Enchanting Allure of South India

This morning, start your visits with Chennakeshava Temple, that is renowned for its magnificent Hoysala temple complex, The temple is also called Vijaya Narayana Temple, which was built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas in 1116 AD. The architecture is an example of fine quality-work of art in stone. There are more than 80 Madanika sculptures in the temple, with a towering Gopura and a magnificent sculpture of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier, at the entrance. Later, visit Mysore Palace! One of the most beautiful palaces in the state of Karnataka, Mysore Palace is also known as the Amba Vilas Palace and is the official residence of the Wodeyar family. This royal residence in Mysore stands tall facing the Chamundi Hills in the east. The palace is designed by the British Architect Henry Irwin in Indo-Saracenic style, which is an amalgamation of Hindu, Mughals, Rajputs and Gothic styles. Minutely carved doors, the golden howdah (elephant seat), paintings and the magnificent, jewel-encrusted golden throne enhance the beauty of the palace. It is a 3-storeyed stone palace with marble domes and 145 ft. tall 5 storeyed watchtowers. There are 12 Hindu temples in the complex that date back from the 14th century till 1950. Another attractive feature of the Mysore Palace is the list of the special events that are organized here. The world-famous Mysore Dussehra Festival is held at the Mysore Palace. During this spellbinding festival of Mysore Dussehra, stages are set up in the palace ground where many famous artists perform. On the 10th day, when the festival of Dussehra is celebrated, a parade with highly ornamented elephants is conducted from the palace grounds. During this festival, the palace is lit with more than 96,000 lights for two months, which add a top-of-the-world grandeur to the grand palace of Mysore. If time permits, go to Srirangapatna, a town at half an hour drive from Mysore! The town is replete with architectural marvels, a legacy of the Vijayanagar and Hoysala styles. Here you can visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu's mosque, Tipu's summer palace, the Wellesley bridge and the dungeons where British prisoners were once kept. Overnight Stay at Mysore

Today, start for Ooty! At a very short distance from Mysore, you get to see Chamundi Hill Temple. It is one of the major places of pilgrimage in Karnataka. The Chamundi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeswari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi who took this form to destroy Mahishasura. Regarded as one of the best places to visit in Mysore, the temple is also known as Krouncha Pitham and is one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas representing the hair of Sati Devi. The temple is a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture. The temple tower is 40 meters high with 7 storeys and is painted in gold colour. Reaching Ooty, check in to your designated hotel! The rest of the day is at leisure or you can have a walk through this beautiful hill station. Overnight Stay at Ooty

Today morning after Breakfast, start early as it's going to be a very busy day! Visit sightseeing places like- Botanical Garden : The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty is a massive garden with flowers all around, spread across 55 hectares. The garden has over 650 species of flowers and trees. Government Museum : This museum was built around 1989 to maintain and promote the culture of Ooty. With some of the best collections of culture, history, tribes, tribal objects and sculptures, there are a lot of remains which reflect the nature and ecology of Udhagamandalam. This museum has preserved the historical art, craft and sculpture which are worth witnessing. Alongside that, this museum is known for preserving the important things which were associated with the Todas, one of the existing tribes of the region. World Wax Musuem : The Wax World Museum in Ooty is located in the 130-year old Colonial Mansion, close to the Ooty Lake. The wax museum houses a number of look-alike wax statues of personalities from Indian history. Children enjoy a lot here. (9.00 AM to 8.00 PM) Thread Garden : Artificial garden, featuring flowers, plants & lawns crafted from thread, canvas & wire. Dodabetta Peak : Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiris at an altitude of 8,606 ft. The Doddabetta peak offers a beautiful panoramic view of the region and has a Telescope House to let travellers catch fascinating views of the surrounding Nilgiri area. (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM), if time permits visit Honey and Bee Museum. Later, drive to Coonoor! It takes almost 42 minutes to reach Coonoor from Ooty. Visit Sim's Park! This uncommon botanical garden was developed around the natural contours of the land more than a hundred years ago., Ethnic trees, shrubs and creepers co-habit with many unusual species of foliage brought in from various parts of the world. Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint is a tourist spot in Coonoor, Dolphin's Nose is well over 5075 ft. above sea-level, 10 kms from Coonoor and is a spectacular spot to visit. The tip of the peak resembles a dolphin's nose, hence the name of the spot is Dolphin's Nose. In the evening, come back to Ooty! Later go to Ooty Lake to enjoy boating, horse riding, cycling, mini train ride etc. (activities at additional costs). Return to the hotel! Overnight Stay at Ooty

Today, head out for Kodaikanal! A road trip from Ooty to Kodaikanal is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. On arrival, check in to your hotel! The rest of the day is for independent activities.. Overnight Stay at Kodaikanal

Today morning after Breakfast, start early for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kodaikanal. Start with Bear Shola Falls! Located at a short distance of 2 kms from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Bear Shola Falls are a famous picnic spot in the region. This cascade is a seasonal attraction that is at its best during the monsoons. The story that it was a favourite haunt of a bear who used to frequent this water-body to drink water, gives the waterfalls a quaint history. Go to Guna Caves! Guna Caves in Kodaikanal have an intriguing history; It is believed that the Pandavas used to cook their meals in these caves and hence they were initially called The Devil’s Kitchen. The name was later changed in the ’90s when the film Guna was shot here. The caves are surrounded by three gigantic rock pillars and are sheltered by the Shola trees. It is a place that some find risky and some find regaling due to its altitude, steep drops and cliffs. You can't visit the caves anymore, but seeing them from a distance also is quite an experience, while you walk through the Pine Forests. (9:00 am to 4:30 pm. All Days.) Later visit Pillar Rocks View Point! Protruding from within the tall mountains, these pillars reach up to a height of 400 feet, thus offering the paramount contour of the hills. Timings : (09.00 AM to 04.00 PM ) Entry Fee: INR 10 per person and INR 20 for camera Later, visit Coakers Walk! Have a delightful walk on Coakers Walk through the edge of a cliff, which either gives you a stunning view of the valley below or an amazing fog. City people use this path for morning and evening walks. The Telescope House escalates the view of the valley, The weather is pleasant throughout the year, but it is frigid and foggy during the winter due to its height. Timings: 07.00 AM to 07.00 PM Entry Fees: INR 10 per person, INR 30 for camera and INR 20 to visit Telescope House Bryant Park : The park is hoarded with variant types of species of plants and shrubs that would have you astounded in jiffy. Horticulture and gardening buffs visit this place in plenty. The Annual Horticulture Show conducted in May attracts people here from around the world. You must visit Byrant Park and see its 325 species & religious Bodhi Tree. Timings: 09.00 AM to 06.00 PM Entry Fees: INR 30 per person, INR 50 for camera and INR 100 for video camera Return to hotel! Overnight Stay at Kodaikanal

Today you get transferred from your hotel in Kodaikanal to the Airport/Railway Station in Coimbatore for your onward journey.