After the visit drive back to the hotel.

These are five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, and the four of the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single rock formation.

SHORE TEMPLE

This is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the early 8 th Century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style.

After the visit drive back to the hotel.

Kanchipuram:

The Temple tour starts with a visit to Kanchipuram, which is the house of 1000 temples and one of the holiest cities in India also known as “ The Golden City”Is 85 kms west of Madras, was the Capital of successive Hindu Dynasties, is one of the seventh sacred cities of Hinduism., with history going back 3 rd century B C.

Visit Kailasanatha temple – over 1000 years old, the most magnificent temple built of sandstone in early 7th century by Pallava king. Also visit the Ekambraeswara temple. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the largest and has a thousand pillared hall. The city is also famous for the high quality mulberry silk. Visit a handloom factory and see weavers at work in their spotless huts. Later lunch at restaurant. ( Lunch cost included )

Mahabalipuram:

Later drive to Mahabalipuram, to visit the rock temples Mahabalipuram is 64 kms South of Madras popularly known as the Seven Pagodas, is an ancient rock hewn monument, monolithic temples and figures with carvings and sculptures of the 6 th / 7 th century. Pallava chisels have breathed life into stone. The art at this place emphasizes robust earthly beauty, imbibed with life.

Visit Arjuna’s penance, believed to be the world’s largest bas-relief is the pride of Mahabalipuram. This huge whale – back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds, and infact, represents the entire creation.

FIVE RATHAS

These are five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, and the four of the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single rock formation.

SHORE TEMPLE

This is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the early 8 th Century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style.

After the visit drive back to the hotel.

One Day Trip To Pondichery and Back

Situated on the Coromandel coast, about 160 kms south of Chennai, lies the Union Territory of Pondicherry. The French ruled this territory for 300 years, and today, it stands as a living monument of the French culture in India. Pondicherry traces its origin to Saint Agasthya, the revered sage of the south. The excavations near Pondicherry reveal that a Roman settlement existed here, 2000 years ago. It was also the site of many a battle between the British and the French, and was the capital of French India, before it attained its independence.

Rate List For Local Tours

• Camera fee
• Expenses of any personal nature like soft drinks, mineral water, tips etc.,
• Entrance and Monuments tickets.
  

Spouse / Accompanying Program @ USD 25 Per Person

The following options will be made available during the conference period for the delegates to have an opportunity to experience the glimpse of our culture.

Saree tying Demonstration
Mehendi Application
Yoga Demonstration
Carpet weaving
Shopping

Above rates are applicable for a minimum Of 5 Pax travelling together only.

(Saree Tying Demonstration)

Saree is the traditional dress of Tamil Nadu. A beautiful hand woven saree 5 yards in length made of various fabrics ( eg. Silk, Cotton etc ).. This is a single piece of material artistically draped to a comfortable and stunning effect worn with a blouse and skirt.

(Mehendi Demonstration & Application)

Mehendi, a plant extract as known in India is a natural dye, considered auspicious, purifying and cooling is artistically drawn on the hands and feet of the bride during the wedding to bring good luck.

(Yoga Demonstration)

Yoga is one of India's rich contributions to the world, the aim of this discipline being the physical and mental well being of man. This choreographed brief programme of simple yoga exercises combines information with Visual aesthetics.

(Shopping )

For those who want to take a glimpse at India's kaleidoscope of arts and crafts, then Chennai is the place worth checking out. Chennai is one of the major trading centers in South India. It offers many items for tourist shoppers. The traditional handicraft and handloom items are very popular among tourists. The south silk has been a rage among the women for centuries.

DAY 01: CHENNAI-DELHI

Morning transfer to airport to connect flight 9W 822 for Delhi.

Depart Chennai 0650 hrs
Arrive Delhi 0930 hrs
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel The Park.

Delhi - The capital city of modern India has behind it centuries of history, which has enriched its culture. Nowhere has tradition blended with modernity on a scale as evident in Delhi - age-old monuments stand check by jowl with ultra modern hi-rise buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for centuries. Today old and new city combine to present a harmonious whole offering to the traveler, elegant shops, broad laburnum lined avenues, sun warmed elegant forts and mosques that were once stronghold of Mughal powers and colourful bazaars.

Full day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.

In Old Delhi, visit the Jama Masjid and Red Fort. Also drive past Chandni Chowk. Later visit Raj Ghat & Shanti Vana the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

The New Delhi sightseeing will comprise of visit to the Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate (War Memorial), Lakshminarayan temple modern Hindu temple, drive past President’s house, Parliament house and Secretariat buildings.
Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 02 BY SURFACE 205 KMS / 4 HRS DELHI - AGRA

Morning, drive to Agra enroute visiting Akbar’s mausoleum at Sikandra.

AGRA : On the right bank of the River Yamuna, Agra reigns over a glorious past created by warriors as skilled in art and architecture as they were on the battlefield. The city’s historical origins before the Mughal conquest are dim and it was practically founded by the Mughal Emperor Babur. To the lover of art and to the traveler seeking the wonders of India, Agra is the goal of a pilgrimage, its shrines being the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

On arrival in Agra, check-in at hotel Mughal Sheraton.

Afternoon: city sightseeing tour, visiting the world’s greatest love tribute: The Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shahjehan for his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Also the Mosque on the banks of River Yamuna across the Taj Mahal. (TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS). Enjoy Tonga Ride (horse-pulled cart) from Taj Parking to the entrance Gate.

After the Taj, visit Agra Fort, Visit the Palaces in the Fort – the Anguri Bagh, Golden Pavilions, Khas Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Am (halls of private & public audience), which are all splendid examples of Mughal architecture.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 03 BY SURFACE 240 KMS / 4.5 HRS AGRA – JAIPUR
VIA FATHEPUR SIKRI

Morning, drive to Jaipur enroute visiting “FATEHPUR SIKRI” built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful building including the Jama Masjid. Tomb of Chishti, Panch Mahal and other palaces.

On Arrival, check-in at hotel Rajputan Palace Sheraton.

JAIPUR : Built by Sawai Jai Singh, the city of Jaipur is amongst the first of India’s planned cities. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy tale palaces; rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues. Jaipur has a timeless appeal in its colorful bazaars that delights for its Rajasthan handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration that makes a trip to the pink city a memorable one.

Afternoon: city sightseeing tour visiting Maharaja’s City Palace and the Observatory. Drive past Hawa Mahal or the Palace of winds. Enjoy a Rickshaw Ride to the colourful bazaar passing through the rose pink residential and business areas of Jaipur.
Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 04 BY SURFACE 260 KMS/6 HRS JAIPUR – DELHI

Morning: leave for excursion to the Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state until 1728. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and temple of Kali. Ascend on elephant back, the hill on which the Fort is situated.

Later drive to Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the airport to connect flight to Chennai 9w 726 \ connect flight to final destination

Depart Delhi 1855 hrs
Arrive Chennai 2130 hrs

On arrival meet & transfer to hotel.

SUN & SAND TOUR – GOA
(CHENNAI-GOA-CHENNAI)

DAY 01 BY AIR CHENNAI – GOA

Morning, transfer to the airport to connect flight 9w 3525 for Goa via BLR

Depart Chennai 1130 hrs
Arrive Delhi 1430 hrs

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel Majorda Beach Resort.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 02 AT GOA
After breakfast, leave for full day city tour of Goa visiting Basillica of Bom Jesus wherein is enshrined the body of St. Francis Xavier in a silver ornate casket. Later visit St. Cathedral, the biggest church in the east.
Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Panjim and river Mandovi and to Donapaula for a view of India’s largest natural harbour Marmgoa followed by the boat cruise at river Mondovi.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 03 AT GOA
Day at leisure to enjoy the surroundings. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 04 BY AIR GOA – BANGALORE - CHENNAI

In time transfer to the airport to connect flight 9w 3516 for Bangalore.
Depart Goa 1500 hrs
Arrive Bangalore 1630 hrs
&
In Bangalore board 9w 3531 for Chennai.
Depart Bangalore 1730 hrs
Arrive Chennai 1830 hrs

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

KERALA SPICE
(CHENNAI-MADURAI-PERIYAR-KUMARAKOM-ALLEPEY-COCHIN-CHENNAI)

DAY 01 BY AIR CHENNAI – MADURAI - PERIYAR

Morning transfer to the airport to connect flight 9W 3521 for Madurai

Depart Chennai 0710 hrs
Arrive Madurai 0830 hrs

On arrival meet at the airport and proceed for an orientation tour of Madurai. Later
drive to Periyar by road. On arrival check-in at hotel Spice Village.

PERIYAR : A pleasant escape from the rigours of India travel, a nice place to cruise on the lake, and an opportunity to see some wildlife as well as enjoy a jungle walk as well seeing spice plantations – Periyar offers them all.
Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 02 BY SURFACE 135KMS/3.5 HRS PERIYAR-KUMARAKOM

Morning boat-ride at lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat. Later drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, check-in at hotel Coconut Lagoon.

Kumarakom is on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake, which is a bird sanctuary. Rest of the day at leisure exploring this exotic destination, which is famous not only for the resort where you will be staying but also for the charming little bird sanctuary, which plays host to a variety of migratory birds and to take the various Ayurvedic treatments in the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 03 BY SURFACE KUMARAKOM-ALLEPEY (62 Kms/1.5hrs)-COCHIN

Morning, take a boat cruise on the backwaters upto Alleppey. Upon arrival in Alleppey, drive to Cochin. On arrival, check-in at hotel Casino.

After noon half day city tour includes visit to Dutch Palace, built by Portuguese in 1557 and taken over by the Dutch; Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, is believed to be one of the oldest synagogues in the East; Chinese Fishing Nets; St. Francis Church, built in 1510, is the first European church in India and Santa Cruz Church, completed in 1904. Over night at the hotel.

DAY 04 BY AIR COCHIN-CHENNAI

Morning breakfast at the hotel & later transfer to the airport to connect flight 9W 3530 for Chennai.

Depart Cochin 1305 hrs
Arrive Chennai 1435 hrs

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the city.

SOUTHERN TRIANGLE
(CHENNAI-MYSORE - HASSAN – BANGALORE-CHENNAI)

DAY 01 BY TRAIN CHENNAI – MYSORE

Morning transfer to the railway station to connect Shadabdi Express to Mysore.

Depart: Chennai at 0600 hrs
Arrive: Mysore at 1300 hrs.
On arrival meet and transfer to hotel Quality Inn Southern Star.

Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom, is today the second largest city in Karnataka and one of the finest in southern India. Small, easygoing, famous for its silks and sandalwood, it is a city of fine gardens, tree-lined boulevards, art galleries and an intriguing palace. Mysore’s ten-day Dessara festival in September-October is still celebrated with medieval pageantry.

After noon city tour of Mysore visiting the Maharaja’s palace built in 1911-1912. The palace harmoniously synthesizes the Hindu and the Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures, which are truly magnificent. Visit the art gallery and drive up to the 1062 m high Chamundi hill to see the Chamundeshwari temple with a panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back, see the 5 m high Nandi Bull carved out of solid rock in 1659.

Overnight at hotel at Mysore.

DAY 02 MYSORE - SHARVANADELAGOLA – HASSAN

After breakfast drive to Hassan enroute visit Sravanabelgola. On arrival check in at Hotel Southern Star.

SHARVANADELAGOLA

51 Kms Southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important jain pilgrim centers. Here is the 17m high monolith of Lord Bahubali – the world’s tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka- a spectacular ceremony held once on 12 years when the 1000-year-old statue is anointed with milk. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 A.D.
HASSAN
It is 194 kms from Bangalore is the District Headquarters town of Hassan. This calm and peaceful town is a convenient base to visit Saravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid

On arrival into Hassan and check-in at the hotel Hoysala Village.

Afternoon on visit Belur and Halebid.

BELUR
This quaint hamlet 38 kms from Hassan is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The chennakeshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoyasala architecture.

The façade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers they are all there-awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Inside are hand-lathe-turned-filigreed pillars. The Kappe Chennigaraya Temple and the smaller shrines are well worth a visit.

HALEBEDU
The temples of Halebid – like those of Belur – bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple has a wealth of sculptural details; the walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. No two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple guarded by a Nandi Bull was never completed, despite 86 years of work. Overnight at Hassan.

DAY 03 HASSAN – BANGALORE

Morning drive to Bangalore by road, on arrival check in at hotel Le Meridien.

Bangalore is known as the Garden City because of its countless parks and avenues of Jacaranda, Gulmohur and Cassia. The present location of the city is a result of the choice of a local chieftain by the name of Kempegowda who had received some land as a gift from the ruler of Vijayanagar.

Afternoon city tour of Bangalore visiting the Lal Bagh, which has a variety of old, trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces and an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs. Also, see the Peninsular Gneissic Complex that is home to a 2500-2600 year old rock. You will also visit the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, the bull temple and drive past the government buildings.
Over night at Bangalore.

DAY 04 BANGALORE – CHENNAI

Break fast at the hotel.

Morning free for individual activities, in time check out hotel and transfer to the airport to board flight for Chennai by 9W 446/ Final destination.

Dep : 1550 hrs
Arr : 1635 hrs

On arrival meet & transfer to hotel.