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Holiday Overview

Reis Magos Church
Aihole (Nivalink Trip Dated - 11 March 2011)
Badami Cave Temple (Nivalink Trip Dated - 11 March 2011)
Pattadakal Temples (Nivalink Trip Dated - 11 March 2011)
Pattadakal Temples (Nivalink Trip Dated - 11 March 2011)
Badami Cave Temple (Nivalink Trip Dated - 11 March 2011)
Hazara Rama Temple (Nivalink Trip Dated - 11 March 2011)
Virupaksha Temple (Nivalink Trip Dated - 11 March 2011)
Vittala Temple Complex (Nivalink Trip Dated - 11 March 2011)
Vittala Temple Complex (Nivalink Trip Dated - 11 March 2011)
Mysore Palace lit up
St Francis Church (Nivalink Trip Dated - 5 May 2008)
Backwaters of Alleppey (Nivalink Trip Dated - 6 June 2011)
Backwaters of Alleppey (Nivalink Trip Dated - 13 May 2009)
Periyar Boat Ride (Nivalink Trip Dated - 5 May 2008)
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Brihadeeswarar Temple (Nivalink Trip Dated - 2 May 2009)
Tanjore Palace (Photo Courtesy: Parthiban B)
Auroville
Sacred Heart Church Pondicherry
French War Memorial
French Quarters
Aurobindo Ashram

Picturesque South with Goa offers travelers a comprehensive insight into Temple heritage, plantations, rain forests, backwaters and UNESCO sites of South India along with renowned beach destination of Goa.

Route

Mahabalipuram(1) - Pondicherry(2) - Thanjavur(2) - Madurai(1) - Thekkady(1) - Alleppey(1) - Cochin (Fort Cochin)(1) - Wayanad (Kalpetta)(2) - Mysore(1) - Hassan(1) - Hampi(3) - Badami(1) - North Goa(3) - Mumbai(1)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Arrive at Chennai and proceed to Mahabalipuram
  • Day-2 Explore Mahabalipuram and Proceed to Pondicherry
  • Day-3 Explore Pondicherry
  • Day-4 Travel to Thanjavur via Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram
  • Day-5 Explore Thanjavur
  • Day-6 Travel to Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Temple complex
  • Day-7 Madurai to Periyar. Spice Plantation visit / Elephant Experience
  • Day-8 Travel to Alleppey for Overnight Houseboat experience
  • Day-9 Fort Cochin Heritage area
  • Day-10 Travel to Wayanad (North Kerala)
  • Day-11 Explore Wayanad
  • Day-12 Travel to Mysore. Visit Mysore Palace
  • Day-13 Travel to Hassan. Visit Halebid and Belur Temples
  • Day-14 Travel to Hampi
  • Day-15 Explore Hampi
  • Day-16 Explore Hampi
  • Day-17 Travel to Badami. Explore Badami - Excursions
  • Day-18 Aihole and Pattadakal Excursions before proceeding to Goa
  • Day-19 North Goa Experience
  • Day-20 Day visit to Old Goa heritage sites
  • Day-21 Fly to Mumbai
  • Day-22 International Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Alleppey - Backwaters of Alleppey (1.00 kms), Vembanad Lake (1.00 kms)

Badami - Badami Cave Temples (1.00 kms), Badami Fort (1.00 kms), Pattadakal Temples (22.00 kms), Aihole (33.00 kms)

Cochin (Fort Cochin) - St Francis Church (0.50 kms), Greenix Village (0.50 kms), Fort Cochin Walk (0.50 kms), Jewish Synagogue Fort Cochin (1.00 kms)

Hampi - Hampi Ruins (1.00 kms), Virupaksha Temple (1.00 kms), Vittala Temple Complex (1.00 kms), Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple (3.00 kms), Hazara Rama Temple Complex (3.00 kms)

Hassan - Hoysaleshwar Temple Halebidu (32.00 kms), Chennakesava Temples Belur (40.00 kms)

Madurai - Meenakshi Amman Temple (1.00 kms)

Mahabalipuram - Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1.00 kms)

Mysore - Mysore Palace (1.00 kms)

North Goa - Anjuna Beach (6.60 kms), Church of Reis Magos (8.00 kms), Vagator Beach (8.00 kms), Church of St Francis of Asissi (22.00 kms), Se Cathedral (22.00 kms)

Pondicherry - Aurobindo Ashram (0.50 kms), French Quarters (1.00 kms), Sacred Heart Church Pondicherry (5.00 kms), French War Memorial (6.50 kms), Auroville (8.00 kms)

Thanjavur - Brihadeeswarar Temple (1.00 kms), Tanjore Painting (1.00 kms), Tanjore Palace (1.00 kms)

Thekkady - Spice farm visit (3.00 kms), Periyar Boat Ride (5.00 kms)

Wayanad (Kalpetta) - Kanthanpara Waterfalls (12.00 kms), Banasura Sagar (18.00 kms), Soochipara Falls (22.00 kms), Edakkal Caves (25.00 kms), Meenmutty Falls (28.00 kms), Kuruvadweep (35.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Chennai Departure - Mumbai
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Distances
  • Chennai to Mahabalipuram -60 kms (1 hrs)
  • Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry -100 kms (2 hrs)
  • Pondicherry to Thanjavur -176 kms (4 hrs)
  • Thanjavur to Madurai -194 kms (4 hrs)
  • Madurai to Thekkady -140 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Thekkady to Alleppey -138 kms (4 hrs)
  • Alleppey to Cochin (Fort Cochin) -62 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Cochin (Fort Cochin) to Wayanad (Kalpetta) -260 kms (6.5 hrs)
  • Wayanad (Kalpetta) to Mysore -140 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Mysore to Hassan -120 kms (3 hrs)
  • Hassan to Hampi -360 kms (8.5 hrs)
  • Hampi to Badami -143 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Badami to North Goa -290 kms (6 hrs)
  • North Goa to Mumbai
Route

Chennai - Mahabalipuram(1) - Pondicherry(2) - Thanjavur(2) - Madurai(1) - Thekkady(1) - Alleppey(1) - Cochin (Fort Cochin)(1) - Wayanad (Kalpetta)(2) - Mysore(1) - Hassan(1) - Hampi(3) - Badami(1) - North Goa(3) - Mumbai(1)

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Arrive at Chennai and proceed to Mahabalipuram Arrive at Chennai and straightaway proceed to Mahabalipuram (60 kms - 1.5 hours). Mahabalipuram is a heritage area by the Bay of Bengal renowned for its shore temple, a UNESCO heritage site.

Day-2 Explore Mahabalipuram and Proceed to Pondicherry After Breakfast, Visit Heritage areas of Mahabalipuram (Shore Temple, Five Ratha Temple, Krishna Butterball), visit craft making units (Sculptures) and proceed to Pondicherry (100 kms - 2 hours). Pondicherry is an erstwhile French colony, renowned for its heritage hotels and confluence of Tamil & French cultures. International travellers prefer to stay in French quarters area around the Promenade which is characterised by neatly preserved heritage homes with French architecture in a small bylanes. In the evening enjoy a walk on the french quarters heritage area of Pondicherry and the promenade in the evening. A romantic evening meal at a restaurant serving French, European or Chettinad cuisine could be a good experience.

Day-3 Explore Pondicherry  During first half sightseeing options in and around Pondicherry town comprise Aurobindo Ashram, Ashram's handmade paper factory, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Manakula Vinayagar Koil, Pondicherry Musuem, the Botanical Gardens and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Afternoon proceed to Auroville commune on outskirts of Pondicherry that is home to a unique self-sufficient international community.

Day-4 Travel to Thanjavur via Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram After Breakfast travel to Thanjavur (also known as "Tanjore" - 174 kms - 3.5 hours) via UNESCO heritage temples of Gangaikonda Cholapuram (1000+ years old) and Darasuram (900+ years old). Thanjavur is a renowned stopover for International travellers for exploring local craft, history and UNESCO heritage temples. Reach Thanjavur by evening.

Day-5 Explore Thanjavur After Breakfast visit Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO heritage temple (1000+ years old). In the afternoon visit Handicraft gallery, Tanjore Painting workshops, musical instrument units and Tanjore Palace.

Day-6 Travel to Madurai. Visit Meenakshi Temple complex After Breakfast, Travel to Madurai (188 kms - 3.5 hours). Madurai is renowned for Meenakshi Temple complex and is a gateway to plantation highlands of Kerala. Evening visit to Meenakshi Temple complex having 14 gateway towers, each 45-50 meters tall. It is one of the most visited temples by heritage travellers and must visit for every traveller.

Day-7 Madurai to Periyar. Spice Plantation visit / Elephant Experience After Breakfast, travel to Periyar (2500 ft asl - 140 kms - 3 hours) via countryside areas that comprise farms, vineyards and fruit plantations. Periyar is entry point into Kerala for heritage travellers and one that is renowned for its Spice Plantations, elephant experience and periyar lake boat ride. In the afternoon visit Spice Plantation, enjoy elephant experience and then visit periyar lake for a boat ride in evening.

Day-8 Travel to Alleppey for Overnight Houseboat experience  After early breakfast depart for Alleppey (145 kms - 4 hours) by 8 AM to reach Houseboat jetty by 12 noon for the check in for the overnight Houseboat experience. Backwaters in South of Alleppey is what gives Kerala the name "Venice of the East". The overnight houseboat cruise is where travellers are able to experience upclose the backwater lifestyle (Markets, Church, sights and sounds etc). Houseboat is parked in the evening on the shores of the Vembanad lake or along backwater canals.

Day-9 Fort Cochin Heritage area After Breakfast depart for Fort Cochin (75 kms - 2 hours). Fort Cochin heritage area is an extension of Cochin mainland (Ernakulam), renowned for its heritage hotels, restaurants serving International cuisine, beach front, harbour views and is very popular with International travellers. Explore locoal heritage areas (Church, Synagogue). Evening Visit to Greenix Village for cultural performance.

Day-10 Travel to Wayanad (North Kerala) After Breakfast depart for Wayanad (240 kms - 6 hours), a rainforest area in North Kerala and one that connects Kerala with Wildlife areas of Kabini / Bandipur and other heritage areas of Karnataka.

Day-11 Explore Wayanad Wayanad (4500 ft asl) is renowned for its nature centric experiences such as waterfalls, rainforests, nature park (Kuruvadweep), Wildlife (Muthanga and Tholpetty Sanctuaries), Heritage (Edakkal Caves), Lakeside (Banasurasagar). After breakfast, Spend full day exploring Wayanad.

Day-12 Travel to Mysore. Visit Mysore Palace  After Breakfast, Travel to Mysore (150 kms - 3 hours), a popular stopover on heritage itineraries, renowned for Mysore Palace, a royal family residence renowned for its style and opulence and one of the most visited palaces in India.

Day-13 Travel to Hassan. Visit Halebid and Belur Temples  After Breakfast, Travel to Hassan (128 kms - 3 hours), a popular stopover to visit Halebid and Belur Temples (85 kms round trip from Hassan - renowned for its Hoysala era architecture)

Day-14 Travel to Hampi After Breakfast, Travel to Hospet (315 kms - 6 hours), base point (12 kms) to visit Hampi, a UNESCO world heritage site, visited for the city in ruins from the Vijaynagara era.

Day-15 Explore Hampi After Breakfast, Full day exploration of Hampi to Visit monuments in Hampi such as Hampi Ruins, Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple, Virupaksha Temple, Hazara Rama Temple Complex, Vittala Temple Complex etc.

Day-16 Explore Hampi After Breakfast, Visit monuments that could not be visited earlier day. In late afternoon visit Hampi Bazaar.

Day-17 Travel to Badami. Explore Badami - Excursions After early Breakfast, travel to Badami (127 kms - 2.5 hours). Badami is renowned for temples with styles belonging to different eras and times. Afternoon visit to Local Badami monuments such as Badami Caves and Badami Fort.

Day-18 Aihole and Pattadakal Excursions before proceeding to Goa After breakfast proceed for excursions to Aihole and Pattadakal (UNESCO heritage site), two 1000+ year old heritage sites offering experience of wide ranging temple architectures. Thereafter proceed to Goa (250 kms - 5 hours), a prime beachside tourist destination in India.

Day-19 North Goa Experience Areas of Vagator, Anjuna, Ashwem are prime for those who want to relax by the Arabian Sea for a day. Spend the day by the Vagator / Anjuna beach.

Day-20 Day visit to Old Goa heritage sites After Breakfast, understand visit to the heritage sites of Panjim and Old Goa (UNESCO world heritage site). Monuments to visit include Se Cathedral, St Francis Church, Reis Magos Church and Reis Magos Fort. Return by late afternoon.

Day-21 Fly to Mumbai After Breakfast, travel to Goa Airport (45 kms - 1.5 hour) for a flight to Mumbai. Stay around Mumbai International Airport for a transit stay before taking the International flight.

Day-22 International Departure Homeward departure.

Detailed Sightseeing

Alleppey :

  • Backwaters of Alleppey - Kuttanad Backwaters in South Alleppey is what gives Kerala Venice of the East tag. Day cruises / hourly boat rides are popular and available from Alleppey jetty. Guests seeking an experience either opt for overnight houseboat or Kayaking tour.

  • Vembanad Lake - Vembanad lake is one of the largest lake in India and offering guests a comprehensive nature centric lakeside experience. There are boat rides on offer here where guests can take hourly or day cruises either from Alleppey or Kumarakom jetties. Guests looking for a backwater cum lakeside experience opt for overnight houseboat cruises ex-Alleppey.

Badami :

  • Badami Cave Temples - Four Badami cave temples are carved out of the soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff in the late 6th to 7th centuries. They are a major tourist attraction especially heritage traveller. The cave temples date back to 600 and 700 CE.

  • Badami Fort - Badami fort lies atop a cliff right opposite the Badami cave temples. It is a steep climb with many view points and dotted with little shrines.

  • Pattadakal Temples - A group of 8th century monuments in Pattadakal are the culmination of the earliest experiments in Hindu temple architecture. UNESCO in 1987 included Pattadakal in its list of World Heritage sites and is one of the major tourist attraction and must visit for a heritage traveller.

  • Aihole - Aihole is a temple complex at 33 kms from Badami (Karnataka, India). Aihole has been described as one of the cradles of temple architecture and therefore a must visit for any heritage traveller. Here artisans worked over centuries to perfect different temple architectures.

Cochin (Fort Cochin) :

  • St Francis Church - St Francis Church is a tourist attraction at Fort Cochin. It was built in 1503 and is the oldest European church in India

  • Greenix Village - A craft village at Fort cochin that offers a wide ranging live performances. A visit here is very popular with guests to Fort cochin.

  • Fort Cochin Walk - Fort Cochin heritage walk is one recommended for any heritage traveller. The Fort cochin heritage area is home to buildings that date back to the dutch settlements in the area and still laidback and full of character. Within a short walk one can visit Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing nets and St Francis Church. There are several renowned heritage hotels here.

  • Jewish Synagogue Fort Cochin - Jewish Synagogue at Fort Cochin was built in 1568 and is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Hampi :

  • Hampi Ruins - Hampi ruins are ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple, as well as several other monuments belonging to the old city. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi. The ruins are spread over 10 kms radius and has many monuments and notable hindu temples.

  • Virupaksha Temple - Virupaksha Temple is a Shiva temple situated in the Hampi Bazaar. The temple has a 160-foot (49 m) high tower at its entrance. One of the most visited and impressive monuments of Hampi

  • Vittala Temple Complex - Most renowned among the ruins of Hampi. The stone chariot of this temple complex is a symbol of Karnataka Tourism. Floodlights have been installed in the temple complex that provide illumination at dusk which enhances appeal of the temple in the evenings.

  • Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple - Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple is constructed in the Dravidian style and has interesting motifs of fish and marine creatures

  • Hazara Rama Temple Complex - Ruined temple complex is well known for elaborate frescoes and a sprawling courtyard well-laid with gardens. It is well known for more than many thousand carvings & inscriptions (1000+ carvings & inscriptions) depicting the story of Ramayana.

Hassan :

  • Hoysaleshwar Temple Halebidu - Hoysaleswara temple is a 12th century Lord Shiva temple in Halebidu. Temple has been restored and is a major tourist attraction for its temple architecture. Visited by International traveller all round the year.

  • Chennakesava Temples Belur - The Chennakesava Temple is a riverside temple in Belur, erstwhile capital of the Hoysala Empire. Chennakesava is a form of Hindu God Vishnu and the temples are renowned for its temple architecture and visited all round the year by international travellers.,

Madurai :

  • Meenakshi Amman Temple - Meenakshi Amman Temple is a 17th century temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati known as Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva as Sundareswarar. It is most prominent landmark of the city. The complex houses 14 gopurams, highest being about 52 meters. Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most visited temples of Tamilnadu and must visit for any traveller.

Mahabalipuram :

  • Monuments at Mahabalipuram - Mahabalipuram is home to 7th - 9th century monuments of Pallava kingdom which are now a designated UNESCO world heritage site. The monuments include Rock Temple, Lord Vishnu Temple, Arjuna Penance, Varaha Cave temple. Its a popular stopover on inbound heritage circuit and day visited from chennai.

Mysore :

  • Mysore Palace - Mysore palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India after Taj Mahal with more than 2.7 million visitors. The architectural style of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic but it is a blend of many other architectural styles. The palace is surrounded by a large garden. The palace is 3 storied and entry fee is required to enter. Tourists are not allowed to take photographs inside the palace. Every autumn, the Palace is the venue for the famous Mysore Dasara festival with the elephant procession on Dussera day being the most sought after event.

North Goa :

  • Anjuna Beach - Anjuna beach is one of the well visited idyllic beaches of North goa at just a few kms from the famed Calangute - Baga beaches.

  • Church of Reis Magos - Church of Reis Magos was built on 1555, is set on the right bank of the Mandovi River. It is dedicated to the Three Magic Kings. Three viceroys who died while on service in Goa are buried here. Every 6 January, the feast of Reis Magos is celebrated here.

  • Vagator Beach - Adjoining the famous Anjuna beach, Vagator is a little more laid back. The tourist traffic is predominantly Western backpackers, however it has also become popular with Indian tourists, who particularly come to watch the sunset from the rocks.

  • Church of St Francis of Asissi - The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built in 1661 by the Portuguese in the Portuguese Viceroyalty of India

  • Se Cathedral - Se Cathedral (1631) is part of Old Goa, a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of the tallest and largest heritage structures in Goa. The massive structure took about 62 years to complete.

Pondicherry :

  • Aurobindo Ashram - The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a well known ashram in Pondicherry with devotees from India and all over the world. The Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo, great philospoher and it represents a combination of yoga and modern science.

  • French Quarters - French quarters is a colony of residential buildings with distinct colonial era french architecture. These are quiet bylanes that end up at the promenade. A morning or evening walk through these lanes can be very interesting and best way to explore French quarters.

  • Sacred Heart Church Pondicherry - Sacred Heart Church is a Roman Catholic Church in Pondicherry that is visited for its Gothic architecture besides its Pilgrimage importance. It contains rare stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and saints of the catholic church.

  • French War Memorial - French War Memorial (1971) on Goubert Avenue is built in memory of French soldiers who lost their lives in First World War

  • Auroville - Auroville is an experimental township situated 8 km north of Pondicherry off East Coast Road. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Richard (also known as The Mother), the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. The dome here is an architectural marvel and overall spread of the area and its character means that interested tourists and devotees arrive here all through the year.

Thanjavur :

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple - Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur is an ancient Lord Shiva temple Shiva and is considered Landmark in South Indian temple architecture. It has a massive 66 meter temple tower and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a must visit for any heritage traveller.

  • Tanjore Painting - Tanjore paintings are an early 17th Century art. Tanjore paintings are renowned for their richness and colors. There are number places in Thanjavur where one can purchase authentic Tanjore paintings.

  • Tanjore Palace - The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex, known locally as Aranmanai, is the official residence of the Bhonsle family who ruled over the Tanjore region from 1674 to 1855. The palace complex consists of the queens courtyard and the Durbar Hall. The Raja Serfoji Memorial Hall and the Royal Palace Museum are situated in the Sadar Mahal Palace. The Saraswathi Mahal Library is situated with the Thanjavur palace complex.

Thekkady :

  • Spice farm visit - Spice farm visit is a popular excursion for guests in Kerala. The spices grown around the area include cardamom, cinnamon etc. alongwith vanilla, tea and coffee.

  • Periyar Boat Ride - A highly touristy boat ride is the main attraction for average tourist to Periyar. The boats are filled with 30-40 tourists with the aim of spotting wildlife on the edge of the lake. Binoculars are a must to have any chance of spotting a wildlife.

Wayanad (Kalpetta) :

  • Kanthanpara Waterfalls - Kanthanpara Waterfalls is about 100 ft waterfall at eight kilometers east of Meppadi. There are tea gardens on both sides and is excellent for soft trekking ex-Meppadi.

  • Banasura Sagar - Banasura Sagar Dam is one of the biggest Earth dam in Asia and it attracts lot of tourists for Boating.

  • Soochipara Falls - Soochipara Falls is a three-tiered 650+ feet waterfall in Wayanad at 15-20 minute drive from Meppadi. It takes 15 minutes walk from parking area to the waterfall. The cliff face here is excellent for rock climbing.

  • Edakkal Caves - Edakkal caves are renowned for its pre-historic carvings and paintings. The caves contain drawings that range over periods from as early as 5000 BC to 1000 BC.

  • Meenmutty Falls - Meenmutty Falls is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 900+ ft and is Keralas second largest waterfall and is a popular with tourists.

  • Kuruvadweep - Kuruvadweep (10 km from Mananthavady) is a fragile delta system on the Kabini River. The island of evergreen forest is uninhabited and home to a wide range of birds, orchids and herbs. The island surrounded by streams and river can be accessed using rafts or fiber boats run by Kerala Tourism. Entrance to the island is restricted and monitored by Kerala Forest Dept.

Destination Overview

Chennai - Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is a metro city of India and the largest in South India. Chennai is starting point for many itineraries of Taminadu and South India.

Mahabalipuram - Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram is situated 60 km south Chennai on the famous East Coast Road. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pondicherry - Pondicherry is a popular destination in South India for Inbound guests on the heritage itinerary covering other areas like Mahabalipuram, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Madurai etc. Pondicherry is a popular weekend getaway ex-Chennai and Bangalore.

Thanjavur - Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian art and architecture. The Brihadeeswara Temple is located in the center of the town, which is UNESCO World Heritage site.

Madurai - Madurai today is one of the busiest towns in Tamilnadu. The Meenakshi temple is awe-inspiring and is a must visit for any South India itinerary for both Indian as well as Overseas guests

Thekkady - Thekkady (2500 ft asl) is a stopover on the South India Itinerary on Madurai - Kottayam route known for nature centric experiences connected with Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Alleppey - Alleppey is renowned for its backwaters and is known as the Venice of the east. Overnight houseboats in Alleppey lake and backwaters are considered an experience.

Cochin (Fort Cochin) - A heritage area a few kilometers from Willingdon Island. With many charming heritage hotels in the area, its perhaps the best area of accommodation for leisure and experience oriented travelers.

Wayanad (Kalpetta) - Kalpetta (2800 ft) is the main town in Wayanad region of North Kerala. Kalpetta is where most moderately priced stays are found in the area and is central to most sightseeing areas.

Mysore - Mysore is a heritage destination and well visited for the Mysore Palace and located most centrally to visit a wide ranging destinations around it.

Hassan - Hassan is an industrial town located mid-way between Mangalore and Bangalore and base point for guests to visit Halebid and Belur Temples, which are world known for their Hoysala era architecture.

Hampi - Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being home to Vijayanagara ruins and Monuments around it.

Badami - Badani is a heritage destination and home to rock cut temples and other heritage monuments. From here one also visits Pattadakal and Aihole heritage monuments.

North Goa - “North Goa” as its referred comprises Baga-Calangute-Candolim-Sinquerim, all different ends to a single stretch of beach, which gets visitors from all over India and has made Goa the world renowned destination.

Mumbai - Mumbai is financial capital of India and a major International airport, second only to Delhi in terms of flight connectivity. Mumbai is a major business hub for trade in Asia and a transit point for others destinations in India such as Goa, Kerala, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageChennaiNo ImageChennai
Prefered Departure : No ImageMumbaiNo ImageMumbai
Distances
  • Chennai to Mahabalipuram -60 kms (1 hrs)
  • Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry -100 kms (2 hrs)
  • Pondicherry to Thanjavur -176 kms (4 hrs)
  • Thanjavur to Madurai -194 kms (4 hrs)
  • Madurai to Thekkady -140 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Thekkady to Alleppey -138 kms (4 hrs)
  • Alleppey to Cochin (Fort Cochin) -62 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Cochin (Fort Cochin) to Wayanad (Kalpetta) -260 kms (6.5 hrs)
  • Wayanad (Kalpetta) to Mysore -140 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Mysore to Hassan -120 kms (3 hrs)
  • Hassan to Hampi -360 kms (8.5 hrs)
  • Hampi to Badami -143 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Badami to North Goa -290 kms (6 hrs)
  • North Goa to Mumbai

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Distances
  • Chennai to Mahabalipuram -60 kms (1 hrs)
  • Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry -100 kms (2 hrs)
  • Pondicherry to Thanjavur -176 kms (4 hrs)
  • Thanjavur to Madurai -194 kms (4 hrs)
  • Madurai to Thekkady -140 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Thekkady to Alleppey -138 kms (4 hrs)
  • Alleppey to Cochin (Fort Cochin) -62 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Cochin (Fort Cochin) to Wayanad (Kalpetta) -260 kms (6.5 hrs)
  • Wayanad (Kalpetta) to Mysore -140 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Mysore to Hassan -120 kms (3 hrs)
  • Hassan to Hampi -360 kms (8.5 hrs)
  • Hampi to Badami -143 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Badami to North Goa -290 kms (6 hrs)
  • North Goa to Mumbai

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