South India with Andaman Tour

Package Name: South India with Andaman Tour

Duration: 26 Nights – 27 Days

Location: Hyderabad – Hospet – Gnkola – Ankola – Ernakulam – Cochin – Alleppey – Kumarkom – Cochin – Chennai – Andaman – Havelock – Portblair – Kolkata – Hometown

Day 01 : Arrive At Hyderabad
Arrive at Hyderabad. Meet and assist at airport. Transfer to Hotel. Check in at hotel. Afternoon free or local sightseeing of Hyderabad – Charminar, which reflects the beauty of Indian heritage. Exploring CharMinar will definitely be an enticing experience. Often called “The Arc de triomphe of the East”, Charminar was built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the erstwhile Qutb Shahi Sultan of Golconda, in 1591. It was the centre of attraction of the magnificent capital city of Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah. In spite of it being dwarfed by present day buildings, the Charminar has not lost its erstwhile majesty and continues to attract travellers. Presently, Charminar stands with pride, at the centre of the old city. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Hyderabad
Breakfast at hotel. Full day sightseeing of Hyderabad -Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words “Golla Konda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”.. Golconda Fort is a marvelous piece of military architecture. It was one of the most defensive and impregnable strongholds of its time with massive ramparts, bastions, and gateways. The fort also reflects the architectural skill of its builders, who built it atop a rugged boulder-strewn terrain. The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, factories, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahban gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell. Overnight at Hyderabad.

Day 03: Hyderabad / Hospet By Train
Breakfast at hotel. Morning relax at hotel.Evening check out and transfer to railway station. Board the train, Departure from Hyderabad at 21.00 hrs. Overnight at on Train. Packed Dinner.

Day 04: Hospet (Hampi)
Arrive at Hospet – Hospet, once a beautiful capital city of Vijaynagar empire, in ancient days was known as Nagalapura. The city was razed to the ground by Sultan of South India in the year 1565.Meet and assist at railway station. Transfer to Hotel Malligi. Check in at hotel. Morning relax at hotel. Afternoon visit Hampi We visit the Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva & Pampa Devi. This is the only temple that is still used for worship. The temple, with its nine-storied Gopuram & ceiling of the ranga mantapa is beautifully painted with scenes from the epics and Puranas. Later visit Vittala, a splendid 56 musical pillars complex. To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve. Several of the carved pillars were attacked & a large portion of the central part has been destroyed. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Hospet (Hampi)
Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to Hampi -Today we take a day excursion to Hampi, the capital city of the Vijaynagar Empire. Founded by Harihara & Bukka in 1336, it fell to the Muslim rulers in 1565 after the disastrous Battle of Talikota, subsequently lapsed into decline & abandonment. The once proud city of victory is now a city of desolation.We also visit Elephant stables, a beautiful example of Hindu-Muslim style of architecture, housing about 11 elephants in separate compartments. Also visit Queen’s Bath, a structure with a plain exterior but stunningly ornate interiors, with gracefully arched corridors and projecting balconies. We also visit Lotus Mahal. This two-story structure has beautiful arch ways set in geometric regularity. It was an air-cooled summer palace for the queen. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Hospet (Hampi)
Breakfast at hotel. Relax at hotel or visit some places of Hampi. Driver and Car on disposal. Return to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Hospet (Hampi) / Badami To Pattadakal And Aihole
Breakfast at hotel.Check out and transfer to Badami- Badami, founded by Pulakesi I, ruler of the Chalukyas, the town is located at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya teertha water reservoir on three sides & is known for its rock-cut cave temples, sculpted between 6th-8th centuries AD. En route we visit Pattadakal and Aihole. Pattadakal, a World Heritage Site, has 10 major temples representing the early Chalukyan architecture. The biggest temple dedicated to Virupakshapura, has a huge gateway and several inscriptions. Aihole, famous as the ‘Cradle of Indian Architecture’, has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The oldest temple, the 5th century Lad Khan Temple and the Durga (Fort) Temple have a semicircular apse and a complete portico. Amongst many other temples, the Jain Meguti Temple and the two-storied Buddhist Temple are significant. Check in at hotel Badami Court. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Badami
Breakfast at hotel. Today we take a tour of Badami. We will be visiting several temples dating from the Chalukyas’ period in Badami. First set of temples is a group of four on a hill adjacent to the Bhutanatha Tank, dating back to the 5th century. In the adjacent wall there is a carving of the cosmic dance of Shiva Natarajan depicted with eighteen arms. The second temple bears images of Vishnu in his Varaha & Trivikrama incarnations. The third is a rock cut temple with inscriptions dating to 578 AD, belong to the period of Kiritivarma Chalukyas. There are carved images of the Narasimha & Trivikrama avatars of Vishnu.Further up is a Jain rock cut temple dedicated to the Tirthankara Adinath with inscriptions dating back to the 12th century. The Mallikarjuna temple dating 11th century is on a star shaped plan. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Badami / Gokarna (265 Kms / 6 Hrs Drive By Car)
Breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to Gokarna. Arrive at Gokarna – The ancient town Gokarna is famous for its temples and beaches. With its narrow streets, traditional houses and temples, this unassuming town has become the favorite haunt for pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and beach buffs. Locally, it is believed that Gokarna derives its name from a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Literally meaning ‘cow’s ear’, this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Om Beach, one of Gokarna five acclaimed beaches, takes the shape of an ‘Om’, a spiritual Hindu symbol. The other beaches, wedged between cliffs that protrude into the sea like graceful fingers, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon and Paradise. The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic delight with the rocky Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other.Check in at hotel. Afternoon relax at hotel and sea beach.

Day 10: Gokarna
Breakfast at hotel. Full day relax at Gokarna with Maggie. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Gokarna
Breakfast at hotel. Local sightseeing of Gokarna. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Gokarna
Breakfast at hotel. Own activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Gokarna / Gnkola (22 kms / 1 hour drive) Ankola / Ernakulam town by train
Breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to Ankola Railway station ( 22 kms / 1 hour drive ). Board the Train to ERNAKULAM ( Cochin ). Packed Lunch at Train. Arrive at Cochin at 22.25 hrs. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Cochin
Breakfast at hotel .Full day sightseeing of Cochin-Cochin always had a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe & Dutch. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & structures representing different regions of the world. Today we visit St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European Church in India. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, built in the year 1568 and magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles & Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. Also visit the spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices & history that brought the world to its doorstep. Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Evening can visit Classical dance of Kerala. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Cochin / Alleppey (Houseboat) (70 Km / 1½ Hrs)
Breakfast at hotel .Check out and transfer to House Boat -We drive to Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, and called Venice of the East. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters and lagoons, It has a wonderful past, it owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece & Rome in the pre Jesus era. Alleppey is now the hub for backwaters tourism in Kerala. On arrival we board the Houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam, cruise around backwaters of Alleppey to Kumarakom to observe & experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters. Holiday on the houseboats are an out-of-this-world experience. Dinner at house boat. Overnight at House Boat.

Day 16: Houseboat / Kumarakom
Morning after breakfast we disembark the houseboat in Kumarakom. It is a cluster of little islands, on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kuttanad, the ‘Wonder Land’ believed to have been lying below the sea level, sprang out into the marshes when the sea receded later. Kumarakom, the land of lakes, canals and paddy fields, gives you sheer ecstasy. Holiday on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvallam, are an out-of-this-world experience. Furthermore Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the Karimeen (Pearl Spotted Fish), Chemmeen (Prawns) & Konju (Tiger Prawns).The day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel. You can also visit Kumarakom Bird sanctuary. There are two seasons for birds: between October & February there are cormorants, teals, & other ducks & from February to July there are darters (snake birds), night herons, egrets, & Siberian storks. It also has golden backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white-breasted water hen, tree pie. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: Kumarakom / Cochin
Breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to Cochin. Check in at hotel .Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Cochin / Chennai / Andaman
Cochin / Chennai by flight
Chennai / Andaman by flight
Check out and transfer Cochin airport. Board the flight for Andaman (Port Blair) via Chennai. Arrive at Andaman (Port Blair). Assistance at Apt. Transfer to Hotel. Afternoon relax at hotel Evening – In the evening witness history in the Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail – the heroic saga of the Indian freedom struggle is brought alive in the show. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19: Andaman (Port Blair) / Havelock (54 Kms)
Breakfast at hotel.After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of the City. Visit the Chatham Saw Mill, Forest Museum, Mini Zoo, Samudrika, Fisheries Museum, Cellular Jail, and Science Center. Check out and transfer to Havelock – Havelock is one of the most important tourism destinations of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar. It is one of the few islands that is inhabited, although most of it is a natural paradise, replete with white sand beaches, coral reefs with a colourful array of aquatic life, palm trees, as well as dense forests in the interiors. Inhabited mainly by Bengali settlers, the island houses a number of small villages. Covering an area of 100 sq. km, it lies on the northeast of Port Blair, 54 km by road and 33.5 km by sea. The pristine island is a great base from which to hike, fish, kayak and sail to other islands. It also offers some brilliant snorkelling and diving opportunities. Radhanagar beach on Havelock has been voted Best Beach of Asia, by Time Magazine. Arrive at Havelock .Transfer to hotel .Check in at hotel .Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 20: Havelock
Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing of Havelock – Sightseeing : The two famous beaches here are Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach also called Hathi Dera. You could see some a live marine action by renting a glass – bottomed boat and sailing the crystal water, and if you are lucky even spot a few dolphins. Overnight at hotel.

Day 21: Havelock
Breakfast at hotel. Full day free for leisure at Havelock Island. Overnight at hotel.

Day 22: Havelock
Breakfast at hotel. Full day free for leisure at Havelock Island. Overnight at hotel.

Day 23: Havelock / Portblair
Breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to Portblair. Arrive at Portblair. Overnight at hotel.

Day 24: Portblair / Kolkata By Flight
Breakfast at hotel. Check out and transfer to Airport. Board the flight for Kolkata. Arrive at Kolkata. Meet and assist at apt. Transfer to Hotel. Check in at hotel. Relax at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 25: Kolkata
Breakfast at hotel. Outram Ghat, Ganges riverfront : A pleasant walk . View the majesty of the busiest bridge in the world, the Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu – an awesome structural feat Or enjoy a cruise on the river in a panshi. Walk in to a varied collection of exhibits that include unique fossils, Buddhist Gandharan art, an Egyptian mummy and a roomful of memories! The 48 mt tower of Ochterlony Monument , now renamed Shahid Minar , holds command at the northern end of the Maidan. And the mighty river Hooghly beckons. At the northern end of the Maidan, towards the river, is the Old British Government house now called Raj Bhavan. Built in 1803, modelled on Lord Curzon’s home, Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire, England, this is now the official residence of the Governor of Bengal. There are many rare works of art and other interesting items. Entry is restricted. A walk across is the Town Hall , built in 1813, in Doric style of architecture. It is now the City Magistrate’s Office. Don’t let the riverfront mesmerize you yet! Between the Town Hall and the Strand is the Calcutta High Court, scene of legendary legal battles. Completed in 1872, the Gothic architectural style was copied from the Staadhans at Ypres, Belgium. The tower measures 55 mts.

Day 26: Kolkata
Breakfast at hotel. City sightseeing of Kolkata -Kalighat is Kolkata’s oldest pilgrimage site with a temple of Goddess Kali, it is especially packed with visitors on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The place is considered to be the origin of the famous Kalighat pats, a distinct style of Bengal painting done on paper with water-based paints and depicting scenes from daily life. Mother House is the headquarters of Missionaries of Charity, set up by Mother Teresa. The unassuming building is also the final resting place of the saint. The Victoria Memorial Hall was opened in 1921. It is also a museum where people could see before them pictures and statues of men who played a prominent part in the history of India and develop a pride in their past especially in relation to the history of Calcutta . Lord Curzon conceived it. Presently it is the finest and most prominent building and art museum of Calcutta, India, under the Department of Culture, Government of India. Overnight at hotel.

Day 27: Kolkata / Hometown
Breakfast at hotel. Morning relax at hotel. Transfer to Airport for onward journey.

Hyderabad is the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana and de jure capital of Andhra Pradesh. Occupying 650 square kilometres along the banks of the Musi River. Much of Hyderabad is situated on hilly terrain around artificial lakes, including Hussain Sagar. Charminar reflects the beauty of Indian heritage. Exploring Charminar will definitely be an enticing experience. Often called “the arc de triomphe of the east”, Charminar was built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. It was the centre of attraction of the magnificent capital city of Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah. In spite of it being dwarfed by present day buildings, the Charminar has not lost its erstwhile majesty and continues to attract travellers. Charminar stands with pride, at the centre of the old city.

Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words “Golla Konda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”. Golconda Fort is a marvelous piece of military architecture. It was one of the most defensive and impregnable strongholds of its time with massive ramparts, bastions, and gateways. The fort also reflects the architectural skill of its builders, who built it atop a rugged boulder-strewn terrain.The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, factories, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahban gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.

Gokarna is famous for its temples and beaches. With its narrow streets, traditional houses and temples, this unassuming town has become the favorite haunt for pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and beach buffs. Locally, it is believed that Gokarna derives its name from a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Literally meaning ‘cow’s ear’, this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Om Beach, one of Gokarna beaches, takes the shape of an ‘Om’, a spiritual Hindu symbol. The other beaches, wedged between cliffs that protrude into the sea like graceful fingers, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon and Paradise.

Badami, founded by Pulakesi I, ruler of the Chalukyas, the town is located at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya teertha water reservoir on three sides & is known for its rock-cut cave temples, sculpted between 6th-8th centuries AD. Pattadakal, a World Heritage Site, has 10 major temples representing the early Chalukyan architecture. The biggest temple dedicated to Virupakshapura, has a huge gateway and several inscriptions. Aihole, famous as the ‘Cradle of Indian Architecture’, has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The oldest temple, the 5th century Lad Khan Temple and the Durga (Fort) Temple have a semicircular apse and a complete portico.

Hospet is a city in Bellary District in central Karnataka, India. It is located on the Tungabhadra River, 12 km from Hampi. Hampi is a World Heritage site containing the ruins of the medieval city Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva & Pampa Devi. This is the only temple that is still used for worship. The temple, with its nine-storied Gopuram & ceiling of the ranga mantapa is beautifully painted with scenes from the epics and Puranas. Later visit Vittala, a splendid 56 musical pillars complex. To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve. Elephant stables, a beautiful example of Hindu-Muslim style of architecture, housing about 11 elephants in separate compartments. Queen’s Bath, a structure with a plain exterior but stunningly ornate interiors, with gracefully arched corridors and projecting balconies. Lotus Mahal, two-story structure has beautiful arch ways set in geometric regularity. It was an air-cooled summer palace for the queen.

Cochin always had a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe & Dutch. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & structures representing different regions of the world. St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European Church in India.

Alappuzha also known as Alleppey, is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the one of the places known as the “Venice of the East” by Lord Curzon. Hence, it is known as the “Venetian Capital” of Kerala. It is an important tourist destination in India.The Backwaters of Alappuzha are the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters can be booked.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands one of the seven union territories of India, are a group of islands at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. Chatham Saw Mill, Forest Museum, Mini Zoo, Samudrika, Fisheries Museum, Cellular Jail, and Science Center.

Havelock is one of the most important tourism destinations of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar. It is one of the few islands that is inhabited, although most of it is a natural paradise, replete with white sand beaches, coral reefs with a colourful array of aquatic life, palm trees, as well as dense forests in the interiors. Inhabited mainly by Bengali settlers, the island houses a number of small villages. The pristine island is a great base from which to hike, fish, kayak and sail to other islands. It also offers some brilliant snorkelling and diving opportunities. Radhanagar beach on Havelock has been voted Best Beach of Asia, by Time Magazine.

Outram Ghat, Ganges riverfront : A pleasant walk . View the majesty of the busiest bridge in the world, the Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu – an awesome structural feat . Or enjoy a cruise on the river in a panshi.Walk in to a varied collection of exhibits that include unique fossils, Buddhist Gandharan art, an Egyptian mummy and a roomful of memories !The 48 mt tower of Ochterlony Monument , now renamed Shahid Minar , holds command at the northern end of the Maidan. And the mighty river Hooghly beckons. At the northern end of the Maidan, towards the river, is the Old British Government house now called Raj Bhavan.

Kolkata -Kalighat is Kolkata’s oldest pilgrimage site with a temple of Goddess Kali, it is especially packed with visitors on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The place is considered to be the origin of the famous Kalighat pats, a distinct style of Bengal painting done on paper with water-based paints and depicting scenes from daily life. Mother House is the headquarters of Missionaries of Charity, set up by Mother Teresa. The unassuming building is also the final resting place of the saint.