South India Temple and Hills Tour

Day 01: Arrive Chennai

Arrive Chennai airport, meet & greet with our office representative. Assistance and transfer to hotel check in (hotel check in/ out time 1200hrs afternoon, early check in subject to availability of rooms).

PM: city tour of Chennai, visit the San Thome Cathederal, built on the site of a 16th century Portuguese basilica which is said to be the tomb of the apostle Thomas, who is reputed to have brought Christianity to India in the 1st century AD. The tour also includes St Thomas Mount, the Little Mount Shrine, the Fort St George, St Mary's Church, and the Fort Museum which has a collection of objects from the tenure of the East India Company in Chennai including letters from Robert Clive. The Marina Beach is the second longest in the world. Walk along the surf-kissed edge, coast along the Drive, relax in your shorts, take the kids to the aquarium, sip coconut water, but worshippers of the sun, beware! You’ll offend everyone if you bring out your bikini. Rumours of sharks and sharp eddies keep all but the bravest away. The academy of classical dance and music, Kalakshetra or 'Temple of Art’ is in Thiruvanmayur. Run on the ancient lines of gurukul education, it frequently presents recitals of classical music and Bharatnatyam in town. The Government Museum and Art Gallery has objects of art, sculptures and carvings from the Chola, Pandya, Pallava, and the Vijayanagar periods. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 02: Chennai – Mahabalipuram [130Kms/ 3hrs approx]
Breakfast at hotel drive to Mahabalipuram, en-route visit Kanchipuram. The Land of Thousands Temples is a small, rural town about 75-km from Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. With the Sankara Mutt acting as the hub of Hindu activities and the temples, Kanchipuram is one of the most highly visited pilgrimage spots in India, and can rightfully be called the "Kanchipuram was under the Pallavas from the 6th to 8th century AD and later became the citadel of the Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. It has been a center of Tamil learning, cultural and religious background for centuries. Kanchipuram has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage.

On arrival check in to hotel,Visit the Cave Temples which excavated by scooping out the scarp of the hill. The scooping work starts from front to back. The cave temple is usually divided into inner & outer mandapas, distinguished by the difference in levels. The front mandapa will have pillars & plasters numbering 4,6,8,10. The inner mandapa contains single, triple or five cells. The cave temple with little modification is categorized as Mamalla style. The pillars under this style are slender & taller with squatting lion at their base. The pillar is divided into distinct parts known as kalasa, tadi, kumba, padma etc. Monolithic Temples are locally known as Rathas. They were executed by chiseling out the exterior face of the boulder. Work started from top to bottom. The pyramidal vimana with sikhara at the top is an important feature of this style. It can be rightly said that these monolithic temples must have paved the way for the structural temples with elaborate architectural & sculptural details in the subsequent stage. There a total number of 8 monolithic temples found in Mamallapuram. The five rathas in one place, Ganesha Ratha, Valayankuttai Ratha & Pidari Rathas. Five Rathas, a small hill sloping from south to north has been segmented into five divisions & converted into monolithic temples. The heights of the segments have been cleverly used for temples with single tier to three-tiered vimana. Each monolithic temples shows different kind of sikhara. The five rathas are Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha and Nakul Sahadev Ratha.  Shore Temple, The Shore Temple on the Bay of Bengal was constructed in the 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha (c. 690-728).The Shore temples is a temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. The temple facing east is entered by a small gopura. On plan, it consists of a small sanctum & a front mandapa & is a two-tired vimana. The sanctum is housing a linga. The Somaskanda panel consisting of Siva & Parvati with baby Skanda is on the back wall of the sanctum. The dhara linga & Somaskanda panel on the back wall of the sanctum are the features of the Pallava temples only. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 03: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry 110Kms/ 3hrs approx]

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Pondicherry. On arrival check in to hotel.

Sightseeing of Pondicherry, The name Pondicherry has been derived from the Tamil word Puducheri signifying 'the new settlement'. It was a French settlement that comprised Pondy, Yanam, Karaikal, and Mahe. Amazing is the fact that different districts of Pondicherry fall under different states. The capital Pondicherry is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu at a distance of around 200 km from Chennai. While Karaikal is also a part of Tamil Nadu, Mahe is located in Kerala, and Yanam is in Andhra Pradesh. There is a strong influence of French culture on Pondicherry town, especially on it's architecture, a result of the centuries-old relations this place maintained with France. Today, Pondicherry is more famous because of its relation with Sri Aurobindo. Sri Aurobindo selected this peaceful and harmonious place to make his abode in the second decade of this century and remained there till his death. A political revolutionary before coming to Pondicherry, he became one of the most famous sages of modern times produced by India.

Shree Aurobindo and The Mother, his most eminent disciple, set up the Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville in 1926. Together they explored the possibilities of yoga and meditation as a path to salvation. At the Ashram residents continue to practice their teachings and run a lot of the cultural activity in Pondicherry. There is an educational centre, which occasionally hosts lectures, screens films and holds play performances. The sun, surf and sand are best at the beaches a little outside town. Called Serenity, Quiet and Reppo they manage to live up to their name. The town beach has a 4-meter high statue of Mahatma Gandhi and French World War I memorial. There is a 150-year-old lighthouse also. The French Institute is in a stylish colonial building. It has some remarkable old French books that are very rare. The Romain Rolland library has over 60,000 volumes and overlooks the sea. Along with the ‘kepis’ capped cops and its streets being called ‘rue’, it is the churches that help  the town retain its European charm. The church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception or Notre Dame de la Conception is almost 300 years old. The church to Our Lady of Angels is famous for an oil painting that was gifted by Napoleon III. The most magnificent however is the grand gothic Sacred Heart Church with 3 stained glass panels of the life of Christ. Just outside town is a copy of the Basilica at Lourdes. Many temples around Pondicherry are dedicated to Ganesh, the half man half pachyderm god who is the Destroyer of all Obstacles. The oldest ones date back to the 10th century Chola Empire. The Vinaynagar Manakula temple has a golden dome and a collection of 40 beautiful friezes.  The temple to the local goddess Drowpattiamman has a fire festival in July-August.

The Botanical Gardens are pleasant for a stroll and the aquarium has a collection of exotic ornamental fish. The Pondicherry Museum has a really eclectic collection of this, that and the other. It has an art collection, Pallava sculptures, handicraft, weaponry, archaeology, geology and the old French Governor Dupleix’s bed, an old palanquin and such interesting odds and ends! The Jawahar Toy Museum has a collection of dolls dressed up to represent every state in India. Also visit Auroville is something of an avante garde community 10 km from Pondicherry. It was instituted by The Mother in 1968 as an experiment in international living. The aim was spiritual regeneration and communal harmony. Over 1200 people are divided into several communes like ‘Forecomers’, ‘Grace’, ‘Sincerity’ etc with each commune engaged in a separate field of research. Casual tourists aren’t encouraged but anyone with a genuine interest in the philosophy is welcome. Auroville is sprawling so the biking there, around and back will be heavy work. Mopeds might be a better idea. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 04: Pondicherry - Tanjore (190Kms/4hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Tanjore. On arrival check in to hotel. PM: Sightseeing of Tanjore or Thanjavur was the ancient capital of the Chola kings whose origins, go back to the beginning of the Christian era. Power struggles between these groups were a constant feature of their early history, with one or other gaining the ascendancy at various times. The Cholas' turn for empire building came between 850 and 1270 AD and , at the height of their power. Probably the greatest chola emperors were Raja Raja who was responsible for building the Brihadishwara Temple ( Thanjavur main attraction ) and his son Rajendra-I whose navy competed with the Arabs for controls of the Indian Ocean trade routes and who was responsible for bringing Srivijaya under Chola control.

Thanjavur District is the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world. Thanjavur was the cultural capital of the country in 1790. Thanjavur gained prominence during the period of Chola Kings, who made it as their capital. Thereafter, it was ruled by Nayaks and Maratta Kings, who nurtured art and culture. The cultural, the architectural and the scholarly pursuits of these rulers are reflected in the great monuments like Grand Anaicut, Big Temple and Serfoji Mahal Library etc. in the district. Thanjavur rose to glory during the later Chola reign between the 10th and 14th Centuries and became a centre of learning and culture. It is the headquarters of Thanjavur district, the 'Rice Bowl' of Tamil Nadu. It is also known for its exquisite handicrafts, bronzes and South Indian Musical Instruments.

The main tourist attractions of Tanjore are Brihadeshwara Temple & Fort : built by great Chola king in the 10th century it is an outstanding example of Chola architecture and is listed in world heritage. On the top of the apex of 63 metres high, a dome is said to be constructed from a single piece of granite, weighing an estimated 81 tones. Thanjavur Palace & Museum : the palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built by the Nayakas around 1550 and partly by the Maratha. The palace houses an art gallery, a library and a hall of music. The art gallery occupies the Nayak Durbar Hall. It has a superb collection of Chola bronze statues from the 9th to 12th centuries. The Saraswati mahal Library is next door to the gallery. Art Gallery : In the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. Visiting Times: 9.00 - 13.00 hrs and 15.00 - 18.00 hrs. Saraswathi Mahal Library : In another section of the Palace is the library where over 30,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts in India and European languages are preserved.Visiting Times: 9.00 - 13.00 hrs and 14.00 - 17.00 hrs.Wednesday Holiday. Schwartz Church : (In the Palace garden) Built in 1779 AD by Rajah Serfoji in token of his affection for the Rev.C.V.Schwartz of the Danish mission. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 05: Tanjore – Rameshwaram (240kms / 5hrs approx)

After breakfast at hotel drive to Rameshwaram, check in at hotel. Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 06: Rameshwaram

Breakfast at hotel, visit Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple; This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva constitutes the main attraction of the town of Rameswaram. Situated near the sea on the eastern part of the island, this temple is mostly known for its staggering structure, magnificent corridors and spectacular sculptures. It has been built under the patronage of a number of rulers from the 12th century. The most premier aspect of the temple is its corridor that is world’s longest one and stretches about 197 meters in East-West direction and 133 meters in the North-South direction.

The temple is even more appealing to the devotees because of the legend associated with it. It is believed that Lord Rama, after having killed Ravana had decided to offer Lord Shiva a prayer of gratitude for having guaranteed his succeeded in the war. He instructed Hanuman to fetch the lingam from Kailasa within a certain time, but Hanuman was delayed and Sita had to prepare one of sand, before the auspicious hour. It is said that this is the same Lingam of Sri Ramanatha in the temple. What acts as a supplementary to enhance this aura of myth and supernaturalism in the temple are the 22 wells, the water of which are believed to have medicinal properties. Also water from every well tastes different from the other.  Satchi Hanuman Temple; Very near to the Sugreevar temple is the Satchi Hanuman Temple, which is located about 3km from the main temple of Lord Ramanathaswamy. Legend has it that this temple enshrines the very spot where Hanuman had given Rama the good news of the welfare of his wife Sita with a stchi or an evidence of the Choodamani, or a jewel that Sita possessed. This is also a favorite destination for the devotees.

Rest day visiting the numerous other temples or relax. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 07: Rameshwaram – Madurai (168kms/ 3-4hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Madurai check in at hotel.

Visit, Meenakshi Temple: This temple is the city's main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town - a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meters. The Potrama Raikulam or the Golden Lotus Tank is the place where the Tamil literacy society, called Sangam used to meet to decide the merits of the work presented to them. The temple museum has 985 richly carved pillars and each one surpasses the other in beauty.

Tirumalai Nayak Mahal: This Indo-Saracenic building was built in 1636 by the ruler whose name it bears. The imposing edifice is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and impressive arches. The Sorgavilasam (Celestial Pavilion), measuring 75m x 52m, constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder, is a marvel of indo-Saracenic architectural style. Among other striking features of the palace are the massive white pillars, several of which line the corridor that runs along the courtyard. Connected by high decorated arches, these pillars measure 20m in height and have a circumference of 4m. Elsewhere, there are polished black stone pillars of varying heights. It was King Thirumalai Nayak’s grandson who demolished much of the fine structure and removed most of the jewels and woodcarvings in order to build his own palace in Tiruchirapalli. Gandhi Museum: The 300-year-old palace now converted into Museum has a picture gallery, a library of personal memorable of the Mahatma Gandhi and an exhibit of South Indian handicrafts and village industries.

Vaniyur Mariamman Teppakulam: This enormous temple tank is fed by water from the Vaigai river. Mariamman Teppakulam is a beautiful square tank spread over a huge area of almost 16 acres, located about 5Kms East of Meenakshi Temple. The tank is the scene of the colourful float festival held in January/February to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, who built this tank. The deities of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are placed in a float, called “Teppam”, decorated with flowers and illuminated with hundred of lights. This float is taken around the tank to the sound of traditional music. On the Northern side of the tank a temple is dedicated to Mariamman, a famous village deity of Tamil Nadu. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 08: Madurai – Kodaikanal (116kms/ 2-3hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Kadaikanal, check in at hotel.

Later visit Star Shaped Lake - one of the major attractions of this quaint little hill station. Situated at the heart of the main town area, it is also a favourite evening spot for the locals as well. It is the legacy of former Collector, Sir Vere Levinge, who formed it by damming the valley where three streams flowed. The entire lake area is spread over an area of about 60 acres. Here you can also try out some boating courtesy the Boat Club that is located here. Moreover, small horse rides can also make a good pastime in the early evenings.

Solar Observatory - one of the only three solar observatories in the world that is more than 75 years old. Built at an elevation of 2343 meters, the Solar Observatory was built at the highest point of the town. You can have a look into the solar system by booking your tickets for the scheduled shows.

View Point - from where you can have a thrilling view of the entire Kodai valley. The hill station best view points are Pillar Rocks, Green Valley View point and the Dolphin/’s Nose. You must not miss a visit to these places as they are known for their natural marvel and beauty. You could also find some of the locally made products here to take along as the memorabilia of your visit. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 09: Kodaikanal – Ooty (256kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Ooty check-in at the hotel. PM Sightseeing of Ooty; situated in Nilgiri Mountains near Tri Junction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Oty is the only hill station in india which attracts visitors during all seasons. It has built up a famous as the `all-seasons -hill resort' and the `queen of hill stations'. It is one of the most popular hill resorts in southern India at an elevation of 7216 ft.  above sea-level, her moods change with every season, but each of her moods is hospitable to the visitor.  Nestling among the hills at a point where the Eastern Ghats meets the Western Ghats, the district headquarter town of Udhagamandalam sprawls along a beautiful plateau. The Eastern Ghats are mighty and attractive while the Western ghats have wooded loveliness. Nature unfolds itself in and around Ooty in a myriad of profiles, each one with a distinctive grandeur and individuality.

The first inhabitants of this land were a tribe called Todas who had been living here long before the British came in the early nineteenth century. But the credit for modernising Udhagamandalam and making it accessible goes to the British who constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. Todas antedated all explorers to the Nilgiris by a great margin of time. Mr. John Sullivan discovered Ooty in 1820. He built a permanent house at Nilgiri Hill and this was the beginning. Soon several other British officers built their summer houses. Horses, pony bullock cart and tonga were transportation modes at that time. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Ooty – Mysore – Bangalore (260kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Bangalore, en route visit Mysore Palace built in 1911-12. The piece of harmonious synthesis of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. The palaces and royal garden of Mysore, ‘The Jewel of Karnataka’, provide glimpses of its past grandeur. Thus the Maharaja’s Palace is one of the largest in the country, embellished with stained glass and domes and turrets giving it an ethereal air. We enjoy our afternoon sightseeing tour visiting Chamundi Hill lies just outside the city and is topped by a temple to Chamundi, the Rajas chosen diety. Half way up the hill, sits a huge granite statue of Nandi, the bull, Lord Shiva’s vehicle, and the route is dotted with other minor shrines. Late visit to Maharajas Palace, completed in 1912, dominates the centre of Mysore. The building is a synthesis of Hindu and Sarancenic architecture, designed by Henry Irwin, a British architecture.

Srirangapatnam fort the stronghold of Tippu Sultan. Tippu made a last minute ditch Against the British in 1799 before surrendering his kingdom. Among the many fort buildings still intact, are Tippu’s Airy summer palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (garden). Daria Daulat Bagh: Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of Tipu's favourite retreats. It stands on a raised platform at a height of 1.5 metres.  The Bagh is situated on the banks of Cauvery river has treasured the paintings, engraving, arms that depict the Valant victories and Struggles of Tipu Sultan. The structure made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. The corridors showcase murals which describe Tipu’s ordeals in the battlefield against the British.

After sightseeing of Mysore continue drive to Bangalore. On arrival check in at hotel Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Bangalore – Hyderabad (flight)

Breakfast at hotel, half day city tour of Bangalore 'Garden City' visiting the Lal Bagh Garden: Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. Also see the Government buildings Vidhana Soudha: This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing.

The Bangalore Palace & Fort: The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings. Tippu’s Summer Palace: The palace was first a mud-brick defense built by Kempegowda in 1537. Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan later rebuilt it 1791. The two-storied structure (replica of the Daria Daulat in Srirangapatnam) served as Tipu's summer retreat. An inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as the 'abode of happiness', almost mocking the ruins that surround it. Though the palace still has elegant teak pillars, most of the painted decorations have been destroyed and it is in very bad shape.

Afternoon transfer to airport to board flight for Hyderabad. On arrival meet with our office representative, assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 12: Hyderabad

Breakfast at hotel, full day city tour of Hyderabad a 400 year-old metropolitan city teeming with bustling-bazaars and Muslim monuments. Hyderabad: founded on the River Musi five miles east of Golconda, in 1591-92 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. In the 16th century the city grew rapidly along the banks of river Musi. Many buildings sprang up along the River Musi and Golconda was the capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers. Hyderabad, under the Nizams, was the largest princely state in India. Area wise it was as big as England and Scotland put together. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax. Soon after India gained independence, Hyderabad State merged with the Union of India. On November 1, 1956 the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states, and Hyderabad became the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

AM visit Charminar: an imposing monument, which reflects the glory of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. It is a massive square structure, 56 m (183.72 ft) high and 30 m (98.42 ft) wide. This monument is built entirely of granite and lime mortar. It has 4 minarets one on each of its corners. These fluted minarets are attached to the main building and rise towards the sky to a height of 56 m (183.72 ft). Each minaret of the Charminar has a double balcony. A small bulbous cupola crowns each of these beautiful minarets, which is decorated with petal like formations. A short pointed spire crowns all the minarets. This beautiful colossus in granite, lime, mortar and, some say, pulverized marble, was at one time the heart of the city. This great tribute to aesthetics looks sturdy and solid from a distance but as one moves closer, it emerges as an elegant and romantic edifice proclaiming its architectural eminence in all its detail and dignity. Grand Mecca Masjid: oldest masjids in the city & the biggest. Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah began building it in 1617 under the supervision of Mir Faizullah Baig and Rangiah Choudhary. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb completed the construction in 1694. It took 77 years to come up as the magnificent edifice we see today.

PM excursion to visit Golconda Fort: of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India, once famous for its diamond mines. The history of Golconda Fort dates back to the early 13th century, when this south eastern part of the country was ruled by the Kakatiyas. It is built on a granite hill 120 metres high, and is surrounded by crenellated ramparts constructed of large masonry blocks weighing several tonnes. The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down. The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda, is about 11 kilometres long, and is strongly fortified. In its heyday, the 10 kilometre long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad, was a fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world. Qutub Shahi Tombs: Quite close to the Golconda fort are the tombs of the seven Qutub Shahi rulers in the Ibrahim Bagh. The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single story while the larger ones are two storied. In the center of each tomb is a sarcophagus which overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Hyderabad – Mumbai (flight)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival meet and greet by our office representative assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 14: Mumbai

Breakfast at hotel, full day for visiting Essel World the hottest destination for the ones who are all set to have fun.

Mumbai’s only international style theme park and scintillating amusement center that is located close to Gorai Beach, Essel World is the place to be for all in love with racing their adrenaline to the maximum. Essel World has a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars and also people across the country. This is beacuse it is the oldest amusement park in the city. Many people from contemporary age have grown alongwith Essel World. Though being one of the first amusement park, it is new in style and concept. Essel world is an international-style theme park and amusement park that has defined the parameters of modern fun. It constantly adopts new progressive technologies to redefine itself. Outside the city limits you could hire special ferries to reach the park that sprawls over 64 acres of green landscape. With over 34 thrilling and scintillating rides, games and amusements, EsselWorld is a guaranteed spot to pep you up. There is something for all; the entire fun extravaganza includes Children’s Rides, Adult’s Rides and Family Rides. You would also love to try some of the coin-operated games, like Crazy Shuttle, Derby Racer, Aqua Blasta, Water Lazer etc. Some of the freaky rides of the park are Crazy Cups, Road Train, Riki’s Rocking Alley, Tilt-a-Whirl, Zipper Dipper, Highway Cars, Hedge Maze, Fun Net, Haunted Hotel, and Prabal – the Killer. Essel world offers economical packages for weekends and season specials. Opens everyday from 11:00 hrs to 19:00 hrs, Essel World is a great amusement park where fun never stops. The wide array of restaurants offers delicacies from local over and above international cuisines. The Wet World at Esselworld seems to be the stomping ground during summers, when people come here to relax themselves in the soothing showers of water. Rain pool, Splash pool, Croc pool and Lazy River are the prime attractions of this water park. The amusement park has been styled on international patterns and frequently implements new technology, in form of machineries and environment, to redefine itself. Water Kingdom is the twin park of Essel World. While providing nonstop, fun amidst adventurous rides and 30,000 species of flora, both of these amusement centers allure over 1.8 million people annually. In a nutshell, Essel World is the best place to get entertained ceaselessly in Mumbai.

 

Day 15: Mumbai – Matheran (85kms/ 2hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, AM city tour visit the Gateway of India: Mumbai's most famous landmark, The Gateway of India, is situated at Apollo Bunder. It was designed by George Wikket. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Through this magnificent monument, numerous viceroys and governors were welcomed to India as they disembarked from their steamers, hence the name. Prince of Wales Museum; Barely a stone's throw from the Gateway of India is the Prince of Wales Museum, a magnificent, but somewhat strange structure, built in a confluence of Gothic and Moorish styles, and crowned by a sparkling white dome. It boasts a good collection of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating back to 2000 BC, plus some priceless Tibetan and Nepali Art. There is an entire gallery devoted to Buddhist tankha scrolls and another to Tibetan bronzes, but the chief attraction here is the collection of over 2000 miniature paintings from the various art schools of India. Next to the Museum is the Bombay Natural History Society, which has an extensive collection of local flora and fauna.

PM drive to Matheran, check in at hotel. Rest day free and easy for personal activities relax etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 16: Matheran

Breakfast at hotel, sightseeing of Matheran one of the most exquisite and beautiful hill stations placed at an altitude of 800m above sea level and situated at a distance of 100km from Mumbai, the major tourist attractions of the place are its 38 vantage points that offer breathtaking view of the whole place and its nearby areas.

Echo Point; this is a crucial point that offers a panoramic view of the whole place. As the name suggests, Echo point is well-known for allowing you to enjoy your echoes. This has made the place very popular amongst locals as well as tourists. Charlotte Lake; this lake is the main source of water supply in Matheran and a major point of the place. It is located at a distance of 1 km from the main market and looks idyllic during the monsoons, but dries up during the summers.

Louisa Point; Located on a plateau, this famous lookout point offers a spectacular view of the ruined forts of Prabal and Vishalgarh. The famous "Lion's Head" (a rock resembling a lion's head) is located close to it. Alexander Point; It is a famous point located 1 km towards the north of the place. This point provides splendid views of the Garbut Point, the Chowk valley and the Ulhas River, and is a favorite among the sightseers. King George Point; during the monsoons, water from the nearby Charlotte Lake overflows and forms various waterfalls around the place. This is the point that beautifully captures these waterfalls and hence is a popular point during the season of showers. Sunset/Porcupine Point; Located at a distance of 4 km from the main market, this point is famous for its views of the setting sun. This point offer views of a dark forest below. Prabalgad can also be seen from this point.

Monkey Point; It is a well-known point, famous for the large number of mischievous monkeys that throng the place. The point also offers a mesmerizing view of the verdant plains below. More Tourist Attractions; Other important points are Heart Point, Malang Point, Honeymoon Hill, Lords Point, One-tree Hill, Olympia, Paymasters Park, Artists Park, Mount Barry, etc.

Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 17: Matheran - Mumbai (85kms/ 2hrs)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mumbai check in at hotel.

PM visit Hanging Gardens; laid out in 1881 these formally laid out gardens have a notable collection of hedges shaped like animals. Perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park, these terraced gardens, also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, provide lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea. The park was laid out in the early 1880s over Bombay's main reservoir, some say to cover the water from the potentially contaminating activity of the nearby Towers of Silence. Marine Drive; which runs along the shoreline, starting at Nariman Point and up to Malabar Hill. This is a windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of art deco buildings. Looped between the concrete jungle of Nariman Point, Mumbai's Manhattan, and the leafy green slopes of Malabar hill, Marine Drive was once called the queen's Necklace, strung with glittering street lights like an enormous strand of imperious jewels. It is also one of Mumbai's busiest roads, an important artery for the heavy suburban traffic heading downtown. Cars whiz continually past the two mile stretch, past huddled lovers, children and babies in perambulators. Like other seafronts, this is where most of south Mumbai comes to breathe in some fresh air. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 18: Mumbai – Departure
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for your onward destination.