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| THE EXCEPTIONAL journey concentrates predominantly on the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, providing a varied insight into their Dravidian roots and their princely and colonial past. Explore the exotic temples towns of Madurai and Thanjavur before heading for the Coromandel coast and the small town of Pondicherry, with its relaxed atmosphere and proliferation of French colonial architecture. In contrast, Chennai had stronger links with the British, evidence of which can be seen clearly during the course of this tour. Leaving the cities behind, travel back inland by train for a couple of days of gameviewing in the jungle at Nagarhole National Park, before travelling to the ancient dynastic capital and ‘sandalwood city’ of Mysore with its plethora of palaces, monuments and mausoleums.. |
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DAY 1 ARRIVE MUMBAI (BOMBAY)
International flights from North America arrive around midnight. On arrival stay at Taj Mahal Palace & Towers Hotel.
DAY 2 MUMBAI Morning free. Afternoon exploring the sights of India’s commercial capital which is hugely spread out and is replete with Victorian Architecture.
DAY 3 MUMBAI - MADURAI
Morning flight to Madurai. Stay 2 nights at the charming Taj Garden Retreat.Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 4 MADURAI Spend the morning exploring this bustling city, including the famous Meenakshi Temple (excluding the inner sanctum).
DAY 5 MADURAI - THANJAVUR (Tanjore)
Morning drive to Thanjavur, via the ornate Srirangam Temple at Tiruchirapally. On arrival stay 2 nights at the Ideal Sangam Hotel.
DAY 6 THANJAVUR
Half day tour of this ancient Chola capital which is dominated by the mighty Brihadeshwara Temple with its huge gopurams. Afternoon free.
DAY 7 THANJAVUR -PONDICHERRY
Full day’s drive to Pondicherry. En route visit the exquisite and rarely visited temple complexes at Darasuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Chidambaram. On arrival in Pondicherry stay 2 nights at the Hotel de l’Orient. |
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DAY 8 PONDICHERRY Morning exploration of this pretty, peaceful town. The French quarter boasts some exceptional old, colonial buildings and is easy to explore on foot.
DAY 9 PONDICHERRY - CHENNAI (MADRAS) Morning drive up the coast to Chennai. En route visit the fabulous shore temples at Mahabalipuram. On arrival, stay 2 nights at the Taj Connemara Hotel.
DAY 10 CHENNAI Spend the morning exploring the city which had strong colonial ties during the days of the East India Company. See the various sights before spending an afternoon at leisure.
DAY 11 CHENNAI - BANGALORE Early morning train to Bangalore and stay 1 night at the Taj West End hotel. Afternoon city tour of Bangalore.
DAY 12 BANGALORE - NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK Morning drive to Nagarhole National Park. Stay 2 nights at the Cicada-Kabini Lodge. Afternoon game drive.
DAY 13 NAGARHOLE Early morning and afternoon game drives either by boat, by jeep or by elephant back. The area is home to a rich variety of wildlife.
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DAY 14 NAGARHOLE - MYSORE
After an early morning game drive, proceed to Mysore and stay 2 nights at the Metropole Hotel. Explore the city this afternoon, visiting the ornate city palace and drive to the top of Chamundi Hill, passing the huge monolith Nandi Bull, en route.
DAY 15 MYSORE Morning drive to nearby Srirangapatnam which boasts the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s summer palace. Afternoon visit to the Keshava Temple at Somnathpur.
DAY 16 MYSORE - CHENNAI Morning at leisure. Afternoon train to Chennai. Room at disposal at the Trident Hilton Hotel until late tonight. After dinner, depart for the airport.
DAY 17 DEPART CHENNAI Early morning departure for onward destination. |
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