WELCOME TO INDIA – One Nation, countless destination.   A land of rich heritage that’s ancient. The mystique of India, its history of 5000 years, philosophy, religions, fabulous historical monuments all add to its bewildering diversity to create a unique and colorful mosaic. This is the wonder that is India,  come, enjoy and experience it, now neatly packaged just for  you by Mercury Travels.

You will be met and assisted at the International airport by our representative upon arrival and transferred to
Hotel – A & B

VERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive from Chennai to Kanchipuram (71 kms/1.5 hours) to visit, the golden city of a thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of India. Its many gopurams can be seen from long way away. Kanchipuram was successively the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijaynagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries some of the best temples built in by the Pallavas. The city was also a great seat of learning, Sri Sankaracharya, Appan, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bhikku, Bodhidharma lived and worked here. Today, it is known not only for its temples but also for its handwoven silk fabrics.

Continue drive to Covelong. (75 kms/1.5 hours).

On arrival check-in at:
HOTEL A & B

After lunch, you will visit Mahablipuram. An ancient coastal port, south of Chennai, world famous for its shore temple, Mahabalipuram was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram, the first Tamil dynasty after the fall of the Gupta Empire. The whole of Mahabalipuram is a fabulous open-air museum of sculpture in living rock, Monolithic shrines, scooped out caverns magnificently sculpted within and the world’s biggest, bas relief in rock are truly wondrous examples of the sculptor’s art. Vying with this splendour is a beach. The famous temples of the Rathas, the Penance of Bhagirath, the Shore Temple and the eight Mandapams. (Shallow, rock cut halls).

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive from Covelong to Trichy (270 kms/6.5 hours).

Tiruchirapalli - in short called Trichy –the town and its famous Rock fort temple was built by the Nayaks-builders of Madurai an adjacent city .It was one of the main centres around which the wars of the Carnatic were fought in the 18th century during the British – French struggle for supremacy in India.

On arrival check-in at:
HOTEL A & B

Afternoon you will have a sightseeing tour of Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) - Trichy was a Chold Citadel during the Sangam Age. The Pandyas and Pallavas held sway over this region for short periods. The Nayaks of Madurai built the town and the historic Rock Fort, which played a vital role in the Carnatic wars in the 18th century. The famous places are ‘The Rock Fort Temple’, a spectacular monument perched on a rock outcrop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city.At the first level are the remnants of a huge hall blasted into ruins in 1772. The next storey is the Mathrubhuteshwar Shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Finally at the top of the hill, is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil – Lord Ganesh Temple, offering a commanding view of the city.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive from Trichy to Tanjore (54 kms/1.5 hours) to visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. These later became a part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom, which subsequently passed into the hands of the Marathas and went to the British. Visit the Brihadeshwara temple and the Saraswati Mahal Library.

Continue you drive to Madurai (190 kms/5 hours) and upon arrival check-in at:
HOTEL A & B

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai. The primary interest is the Meenakshi Temple, where Dravidian temple architecture may be considered to be at its best. 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 a highly decorative monument.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Evening witness Puja ceremony at Meenakshi temple.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive from Madurai to Periyar (137 kms/3.5 hours).

On arrival check-in at:
HOTEL A & B

Afternoon game viewing by boat(s).

Cruise on the Periyar Lake, in the cool surroundings. The panorama spreads into tropical jungles, wild Elephants, Indian Gaur, Monkeys, spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar and birds of myriad varieties. Encompassing an area of 777 sq kms, the wildlife sanctuary lies at an elevation of between 914 meters and 1828 meters above sea level on the Periyar Lake in the hills of Western Ghats.

OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive from to Kottayam . This will be followed by Back Water Cruise ending at Alleppy from where you will be picked up and driven to Cochin ( 50 Kms / 1.30 Hrs ).

On arrival in Cochin check-in at:
HOTEL A & B

Cochin – Now known as Kochi is one of India’s largest Ports where the misty silhouettes of huge merchant ships can be seen anchored off the point of Fort Cochin waiting for a berth in the docks of Ernakulam or Willingdon island – Dolphins can be seen in the harbour.. With its wealth of historical associations – since the times it was visited by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, this city is a magical blend where you can see the oldest church in India, 500 years old Portuguese houses, the cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets, Jewish Synagogue and the Palace built by the Portuguese.

Overnight in the hotel.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, begin your tour from 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.

Afternoon coach at disposal for independent activities. Return to hotel and proceed for Sun Set Cruise .

Transfer from hotel to the airport in time for:
                                                                                                           
Leave: Cochin                           at 0820 hours                by 9W-3512
Arrive: Bangalore                      at 0940 hours

Meeting, greeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport and drive to Mysore (139 kms/3.5 hours).

On arrival check-in at: HOTEL A & B

Buffet dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day trip to Belur and Halebid.

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.

OPTIONAL Lunch at Hotel Taj Garden Retreat.

Return to Mysore.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mysore. Up on a hill overlooking the city is the temple to Chamundeswari, its patron goddess. The famous places are the “Mysore Palace”, the beautiful profile of this walled Indo-Saracenic Palace, the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, graces the city’s skyline, rebuilt in 1912. The Mysore Arts and Crafts Centre, known for its fine craftsmanship in wood, ivory, sandalwood and silk. We also visit the Zoological Gardens and Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, overlooking Mysore from 1062 metres summit of Chamundi Hill. The St. Philomena’s Church, one of the largest church in the county, in the Victorian gothic style.

Afternoon, drive from Mysore to Bangalore (139 kms/3.5 hours).

On arrival proceeds to: HOTEL A & B

Later transfer to International airport in time to board flight for: