South India Sojourn - Luxury Tour of India

Total Tour - 16 Days

CHENNAI / MAHABALIPURAM / KANCHIPURAM / BANGALORE / MYSORE / OOTY / COCHIN/ ALLEPPEY/ THEKKADY/ MADURAI/ CHENNAI

Day 07
Friday
Mysore - Ooty:

After breakfast drive to Ooty.

Aptly called the queen of southern hill stations, Ooty (also Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam) is located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The British Collector John Sullivan discovered this place and had developed it to a summer resort for the people of South India. This picturesque place nestles in an amphitheatre created by four majestic hills namely the Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk Hill, and Club Hill. These hills are part of the Nilgiri ranges, which are actually the meeting points for the Western and the Eastern Ghats. The name Nilgiri or the Blue Mountains may have been derived from the fact that when the funnel-shaped lavender-blue flowers blossom, this picturesque mountain range becomes covered with lavender blue tinge. The original name of the hill station was Udhagamandalam, but with the advent of the British, the name was shortened to Ooty. Every year, it draws thousands of tourists who come to this place to escape from the humid and dusty summer days of the plains.

Spend day at leisure enjoying the scenic beauty and photographing. Meet the people and visit some of the highlights.

Stay overnight at the Hotel.

Day 08
Saturday
Ooty:

After breakfast proceed for Sightseeing of Ooty.

Ooty Lake: Built in 1825, the 2.5-km-long Ooty Lake is a place worth visiting. You can go for boating and fishing in this lake. However, for fishing you need prior permission. A racecourse is also located near the lake. A mini-train takes the visitors around the lake.

Lamb's Rock: About nine kilometres from Coonoor lies Lamb's Rock, a viewpoint on a high precipice. The point offers stunning views of the Coimbatore plains and the coffee and tea estates on the slopes.

Kodanadu View Point: On the eastern edges of the Nilgiris, at about 16 km from Kotagiri, lies the Kodanadu View Point. You can get a panoramic view of the tea estates and the Moyar River from either side of the road. There is a watchtower from where you can view the Rangasamy peak and pillar.

Overnight will be at Ooty.

Day 09:
Sunday
Ooty - Cochin:

By road covering 245 km in 6 hr

After Breakfast at hotel drive to Cochin.

The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.

In the evening enjoy a Kathakali Dance Performance and view the actors put on their elaborate make-up and headgear. This would be an interesting cultural insight.

Overnight will be in Cochin.

Day 10
Monday
Cochin:

After Breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Cochin.

A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

Enjoy a private relaxing cruise in the harbor sipping some hot tea and enjoying the sunset.

Overnight will be in Cochin.