest. Auroville Beach is a long sandy stretch with gentle surf.

Later visit the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, founded by the Bengali philosopher, Sri Aurobindo back in the early 20th century. After that visit Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, later in the evening enjoy the fun boat rides at the Chunnambar Backwater. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Chennai

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Chennai. upon arrival check-in to your hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, and later proceed for sightseeing tour of Chennai, visit the famous Marina Beach (the second largest in the world), Kapaleshwar Temple, Fort St.George (the oldest fort in Chennai) and Santhome Cathedral. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to the Chennai airport to board the flight to your home or onward destination.