SOUTHVIEW TOURS is a South India Inbound Tourism Services company promoted by a team of young experienced professionals started in the year 2009 mainly to cater the needs of the tourists looking for off beaten tracks,festivals,cultural and religious events.We are a mixture of young,energetic and experienced working together to satisfy the needs of the tourists visiting southindia from the various parts of the globe.
We organise Taylor made tours,only car hire with driver,budget hotel accomodation to 5 star category hotels ,Houseboat for the backwater cruise,domestic flight tickets ,train tickets etc. We can also arrange various language speaking Government authorised tour guides like English,French,German,Italian and Spanish..
ARCHITECTURE, SPIRITUALITY AND THE FRENCH SETTLEMENT.
Day – 1: Chennai/Mahabalipuram.
Arrive Chennai airport and transfer to Mahabalipuram ( 1 h 30 minutes drive).
Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Day – 2: Mahabalipuram.
After breakfast visit the famous base-relief of Arjuna’s penance also known as the decends of the holy river Ganges,than the monolithic 5 rathas and the shore temple.
Afternoon excurshion to Tirukalukundrum(35 minutes/one way).
Day – 3: Mahabalipuram/Pondichery.
After breakfast,leave for Pondichery (2 h/30 drive)
On arrival check in to your hotel.
Afternoon visite the famous Aurobindo Ashramand,Notre dame des ange, walk around the French quarters.
Also visit the colourful flower,fruit and the vegetable market of Pondichery.
Overnight in Pondichery.
Day – 4: Pondichery
After breakfast leave for Chidambaram(2 h/30 drive) where Lord shiva performed His COSMIC DANCE known as Nataraja.Witness the special pooja(religious ritual) at 10:30 Am.It is an unique experience!!! iLater drive to Gangaikondacholapuram (1 h drive) and after the visit continue to Kumbakonam.
On arrival check in to your Hotel.
In the afternoon visit the architectural wonder at Airadeshwara temple in Darasuram.
Overnight in Kumbakonam.
Day – 5: Kumbakonam/Tanjore.
After breakfast drive to Tanjore. ( 1 h drive).
Afternoon visit the Art Gallery with the most beautiful Bronze statues and than the
Brihadeshwara temple .
Overnight in Tanjore.
Day – 6:Tanjore/Chettinad.
After breakfast drive to Chettinad (2 h 30 min)the land of traditional bankers and traders who built spectacular bungalows and mansions all around this region.On arrival check into your hotel.Afternoon visit a paletale Chettiyar House and the hand made tiles factory.In the evening walk through the village to have a glimpse of the local life. Overnight stay at Chettinad.
Day - 7: Chettinad/Rameshwaram.
After breakfast drive to Rameshwaram,a huge pilgrime center .
On arrival check into your Hotel.
Afternoon hire a 4X 4 or the public jam packed mini van to experience the tip DHANUSHKODI.
Overnight in Rameshwaram.
Day – 8: Rameshwaram/Madurai.
Early morning around 6h 30 Am walk on the sea shore and witness the innumerable number of pilgrims dipping in the sea followed by various ceremonies done by the Hindu priests.After breakfast visit the huge temple of Ramanathaswami.
Afternoon drive to Madurai ( 4 h 30 min). On arrival check into your hotel.
Day - 9: Madurai.
After breakfast visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - a gracious building in Indo ceramic style, famous for the Stucco work and the great temple dedicated to the Godess Meenakshi considered to be a big pilgrime center for the Hindus.In the afternoon visit the Tiruparankundrum temple. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Day – 10 : Madurai/Trichy.
After breakfast drive to Trichy (2 h 30 min)and on arrival stop on the banks of the holy river cauvery where you can see the pilgrims dipping in the river with many Brahmin priests doing various kinds of rituals ,very colourful and unique.Later visit the huge temple complex of Sri ranganathaswami in Srirangam.
Check into your hotel.
Afternoon climb up the 434 step Rockfort temple dedicated to God Ganesh to get the panoramic view of the city.
Overnight stay in Trichy.
Day -11: Trichy/Gingee/Tiruvannamalai.
After breakfast drive to Gingee (4 h ) a French fortress from the 16 th century.
Continue your drive to Tiruvannamalai.(40 Min)
Visit the famous Arunachaleshwara temple and the peaceful Ramana Maharishi Ashram.
Overnight in Tiruvannamalai.
Day - 12: Tiruvannamalai/Kanchipuram.
Drive to Kanchipuram of the 7 sacred cities of India,ancient capital of the Pallava dynasty and one among the 3 main cities famous for silk weaving.On arrival check into your hotel.Afternoon visit the temple of Kailasanatha ,Vaikundaperumal and Ekambareshwara temples..You can also visit the silk weaving units if you are interested.
Overnight at Kanchipuram.
Day -13: Kanchipuram/Chennai
After breakfast drive to Chennai.,one of the four Metropoles of India and the capital of Tamilnadu.On arrival check into your hotel.
Afternoon visit the Kapaleshwara temple, St.Thomas church and walk on the famous Marina beach.
Overnight in Chennai.
Day - 14 : Chennai/Departure.
After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect the flight for your onward journey.
TEMPLES ,SPICES and BACKWATERS
Day 1: Chennai Arrival - Mahabalipuram (70kms/1 hr 30 minutes drive)
On arrival at Chennai International Airport you will be received by our representative and transfer to Mahabalipuram (1 h 30 minutes drive)Check into your hotel . Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram
Day 2: Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (70kms/ 2hrs each way)
Morning drive to Kanchipuram one of the 7 sacred cities of India,ancient capital of the Pallava dynasty and one among the 3 main cities famous for silk weaving.Visit the temple of Kailasanatha and Ekambareshwara.You can also visit the silk weaving units if you are interested.After the visits drive to Mahabalipuram and on arrival visit the famous monolithic temples known as the 5 Rathas,old light house and the Shore Temple.
Overnight at the hotel.
Arjuna Penance, Five Ratha Temple and Krishna\'s Butter Ball which are the finest examples of the South Indian temple architecture. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram
Day 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100kms/2h 30 Min)
After breakfast visit the Arjuna penance considered to be the largest base-relife measuring 27X 9 meters, Krishna\'s Butter Ball ,Varaha Cave and the Krishna mandapa.Later drive to Pondicherry the former French colony, the centre of the town still retains a French atmosphere in its architecture and planning. On arrival check into your hotel. Later visit the Aurobindo Ashram,Our lady of angels church,walk around the Indian part,the colourful local market and a walk on the beach.. Overnight at Pondicherry .
Day 4: Pondicherry – Chidambaram(2 h) - Gangaikondacholapuram – (1 h)Kumbakonam (1 h )/Tanjore (1 h) (210 kms)
After breakfast drive to Kumbakonam enroute first stop will be Chidambaram the temple dedicated to the Cosmic dance of Shiva, known as Nataraja. where you can witness a special religious ritual (pooja) around 10 h 30 AM,a great moment and a very particular atmosphere!!!!Continue the drive to Gangaikondacholapuram considered built by the Cholas with rare sculptures Later drive to Darasuram,considered to be the finest miniature granite architecture of Tamilnadu.
After the visit drive down to Tanjore.. Overnight stay at Tanjore .
Day 5: Tanjore – Trichy-Tanjore (130 kms/1 h 15 min eah way)
After breakfast drive to Trichy and on arrival stop on the banks of the holy river cauvery where you can see the pilgrims dipping in the river with many Brahmin priests doing various kinds of rituals ,very colourful and unique.Later visit the huge temple complex of Sri ranganathaswami in Srirangam where the town itself is within the temple walls.Drive back to Tanjore.
Afternoon visit the Bronze museum known as ART GALLERY where you can see one of the most beautiful,delicately made wax lost bronze statues.visit the famous
BRHADESHWARA TEMPLE of Tanjore ,one of the many masterpiece skills of the Cholas. Overnight stay at Tanjore.
Day 6: Tanjore- Chettinad (120kms/2 h 30 min )
After breakfast drive to Chettinad the land of traditional bankers and traders who built spectacular bungalows and mansions all around this region.On arrival check into your hotel.Afternoon visit a paletale Chettiyar House and in the evening walk through the village to have a glimpse of the local life. Overnight stay at Chettinad
Day 7: Chettinad - Madurai (120kms/2.5hrs)
After breakfast drive to Madurai and on arrival check into the hotel and relax. Afternoon visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - a gracious building in Indo ceramic style, famous for the Stucco work . In the evening visit the great temple dedicated to the Godess Meenakshi considered to be a big pilgrime center for the Hindus. Overnight stay at Madurai
Day 8: Madurai - Periyar (150kms/4hrs)
Post breakfast drive to Periyar which is famous for its wildlife sanctuary. Check into the resort and later enjoy 02hrs elephant package which includes 01hr ride and then bathing, feeding, timber dragging process, command and communication, etc.In the evening watch a theatrical performance of Kalaripayattu martial art show.Overnight stay at Periyar
Day 9:Periyar -Munnar
After late breakfast visit a Spice garden where you can see the different types of spices grown.Continue the drive to Munnar.
Visit a Tea manufacturing .
Overnight in Munnar
Day 10:Breakfast in the Hotel.
Trekking in the tea plantation .
Day 11: Munnar - Aleppy (190kms/5hrs)
After late breakfast visit a Spice garden where you can see the different types of spices grown.Continue your drive to Aleppy through the tea,rubber and pine apple plantations .On arrival check in to your Houseboat traditionally known as KETTUVALAM.You will be served with your lunch on board.Time to relax and enjoy the nature and the people.Dinner on board. Overnight in Houseboat.
Day 12: Alleppey - Cochin (70kms/1 h 30 min)
After breakfast disembark the houseboat at Alleppey by 9.30am, from where you will be picked and transfer to Cochin. On arrival check into your hotel .In the evening watch a theatrical performance of Kathakali dance. Overnight stay at Cochin
Day 13: Cochin
Breakfast in the morning. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and the Chinese Fishing Nets.Later in the afternoon 2 hours sunset cruise .
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 14: Cochin
After Breakfast you will be transferred to connect the onward flight.
Architecture,Backwaters,palace and Beach
Day 1: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (70kms/2hrs) Arrival assistance by our representative and drive to Mahabalipuram.
On arrival check into your hotel. Overnight stay at MahabalipuramDay 2: Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (70kms/1.5hrs each way) After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram and visit the famous temples of Kailasanatha&Ekambareshwara.. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk fabrics, so you can visit the silk weaving center if you are interested. Later return to Mahabalipuram and visit Shore Temple,5 Rathas and the old light house.
Overnight stay at MahabalipuramDay 3: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (100kms/2.5hrs) After breakfast visit the Arjuna penance considered to be the largest base-relife measuring 27X 9 meters, Krishna\'s Butter Ball ,Varaha Cave and the Krishna mandapa.Later drive to Pondicherry the former French colony, the centre of the town still retains a French atmosphere in its architecture and planning. On arrival check into your hotel. Later visit the Aurobindo Ashram,Our lady of angels church,walk around the Indian part,the colourful local market and a walk on the beach.. Overnight at Pondicherry
Day 09: Periyar- Aleppy (190kms/5hrs)
Day 10: Alleppey - Cochin (70kms/1 h 30 min)
Day 11: Cochin
Day 12 :Cochin/Munnar (150 kms/4 h 30 min)
After breakfast drive to Munnar,considered to be the Heaven of Tea plantation.On arrival check in the hotel.
Afternoon visit a tea factory and walk around the town.
Overnight in Munnar.
Day 13 :Munnar/Mettupalayam
After breakfast Trekking in the Tea plantation for 2/3 hours.
Afternoon drive to Mettupalayam (6 h drive)
Overnight in Mettupalayam.
Day 14:Mettupalayam/Ooty
After an early breakfast drive to railway station to board the UNESCO declared TOY TRAIN (dep 07 h 10) to Ooty (arr 12 h 00).
On arrival you will be met by your driver and continue the drive to Mysore (4 h drive)
Overnight in Mysore.
Day 14:Mysore/Somnathpur/Srirangapatna/Mysore
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning proceed on a half day excursion to Somnathpur (1 h 15 min drive)o visit Hoysala type of temples
Return to Mysore via Srirangapatina. (45 min drive)
In the afternoon visit Mysore Palace
In the evening visit Chamundhi hill and the colourful DEVARAJA MARKET.
Overnight at the hotel in Mysore.
Day 15:Mysore/Sravanabelagola/Hassan
Leave for Hassan .
On the way visit Saravanabelagola.(2 h 15 min drive)
Arrive Hassan and check in at the hotel.
Afternoon visit the temples at Belur (45 min drive) and Halebid (30 min drive).
Return to Hassan (45 min drive).
Overnight at the hotel in Hassan
Day 16:Hassan/Hospet (360 kms/8 h drive)
After breakfast drive to Hospet .It will be a long drive but you will enjoy the road side villages and landscapes.
On arrival check in the Hotel.
Overnight in Hospet.
Day 17:Hospet/Hampi/Hospet.
After breakfast full day excurshion to Hampi, the once a very rich and fertile capital city of Vijayanagar Empire had palaces, temples and sculptures, spread all over. The city was razed to the ground by the Sultanates of South in 1565. Some of the interesting ruins remaining are the Virupaksha, Vittala and Hazara Rama temples, huge Ganesha and Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the Queen\'s Bath, carvings on the Ramachandra temple and Lotus Mahal. After completing the Hampi tour drive back to the hotel. Overnight stay at Hospet.
Day 18: Hospet - Badami (200kms/5hrs) After breakfast drive to Pattadakal and Aihole to visit the great temple sites there. Pattadakal is a world heritage site with a cluster of 10 major temples, each displaying interesting architectural features. Aihole has about 125 temples divided into 22 groups scattered all over the villages and the near by fields. Here visit some of the major temples like Durga temple, Lad Khan temple, Huchimalli temple, Ravalphadi Cave temple, Konti temple, Umamaheswari temple, Jain Meguti temple and the Buddhist temple.
On arrival Check in the hotel.
Overnight in Badami.
Day 19: Badami/Hubli.
After breakfast visit the exclusively rock cut Badami caves dedicated to Hindu Gods and the Jain Thirthangaras.
Afternoon leave for Hubli.(3 h 30 min drive)
Day 20:Hubli /Goa.
After breakfast drive to Goa (7 h drive).
On arrival check in your hotel.
Rest of the day free.
Day 21:Goa.
After breakfast visit the old Goa.
Day 22:Goa.
Free day to relax.
Day 23:Goa/Departure.
Breakfast in the Hotel.
Transfer to airport to connect the fight for your onward journey.
BEACH,BACKWATER & PLANTATION
Day 1 :Trivandrum -Kovalam (18 km/30 min drive)
On arrival you will be met by your driver and transfer to Kovalam.
Check in at your hotel.
Overnight at thehotel.
Day 2 :Kovalam –Trivandrum –Kovalam (18 km/1 h both way)
After breafast in the Hotel half a day tour of Trivandrum,the capital of Kerala visiting the Padmanabaswamy temple and the Museum.
Afternoon relax in the beach.
Day 3 :Kovalam –Padmanabapuram palace – Kovalam (75 km 3 h/both ways)
After breakfast excurshion to Padmanabapuram palace,a delicately carved wooden palace from the 16 th/17 th century.
After the visit return to Kovalam.
Rest of the day to relax on the beach.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 4 :Kovalam –Kollam – Houseboat (backwaters) (100 km/2 h 30 min drive)
After breakfast leave for Kollam to board the KETTUVALAM the traditional Houseboat of Kerala to enjoy the popular backwaters.
Lunch and dinner will be served on board.
Day 5 :Houseboat.
Breakfast,lunch and dinner on board.
Day 6 :Houseboat/Nedumudi /Periyar (150 km/5 h drive)
After breakfast the Houseboat will drop you in Nedumudi where will meet your driver and transfer to Periyar.
Check in the Hotel.
Evening witness the ancient MARTIAL ART known as KALARIPAYATT in a theatre.
Overningt in the Hotel.
Day 7 :Periyar.
After breakfast 3 hours trekking in the forest with a hope of siting some wild animals.
Afternoon visit a spice plantation garden.
Rest of the day to relax.
Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 8:Periyar –Munnar (140 km/4 h drive)
After breakfast leave for Munar ,one of the finest hill station in India.
Afternoon visit the Tea Museum.
Day 9 :Munar
After breakfast 3 hours trekking in the plantation.
Afternoon visit the Top station and Eravikulam National Park.
Day 10:Munar –Cochin. (140 km/4 h 30 min drive)
After breakfast drive to Cochin.
In the evening watch a performance of Kathakali dance in a theater
Overnight stay at Cochin
Day 11 :Cochin
Day 12 :Cochin/Departure (46 km/1 h 30 min drive)
After breakfast transfer to the Airport to connect your onward journey.
Architecture,Nature,Backwaters and Palace.
Day 01 – ARRIVE CHENNAI AND TRANSFER TO MAHABALIPURAM (1 h 30 min drive)
Arrive Bangalore International Airport .
You will be met by your driver who will transfer you to the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel (if the flight arrival is late night or in the evening)
Day 02 - MAHABALIPURAM/KANCHIPURAM/MAHABALIPURAM (4 h both way)
Brekfast in the morning and than leave bu car for KANCHIPURAM.
In Kancheepuram visit Ekambareshwar temple, Kailasanathar temple and Varadaraja Perumal temple.Drive to Mahabalipuram.Late in the afternoon visit the monolithic 5 Rathas,the famous shore temple and the old light house with Mahisasuramardhini cave.
Overnight in MAHABALIPURAM
Day 03– MAHABALIPURAM / PONDICHERRY (2 h 30 min drive)
Visit the famous ARJUNA PENANCE BASE RELIEF which is also known as the DECENDEDS OF THE HOLY GANGES RIVER
Leave for Pondichery.On arrival check in at the hotel in Pondicherry
In the afternoon visit the old part of this once French colony
In the evening visit Aurbindo Ashram and later walk on the beach promenade
Overnight at the hotel in Pondicherry
Day 04 – PONDICHERRY /CHIDAMBARAM (2 h drive)/GANGAIKONDACHOLAPURAM (1 h drive)/DARASURAM (1 h drive) TANJORE (1 h drive)
This is a very long but an interesting day
Leave little early as at 0730 hrs to Tanjore
On the way you will first visit Natraja temple at Chidambaram followed by a visit of Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram
Arrive Tanjore late in the evening
Check in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel in Tanjore
Day 05 – TANJORE / TRICHY / TANJORE (3 h both way)
Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning leave for an half day excursion to Trichy
In Trichy you will first stop at Amma Mandapam on the banks of river kaveri to see the hindu religious rituals performed over here.
Visit Sriranganthaswamy temple at Srirangam
Return to Tanjore
In the afternoon visit Tanjore Palace complex and the architecturally marveled temple of Brihadeeshwara.it is marvelous to be in the temple during the sunset timeas the temple glitters.You can also see the illumination of the temple which normally starts by 18h30.
Day 06– TANJORE /CHETTINAD (2 h 30 min drive)MADURAI (2 h drive)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning leave for Madurai
On the way visit a village temple of 1000 terracotta horses and sleepy little town of Chettinadu with its huge palatial houses.You can also see the making of the wonderful hand made tiles.
Arrive Madurai and check in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel in Madurai
Day 07–MADURAI
Morning leave the hotel to visit the Tirumalai Nayack Palace and the magnificient temple dedicated to the Godess Meenakshi.
Afternoon visit the Tiruparangkundrum temple.
Day 08--MADURAI / PERIYAR (4 h drive)
Breakfast at the Hotel.
In the morning leave for Periyar
Arrive Periyar at noon and check in at the hotel
Visit one of the spices garden to get an in depth knowledge of the spices.
A short elephant ride in a garden.
Later visit to Kalaripattu - the ancient martial arts show
Overnight at the hotel in Periyar
Day 09– PERIYAR/ ALEPPY ( 5 h drive)
Leave for Varkala.
Enroute visit a TEA PRODUCING FACTORY (if it is opened),tea,rubber plantations.
Arrive Allepey and check in on BOARD THE HOUSE BOAT
Lunch on arrival
Cruise along the backwaters till evening
Dinner and overnight in the House Boat
Day 10– ALLEPEY / COCHIN ( 1 h 30 min drive)
Checkout and leave for cochin
Arrive Cochin and check in at the hotel
In the afternoon visit St. Francis Church
Later in the evening visit Kathakali dance spectacle at the theatre in Cochin
Overnight at the hotel in Cochin
Day 11– COCHIN
In the morning visit Dutch Palace, Jew Town and Synagogue
In the afternoon walk through the Chinese fishing nets
In the evening proceed on a sunset cruise over Arabian sea
Day 12– COCHIN /METTUPPALAYAM (5 h 30 min drive)
In the afternoon leave for Mettuppalayam
Day 13 – METUPALAYAM/ OOTY (Train leaves at 07h10 and reaches Ooty by 12 h 00/OOTY/MYSORE (4 h drive)
In the morning transfer by car to the railway station to connect the UNESCO certified toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty.Driver will transfer you from Ooty railway station to your hotel.
After visiting the BOTONICAL GARDEN drive to MYSORE
Arrive Mysore and check in at the hotel.
Day 14 – MYSORE
In the morning proceed on a half day excursion to Somnathpur to visit Hoysala type of temples.
Return to Mysore via Srirangapatina
Afternoon visit the PALACE and the colourful DEVARAJA MARKET.
Overnight at the hotel in Mysore
Day 15 – MYSORE / BANGALORE (4 h drive)
Leave for BANGALORE and than to Airport to connect the flight to onward journey.
