|
THE
SOUTHERN RAJ
A World Heritage Sites Tour of India |
 |
This
unique journey reveals Southern India's rich cultural heritage,
brings unforgettable images from the past centuries and leaves
a lasting spell on our souls. In addition to this we venture
to the most preferred beach destination in India, Goa, to
experience the delightful white sand beaches and explore
the remains of Portuguese traditions.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Arrive Mumbai (Bombay) |
|
02
|
Mumbai |
| 03 |
Mumbai / Goa (flight) |
|
04
|
Goa |
|
05
|
Goa / Bangalore |
|
06
|
Bangalore / Hassan |
|
07
|
Hassan / Mysore |
|
08
|
Mysore |
|
09
|
Mysore / Chennai (Madras) |
|
10
|
Chennai / Mamallapuram / Chennai |
|
11
|
Depart Chennai |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in India covered on this tour |
| Elephanta Caves - Mumbai |
The
'City of Caves', on an island in the Sea of Oman close to
Bombay, contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult
of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect
expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main
cave. |
| Church Gate Station
- Mumbai |
Churchgate
is an area in downtown South Mumbai getting
its name from the famous Churchgate Railway Station.
Churchgate station is a terminus of Western Railway line of
Mumbai suburban railway. It is the southernmost station of
the city. It is home to the Western Railway headquarters. |
| Mahabalipuram |
This
group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved
out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th
centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples
in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant
open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges',
and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to
the glory of Shiva. |
|
Churches and Convents of Goa |
The churches and convents of Goa,
the former capital of the Portuguese Indies – particularly the Church
of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb of St Francis-Xavier – illustrate
the evangelization of Asia. These monuments were influential
in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art
in all the countries of Asia where missions were established. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Arrive
Mumbai (Bombay)
Namaste! Welcome to Mumbai, as it is now known, where we are
greeted the Mumbaiwala style to the city that never sleeps.
Overnight: Hotel in Mumbai (2 Nights)
Day 02: Mumbai
This is one of the largest cities in the world and is home
to the largest film industry in the world. Bombay is a city
full of life and history and, as the saying goes, "Bombay
never sleeps". We start our journey with the Gateway of
India landmark archway, which includes the world's largest
open-air laundry, Jain Temple, Marine Drive, Hanging Gardens
and the Prince of Wales Museum. Afternoon free to immerse in
the local bazaars. Bombay offers a lot of attractions in the
field of art and theatre and this evening is a good time to
experience them. (B, D)
Day 03: Mumbai / Goa (flight)
A short flight takes us to the one time Portuguese colony of
Goa, which offers a unique blend of India with a strong Portuguese
influence. We are transferred to our beachside resort to enjoy
the relaxing Goan lifestyle and sea activities. The beaches
in Goa offer both quite and a public area where one would find
lots of families enjoying the silver sands and the local hawker
selling home cooked snacks.
Overnight: Hotel in Goa (2 Nights) (B, D)
Day 04: Goa
Today is free for leisure activities in this tropical beach
resort. You may also wish to visit the World Heritage Site
of the churches and convents of Goa, the former capital of
the Portuguese Indies. Of particular interest is the Church
of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb of St Francis-Xavier,
a great illustration of the evangelization of Asia. These monuments
were influential in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist
and Baroque art to all the countries of Asia where missions
were established. (B, D)
Day 05: Goa / Bangalore (flight)
A short flight gets us to the garden city of Bangalore, also
now known as the high-tech centre of India. Our tour of this
clean city covers the Botanical Garden, the Visveswariah Museum,
and the famous Mysore Arts and Craft Center. Bangalore is the
capital of Karnataka. It is called the Garden City due to its
delicate blossoms and greenery that impart a unique beauty
to this lovely city. The weather is the city's best feature,
with pleasant summers and bearable winters. Bangalore is a
cosmopolitan city, where a variety of cultures and customs
thrive. Kempe Gowda founded the city in 1537 - is today a bustling
and diverse city with ancient arts that flourish alongside
the Silicon Plateau of India.
Overnight: Hotel in Bangalore (1 Night) (B, D)
Day 06: Bangalore / Hassan (drive 190kms / 115 mi)
An interesting drive through the countryside conveys us to
the famous Southern Indian Temple city of Hassan. Hassan is
a calm and peaceful town and a convenient base from which to
visit Belur and Halebid. We have the evening to enjoy walking
through the town and chatting with locals enthusiastic to practice
their English.
Overnight: Hotel in Hassan (1 night) (B, D)
Day 07: Hassan / Mysore (drive 200kms / 123 mi)
Our morning tour of Hassan includes the exquisite temples of
Belur and Halebid.
The main structure of the temple in Belur, which is star-shaped,
is a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Inside,
even in the darkness, you can see the hand-lathe turned shining
pillars, each unique in its own splendor. Halebid was known
as Dwara Samudra, the wealthy capital of the Hoysalas. The
great city of Dwarasamudra flourished as a Capital of the Hoysala
Empire during the 12th & 13th centuries, reflected in the
strikingly beautiful Hoysala temples. Then we proceed to beautiful
Srirangapatnam,and visit Tipu Sultan's summer palace.
Overnight: Hotel in Mysore (2 Nights) (B, D)
Day 08: Mysore
Mysore the city of Palaces, has never failed to mesmerize with
its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, imposing
buildings, sacred temples broad shady avenues and beautiful
gardens. Our morning tour includes the Maharajah's Palace,
the Shri Chamundeswari Temple and the Nadi Shiva's Mount. The
evening is free to enjoy the Vrindavan Garden and City Palace,
which is beautifully lit on certain days. (B, D)
Day 09: Mysore / Chennai (Madras) (Train)
We take the late afternoon Express train to Chennai (formerly
known as Madras). We arrive late in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Chennai (2 Nights) (B)
Day 10: Chennai / Mamallapuram / Chennai
Today we take an excursion to the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram.
This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was
carved out of the rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th
and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples
in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant
open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges',
and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the
glory of Shiva. On our return we tour Chennai, culturally one
of the richest cities of India. We visit the Kapaleeswarar,
the ancient Shiva Temple, Santhome Church and the bazaar. (B)
Day 11: Depart Chennai
After an interesting insight into the colourful and mystical
Dravidian India, we bid farewell to our journey of Southern
Raj and are transferred for our flight back home. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Departure Dates |
|
2008
Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 15, Apr 05, May 03, Jun 07,
Jul 05, Aug 02,
Sep 6, Oct 4,
Nov 8, Dec 6
|
| Prices |
| Hotel
Category |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| First
Class |
2575 |
710 |
| Superior |
3275 |
1075 |
| Deluxe |
3740 |
1290 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
on twin-share basis in hotels as
selected.
- Daily
buffet breakfast as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast,
D=Dinner)
- Transport
in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours,
arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary.
- Assistance
on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport
and railway station only
- Services of local English speaking guide for the sight-seeing
as per the itinerary at each city.
- Entrances to the monuments of visit as per the itinerary.
- All
currently applicable taxes
- Train tickets
|
- International
Airfare & Departure Taxes
- Travel
Insurances
- Visa
Fees
- Drinks/Beverages
with meals
- Tips/Gratuities
to Drivers & Guides
|
Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price (Subject
To Change)
Bombay/Goa & Goa/Bangalore |
Train
Fare: Gwalior/Jhansi, Varanasi/Lucknow & Lucknow/Delhi
in Executive Class.
Domestic airfare: Khajuraho / Varanasi
sector in Economy Class.
|
|
City
|
First
Class
|
Superior
|
Deluxe
|
Mumbai
(2 Nights)
|
The Ambassador
(Executive Room)
|
Taj
President
(Standard City View Room)
|
The
Taj Mahal Hotel
(Superior Sea View Room)
|
Goa
(2 Nights)
|
Holiday Inn
Resort
(Deluxe Room)
|
Cidade
De Goa Beach Resort
(Superior Room)
|
Taj
Holiday Village
(Cottage Garden View)
|
Bangalore
(1 Night)
|
Regallis
(Standard Room)
|
The
Chancery
(Superior Room)
|
Taj
Residency
(Superior Room)
|
Hassan
(1
Night)
|
Southern
Star
(Standard Room)
|
Southern
Star
(Standard Room)
|
Southern
Star
(Standard Room)
|
Mysore
(2 Nights)
|
Regallis
(Standard Room)
|
Regallis
(Standard Room)
|
Regallis
(Standard Room)
|
Chennai
(2 Nights)
|
Ambassador
Pallava
(Executive Room)
|
Trident
Hilton
(Superior Room)
|
Taj
Connemara Hotel
(Superior Room)
|
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1395 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1495 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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