South India tour, 15 days

Day 01 Arrive Bangalore:

Met upon arrival at Bangalore Airport. On arrival airport transfer and check-in to the Hotel.

Day 02: Bangalore

Explore the “The Garden City” you will see Vidhan Sabha, built in the year 1954 is one of the major centers of attraction in Bangalore. The architecture of the building is based on the neo Dravidian style and it presently houses the Legislative Assembly of the state of Karnataka.

Lal Bagh Botanical Garden The name Lal Bagh has been given to it for the wonderfully bloomed red roses that remain blooming all through the year in this garden. The garden has also a collection of famous Botanical species. 

Bangalore Palace Built in the year 1887, Bangalore palace is a must see tourist spot in the garden city. The architecture of the palace is based on the Tudor style.

Tipu’s Palace The palace and the fort of Tipu Sultan are the must see spot in Bangalore. The architecture, the layout and the overall look of the palace gives you the idea of the ethnic Mughal lifestyle.

Overnight at Hotel. (B)

Day 03 Bangalore – Hampi 

Today after breakfast check out and drive to Hampi.

It will take approximately 6 hours to reach Hampi. 

You will be taken to your hotel where you will relax and rest. Explore the local market in your free time and back to your hotel. 

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 04 Hampi

After breakfast, you will go for full day sightseeing of Hampi. 

Hampi is located on the bank of the Tungabhadra river in the state of Karnataka. Which is famous for its ancient beautifully carved temples, forts and other monuments as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will explore beautifully carved walls- Virupaksha Temple, Stone captured Lotus Mahal, most impressive structure of Hampi - Vithala Temple and complex, Monkey Temple and Elephant Stables.

In the evening back to your hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel. 

Day 05 Hampi – Chikmagalur

After breakfast head towards Chikmagalur. It will take approximately 7 hours to reach Chikmagalur. 

On arrival check-in to your hotel and rest. For sure you will be tired after 7 hours long journey so the remaining time is free for your own activities. Overnight stay in the Hotel. 

Day 06 Chikamgalur

After breakfast, You will go for full day sightseeing of Chikmagalur.

Chikmagalur is located on the western part of Karnataka. The meaning of Chikmagalur is ' Land of the younger daughter'. It is known for its pleasant climate and the coffee plantations.

You will visit Seethalayanagiri and the highest peak of Karnataka - Mullayanagiri (Vehicle is allowed till Seethalayanagiri Hills, for Mullayanagiri you will need to do a little trek from Seethalayanagiri) and proceed to Dabdabe Waterfall, Baba Budangiri Hills and Manikyadhare Waterfall. In the evening return to the hotel. Overnight stay in the Hotel.  

Day 07 Chikmagalur – Belur – Halebidu – Mysuru

Today after breakfast we drive to Mysuru with enroute visit of Belur & halebidu.

The two remote and beautiful temple sites of Belur and Halebid at the heart of the Hoysala Empire date from the 12th century and together form perhaps the richest repository of Hindu art and sculpture in the country. The façades are richly decorated with intricate stone carvings and the interiors are filled with countless filigreed pillars and friezes depicting tales from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Arrive in Mysore and check in to your hotel.

The former capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore has been home to one of the longest established empires in Indian history and the current Maharaja of Mysore still resides in the opulently-decorated city palace. Rebuilt in 1897 after a fire, it is an imposing centrepiece at the heart of the city, especially on Sundays and public holidays when it is lit by nearly 100,000 lightbulbs.

Day 08 Mysuru

Today after breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Mysore.

Mysore Palace – Residence of Mysore kings Wodeyars, the present structure of the palace was built in 1912 when the previous wooden building caught fire during a wedding ceremony of Chamaraja Wodeyar eldest daughter Jayalakshammanni. This palace is known for its architectural beauty which combines Muslim, Gothic, Hindu and Rajput style of architecture as well as Indo-Saracenic architecture.

St. Philomena’s Church - It is the second largest church in South Asia. It was built by Mysore King for the European residents of Mysore, setting an example of religious harmony and understanding. This church is dedicated to St. Philomena.

 for A trip to the outskirts of town reaches Chamundi Hill, where you’ll find one of India’s largest Nandi Bulls, the mythical transport for Lord Shiva with spectacular views over Mysore.

Somnathpur Temple - Located in Somnathpur, about 35 km away from Mysore, Chennakeshava Temple is one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture. Standing on a raised platform, this temple is a Trikuta. It consists of three shrines. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple was built in 1268 during the reign of King Narasimha III.

Return to Mysore in the evening.

If time and energy allows, visit Brindaban gardens

Stay overnight in Mysore.

Day 09 Mysuru – Kadavu

Every year, during the Dussehra festival, Mysore celebrates its tradition of wooden dolls. The art of making wooden dolls has been passed on from generation to generation since the time of Tipu Sultan, and the craftsmen’s fame has spread throughout the world. One of their exhibits is also housed in the White House today! Spend half a day at the Channapatna Wooden Toy factory where these dolls are made and learn of the craft and its history from the craftsmen. If you like, you can try your hand at making a toy to take home as an unusual souvenir!

Day 10 Kadavu

Beypore ship building dates back to fifteen hundred years or more. It could even be several thousand years.

Urus are wooden ships.  Cargo carrying capacity is in the range of 300 to 500 tons During ancient days, these ships were mostly used for trade. Customers from Western Asia, even for their initial voyage, filled their ships with much sought after Kerala spices.

Arabs, the major customers are also credited with passing on the knowledge of Uru construction to Beypore. In Arab vernacular, these ships are called Dhows.

Today nearly 500 families depend on Uru industry. The customers are the ruling and business elite from Gulf countries such as Qatar, U.A.E etc.

Ships are usually for private use. Room numbers vary; standard choice is about a dozen or more.

Urus were traditionally built totally machine free. Even nails were not used.

Unlike their ancestors, modern day Uru makers use simple machines as well as nails. Most of the work is done by basic carpentry tools.

A veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, the Pazhassi Raja Museum is located in Kozhikode. The Pazhassi Raja Museum & Art Gallery adjacent to the museum displays the acclaimed paintings of Kerala's cherished artists, Raja Ravi Varma (1848 - 1906) whose works brought international repute to the State and his uncle Raja Raja Varma.

Lokanarkavu Temple - Lokanarkavu is a short form of Lokamalayarkavu which means lokam (world) made of mala (mountain), aaru (river) and kavu (grove). It is the official family temple of the 500 Aryan Nagariks[citation needed] who had migrated to Kerala and their successors. Lokanarkavu Utsavam This main festival of the temple, which lasts for 41 days, is held during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (mid November to mid December). It is locally known as Mandalavilakku Festival or Mandala Utsavam. The unique feature of the festival is that it is only here a folk dance called Thacholikali is performed during the temple festival. Thacholikali is similar to the traditional martial art form called Kalarippayattu.

After the visit we take a walk by the beach before returning to our hotel.

Stay overnight.

Day 11 Kadavu – Cochin (02 hrs Train journey experience) – Optional flight

Today morning enjoy Yoga session at the hotel. Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. Your hotel has beautiful outdoor space next to the river, for yoga. 

Enjoy your breakfast at leisure. Afterwards you can indulge in the exciting activity of fishing with angle- fish hook. The abundance and variety of fishes in The Chaliyar River, felt on your finger tips will surely take you to another level of ecstasy. KARIMEEN - Pearlspot (Karimeen in Malayalam) is abundant in peaceful Chaliyar river. Its irresistible taste adds to the culinary reputation of Kerala and now its is the official State fish of Kerala. Karimeen pollichathu (fried fish) is an extremely popular delicacy served in Kerala too.

Later check out and transfer to Kozhiode railway station to experience a short 2.5 hrs train journey through the country side.

Arrive in Cochin and get transferred to your hotel.

Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 12 Cochin - Athirapally – Cochin

Today after breakfast enjoy an excursion to Athirapally water falls. As you walk down the stone slabs that lead to the base of the Athirapally waterfalls, a mysterious serenity overcomes you. It is Kerala's most famous and largest waterfall at over 80 ft high. The sight of the water crashing onto the ground leaves you with a sense of wonder at the sheer power and magnificence of nature. 

Barely 5 km away is another family favourite, Vazhachal Waterfalls. These waterfalls became famous for not just their view but the endemic species found in the surrounding dense forests. Researchers have found four endangered species of the Hornbill here, the only place they thrive in the entire Western Ghats. Ornithologists attach great significance to this location and bird watchers can come across many rare and vibrant species in these parts.

Return to Kochi by evening and stay overnight at hotel.

Day 13 Cochin – Kumarakom

After breakfast enjoy your sightseeing tour of Cochin.

Enjoy sightseeing tour to the nearby peninsula, discover the remains of Fort Cochin and St Francis church, the oldest church in India. Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan monks and worshipped by Roman Catholics, Dutch Protestants and the Anglicans is a wonderful site to visit.

After the sightseeing we drive towards Kumarakom.

Kumarakom was within the jurisdiction of the king of Thekkumkur while that kingdom existed, and it was usual to have fighting and competitions among local kings. Small boats called Chundan Vallam and Kettu Vallam were widely used among the local kings for their lightning attacks and fighting in central Travancore. 

Now Kumarakom is calm serene village, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The prime attraction her is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary  - a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m2), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. 

Upon arrival enjoy your stay at backwater resort enjoying a visit to Sanctuary or undertaking various activities offered at the hotel.

Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 14 Kumarakom  - Backwaters

Post-breakfast, start your journey to Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, the backwater hub of Kerala. After arriving, check-into a Kettuvallam, a traditional houseboat equipped with all the modern facilities and amenities. The backwater cruise will be an overnight journey with a lot of sightseeing.

Overnight stay on-board the houseboat.

Day 15 Backwater - Cochin & departure

After breakfast check out from the houseboat at 0900 hrs and drive to Cochin.

Upon arrival transfer to Cochin airport for onward flight connection.

TOUR ENDS