DAY 01 : Arrive Hyderabad
You will arrive Hyderabad International Airport in the evening. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a INDIAN SUMMERS representative will meet you at the Arrival terminal building after which you will be transferred to your hotel.

HYDERABAD
The twin city of Hyderabad-Secunderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, combines Islamic and Hindu influences. While Hyderabad was founded in 1589 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the cantonment of Secunderabad beyond the artificial Hussain Sagar Lake was established by the British in the early 1800’s.Hyderabad was planned in a grid pattern with enormous arches. The city is an important centre of Islamic culture.

Overnight at Hotel in Hyderabad.

DAY 02 : In Hyderabad
After Breakfast proceed on Guided tour of Hyderabad. The guided tour includes famous Charminar, Mosque and Museum.  
The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. It was said to be built as a charm to ward off a deadly epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7m. above the ground. Charminar has 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in it. Visitors can view the architectural splendour inside the Charminar. The monument is illuminated in the evenings and a pedestrianisation project around the monument is under implementation.  

Two hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. The Qutb Shahis never finished the building of the mosque, which was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid is poetry in stone, with a hall measuring 67m and soaring to a height of 54m. Fifteen graceful arches - five to each of the three sides, support the roof. Towards the southern end of the mosque lie the marble graves of members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.   

Evening you will be taken to sound and light show at Golconda fort.

Overnight at the Hotel in Hyderabad

DAY 03 : Hyderabad – Chennai by flight - 1Hr.30 min
Morning after breakfast leave for Hyderabad domestic airport to board flight for Chennai
Schedule Dep: Hyderabad – 09:00 Hrs
Schedule Arr: Chennai – 10:30 Hrs

Upon arrival at Chennai airport you will be received by a INDIAN SUMMERS representative and transfer to your hotel for check in.

The East India Company established its presence in southern India on the Bay of Bengal in 1639 with the establishment of Fort St. George. The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, grew up around the fort area. It now serves as the capital of Tamil Nadu and is the fourth largest city in India, with over six million inhabitants. It sprawls over a large area yet, in spite of recent industrial growth, seems less congested than other large Indian cities. Its role as a trade center is furthered by rail, road, and air connections in addition to its seaport. It presents both modern and traditional charm, its many British influences juxtaposed with Tamil-Hindu traditions.

After lunch in the hotel proceed for a half day city tour of Chennai. Firstly you will visit, Fort St. George, which is presently, being used by the Tamil Nadu Government. Within the compound is a museum holding many remembrances of the East India Company and the British period. From the British hold of centre, you will proceed to Mylapore, which was inhabited in the 16th century by the Portuguese; visit the Saint Thomas Church, named for the Christian disciple (“Doubting Thomas”) who lived and taught here in the first century.

Evening at Marina beach which is one of the longest beaches of the world.

Overnight at the Hotel in Chennai

DAY 04 : Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram.
After Early breakfast at the hotel visit, Kapaleeswarar Temple, honouring Shiva, dates back to the 13th century AD and is the biggest temple in Chennai. After Kapaleeswar temple visit,
you will proceed for the KANCHIPURAM, ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 temples that still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th Century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanath, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks.

LUNCH:

After lunch visit Mahabalipuram, with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster! Mahabalipuram is renowned for its series of charming rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna’s Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century, is a unique temple that houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is a rock-cut mandapam with two incarnations of Vishnu—Varaha and Vamana—besides scenes of kings and queens. The Krishna Mandapam has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill in his fingertips. Other important attractions of Mahabalipuram include the Mahishasuramardini Cave, Kotikal Mandapam, Ramanuja Mandapam, and the Dharmaraja Cave.

Evening return to Chennai.

Overnight at Hotel in Chennai

DAY 05 : Chennai – Pondicherry – 170 Km – 4 Hrs
Morning after early breakfast drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

PONDICHERRY (PUDUCHERRY)
Pondicherry, a former French colony, presents an unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions. Its history can be traced back to Agastya, the revered sage of the south who built his hermitage here in 1500 BC. It became a part of India in 1954, but traces of its history as a French colony still remain in its churches, cuisine, grid-pattern streets and some colonial buildings. An added attraction is the town of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment.
Evening at leisure

Overnight at Hotel in Pondicherry

DAY 06 : Pondicherry – Tanjore – 240 Km 6 hrs
Morning early breakfast at hotel. After breakfast proceed for half-day tour of Pondicherry, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded by the philosopher-saint Sri Aurobindo in 1926 to put into practice his ideals of a peaceful community. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. It is also his final resting place. Also visit the Pondicherry museum, which has sculptures, archaeological finds, and memorabilia of the French colonists. See the Sacred Heart Church with its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

Afternoon early lunch at Hotel. After lunch drive to Tanjore en-route visiting Gangaikondacholapuram -

GANGAI KONDA CHOLAPURAM, 70 Kms. from Darasuram: The Brihadishwara temple at Gangaikondacholapuram was conceived and constructed by the Chola King Rajendra - I after his victory over the kingdoms bordering the River Ganga. Apart from the huge Nandi, there are some beautiful sculptures including a dancing Ganesha, a lion-headed well and a stunning frieze depicting Rajendra being crowned by Siva and Parvati.

After your visit, continue your drive to Tanjore and upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

Tanjore was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas. Tanjore was at height of its glory during Rajaraja Cholan. The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world. Tanjore was the cultural capital of the country in 1790. Tanjore gained prominence during the period of Chola Kings, who made it as their capital.

Overnight at Hotel in Tanjore

DAY 07 : Tanjore - Trichy
After breakfast proceed on guided tour of Tanjore city starting with Brihadeeshwara Temple, built in the 10th century by Raja Chola. Sri Brihadeswara temple is regarded as a genius of ancient Chola architecture. The temple dedicated to Nandi, the Bull has been built from a single granite rock. The dome of the temple also rests on a single granite rock. The best part about the temple is that it has been built in a manner that the shadow of it never falls on the ground. The temple is 216 ft. tall. It is worth mentionable that as many as many as 74 temples dot the landscape of Thanjavur.

Lunch at hotel, after lunch drive to Trichy enroute visiting Kumbakonam & Darasuram –

Kumbakonam, city of the temples and famous as point of peregrination to the cistern of Mahamakan, that every 12 years he congregates to many faithful. Also we visit

Darasuram, temple constructed for Crushes Head of XIIth century II, classic example of the architecture Head; the Temple of Arravatesvara, of the XIIth century, with notable sculptures that there decorate the mandapas and the outline of the temple.

Overnight at the Hotel in Trichy

DAY 08 : Trichy – Madurai
Morning Breakfast proceed on the half day guided tour of Trichy, which indudes visit the Rock Fort, which is a landmark of Trichy. The rock is one of the oldest in the world-approximately 3.800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva Temple. You will visit Sri Rangan Temple.

Tiruchirappalli or Trichy was a citadel of the early Cholas, which later fell to the Pallavas. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s

Afternoon lunch at Hotel after lunch, you will be driven to Madurai

One of the oldest cities in South India, Madurai has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Spread along the rocky banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu, this modern industrial city is today famous as a temple town.

Overnight at the Hotel in Madurai

DAY 09 : In Madurai
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai City - The temple town is unique in that all its temples are living temples and it remains a major religious centre attracting pilgrims the year round.

Madurai's main attraction is the famous Meenakshi temples in the heart of the old town, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with gopurams (towers) covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of multi-colored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The temple complex is a city within a city and one can spend days exploring its labyrinthine corridors and halls. Another attraction is the Tirumalai Nayak Palace (1636) restored by Lord Napier, dance drama concerts are performed daily. You will then be driven to Tiruparankudram rock cut temples, which has a huge facade of blue and yellow dragons. Inside there is a maze of dark rooms filled with multi-limited sculptures.

In the evening, you will proceed to the Meenakshi temple complex on cycle-rickshaws to witness the evening Aarti ceremony in which Lord Shiva is carried in a palanquin accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests to the temple of his consort Parvati to spend the night. (Note: Foreigners (Non Hindus) are not allowed inside the inner sanctum of the temple).

Overnight at the Hotel in Madurai

DAY 10 : Madurai – Thekkady
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Madurai to Thekkady, which is also known as Periyar (140 KMS / 4 Hours). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, proceed to Periyar National Park to view the wildlife by boat. Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs and wander down to the lakeside and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. Periyar also harbours the leopard, wild dog, barking deer and mouse deer. On the rocky outcrops along the lake, monitor lizards can be seen basking in the sun. Return to the hotel after your boat ride.

Overnight at the Hotel in Thekkady

DAY 11: Thekkady – Kumarakom
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Kumarakom (135 KMS / 3 HRS) and upon arrival proceed for check-in at the hotel.

In the lush backwaters of Kottayam in Kerala, lies a veritable paradise, which is called Kumarakom, or the 'Venice of the East'. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields, and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. Kumarakom is Kerala’s heartland of lagoons, palm fringed lakes, and paddy fields, inter-linked with hundreds of winding canals, with the typical low slung country boats that carry everything from people to fish, rice and coconuts to the milkman and newspaper boy, local politicians and priests to wedding parties.

Late afternoon proceed for a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake.

Overnight at the Hotel in Kumarakom

DAY 12 : Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin

After buffet breakfast in the hotel, you would be driven to Jetty for a small cruise across the Backwaters till Allepey. Arrive Alleppey Jetty where you will be received by your chauffeur and will be driven to Cochin.

Upon arrival proceed for check in at your room following which rest of the day is at leisure.

Kochi, or more familiarly, Cochin is a city of many parts. Around for a long, long time, Kochi played a pivotal role in the development of shipping and trade in the region. Kochi's prime location on the west coast, its fine bay and protected harbour made it popular with seafarers and merchant ships who made frequent stops to stock up on spices, coffee and wood enroute to the rich markets of Europe and West Asia.

In the evening, you will visit a local theatre to watch Kathakali dance performance.

Kathakali represents a synthesis of all that is best in dance, drama and music and has been recognized by connoisseurs of art, the world over as a `total art form of immense sophistication and power’. It is the impression created by make-up and the costumes that make Kathakali a visual par excellence.

Return to your hotel after the dance performance.

Overnight at the Hotel in Cochin

DAY 13 : In Cochin
After leisurely buffet breakfast, you will proceed for sightseeing tour of Cochin City. You will first proceed to Mattancherry, where you will visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India, built in 1568; it was destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt by the Dutch a century later.

From Jewish Synagogue you will visit Chinese fishing nets. The cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. Chinese traders are believed to have originally introduced them in the 14th century although, today parts of the nets are known by Portuguese names.

From the Chinese fishing nets you will visit St. Francis Church, originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal, St. Francis Church is the first church to have been in the new European influenced tradition. Originally a wooden building was replaced by the present stone building. Vasco De Gamma died on the site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery. 14 years later his body was removed to Portugal. The church was renamed St. Francis in 1663.

You will also be visiting The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, which was built in 1555 and its coronation hall and murals at Ramayana are noteworthy features.

Overnight at the Hotel in Cochin

DAY 14 : Cochin – Mumbai – Aurnagabad

Buffet breakfast at the hotel & morning at leisure

Afternoon our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport to board your flight for Aurangabad via Mumbai:

Schedule Dep: Cochin – 15:50 Hrs
Schedule Arr: Mumbai – 17:35 Hrs
Schedule Dep : Mumbai – 18:35 Hrs
Scheduled Arri : Aruangabad – 19:25 Hrs

Upon arrival in Aurangabad, INDIAN SUMMERS representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel for check in.

From ancient times Aurangabad has been a place of great importance due to its location on the famous "Silk Route" that traversed across the breadth of Asia to reach Europe. Textiles, embroidered finery and various kinds of beads made in nearby Paithan were exported to the markets of Greece, Rome and Egypt. Aurangabad is the most convenient point from which one can visit the renowned Ajanta and Ellora caves. This city gets its name from Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughal emperors. Following his death it continued to be governed by the Nizam Shahi dynasty.

Overnight at the Hotel in Aurangabad

DAY 15 : In Aurangabad
Post buffet breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the excursion of Ajanta Caves.
The Buddhist caves of Ajanta lying 166 km northeast of Aurangabad date from 200 BC to 650 AD. The 30 rock-hewn caves are adorned with sculptures and frescoes, portraying in epic form the religious and secular life through eight centuries. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, depicting Buddha’s previous births. It is a World Heritage site. (Ajanta Caves remain closed on Monday)

Overnight at Hotel in Aurangabad

DAY 16 : Aurangabad - Mumbai

After buffet breakfast at the hotel. Begin your Full-day sightseeing tour of Ellora Caves.
Caves of Ellora, another World Heritage site, are carved into the side of a basaltic hill 30 km from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave-temple architecture, they encompass 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Jain and Hindu art dating from the 4th to 5th century AD. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre Hindu, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. The most remarkable is the Kailash temple, meant to be a replica of Shiva’s celestial abode Mt. Kailash. It is the best example of rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel. (Ellora caves remain closed on Tuesday)

Afternoon at Leisure.

INDIAN SUMMERS representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport to board flight for Mumbai

Schedule Dep: 19:55 Hrs
Schedule Arr :20:55 Hrs.

Upon arrival in Mumbai, a INDIAN SUMMER representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel for check in.

Overnight at Hotel in Mumbai

DAY 17 : In Mumbai
BOMBAY or Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and the economic powerhouse of India. It’s the fastest moving, most affluent and the most industrialized city in India. It also has India’s busiest international airport and the country’s busiest port, handling almost 50% of the country’s foreign trade. It’s the stronghold of free enterprise in India and a major manufacturing centre for everything cars and bicycles to pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. It’s the centre for India’s important textile industry as well as the financial centre and an important base for overseas companies. Nariman point, with India’s tallest buildings, is rapidly becoming a mini-Manhattan

Morning after breakfast proceed for a half day excursion to the Elephanta Island located an hour away from Gateway of India, Mumbai by motor launch. The cave temples here were excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries AD are famous for their magnificently sculpted panels. The best known is the one that depicts the Maheshmurti – a three – headed image of Lord Shiva, which signifies the creator, preserver and destroyer of this universe as per Hindu mythology. The Portuguese named this island after a large stone elephant that was found near the landing. The elephant now stands at the Victoria and Albert Museum on the mainland.

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel in Mumbai

DAY 18 : Mumbai sightseeing & final departure.

Morning at leisure. After noon check out proceed for half day tour of Mumbai city. Afternoon proceed for a half day city tour, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, drive past Marine Drive, Mumbai’s most popular seaside promenade, and see the Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Gardens on the slopes of the Malabar hills, offering a nice view of the marine lines and the Chowpatty beach. Visit the Jain temple, Mani Bhawan where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay, and the Dhobi Ghat. Also, drive past the Flora Fountain, the colourful Crawford Market and Victoria Terminus train station.
(Elephanta & Prince of Wales museum remain closed on Mondays)

Dinner at down town hotel. After Dinner transfer to International airport for onward flight