DAY 01
Bangalore Arrival:
Our representative will receive you from the International airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Legend goes that King Veeraballau of Vijayanagara once lost his way in forest. Hungry and tired, he came upon a lone hut in the thick forest where he met an old woman. When he asked for food, she gave him baked beans ('Benda Kalu' in Karnataka). The King found this humble meal taste better than his royal kitchen menu. To commemorate this incident, he called the place "Benda Kalu Ooru" (place of baked beans).
Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, Bangalore today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. It is home to some of the most high tech industries in India. Bangalore is also home to some of India's premier scientific establishments. Blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities, Bangalore is the ideal gateway to India and beyond. Bangalore offers something for everyone-music and dance concerts (Western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals, conferences and more.
Overnight will be in Bangalore.
DAY 02
Bangalore Tour:
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed for the sightseeing:
Vidhana Soubha: This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing.
Lal Bagh: Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing plants and trees from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora, which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modeled along London’s CRYSTAL PALACE, is the center of attraction in this 2400-acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held in the Glass House. In July 2003 it was decided that the Department of Horticulture and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens.
Tipu's Palace & Fort: The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tipu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. A Wodeyar king built the Bangalore Palace in 1887. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, the foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for it's carving and paintings.
Government Museum: One of the important buildings, the Government Museum is one of the oldest in India (1886). The special attractions here are the antiquities from MOHENJODARO period. Situated nearby the museum is the VISVESWARAVA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM named after the great engineer - statesman.
Overnight will be in Bangalore.
DAY 03
Bangalore – Mysore
By Road 143 kms in 3 hrs
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Thereafter you will be driven to Mysore.
Reach Mysore and check in at your hotel.
Mysore city was the capital of the old royal Mysore province. The word Mysore expands to "Mahishasurana Ooru" which means the town of Mahishasura. The story goes that the demon Mahishasura was killed by goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore, and hence the name. Ever since, the Mysore royal family has worshipped Chamundeshwari as the palace deity. Hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of Mysore town today.
To the people of India the word Mysore is synonymous with Sandalwood, silk and fine inlay-work using ivory. It is the home of incense sticks dipped in sandalwood oil perfume base and has two well-known incense factories - the Aravinda Parimala and the Vasu and Cycle brand (together these two account for 70% of the incense stick export from India). Mysore is also the home of many well regarded musicians and artists. It is even today the hub of the tourist map of Karnataka. Nearby are several places of interest to visitors, some of these are Brindavan Gardens, Srirangapattana, Rangana Tittu bird sanctuary, Chamundi Hills, Nanjanagudu, Bandipur forest reserve, Shivanasamudra falls, and Talakaadu.
Overnight will be at Mysore.
DAY 04
Mysore – Nagarhole
By Road 80 kms in 2 hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Enjoy the city sightseeing.
Mysore Palace: The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasera festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.
Chamundi Hills: A well-known 335 meters high landmark, Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 meter monolith. At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces.
Brindavan Gardens: Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over an acre, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'. Timings: Monday-Friday: 6:30 PM - 7:25 PM and Saturday-Sunday: 6:30 PM - 8:25 PM
After sightseeing proceed for Nagarhole.
Reach and check into the hotel.
Established in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary, Nagarhole was designated a national park twenty years later. The park today stretches in a series of gentle hills and valleys, over an expanse of 640 sq. km, north of the river Kabini. The park came up around a perennial water reservoir formed in 1974, when the Kabini River was dammed.
Nagarhole's vegetation is refreshingly different from Bandipur's dry scrub – moist deciduous forests, including bamboo, teak, eucalyptus and cassia, cover much of the sanctuary, providing a refuge for a wide range of animals and birds. Nagarhole has all the resident wildlife of the Nilgiri hills: Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri Langur, bison, leopard, Asian elephant, wild boar, deer, dhole (wild dog) and porcupine, besides tigers. A high canopy of trees- up to thirty meters tall in some places- harbors rare birds such as the endangered Malabar trogon, the Malabar pied hornbill and the crested hawk-eagle.
Nagarhole saw some upheavals in 1992, when quarrelling between the wardens of the park and the local villagers resulted in arson which had an enormously adverse impact on the park and its wildlife. It will still take a few years for Nagarhole's forest and animal count to get back to normal but there has already been a resurrection of sorts and things get better every year.
Overnight will be at Nagarhole.
DAY 05 - 06
Nagarhole
Enjoy morning and afternoon game safaris.
All meals will be served at your hotel.
Overnight will be at Nagarhole.
DAY 07
Nagarhole – Coorg
By Road 75 kms in 2 hrs
After breakfast proceed to Coorg.
Reach Coorg and check into the hotel.
Coorg is famous for oranges and coffee plantation. This region also is famous for spices. Pepper, cardamoms etc can be seen. The coffee plantations in Madikeri alone accounts for almost half of Karnataka's coffee production. Karnataka is known to be India’s largest producer of coffee even today.
It is a place with disputed history. Some of the localities believe that this place was ruled by Lingayat rajas who ruled over Coorg. They established Madikeri as their capital. The famous gallient ruler Tipu Sultan in 1785 A.D annexed Coorg into his kingdom. But, Maharaja Veerarajendra with the help of the British rulers was successful in getting Coorg free. He developed this place into a beautiful hill station with beautiful coffee and oranges plantation. But, the joy of freedom of this place was short lived and in 1834 AD, the British took over power in Coorg. They imprisoned the last ruler Chikkaveera Rajendra.
Enjoy the beauty of the quaint town.
Overnight will be at Coorg.
DAY 08
Coorg
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
You can visit the following places today:
Fort: The 19th century fort in the centre of the Madikeri town visualized some of the most ferocious battles of its time. From the fort the entire Coorg town is visible. The fort now contains a small museum having some historical paintings, arms, armours and possessions of the past rulers, the prison. The fort also contains a small palace.
Sri Omkareshwara Temple - This historical temple for Lord Shiva, was built in 1820 by the then King of Coorg. This temple is unique for its architectural beauty which is a combination of Islamic and Gothic style of architecture. Every year at the end of November, a colourful temple festival is held here. On the top of the dome of the temple is a guided ball, with a weather clock.
Abbi Falls: Formerly this water fall was known as Jessey Falls. 'Abbi' in the local language Kodagu means falls. This beautiful water fall is about 5 km from Coorg.
Raja's Seat: Kings of Kodagu spent their evenings to watch the unforgettable scenes of the sun set. From this point thrilling view of valleys, lush green fields and Western Ghats can be viewed.
Bhagamandala: This place is 30 km from Coorg. It is famous for temples and is known as the temple town of this region. This place also has significance as here Cauvery is at its confluence with river Sujyothi and Kanike.
Irupu Falls: This fresh water cascade is at a distance of 48 Kms from Virajpet on the way to Nagarhole. This is a very famous picnic spot as well as a very good pilgrimage. On the banks of the river Lakshmana Theertha a tributary to the river Cauvery lies a very famous Shiva temple which is believed to have been dedicated by Lord Rama himself.
Overnight will be at Coorg.
DAY 09
Coorg - Hassan – Excursion to Halebid & Belur
By Road 200 kms in 4 hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for Hassan. Reach and check into the hotel.
The Hassan City more fully and meaningfully known as the Simhasana Nagari originally, before the mutation of names made by foreign rulers is the administrative centre of the Hassan district which is the invaluable crown of the Karnataka state, whose glory is sung as being the dear offspring of the great Mother Bharat Mata. This district is rich with natural sceneries and too with cultural wealth. It happens to be the confluence of three verities of areas namely the mountainous, the semi mountainous and the open field areas (Malenadu, Are Malenadu, and Bayalu Seeme). The Nandas, the Mouryas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas, the Lords of Vijaya Nagar Empire, the Kings of Belur, and the Monarchs of Mysore - thus several dynasties had their dominions over this land. Belur and Halebidu have revelled in History as the Capitals of the Hoysala Reign. The very first written document of the Kannada Language has been exposed to the world by this district, in the form of Halmidi Saasana (Halmidi Inscription)
Proceed for an excursion to Halebid & Belur.
Halebid - is 27 Kms north-west of Hassan and 17 Kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 21st century, is astounding for its wealth of sculpture details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods and Goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed despite 86 years of labour.
The Jain basadis nearby are equally rich in sculpture detail
Belur - This quaint hamlet - 38 Kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once capital of the Hoysala Empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples.
The Shennakeshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete this architectural marvel. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frescos, with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers, they are all there - awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Hand-lathe-turned filigreed pillars support the temple.
The Veeranarayana Temple and the smaller shrines are worth a visit.
Overnight will be at Hassan.
DAY 10
Hassan – Bangalore
By Road 185 kms in 3.5 hrs
Bangalore – Cochin
By air
After breakfast proceed to Bangalore. We will transfer you for your flight to Cochin.
Reach Cochin and we will receive you from the airport.
Check into the hotel and relax.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
DAY 11
Cochin
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.
Visit the following:
Old Cochin area – this is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jew town.
Chinese fishing nets – The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance.
The other important places are the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450.
In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
DAY 12
Cochin – Aleppey
Houseboat Cruise in the backwaters
Enjoy breakfast at hotel.
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Cruise through the backwaters towards Aleppey. Lunch will be served on the boat. The menu is simple and traditional. The cook (chef) of the boat prepares the lunch from fresh materials and even you can have a peek at the recipe.
Reach VEMBANAND Lake in KUMAROKOM.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds flock the area here. This is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies.
The boat will drop anchor at the edge of the lake and the boatman would lead you onto a village tour at sunset.
Visit a church and return to the boat. Lounge with a book and a glass of “red” or enjoy a culinary class on KERALA COOKERY STYLES in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Overnight will be on the boat under a starry sky while the fishermen move around in their small rowboats with small lanterns.
Overnight will be on the houseboat.
DAY 13
Kumarokom – Cochin
By Road 55 kms in 1 hr
Cochin – Departure
Breakfast will be served on the houseboat cruise.
Disembark at Kumarakom, where the driver will be waiting to drive you to your hotel in Cochin.
Relax at the hotel and enjoy a nice hot lunch, which we will take care of.
Drive around the town in the evening before the flight.
We will transfer you to the airport (for further flight connection) with sweet memories of the tour.
Tour ends.
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