Bangalore • Mysore • Hassan • Belure and Halebid Temples • Kumarakom • Chennai • Colombo • Sigiriya • Kandy • Nuwara Eliya • Ratnapura • Bentota Beach
DAY 1 - Bangalore
Arrive Bangalore. A representative from Heritage Journeys...Meeting and transfer to hotel.
Bangalore is a city of lakes, gardens, and tree-lined avenues. City tour visiting Nandi Bull temple, Lal Bagh gardens and Cubbon Park.
DAY 2 - Mysore
The afternoon drive through the picturesque evergreen hills and beautiful natural landscaped plains takes you to the Mysore Palace. En-route visit summer palace of Tipu Sultan.
DAY 3 - Hassan
Morning city tour and Brindavan Gardens with its magnificent fountains. Afternoon transfer to Hassan.
DAY 4 - Hassan - Belure and Halebid Temples
Lord Fergusson, an authority on Indian architecture, observes 'There are many buildings in India which are unsurpassed for delicacy of detail by any in the world, but the temple of Belure surpasses even these for freedom of handling and richness of fancy'. The virtuosity of Indian sculptors reached its peak at the temples of Belure and Halebid. This morning we will explore these majestic monuments.
DAY 5 - Cochin
Fly to Cochin - the picturesque seaport on the palm-fringed coast of Arabian Sea, laced with inland waterways and tropical lagoons. Sightseeing includes Cochin Fort, St. Francis Church - the oldest church in India and the Jewish Synagogues dating back to 16th century.
DAY 6 - Cochin
City tour visiting Dutch Fort, Mattanchery Palace and Bolghatty Palace.
DAY 7 - Kumarakom - Backwaters
Morning drive to Kumarakom - an island nestled between Vembanad Lake and backwaters in the lush green Kerala. The day is spent on a boat cruising the backwaters visiting palm fringed villages, rural areas and a sanctuary, which is home to thousand of migrating birds.
DAY 8 - Chennai (Madras)
Fly to Chennai - the gateway to a voyage of discovery of an ancient temple-studded state. Sightseeing includes Mylapore Temple, Cathedral of St. Thome, Fort St. George, and National Art Museum.
DAY 9 - Chennai
Drive to Mahabalipuram famous for its rock cut shore temples and monolithic figures in Dravidian architecture. After touring the Five Rathas, Mahisaura and Krishna Mandapams we will proceed to Kanchipuram, the city of woven silk and temples.
DAY 10 - Colombo
Fly to Colombo - the capital city of Sri Lanka, Ceylon of yesteryears, is an island nation famous for its spectacular scenic beauty, endless miles of golden sand beaches, swaying palm trees, warm and friendly people, gems, spices and tea.
DAY 11 - Colombo
Morning city tour visiting the colonial Cinnamon Gardens, local bazaars or Pettahs, National Museum, Bandaranayke Memorial, Parliament House and the Fort.
DAY 12 - Sigiriya
Morning drive to Sigiriya. The 5th century Rock Fortress, atop a very high hill here is also known as the Fortress in the Sky. Once nearly 5,000 frescoes of heavenly maidens depicted the grandeur of the security sensitive king. Visit the fort and Giritale.
DAY 13 - Kandy
En-route to Kandy, you will visit another World Heritage Site, the 1st century Dambulla Rock temples. In Kandy visit the Tooth Temple, Gem Museum and Botanical Garden.
DAY 14 - Nuwara Eliya (Tea Region)
The scenic drive to picturesque Nuwara Eliya is through tea covered misty mountains and waterfalls. Visit Tea Estates, tea factory and Rose Gardens.
DAY 15 - Ratnapura (Gem Region)
At Ratnapura - the city of Gems, you will visit a gem mine and age old method of gem mining. Later, proceed to Bentota and its golden sand beaches.
DAY 16 - Colombo
Depart for Colombo en-route visiting the Dutch city of Galle and Ramparts.
DAY 17 - Homebound
Transfer to airport. Depart on your onward journey.