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Tour of IndiaTHE SOUTHERN RAJ
A cultural 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.

 

 

 


DATES PRICES InCLUSIONS AIRFARE


Tour Summary
Map
Day
Place
01-02
Mumbai (Bombay)
03
Mumbai / Goa
04 Goa
05
Goa / Bangalore
06
Bangalore / Hassan
07
Hassan / Mysore
08
Mysore
09 Mysore / Chennai (Madras)
10 Chennai / Mamallapuram / Chennai
11 Chennai / Departure
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)


Departure Dates

2010
English Speaking Departures
Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 18, May 16, Jun 20, Jul 18, Aug 15, Sep 12, Oct 17, Nov 14 & Dec 5

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include
Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected. International Airfare
Daily buffet breakfast as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) Insurance
Transport in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary Visas
Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport and railway station only Beverages & Gratuities
Services of local English speaking guide for the sight-seeing as per the itinerary at each city  

Regional/Domestic Air Bombay/Goa & Goa/Bangalore (Fares Subject To Change)

 
Train tickets  
Visa Support as required  

Tour Price

Book Now

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America).

Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate.

For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf
Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Hotel Category Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement
LOW SEASON VALID FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER 2010
First Class US $ 2250 US $ 695
Superior US $ 2795 US $ 1050
Deluxe US $ 3150 US $ 1125

Hotel Category Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement
HIGH SEASON VALID FROM OCTOBER 2010 TO MARCH, 2011
First Class US $ 2425 US $ 750
Superior US $ 3050 US $ 1225
Deluxe US $ 3550 US $ 1425

Hotels

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 - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1600
Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1400

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Foreign Language Departures

Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures.


You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.

© Copyright 1999-2010 Bestway Tours & Safaris
Site last updated May 27, 2010
Photographs by Peter Langer & Mahmood Poonja Website © 1999-2010 Powered by BTS

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