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| ITINERARY |
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DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MUMBAI
Upon arrival, take a transfer and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, built to commemorate the royal visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Stop by the Dhobi Ghat, the Flora Fountain and the Hanging Gardens. Drive by the Marine Drive, the Chowpaty Beach and the Parsi 'Towers of Silence'. Also visit the Indo-Saracenic Prince of Wales Museum. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 2: MUMBAI - BANGALORE
Go on a half-day morning excursion to Elephanta, a World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 7th century, the cave temples on Elephanta dedicated to Lord Shiva contain some of the most magnificent sculptures in the Deccan. The most spectacular is the Maheshamurti panel in which Shiva is shown as a creator, protector and destroyer. Later take a transfer to the airport to board connecting flight for Bangalore, dubbed the Silicon Valley of India. Upon arrival, take a transfer and check into the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 3: BANGALORE - HASSAN
Go on a half-day morning tour of Bangalore. Visit the Vidhan Sabha, the Cubban Park and the Lalbagh gardens which has tropical and subtropical plants. Also visit Tipu Sultan's palace, a two-storied structure with rich carvings on its walls and ceilings and the Bull Temple with the monolithic Nanadi (Bull) made of gray granite. Leave for Hassan by road. En route visit Shravanbelgola that has a 17 mts statue of a Jain prophet. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and stay overnight.
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DAY 4: HASSAN
A full day excursion to Belur and Halebid. Visit the superb 12th century temples built in a style that
was particular to the powerful Hoysala dynasty. Admire the intricate details, the stone carvings that looks like lace, especially at the star-shaped Chennakeshava temple in Belur. Return to Hassan. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 5: HASSAN - MYSORE
Leave for Mysore, famous for its silk and a thriving sandalwood and incense center. En route visit Srirangapatnam, the stronghold of Tipu Sultan, dreaded by the British in the 18th century. Admire the summer palace, the Daria Daulat Bagh. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the city. Visit the Maharaja's Palace built in 1897 by Henry Irwin in Indo-Sarcenic style, the Zoological Gardens, the Mysore Art and Crafts Center. Also visit the Chamundi Temple atop a hill overlooking the city. In the evening, visit the famous Brindavan Gardens with the dancing fountains. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 6: MYSORE - OOTY
Drive to Ooty, also known as Udhagamangalam. Situated at an impressive height of 2268 mts, Ooty
was founded by the British in the early 19th century as the summer headquarters for Madras. The leftovers of the Raj can be seen in the sprawling stone mansions hidden in huge gardens. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the hill slopes covered with tea estates and the Botanical Gardens. Established in 1848, these magnificent gardens have a variety of over 1000 exotic and ornamental plants, shrubs and trees including ferns and alpines. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 7: OOTY - COCHIN
Leave by road for Cochin. The city perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala with its wealth
of historical associations and its setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 8: COCHIN
Take a morning tour of Cochin. Visit the Mattancheery Dutch Palace where the superb series of murals painted on the wooden walls are its main attraction. Also visit the 16th century Jewish Synagogue and the Church of St. Francis. Vasco da Gama was originally buried in the Church's cemetery. Walk around the Fort Cochin area and admire the Chinese Fishing Nets. Chinese traders are believed to have introduced them in the late 14th century. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a Kathakali performance in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 9: COCHIN - KUMARAKOM
In the morning, depart for Kumarakom, situated in the scenic backwaters. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride through the scenic backwaters. Enjoy the endless stretch of water running miles to nowhere; its banks lined with swaying palms fanning the lush green rice fields below dancing in rhythm with the gentle sea breeze carrying a medley of flavors of fish, coconut and spice. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 10: KUMARAKOM - PERIYAR
Leave by road for Periyar, South India's most popular wildlife sanctuary. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Lake Periyar inside the wildlife sanctuary to enjoy game viewing. One can observe elephants, flying squirrels, striped-necked mongoose and a variety of birds including the Niligari wood pigeon and white bellied tree pie. Even though the forests have a healthy population of leopards and tigers, one has to be lucky to spot them. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 11: PERIYAR - MADURAI
Indulge in game viewing. Later drive to Madurai, one of South-India's oldest cities and a center of learning and pilgrimage. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Meenaskhi, consort of Lord Shiva. Four of the twelve gopurams (towers), decorated with colorful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals, loom above the city. Also visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace
built by the Nayaks in the Indo-Saracenic style in 1636. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 12: MADURAI - TRICHI
Depart for Trichy by road. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Take an afternoon tour of the city. Visit the Rock Fort Temple which is perched on a rocky outcrop 83 mts high above the plains and offers spectacular views of the countryside. Also visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam. Dedicated to Vishnu, the enormous temple was built in the 17th century and has 21 gopurams exhibiting a profusion of multicolored gods. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 13: TRICHI - THANJAVUR
Leave by road for Thanjavur (Tanjore). Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Later visit the Brihadishwara Temple built during the 10th century. Admire the large monolithic Nandi, the bull mount of Shiva. Also visit the bronze gallery in the nearby museum. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 14: TANJORE - PONDICHERY
From Thanjavur, go to Pondicherry, a former French colony. Enroute visit the Nataraja
Temple at Chidambaram. Shiva is said to have revealed a vision of his cosmic dance here. Towering gopurams with thousands of figurines, mandapams with sculptured pillars, lend special interest to this vast temple complex. Upon
arrival at Pondicherry, check into the hotel. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram. Also visit Auroville, on the outskirts of Pondichery. It is a unique city conceptualized by The Mother. Spread over 20 kms, it was designed by a French architect and opened in 1968. Today its has over a thousand citizens from all parts of the world staying together. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 15: PONDICHERY - MAMALLAPURAM
In the morning, drive to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), famous for its Shore Temple. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Mamallapuram was the seaport and second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram from 5th to 8th century. Visit the Shore Temples, the renowned Arjuna's Penance, the Five Raths and other rock carvings. Also admire the stone carvers who displaying their skills and wares at the local market. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 16: MAMALLAPURAM - CHENNAI
Drive to Kanchipuram in the morning. Capital of the Pallava kingdom, the city had a thousand temples. Today about 200 are left. One of the seven sacred cities for the Hindus, it is equally famous for its hand woven silks. Visit the main temples, the most striking of which are the Kailasanath temple and the Ekambeshwar temple. Later, drive to Madras, the fourth largest city in India, now known as Chennai. Upon arrival,
check into the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.
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DAY 17: DEPARTURE CHENNAI
In the morning, go on a half day city tour of Chennai. Visit the National Art Gallery which offers a timeless collection of old paintings, sculptures, handicrafts, metalware and iron carvings of various periods. Admire the collection of the Bronze Art Gallery at the Government Museum. Also visit Fort St George, a fine example of 17th century British architecture and St. Mary's Church, the first English Church in India. Drive along the Marina Beach. Later take a transfer to the International airport for onward journey.
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| HOTEL DETAILS |
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HOTEL SANGAM
 
City: Tiruchirapally
Hotel Sangam is a modern hotel offering comfortable accommodation and state of art facilities to its guests.
Rooms
The hotel offers 60 spacious rooms steeped in South Indian traditional atmosphere. The rooms are equipped with modern facilities like satellite television, telephone, study table, mirror on wall, separate seating area, cupboard and luggage rack. Every room has it own private washroom with hot and cold water supply and amenities like soap and towels.
Dining
The Chembiam is the golden portal of the hotel and also the multi-cuisine restaurant offering the delights of Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines. Cascade, the coffee shop offers quick bites and refreshing filter coffee. Guests can also enjoy Continental or South Indian snacks accompanied by the soothing sound of a trickling waterfall and soft music. The Soma bar is quite a contrast to the rest of the hotel, with its Egyptian theme, comfortable furnishings and array of liquors.
Facilities
The hotel has a swimming pool for the guests to enjoy. Next to the pool lies the gymnasium, equipped with modern equipments for a refreshing workout. In addition to this, the hotel offers two large conference halls namely Nivandam - a centrally air-conditioned hall with a capacity to accommodate 400 persons and Nanjai with a capacity to accommodate 100 persons. The halls are ideal for seminars, meetings and conferences. The hall is equipped with all audio visual and conference facilities. The well-equipped auditorium of the hotel can accommodate 1000 guests and is ideal for marriage functions. The Vasantham (40 persons), Kalanjiam (20 persons) and the Board Room (25 persons) can accommodate smaller groups of people.
Other facilities in the hotel include money exchange, secretarial services, laundry and dry cleaning, car rental, spacious parking lots, shopping arcade, safety deposit lockers, travel agency, 24 hours room service, doctor on call, internet and e-mail facilities. The hotel also organises special recreational activities like veena recitals, classical and folk dances.
Location
Hotel Sangam is located on Collector's Office Road in Trichy. The Trichy airport is about 5 kilometres away from the hotel, while the railway station located about 1 kilometre away. Trichy is well-connected through bus services to and from all major South Indian cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Madurai, Thanjavur and others.
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MAISON PERUMAL
City: Pondicherry
Maison Perumal is a cameo experience. A celebration in miniature, of a way of life that few even know exists. Tucked away in Puducherrys seldom-explored Tamil quarter, its your window to a time when two worlds met...and melted gracefully into one another.
The Maison Perumal experience is minimal only because it is completely sincere. As unvarnished as the Cuddapah stone floors, yet as alive and colourful as the sunlit stained glass of the balconies .
It took us more than a year and a half to restore the building itself, and to refurbish it with a studied attention to detail. Researches were conducted into the minutiae of woodwork, fitting and finish; local craftsmen were pressed into service; old crafts were revived.
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IDEAL BEACH RESORT
City: Mahabalipuram
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FORTUNE SELECT J P COSMOS-WELCOME GROUP
City: Bangalore
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FORTUNE PANDIYAN HOTEL
City: Madurai
Rooms
The hotel has 57 well appointed rooms with 8 Standard Rooms, 6 Fortune Club Rooms and 3 Suites. The rooms are spacious with a balance of aesthetic and functional aspects and all modern amenities. The facilities available within the rooms are 24 hours room service, cable television, hair dryer on request, International direct dialing facility, central air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, VCD on request and iron and ironing boards on request.
Other services and facilities available at the hotel are car parking, in house laundry, babysitting, travel desk, doctor on call, safe deposit vaults, foreign currency exchange, business centre with secretarial services, concierge, swimming pool and a health club.
Dining
The desirable dining options at the hotel include Orchid which is the multi cuisine restaurant on the lobby level and serves sumptuous buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with an a la carte menu. Smoking and non smoking sections are available in this area. Then there is The Silver Springs which serves delectable South Indian cuisine. Finally, there is Ranch which is the bar serving a variety of sundowners and innumerable cocktails.
Conferences & Banquets
Fou8r banqueting and conferencing facilities are also available at the hotel and these facilities will meet all your business and informal needs and desires. There is the Banquet Hall 1, Banquet Hall 2, Conference Room and Lawns. The Lawns are usually used for major gatherings like weddings and wedding functions as they can accommodate 1500 persons.
With each and every need of your taken care of this hotel will offer you the best of facilities and then some.
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CASINO HOTEL
City: Cochin
Casino Hotel is 6 kms away from downtown Ernakulam and a 45-minute drive from the Willingdon Island Railway Station. It offers an outdoor pool, 4 dining options and in-house Ayurvedic massage services. Air-conditioned guest rooms are fitted with a personal safe, a mini bar and satellite television. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy Ayurvedic treatments or sign up for a cooking class on site. Other recreational facilities include a tennis court, sauna rooms and a steam bath. Tharavadu serves Indian, Chinese and continental buffet dishes all day. Seafood specialties can be enjoyed at Fort Cochin restaurant. The Garden Cafe provides grilled food and healthy drinks, while alcoholic beverages can be found at the Vasco da Gama Bar. Hotel Casino is 40 km from Cochin International Airport. Free parking is provided on site.
Hotel Facilities
Restaurant| Bar| 24-Hour Front Desk| Elevator| Express Check-In/Check-Out| Luggage Storage| Air-Conditioning| Snack Bar| Sun Terrace| Room Service| Meeting/Banquet Facilities| Airport Shuttle| Business Centre| Laundry| Dry Cleaning| Currency Exchange| Souvenirs/Gift Shop| Tour Desk| Fax/Photocopying| Concierge Service
Recreational Facilities
Tennis Court| Sauna| Fitness Centre| Massage| BBQ Facilities| Turkish/Steam Bath| Outdoor Swimming Pool
Room Amenities
Air-Conditioning| Telephone | Internet Access | Wake-Up Calls | Daily Housekeeping | In-Room Safe| Television | Wireless High-Speed Internet Access
Room Service: 24 hours
Dining
Restaurant | Bar | Snack Bar
Internet: Free Wi-Fi Available | Parking Facility: Free Private Parking Available
Check-in Time: From 12:00 PM | Check-out Time: Until 12:00 PM
Conferences & Banquets
Meeting/Banquet Facilities
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FARIYAS HOTEL
City: Mumbai
This plush hotel is located in a lovely area, just off the Apollo Bunder. Fariyas is swanky with chandeliers, marble flooring, cushy couches and discreet music. Superbly appointed, it offers many luxury facilities such as a 'Nail Bar' and swimming pool as well. Ideal for people on business trips as well as for those looking for a relaxing holiday.
Rooms
The 87 rooms are divided into the categories of Standard room, Deluxe room, Club room and six Suites.
Amenities common to all the rooms include television, luggage rack, wardrobe with electronic locker, electronic key and hangers. Telephone, snack basket, tea/coffee maker, mini bar, sofa chairs, electronic key and a weighing machine. All the washrooms have amenities such as 24-hour hot and cold running water, soap, shampoo, moisturiser, shaving kit and dental kit. The Deluxe room has all these amenities but is larger than the Standard category. The difference between Club rooms and Standard rooms is that Club room is on a higher floor and that it has a large bathtub, while Standard room has a shower. Club room guests also have an open access to the business centre with Internet access and are provided with complimentary snacks. All the rooms are plush and tastefully decorated, with thick carpets and hidden lighting. Coming to the rooms is like coming into a haven of relaxation. Discreet luxury would be the best way to describe the rooms at Fariyas.
The Suites are exclusive, each of the six categorised according to their decor - Thai, Texas, Cambridge, Agra, Oxford and Thames. For instance, the Thai suite is decorated with bamboo accessories, everything from lamps, masks, quaint blinds to furniture. The maroon and green colour scheme sets off the golden Buddha nicely and an ornate fan hangs above. The suite comprises a living room with a small dining table, couches, window seats, television, mini bar, direct dial phone, large wardrobe with electronic locker. The living room as well as the bedroom come with separate attached washrooms. The bedroom is appointed with window seats, television, direct dial telephone, tea/coffee makers, snack basket and mini bar. The attached washroom is spacious and gleaming, with a roomy bathtub, hair dryer, shaving mirror. Amenities here include shower cap, shampoo, body lotion, shaving kit, comb, dental kit, telephone and bathrobe.
Dining & Facilities
The Tamarind restaurant is smart and cosy, serving multi cuisine fare. Done in gold maroon and cream, it has a great view of Bombay. The restaurant timings are 7 am to 10 am; 12 noon to 3 pm; 7 pm to 11 pm. There is also an open air cafe by the poolside on the terrace, with fairy lights and jute canopies. The Tavern is the well stocked Fariyas bar.
A beauty salon lies on the ground floor of the hotel, specialising in nails, and hence called the Nail Bar. A patisserie at the lobby serves an array of delicious baked goodies. The Thames suite on the fifth floor doubles up as a conference hall with a capacity of 15 people. The 8th floor of the hotel has the business centre offering Internet access.
Other facilities include laundry service, travel desk, housekeeping, car rental, ticketing, sightseeing and airport/railway station transfers (chargeable).
Location
Fariyas is located in Coloba in South Bombay. Bombay landmarks such as the Leopold Cafe and Mondy's at the Colaba Causeway are a 10 minute walk away, as are the Gateway of India and Prince of Wales museum.
In the heart of the city, yet far from the bustling crowds, at Fariyas you are just 10 minutes away from the business districts of Nariman Point, Ballard Estate and the World Trade Centre. Its scenic location offers a breathtaking view of the harbour.
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REGAALIS
City: Mysore
Hotel Regaalis is located half a kilometre from the bus and railway station and 2 kilometres from the Mysore Palace. It is located 160 kilometres from the nearest airport which is in Bangalore. This 4 star hotel was started in 1985 and is a 6 storied structure that stands in a by lane in Mysore. It is an ever present structure which holds a demanding view of Mysore from the top floors.
Hotel Facilities
In House Laundry | Iron & Ironing Board on Request | Business Centre | Secretarial Services | Doctor on Call | Tour and Travel Desk
Recreational Facilities
Swimming Pool | Ayurvedic Massages | Shopping Arcade | Indoor Games
Room Amenities
The hotel has a total of a whopping 105 rooms that are divided into 54 Superior rooms, 28 Premier rooms, 14 Junior Suite rooms, 8 Premier Suite rooms and 1 Presidential Suite.
Cable Television | Air Conditioning | Minibar | 24-hours Hot & Cold Running Water | Tea/Coffee Maker | Complimentary fruit platter and cookies | Wireless Internet (chargeable) | Attached Washroom |Hairdryer | Bath Amenities
Dining
The dining facilities include:
La Gardenia: A 24 hours multi cuisine restaurant, it is open for a buffet breakfast (6:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.), buffet lunch (12:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.) and dinner (7:30 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.).
Charcoals: This is the Indian Tandoori specialty restaurant by the poolside which is open only for dinner from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
The Lobby Bar: As the name goes, it is connected to the lobby and is open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. It serves snacks and an assortment of the choicest alcoholic beverages.
Pastry Shop: Offers some of the best pastries in town and you could even enjoy these in the comfort of your room.
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THE ASHHOK HASSAN
City: Hassan
Location
Located in the heart of Hassan, just a kilometre away from the railway station and bus stand, The Ashok enjoys proximity to all places of commercial interest within the city. While Belur (40 km) and Halebid (50 km) lie close by, the nearest airport is at Bangalore, 220 kms away.
The Ashok is a 3-star hotel that offers all modern conveniences required by business travellers as well as tourists.
Rooms
Comfortable accommodation is offered in 37 well furnished rooms that are categorised as Standard, Deluxe, Suite and Presidential Suite. Each room is equipped with cable television, telephone, tea/coffee maker and attached washroom that receives a continuous supply of hot and cold water. All rooms enjoy internet connectivity are provided with a bottle of mineral water and fruit basket/cookies at the time of arrival of guest.
Dining
Dining options at The Ashok include a multi cuisine restaurant and a coffee shop. For the convenience of guests, the hotel offers in-room dining facility through room service.
Services & Facilities
The hotel has spacious lawns that can be used for banquets and it also arranges services of a professional guide on request. Other facilities available at The Ashok include a travel desk, car rental service, doctor on call and laundry service.
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HOTEL SANGAM
City: Tanjore
Hotel Sangam is a luxurious 3-Star property in Tanjore which offers luxurious accommodation and state of art facilities to its esteemed guests. Hotel Sangam houses a total of 54 extremely well-furnished rooms. Excellently located at Trichy Road, Sangam Hotel is 500 meters from Thanjavur Railway Station and 1 km from the renowned Brahadeeshwara Temple.
Hotel Facilities
Room Service | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Airport Shuttle | Business Centre | Laundry | Dry Cleaning | Ironing Service | Currency Exchange | Car Hire | Free Parking | Tour Desk | Concierge Service | Shuttle Service (surcharge) | Special Diet Menus
Recreational Facilities
Swimming Pool | State Of The Art Health Club | Cultural Programs | Folk Dance Performances
Room Amenities
Cable Television | Telephone Facility | Attached Washrooms | Running Hot and Cold Water | Spectacular view of Brahadeeshwara Temple from Every Room
Dining
Restaurant: Thillana - serves Indian, Chinese and Continental delicacies
Bar: Layam - a trendy and well-stocked bar
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BACKWATER RIPPLES
City: Kumarakom
Location
The resort is located just 70 km from Kochi International Airport and 171 km from Trivandrum International Airport.
Spread over 7 acres of meticulously landscaped exteriors, Backwater Ripples has been created by a team of architects, designers and consultants and is truly a world class facility with unique lakefront features and contemporary interiors. The resort has 34 independent luxury cottages and executive rooms in a range of layouts including cottages with a spectacular view of the Vembanadu Lake. Arayannam, the unique houseboat with two fully furnished bedrooms and private decks can provide a middle of the lake stay.
Rooms
Spacious open air bathrooms are seamlessly connected to large bed rooms with king size beds. Natural material such as wood, granite and marble create a feeling of warmth and luxury. From the traditionally crafted wooden furniture, local nature paintings and ethnic handicrafts to the modern gadgets, the resort harmoniously blends ancient heritage and latest technology. All cottages are equipped with a television, direct dial telephone, tea/coffee maker, mini bar, refrigerator, internet connectivity and 24 hour personalised room service.
Hotel Facilities
Dining facilities include a multi cuisine restaurant and a lake front barbeque facility. The resort has air-conditioned conference halls for the convenience of business travellers. The resort boasts of Vedasparsh, the fully equipped Ayurvedic Spa that offers the finest possible care, treatments and therapies. Other facilities include a health club, water sports center, sunset cruise, swimming pool, curio shop, currency exchange and travel desk.
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DECCAN PLAZA
City: Chennai
A twin building structure with a tinted glass entrance, Days Inn Deccan Plaza welcomes one into an elegantly decorated spacious lobby. The simple yet tasteful interiors of the hotel create a relaxing ambience while the 24-hour check-in/check out facility is of immense convenience to guests.
Room Facilities
The hotel's rooms are categorized and divided into 80 Deccan Standard rooms, 9 Deccan Club rooms, 2 Deccan Luxury Suites, 1 Deccan Presidential Suite and 1 Maharaja Suite. All rooms are well furnished and appointed with a colour television, direct dial telephone, mini bar, complimentary tea/coffee maker, sofas, work desk and shaving mirror. The bathroom amenities include soap, shampoo, hair oil, talcum powder, shower cap, shaving kit and dental kit. The Suites are more spacious and are provided with a computer, DVD player, safe deposit locker, laundry bag, shoe shine mitts, bath robes and a fruit basket and cookies on arrival. In addition, the Deccan Presidential Suite and the Maharaja Suite have a separate living room, dining table, 29-inch television, Jacuzzi, weighing scale and hair dryer. In addition, these Suites are also provided with mineral water bottles and complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity.
Dining
Dining facilities include Olives, a multi cuisine restaurant that is supposedly Chennai's first all vegetarian restaurant and Downtown, the bar that serves a variety of domestic and foreign brands. While the bar remains open from 11 am to 11 pm, the restaurant opens at regular intervals for meals. Complimentary breakfast is served between 7 am and 10 am while an a la carte menu is available for lunch (12:30 pm - 3 pm) and dinner (7 pm - 11 pm). A portion of the restaurant also serves as a coffee shop and remains open round the clock for the convenience of guests.
Hotel Facilities
Conference/banquet facilities include four well-equipped halls. While Ajanta and Ellora can accommodate around 100 to 150 guests together, the bigger halls Royal and Majestic can accommodate 200 guests each and around 350 guests when combined to form one big hall. Recreational facilities include a fitness centre, Ayurvedic massage centre and facility for steam bath. While the use of fitness center, which is open from 6 am to 10 pm, is complimentary, guests are charged Rs. 500 for a massage.
Other facilities available at the hotel include a library, non-smoking rooms, round the clock currency exchange, valet parking, car rental service, DVD library, gift shop, baby sitter and laundry service.
Don't miss
The food festivals hosted in the hotel's restaurant. Every now and then, the hotel organises a theme festival during which the restaurant's decor and furnishings are changed and its look is recreated to enhance the effect of the ongoing theme. It usually also helps in informing guests about the culture of the region.
Location
Located in Royapettah, the heart of Chennai, the hotel offers easy access to all the business, commercial, shopping and entertainment centers in the city. While the American Consulate and Marina Beach are just a kilometre away, the airport and railway station are at a distance of 16 kms and 6 kms respectively.
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THEKKADY WILD CORRIDOR
City: Thekkady
This luxury resort nestles by the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary amidst lush greenery and the natural habitat of wild animals. The resort is situated at Murikkady, on the fringes of the Periyar wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki district. The luxury resort holds an intransigent charm owing to its secluded location on a jungle mountain slope, overlooking thousands of acres of lush green valley and offering an uninterrupted view of the glorious sunrise.
Hotel Facilities
Restaurant(s) in hotel | Business center | Fitness facilities | Nightclub | Parking (free) | Room service | Shopping on site | Swimming pool-outdoor | Wireless (high-speed) Internet access-complimentary
Room Amenities
The resort has 35 rooms in the categories of Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Royal Villa, Romantic Villa, Executive Villa, Super Deluxe Villa and Deluxe Villa. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, appointed with television and en suite washrooms.
Alarm clock | Coffee/tea maker | Refrigerator
Internet: Available | Parking Facility: Available
Check-In Time: 12:00 p.m. | Check-Out Time: 12:00 p.m.
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| DESTINATION INFORMATION |
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| CHENNAI |
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Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, formerly known as Madras, lies on the East Coast of India. It is a city of heritage and progress, of colonial grandeur and traditional values, a city that presents an interesting blend of the modern and the ancient. Museums, churches, beaches, temples, colonial architecture, forts, and modern entertainment hotspots, ensure that a dull moment can never be found in Chennai, the Jewel of the Coromandel Coast.
Don't Miss
There are plenty of things to experience in this vibrant metropolis, from spicy food to beautiful beaches (Elliot's Beach, Marina Beach); quaint ancient churches such as St. Mary's Church, San Thome Basilica; temples such as Kapilashvara Temple; and places of historical importance like Fort St. George and Clive House. There are also numerous places of interest near the capital city, and a drive down the beautiful beach-lined East Coast Road will bring you towards Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry. En-route the, you can find the scary yet intriguing Crocodile Bank, arts and crafts treasure troves like Cholamandalam Artists Village and Dakshinachitra, and wondrous amusement parks such as MGM Dizzy World and Ahaa Water Park.
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Government Museum In Chennai
kapaleeshwar Temple Chennai
kapaleeshwar Temple Chennai 1
Temples With Lake
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| MYSORE |
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The former capital of the state of Mysore, and the seat of the Wodeyar Kings, Mysore is Karnataka's Jewel, its cultural capital, a city resplendent with history - both colonial and royal. It is Karnataka's second largest city, and abounds in natural beauty and architectural beauty, with tree lined boulevards and historical buildings.
Mysore is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, so relaxed in fact that it is hard to believe that such a sleepy town could have been the heart of a kingdom. It is also hard to believe that this Overview of the city has yet to mention the Mysore Palace. Famous across India, the Mysore Palace is the picture of gilded opulence! Mysore is also famous for its manufacture of incense sticks, which come in many fragrances, as well as for its sandalwood. Mysore is a pleasant change from the stereotypical image of modernized cities. From the moment you set foot in Mysore, it begins to reveal delicious secrets which make it a must see.
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Mysore Bull Temple
Mysore Palace in India
Mysore Palace
Mysore Temple
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| OOTY |
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Century-old English architecture, a rich yet equally confusing Anglican tradition, gabled cottages set amidst mystifying blue hills, Ooty is perhaps the only hill station that has refused to keep fair-weather friends. So much so, at some point, it was called Snooty Ooty' even by the early Madras government, for its notorious snobbishness tells it from the rest of Tamil Nadu. Guarding its warbled British, Anglo-Indian, and native heritage while slowly giving in to commercialisation, Ooty or Ootacamund still manages to lure those in need of low-key rest and relaxation.
Walk the length of Commercial Road, spend a day strolling by the misty Ooty Lake, or gorge on some hot Bondas and a cup of Cardamom Tea from a tea stall. It is hard not to fall in love with its temperament. Calm, cool and collected are not just keywords here, but a way of life.
Soak in the beauty of the hills from the toy train (the Nilgiri Mountain Railway) as it chugs along the hillside just as it did hundreds of years ago, ever so often stopping for no rhyme or reason. Get a snapshot of the 20 million year old fossil tree stump at the Botanical Gardens where it is overshadowed by a thousand other rare plants. Sink into the crumbling, torn seat at the Assembly Rooms theatre and watch a movie that probably released years ago. Lick on a puffy pink swirl of cotton candy as you skim through second hand book stalls that still sell obsolete prints. Taste Anglo-Indian delights at the stately British Fern Hills Palace, the former summer retreat of the Mysore Maharaja and let the sounds of the piano gently lull you to sleep soon after.
Run across the untouched wilderness of Avalanche Reservoir, and try your hand at Trout fishing in the ramshackle Wilson Fish Farm nearby. Squint and swipe with your lucky hand at the 100 year old Ootacamund Golf Course or mumble a prayer at the century-old St. Stephen's Church as the last rays of sun illuminate the altar through beautifully glass-painted windows. Enjoy a late evening walk as the last strains of the choir waft in the breeze onto town. There is simply no denying that Ooty remains regal, ravishing and royal no matter when you visit. See for yourself..
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A view of tranquil Ooty lake
Ooty's view from the Doddabetta mountain
Tea gardens in Ooty
Terrace farming in Ooty
Members of local Toda tribe in Ooty
Ooty's Botanical Garden
Ooty's St Stephens Church
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| MUMBAI |
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India has always been fixated with Mumbai earlier known as Bombay. It is India's archetypal metropolis, imbibing the most extreme of paradoxes. The dream factory is glitzy, home to Bollywood, a thriving commerce industry, the moneyed swish set and some of the country's best educational institutions. Initially a group of seven islands that were merged together by land reclamation, Mumbai has a rich Colonial heritage. An amble through the fort area is testimony to the fact, housing beautiful Gothic-Elizabethan buildings and monuments.
The distinct collage of Mumbai's population is reflected in the shopping. It is an inherent urban city where everything is on offer for everyone; where second hand book bazaars coexist with high-end shopping malls, where flower markets jostle with flea markets, where the quaint antiques market is belligerently housed in an area called the Chor Bazaar (Thieves' Bazaar). You haven't seen Mumbai if you haven’t sampled the street food - varied and vivacious, scrumptious and spicy, it will leave you asking for more as your eyes water and ears burn. Wash it down then with a tall glass of juice available all over Mumbai at stalls.
Having listed out the essentials, what one has to understand is that Mumbai escapes definition. It is a city constantly moving, changing, evolving, and it can be known only by being experienced. Everything exaggerated, impossible or unimaginable you might have heard about Mumbai is in fact true, and more. Look beyond its glaring disparities and you will discover its seductive spirit that keeps the city alive, making it what it is. India is great.
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Landmark of India, Mumbai, India gate
Mumbai Gateway of India
Mumbai Haji Ali Dargah
Mumbai Heritage Wing of the Taj Mahal Hotel
Mumbai Skyline
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| HASSAN |
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Hassan is a historic temple town in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Bestowed with a rich history dating back to over 1000 years, Hassan takes the visitors into a journey of bygone era. Ruled by the Hoysala dynasty (11th century - 14th century), Hassan has emerged as an important centre of Jain culture and literature. Hassan is named after the Goddess Haasanamba, the presiding deity of the town. Fondly called the - temple-architectural capital of Karnataka, Hassan is home to a number of magnificent temples including famous Hasanamba Temple and Siddeshwara Temple. Apart from the massive temples, the soothing climate of Hassan is a big draw for discerning tourists, historians, architecture lovers and other types of travelers. Usually visitors to Hassan make the city their base to cover nearby tourist destinations like Belur (32 km), Halebid (35 km), Shravanbelagola (50 km) and Chikamagalur (60 km).
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| TIRUCHIRAPALLY |
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Tiruchirapalli also called Trichy or Tiruchi is an ancient town situated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Set on the banks of Cauvery (Kaveri) River, Tiruchirapally serves as a major commercial, industrial, educational and religious centre of Tamil Nadu. One of the biggest cities of Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirapalli is renowned for its rich historic past and fine collection of temples. Fondly called the temple city, Tiruchirapalli is home to many old temples that are quite popular for unique architectural styles and religious significances.
While Rock Fort Temple dominates over the city, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is renowned for encompassing the impressive feat of world's largest temple complex. Being a famous tourist destination of South India, Tiruchirapalli also offers excellent shopping and eating opportunities. Explore the markets of the town to buy artificial diamonds, jewellery, sarees, handloom clothes, grass bangles, toys and other interesting objects as a souvenir. And also savour some exotic cuisines especially South Indian dishes that you might not have tried earlier.
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Trichy Kuranganathar Temple
Trichy Rock Fort Temple
Trichy Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Trichy Town
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| BANGALORE |
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Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka is popularly known as the Garden City. It is also called the Silicon City due its flourishing IT industry, thus making it youthful and cosmopolitan. Dotted with lakes and numerous old historical buildings, Bangalore is a melting pot for the old and the new. Buzzing during the night, thanks to the endless number of pubs in the city, Bangalore has gained the title of party capital of the country for no reason.
- With year-round heavenly weather, beautiful buildings and gardens, lovely people and peaceful atmosphere, Bangalore will surely charm you!
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A view of Lal Bagh lake, Bangalore, India
Bangalore
Public Library Bangalore
The Bangalore Palace in Karnataka India
The Majestic Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore
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| COCHIN |
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Cochin will make you come alive at the very first sight. It offers a wealth of history, art and culture to travellers. Shuffled in the hands of Maharajas, and colonial powers like the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the present Cochin is chequered with impressive colonial landmarks as well as contemporary ones.
The essence of Cochin lies in its pristine beauty and the beaches dotted with palm trees. Its culture, nature and hospitality will surly lure you in. Cochin offers you more than beautiful beaches with architectural gems like Bolghatty Palace and Fort Kochi. Uncovering Cochin through Onam, the banquet of Sadya, the Malayattoor Perunnal Festival, yoga, Ayurveda and Kerala spices at the Spice Market is a fascinating journey of discovery.
Cochin is the only place where Chinese fishing nets are used outside China. You'll see local fishermen braving the waves on coracles. More than the ways of the fishermen, the palaces and ruins left behind like the Hill Palace offer a glimpse of the splendour of Kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace and the nearby Jewish Synagogue which is famed for its Belgium chandeliers and Chinese tiles.
Deep in ancient history, the city will make you snap back to the present in a jiffy with dazzling shopping complexes and places, such as Veega Land, a water theme park, the largest in South India.
Cochin tempts you with a boat cruise in the backwaters against the idyllic backdrop of the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. You can hire a ferryboat and row to Vypin Island from Mattancherry town to catch sight of dolphins making merry.
Cochin's diverse charms, and the relatively quiet, clean and rather conservative atmosphere set it apart from other cities. Don't be surprised if you take back more than a few unforgettable moments.
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Chinese Fishing Nets, Cochin
A Kathakali before a performance in Cochin, India
St Mary's Church, Vallarpadom Islet, Cochin
The Vishnu Temple, Cochin
Cycle-rickshaw on Jews Street in Cochin, India
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| THEKKADY |
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It is said that Kerala's best kept secrets lie in the heart of Thekkady. A lush green oasis that sprawls across the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, this is where man and beast live as one. Snarling Tigers, screeching Crickets and naughty Langurs, the mysterious calm of the jungle is enough to tempt anyone who yearns to explore the wild. Thekkady is a naturalist's dream. With tea and spice plantations, it has lent much to Kerala's commerce as much as it has to its beauty. The incredible wildlife preserved in Periyar Tiger Wildlife Sanctuary today attracts naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Declared a tiger reserve in 1978, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve is one of the few reserves where one can catch sight of the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger that is fast dwindling in population. Shed your inhibitions and take a day off to enjoy a bamboo raft ride across the Periyar river, explore the forest at night, never knowing what is to come, and succumb to the temptation of traditional Kerala Fish Curry and Rice in every restaurant you visit.
Ride through the jungle on elephant back or make your way through the village on a bullock cart. Wild and raw, the countryside embraces you with warmth that is almost forgotten. On a longer day, visit the Mangala Devi Temple, a short distance from Thekkady town, or to its bustling cousin Kumily, known for its spice plantations. Peermade is another plantation town that lures people on that extended weekend in Thekkady. Cascading waterfalls, misty hilltops and plunging valleys of emerald green, let loose your wild side.
Visit the Tribal Heritage museum inside the Mannan settlement and explore artefacts from a lost generation. Finally, give in to the mellow breeze and soothe your mind as you enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, and let time stop at its tracks. Virgin and raw, Thekkady is for those who yearn to leave the world behind and retrace a journey back in time.
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Thekkady's Periyar Lake (Kerala, India)
A Kathakali performance in Thekkady
Periyar lake at the dawn hour
Periyar River in early morning
Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala
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| TANJORE |
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Tanjore, or Thanjavur is located in Tamil Nadu, just 10 km south of the Kaveri River. The name is derived from a demon that caused much devastation of the city and its surrounding regions. The region is also known to be the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu”. The city has a long history, and was occupied by many great dynasties, including the Cholas, Mararthas, Vijayanagara Kings, as well as the Nayakas. As a result, there are many places of interest here, ranging from temples to cannons. The landscape that frames the city is also beautiful and lush green.
Don't Miss
Tanjore has many places of interest, including the Brihadishwara Temple (built by Rajaraja Chola during the 11th century AD), which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also of interest is the imposing Vijayanagara Fort, which contains a large and ornate palace. The Palace also has the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which has a vast number of ancient manuscripts, both Indian and European, written on everything ranging from palm-leaf to paper. The Manora Fort is also very much worth your time to visit: it is an awe-inspiring 230 metre high tower, built in 1815.
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Tanjore Ancient Temple Deities
Tanjore Brahadeeshwar Temple
Tanjore Brihadeshwara Temple Carving
Tanjore Temple Elephant
Tanjore
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| PHOTO GALLERY |
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Pondicherry Auroville
The Matri Mandir at Auroville
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