Itinerary

Day 01                                                 Arrive Bangalore  (Flight)

Arrive at Bangalore international airport.

Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka. A city of gardens founded in 1537 by Kempe Gowda, a chieftain who constructed a mud fort at this site, later rebuilt in stone in the 18^th century by Hyder Ali, it is in ruins today and is situated at an altitude of 1914 m, it has a salubrious clime throughout the year.  It is one of India’s main commercial and industrial centers. 

You will be met by our representative at the arrivals lounge and escorted till your check in at Hotel.

Balance day at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning city tour of Bangalore.

Visit the Bull Temple, the monolithic deity being the Nandi or celestial bull, a marvellous work on granite. The Mysore Arts & Crafts Centre, and drive  through Commercial Street past the magnificent Neo-Dravidian structure, Vidhana Soudha, the government secretariat. Time & interest permitting, visit the Lal Bagh gardens developed with lavish care since the Muslim era and which now offer a variety of century-old trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces and an assortment of herbs and plants spread out over several acres.  In the centre of the park is the Glass House where thousands of colourful fragrant flowers go on show ever year in January and August.

Afternoon drive to Hassan enroute visit Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola: It is situated about 150 km northwest of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. The town has been a prominent centre for Jain art, architecture, religion and culture for over two millennia. About two thousand years ago, Bhagwan Bhadrabahu, the earliest among the great Jain Acharyas came to Shravanabelagola from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, with his disciples. Influenced by this ascetic, Chandragupta Maurya, the great emperor who ruled a large part of India, settled in this region, handing over the reins of his kingdom to his son.

Upon arrival check in at Hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel.

Post breakfast drive to Mysore enroute visit Belur & Halebid.

Belur: It situated on the banks of river Yagachi, 38 km from Hassan, is a world famous tourist destination. Belur was the erstwhile capital of the Hoysalas and referred to as Velapur, Velur and Belahur at different points in history. The town is renowned for its Chennakeshava temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship.

Halebid: Halebeed temple is another great example of temple architecture the twin temples of Hoysaleshwara, Kedareshwara built by Vishnuvardhana and Ballala-II at Halabeed. Sequences from Ramayana, Mahabharatha & Bhagavatha are depicted on the outer walls of these temples. The efficiency and experience of the sculpture, who had carved these stories in stone is bewitching.

After visit continue drive to Mysore.

Mysore the ‘Garden City’ stands by a rocky hill named after the goddess Chamundi. It is a city of palaces and museums. The palace of the Maharaja within the Old Fort is admittedly one of the most beautiful buildings in India. city.

Upon arrival check in at Hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast proceed for city tour of Mysore.

Visit the Maharajas’s Palace - a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Gateways, domes, arches, turrets, colonnades, sculpture - all are here in great profusion.   Visit Chamundi Hill named after the Royal Family’s patron goddess and the site of summer palaces, an ancient temple and the 16-foot Nandi (Siva’s bull) carved out of a single huge boulder.  The view from the hill offers a beautiful panorama of not only all Mysore, but also ranges of hills, lakes and the turrets of temples and churches. Also visit Amba vilas Palace & Sri Chamarajendra Art museum

Overnight at hotel.                                       

Morning after breakfast for Ooty.

Ooty is the leading hill resort of South India. Situated in the heart of Nilgiris (Blue Mountains), at a height of 2,287 m (7,500 ft), it lies on a plateau and looks like a vast park. To the northwest of Ooty are splendid downs resembling those of Sussex, while to the west, south and southwest, lofty hills add to the grandeur of the scenery. Its climate is similar to summer in England. The terraced Botanical Gardens, which are a landmark in Ooty, have many rare trees and flowering plants. There is a beautiful lake with boating facilities. Ooty is also known for its tea and coffee plantations and there are hundreds of tea estates in and around this hill resort

Balance day at leisure.

On arrival check in Hotel.

Full day tour of Ooty visiting the Botanical garden , Ooty lake, Rose garden & Dobata Peak.

Botanical Garden is one of the best tourist attraction places which attract the tourist from all over the world. This garden was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale and is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill at an elevation of 2,400 meters above Main Sea Level. An explicit collection of flowering tress, beautiful shrubs, and rare colored lilies are seen.

From just behind the central Bus Stand (also near the Railway station) the famous Ooty Lake stretches, in an irregular 'L' shape, for about 2.75 kms in length and varying distances in width(100m – 140m). For the curious, this lake was artificially formed by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, in 1823-25 by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley

Rose Park is situated in the heart of Ooty town and it is located less than a km from Charring Cross at Vijayanagaram, the rose garden is laid on 10 acres of land. This garden has been beautifully laid out in terraces with rose tunnels, pergolas and bowers with rose creepers.

The Doddabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10kms from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of the valley below. On a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore

Overnight at Hotel.

Post breakfast drive to Cochin.

Kochi- commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the state’s cities, Cochin or Kochi have long been eulogized in tourist literature as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea.’ Strategically located on the east - west sea route, Cochin is Kerala’s major port, boasting of one of the finest natural harbors in the world. With its wealth of historical associations and its setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsula, the city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala.

Check in & Overnight at Hotel.

Overnight: Hotel

Morning sightseeing tour of Kochi

Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India. Built by the Portuguese in 1510, it housed the remains of Vasco da Gama for 14 years before it was transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen inside the church.

Later visit the Chinese fishing nets. The cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochins waterfront. These are large nets, which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still used by the local fishermen of Fort Cochin.

Back at hotel.

Evening visit Cochin Culture Centre to witness a Kathakali Dance Performance by local artists.

Kathakali represents a synthesis of all that is best in dance, drama and music and has been recognized by connoisseurs of art, the world over as a `total art form of immense sophistication and power’. It is the impression created by make-up and the costumes that make Kathakali a visual par excellence. You will witness the Kathakali artists readying themselves up with the make up for the final performance. Costume is elaborate with the face painted up. Great importance is laid on the Vesham or make-up, which are of five types - Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari and Minukku.

The pomp and magnificence of Kathakali is partly due to its decor part of which is the kireetam or huge headgear and the kanchukam the oversized jackets, and a long skirt worn over a thick padding of cushions. The identity of the actor is completely mutilated to create a super human being of larger-than-life proportion.

Overnight: Hotel

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning you will drive to Periyar

Periyar or Thekkady is located about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Experience the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats with an enchanting holiday. In the Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Arrive in Periyar and check in at your hotel for an overnight.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake. Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forests. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.

The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.

Afternoon enjoy boat ride on Lake Periyar to view wildlife.

Overnight: Hotel

This morning after breakfast, board the traditional Rice barge (boat) for an overnight cruising on the backwaters of Kerala.

The backwaters represent a unique geological formation and are the basis of a distinct lifestyle. Tranquil and alluring, they offer you the experience of a lifetime. Traveling through the backwaters of Kerala is a marvelous experience with the simple, unique pleasures it offers. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beautiful backwaters of Kerala in a Kettuvalom’s (house boat). Kettuvalom's of Kerala are giant country crafts that were used in the early days to transport goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. Now converted to beautiful dwellings, they are accommodated with fully furnished bedrooms with attached bathrooms, sundeck, open lounge, kitchenette and a crew comprising of a chef, guide and oarsmen. enjoy traditional meals that will be served piping hot on board. Float through the placid waters passing palm fringed canals, lakes and villages and leisurely explore the Kerala backwaters from the comforts of your houseboat.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner                     

Overnight in Deluxe Houseboat

Morning after breakfast disembark & transfer to Kochi airport to connect your flight to onward destination.

The Land cost includes –

• 10 nights’ accommodation on Twin share at the hotels mentioned above.
• Daily breakfast at the hotel as per the program except during board on House Boat where all meals are included.
• Transport using an air-conditioned MEDIUM CAR for 1 – 2 pax  (Swift desire / Toyota Ethios) & Toyota Innova for 3 pax & 9 seater tempo Traveller for 4 -7 pax as per the itinerary. Non a/c in Hill area.
• Services of an English Speaking locally appointed guide during sightseeing as per the programme above .
• Entrance fee to monuments, road taxes, parking fee , fuel charges , interstate taxes.
• Tickets to witness Kathkali dance in Cochin.
• Boat ride in Periyar to view wild life
• All presently applicable taxes.

 The Land cost does not includes –

• Expenses of personal nature like personal gratuities, telephone charges, laundry, spa activities, drinks, etc
• Any meals (Lunch & Dinner) not included in the program other than mentioned in inclusion column.
• Beverages during meals.
• Tipping to the guide, restaurants, driver and handyman.
• Any airfare, visa fee, airport tax and any kind of insurance.
• Any Camera / Video Fees at the monuments.