Day 01: ABROAD-MADRAS

Day 02: ARRIVE MADRAS
Arrive Madras by International Flight.
Meeting and assistance at the airport upon arrival and transfer to HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IS RESERVED FROM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT TO ENSURE IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY UPON ARRIVAL.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Madras city starting with a visit to Saint Mary's Church (1678 - 80), the spiritual and physical centre of the original settlement and the oldest surviving building in the East associated with the Anglican church. Visit the famous museum (Museums are closed on Friday and National Holidays) that house a fantastic collection of medieval artillery, regimental flags, weapons and armour. Also visit the St. George Fort built in 1644 which lies on the sea shore immediately north of the island. This now forms the nucleus of the Secretariat. Drive along the Marina, which is one of the most beautiful marine promenades in the world and contains a series of impressive private and public buildings. End the tour with a visit to Kapaleshvara temple. This is the largest and the most important Shiva complex in Madras. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 03: MADRAS
Morning excursion to Kanchipuram (70 kms). One of the holy cities of Hinduism, is Kanchipuram.
Afternoon, visit Mahablipuram. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 04: MADRAS-BANGALORE-HASSAN
Transfer from hotel to the Railway Station in time for:
Lv: Madras at 0600 hours by SHATABDI EXP
Ar: Bangalore at 1050 hours (Train operates daily except Tuesday). Meeting and assistance upon arrival at the Railway Station and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Bangalore visiting the Lalbagh botanical gardens which lies on the southern edge of the town and covers an area of 237 acres. Also visit Vidhana Soudha, a huge neo-Dravidian granite building which houses the secretariat and the state legislative. It is one of the most impressive modern buildings in India. The huge door to the entrance of the cabinet room is made of pure sandalwood. Later drive from Bangalore to Hassan (190 kms/5 hours) On arrival check-in at: HOTEL. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 05: HASSAN-COORG
Morning sightseeing tour of Belur and Halebid, which is the finest examples of Hoysala Art. The soft stone used by builders was chiselled with extreme fineness for detail. The temple at Belur is famed for its profusely ornamented exterior and the one at Halebid for its sculptured figures and open air museum. Also visit the colossal monolithic Jain Statue, 57-ft high, which stands on top of a steep bare hill. Afternoon drive from Hassan to Coorg (140 kms/3 hours). On arrival check-in at: HOTEL. Evening visit Coffee plantation and a processing factory. On return walk around plantation where there is likely hood of spotting wildlife like elephants, deer etc. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 06: COORG-MYSORE
Drive from Coorg to Mysore (100 kms/2.5 hours) enroute visiting Sravanabelagola. It is one of the oldest and most important Jain pilgrimage centers in India and site of the huge statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshvara) which, at 17 metres high and carved out of a single piece rock, is said to be the world's tallest monolithic statue. It stands on top of the rocky hill. Continue your drive to Mysore and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL. Afternoon, you will visit the beautiful city of Mysore, which is known for its fine craftsmanship in wood, ivory, sandal-wood, and for its silk. Visit the Maharaja's Palace, which is lavishly decorated in a mixture of styles. Also visit the Zoological Garden, the Mysore Arts & Crafts Center and then proceed to the Chamundi Temple on a hill high above the city. Evening drive to the Brindavan Garden, beautifully illuminated daily, truly a pleasure garden. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 07: MYSORE-OOTY
Drive from Mysore to Ooty (158 kms/5 hours). On arrival check-in at: HOTEL. Afternoon, city sightseeing tour of Ottacamund. Located in the heart of the Nilgiris (Blue Mountains), at a height of 2,287 m, it lies on a plateau and looks like a vast park. To the northwest of Ooty, are splendid towns resembling those of Sussex. While to the west, south and southwest, lofty hills add to the grandeur of the scenery. Visit the terraced Botanical Gardens, which are a landmark in Ooty and have many rare trees and flowering plants. OVERNIGHT AT THE RESORT.

Day 08: OOTY-COCHIN
Drive from Ooty to Cochin (281 kms/7 hours). On arrival check-in at: HOTEL. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 09: COCHIN
Morning, sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit the Jewish synagogue (closed on Saturdays), built over 400 years ago. It contains beautiful Belgian glass chandeliers and is paved with hand painted tiles from China. Later, visit the "Dutch Palace" (closed on Fridays) with its wonderful murals depicting the entire story of the Ramayana. Proceed to see the St Francis Church (closed on Sundays), the first European Church built in India. In the afternoon, enjoy a motor launch cruise on the backwaters of Cochin, around the harbour, visiting the Bolghatty Palace (the beautiful dutch colonial mansion). You will pass islands and view the traditional fishing hamlets, and the fisherfolk in their colorful costumes. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 10: COCHIN-MARARI BEACH RESORT
Drive from Cochin to Marari Beach (75 kms/1.5 hours).On arrival check-in at: Rest of the day at leisure. OVERNIGHT AT THE RESORT.

Day 11: MARARI BEACH
Day free to relax at Beach or visit their health centre for Ayurvedic Herbal Oil Massage. OVERNIGHT AT THE RESORT.

Day 12: MARARI BEACH-ALLEPPEY-KOTTAYAM-PERIYAR
Drive to Alleppey (15 kms) boat jetty to board boats for backwater cruise through Vembanad Lake to arrive at Vembanad Lake Resort at Kottayam (2 hours cruise) in time for sea food lunch served on Banana Leaf. Later drive to Periyar (110 kms/3 hours). On arrival check-in at: HOTEL. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 13: PERIYAR-MADURAI
Morning take a 1.5 hours boat ride on Lake Periyar to see the panorama spreads around - tropical jungles, wild Elephants, Indian Gaur, Monkeys, spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar and birds of myriad varieties. With an area of 777 sq. km the wildlife sanctuary lies at an elevation of 914 meters to 1828 meters above sea level on the Periyar Lake in the hills of Western Ghats. Afternoon drive from Periyar to Madurai (128 kms/3.5 hours). On arrival check-in at: HOTEL Late evening attend Pooja ceremony at Meenakshi temple. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 14: MADURAI-TRICHY-TANJORE
Morning, city sightseeing tour of Madurai, visiting the Meenakshi Temple where Dravidian temple architecture maybe seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its Hall of a Thousand Pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace which is in a highly decorative monument at Thebes. Its enormous roofted arcade supported by 48-foot-high stoned pillars still stands; and griffins, lions and other monster gargoyles are to be seen everywhere. Afternoon drive from Madurai to Tanjore (190 kms/5 hours enroute visiting Trichy Tiruchirapalli).The next storey is the Mathrubhuteshwarer Shrine dedicated to Shiva. Finally at the top of the hill, the Ucchi Pillayar Koil- a Ganesh Temple offering a commanding view of the city. Continue your drive to Tanjore and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 15: TANJORE-PONDICHERRY
Morning, city sightseeing tour of Tanjore where you will stop to visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. Later it became part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom, then passed into the hands of the Marathas and went to the British. Also visit Palm Leaf Library. Afternoon drive from Tanjore to Pondicherry (177 kms/5 hours) enroute visiting Chidambaram, which is famous for Sri Natraja Temple. The Pallava, Chola and Pandya, and Nayak rulers built a number of temples and monuments in this area. There are sculptural representations of the 108 postures relating to Natya Sastra or Science of Dancing in the temple. Continue your drive to Pondicherry and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 16: PONDICHERRY-MADRAS
Morning, sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, visiting Auroville. Conceived as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo, Auroville is an entirely new concept in education and urban living. The Aurobindo Ashram is known to the world over as the "Centre of Integral Yoga". It was founded by Sri Aurobindo, India's philosopher around 1920.Afternoon drive from Pondicherry to Madras (162 kms/4 hours) airport in time to board flight.

Day 17: MADRAS-ABROAD
Lv: Madras by International Flight.

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi by International Flight. Meeting and assistance at the airport upon arrival and transfer to HOTEL. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 02: DELHI-SARISKA
Drive from Delhi to Jaipur (240 kms/5 hours).On arrival check-in at: HOTEL. Afternoon game viewing. Sariska is one of Rajasthan's richest wildlife sanctuaries. Apart from the Tiger, Panther, Leopard, Sariska's wildlife also consists of Sambhar Spotted Deer, Chowsingha, Gazelle, Nilgai, Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Porcupine and Ratel. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 03: SARISKA-JAIPUR
Early morning game viewing by jeep. Later drive from Sariska to Jaipur (111 kms/2.5 hours). On arrival check-in at: HOTEL. Afternoon, tour of Jaipur, popularly known as "The Pink City of Rajasthan". Visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory, which was built in the 1700's and yet even today, looks futuristic or almost surrealistic. Visit the City Palace and its Museum, the Hawa Mahal, also know as the Palace of Winds. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 04: JAIPUR-RANTHAMBORE
Morning excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy the ascent on elephant-back up to the fort. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, which are famous for their excellence in design and decoration. Later drive from Jaipur to Ranthambore (154 kms/3.5 hours). On arrival check-in at: Evening game viewing Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary extends over an area of 392 sq. kms of thick forests. The numerous valleys and flat hill tops form picturesque surroundings of the 13th century historical Ranthambore Fort. The Tiger and Leopard are the main predators found in this reserve. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 05: RANTHAMBORE
Early morning & late afternoon game viewing by jeep. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 06: RANTHAMBORE-BHARATPUR
Early morning game viewing. Drive from Ranthambore to Bharatpur (248 kms/6 hours). On arrival check-in at: HOTEL Afternoon bird watching. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 07: BHARATPUR
Early morning and late afternoon bird watching. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 08: BHARATPUR-AGRA
Drive from Bharatpur Agra (56 kms/2 hours) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, now glows in its magnificent past. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), set in the south wall. Continue your drive to Agra and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL Afternoon, experience the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Mondays) - one of the seven wonders of the world. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble, took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build it. This monument was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal, Also visit Agra Fort, whose maze of courtyard, mosque and private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 09: AGRA-KHAJURAHO
Transfer from hotel to the airport in time for:
Lv: Agra at 1205 hours by IC-7407
Ar: Khajuraho at 1245 hours Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer from airport to HOTEL. Afternoon, sightseeing tour of the famous Chandela Dynasty Temples which are set in a lovely grassy park. These temples are really amazing - rising in many peaks and spirals, intricately carved and designed with statues and friezes. These temples are also known for their renowned erotic carvings. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 10: KHAJURAHO-BANDHAVGARH
Drive from Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh (210 kms/5 hours). On arrival check-in at: HOTEL. Afternoon game viewing. Formerly private reserve of the Maharaja of Rewa, the princely state famous for Tigers, this Park is spread in an area of 110 sq. kms. It abounds in a variety of flora and fauna including the Tiger, Gaur, Leopard, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Antelope, the Indian Gazelle, Blue Bull, Common Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Sloth Bear and more than 150 species of birds. A few Black Buck may also be seen in a 11th century fort atop the central hill of the park. The park has got a good number of palaces, which are of historical and archaeological importance. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 11: BANDHAVGARH
Early morning and late afternoon game viewing by jeep. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 12: BANDHAVGARH-KANHA
Drive from Bandhavgarh to Kanha (280 kms/7 hours). On arrival check-in at: Afternoon game viewing by jeep. Ideally situated in the sylvan surroundings of Satpura Hill ranges, Kanha national Park has a core area of 940 sq. kms. Tropical semi-evergreen forests of this area are quite rich in wild fauna, which provide plentiful food for carnivores as well as herbivores. Gaur are also common at Kanha, as they inhabit the dense under growth at higher elevation. Other mammals are the sloth bear, wild board, musk shrew, blue bull, Sambhar, deer, mouse deer, palm squirrel and more than 150 species of birds. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 13: KANHA
Early morning and late afternoon game viewing by jeep. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 14: KANHA-NAGPUR-DELHI
Drive from Kanha to Nagpur (280 kms/6-7 hours) airport in time to board flight for:
Lv: Nagpur at 2230 hours by IC-7470
Ar: Delhi at 2355 hours. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer from Domestic to International airport in time to connect flight. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 15: DELHI-ABROAD
Lv: Delhi by International Flight.