This offbeat tour of South India is an enchanting journey through the amazing forts, palaces and temples of South India. Experience the unique culture and colorful traditions. Explore the past, walk through the spice gardens, ride and elephant and cruise through the famous Kerala backwaters in comfort and style. This extended tour of South India is a must for couples, families and small groups.
Destinations – Bangalore – Hassan – Coorg – Mysore – Wayanad – Calicut – Cochin – Munnar – Madurai – Periyar – Kumarakom – Kovalam
Itinerary
Day 01 – Arrival in Bangalore Airport
Arrive in Bangalore Airport. Following Customs, Immigration formalities and baggage collection, an INDUS TRIPS Airport Representative will meet you outside the Arrival Hall, after which you will transferred to your hotel. Check-in time is 1200 Noon, early check-in would be subject to availability.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Bangalore
Day 2 Bangalore – Shravanabelagola – Hassan
After Breakfast at residing hotel proceed to Hassan enroute visit shravanabelagola, a famous Jain pilgrim site.
A 17m high monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara standing atop the Vindhyagiri hills makes this site world famous later drive to Hassan, the name of the city derives from the name of the goddess Hassanamba. The city was founded by Channa Krishnappa Naik in the eleventh century. The tenth to the thirteenth century, the beauty of Hoysala art could flourish.
Overnight at Hassan
Day 3 Hassan – Belur – Halibedu – Hassan
After Breakfast visit Belur and Halebedu,this day is dedicated to visit major art sites of the Hindus and especially the Hoysala dynasty.
Located a few kilometres from Hassan, Belur is the first site built by the Hoysala dynasty (eleventh and twelfth centuries), a star.
The many and admirable reliefs recount battle scenes between the Cholas Vishnuvardhana, neighboring Tamil Nadu.
A Halebid, Hoysaleshwara temple listed as a jewel in the quality of its sculptures. No detail is overlooked in this breath-taking panorama of the great Hindu monuments.
Overnight at Hassan
Day 04 Hassan – Coorg
After breakfast drive to Coorg, A hedonist’s paradise, Coorg is a dream you’ll never forget. Hills, old-world charm, coffee, amazing food, vivid cultures and warm hospitality – there’s something in the air of Coorg that makes all things beautiful.
Remainder of the day at leisure to relax.
Overnight at Coorg
Day 05 Coorg
After breakfast, visit to the Byalkuppe Tibetan settlements in India
The town is mainly inhabited by Tibetans, an estimated 7,000 Tibetans live in the settlements; these were established on land leased by the state government to accommodate some of the Tibetan expatriates who came to resettle in India after 1959. Bylakuppe consists of a number of agricultural settlements, colonies are close to each other, and has number of monasteries and temples in all the major Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Most notable among them are the large educational monastic institution Sera Monastery, the smaller Tashilunpo Monastery (both in the Gelug tradition) and Namdroling Monastery (in the Nyingma tradition). Bylakuppe also has many Buddhist universities for advanced Buddhist practices.
Overnight at Coorg
Day 06 Coorg – Mysore
After the breakfast have a drive to the silk city “Mysore”.
In the evening if you feel free have a walk to Devaraja Market to see the eye-catching flowers, colour powders, vegetables, spices, incense oils, well arranged fruit market housed in an old heritage building.
Overnight at Mysore.
Day 07 Mysore
After breakfast, full day Sightseeing of “Mysore” – the heritage city. In the morning, have a visit to the famous Mysore Maharaja Palace built in Indo Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades.
This palace is the treasure house of exquisite art, carvings and paintings from all over the World. Then drive to Chamundi Hills to visit the famous Chamundeshwari temple and the Bull temple.
In the evening drive to Srirangapatna – an historic site, the capital city of great Muslim warrior Tipu Sultan. The main attractions here are Ranganathaswamy temple, Tipu’s summer palace (Daria Dalut Bagh) and Gumbaz.
Overnight at Mysore.
Day 08 Mysore –Wayanad
After breakfast at residing hotel, proceed to Wayanad (141 kms ; 4.5 hrs ).
Wayanad set in the picturesque Western Ghats and mountains at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. Littered with tropical rain forests, dense hills, rolling paddy fields, spice plantations and valleys, Wayanad is a hitherto undiscovered location offering breathtaking views.
Evening visit Edakal Caves, the Caves are two natural rock formations believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock. The carvings inside are extremely beautiful. A trek up the majestic Ambukuthi Hills is required to reach these caves. The aroma of coffee stays with you the entire way. It is truly a surreal experience as we step into the palms of history.
Overnight at Wayanad
Day 09 Wayanad – Calicut
After breakfast, drive to Calicut (220 Kms/05 Hours) en-route visit Pookode Lake, a scenic fresh water lake surrounded by forest, where you can take a gentle walk around. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Afternoon, proceed for visit to same famous places like Kappad beach, the place where Vasco da Gama set foot for the first time when he came to India on May 27, 1498. There is a small stone monument at the beach to commemorate that event.
Pazhassiraja Museum is located on the East Hill. It is run by the State Archeological Department. Ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, old coins, models of temples, and megalithic structures are on display here.Situated next to Pazhassirajah Museum is an art gallery displaying paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. On this beach are also situated Calicut Town Center, Lions Club, and a lighthouse.
Two crumbling piers, more than hundred years old, stand out into sea at Kozhikode beach. The beach is easily accessible from the city and provides a good view of the setting sun. The place also has a Marine Life Aquarium open whole day. Mananchira, which was the palace tank of King Mana Vikrama, has been now turned into a traditional architectural splendor with carpeted green grass and surrounded by ethnic buildings. The place also has a musical fountain.
Overnight at Calicut
Day 10 Calicut – Cochin
After the breakfast, drive to Cochin (190 Kms/04 Hours) Fort Cochin – the mix of culture of Portuguese, Dutch and British.
In the afternoon have a visit to 16th century Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry palace also known as Dutch Palace.
Have a walk in the Jew Town.
Overnight at Cochin.
Day 11 Cochin
After breakfast, full day sightseeing of Cochin. First, have a visit to Chinese Fishing nets and fish markets.
Near to this place, have a visit to St.Francis Church, where you can see the tomb of Portuguese sailor Vasco-da-gama, then to Santa Cruz Basilica – a catholic church and Dutch cemetery.
In the evening, attend the traditional dance show of Kerala”Kathakali”.
Overnight at Cochin.
Day 12 Cochin – Munnar
After breakfast, drive to “Munnar”- the meeting point of three rivers. Munnar has beautiful landscapes with a view of natural tea plantations, waterfalls, greeny mountains, the villages on the sloppy areas.
Upon arrival check-in at hotel
Overnight at Munnar
Day 13 Munnar
After Breakfast, visit Eravikulam park – the main inhabitant of the Eravikulam park is Nilgiri Tahr. Now the park has the largest known population of Tahrs existing in the world.
Visit Tea museum followed by a tea plantation visit. :- The museum set up at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar The Tata Tea Museum diligently portrays the growth of Munnar tea estates, veritably conveyed through some of the displays like the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory. Visitors to the museum can satiate their curiosity on various stages of tea processing and also learn a thing or two about the production of black tea. Have a visit to the famous Eravikulam National Park and Mattupatty Dam. Have a walk in the spice markets.
Overnight at Munnar
Day 14 Munnar – Madurai
After breakfast, drive to Madurai (180 Kms/04 Hours) Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Afternoon, proceed for sightseeing tour of Madurai.
Visit to pilgrimage site Meenakshi Amman Temple, historical monument Tirumalai Nayak Palace being the most prominent. Back to hotel relax for while. Post dinner take you to Meenakshi Temple once again to attend Madurai temple night ceremony.
Overnight at Madurai.
Day 15 Madurai – Periyar
Post a leisure breakfast drive to Periyar and check in at hotel.
Periyar is on 1000 meters above the sea level and is rich in spice growing. 95% pepper in India is produced from here. Vasco de Gama was the first European to land at the Malabar Coast in 1498 A.D. in search of spices. Pepper in those days was exported against the equal weight of gold, so in the beginning of 15th century pepper was called black gold.
Later afternoon visits a Spice Garden to see different varieties of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, clove, vanilla, ginger, tea and coffee growing in their natural environment.
Overnight at Periyar
Day 16 Periyar
Morning enjoy Elephant package which is 02-hour activity with Timber dragging, Elephant bath & shower, Elephant feeding, Photo session and command and a short Elephant joy ride.
Afternoon enjoy common boat ride at Periyar Lake which has a unique aquatic ecosystem the numerous little islets in the lake are witness to the intricate inherent interrelationship among the terrestrial aquatic and subterranean life forms. A boat cruise on the Lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve.
Overnight at Periyar
Day 17 Periyar – Kumarakom
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom, enjoy the real country side of Kerala with amazing Backwaters, Day at leisure today, relax in nature or enjoy the hotel amenities.
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 18 Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat
After Breakfast at residing hotel drive to Alleppey to Board your Houseboat. The houseboat cruise takes you through the intricate maze of backwaters, mesmerizing and surprising you at every turn with its serene beauty & simple charm.
Enjoy the countryside of Kerala at its best. Soak your eyes & soul with array of coconut trees & endless paddy fields. You will also get chance to take a small stroll through the villages & interact with the locals. Have a cruise in the backwaters of “Vembanadu” Lake. Your boat will be stopped at one place around 5 :30 PM and have a dinner in the houseboat (AC will work in night only and authentic Kerala Cuisine will be served)
Overnight on board
Day 19 Alleppey – Kovalam
After breakfast drive to Kovalam via Trivandrum, On arrival check-in at hotel and rest of the day at leisure / Overnight at Kovalam
Day 20 Kovalam
After breakfast, day at leisure (No Transportation envisaged)
Overnight at Kovalam
Day 21 Kovalam
After breakfast, day at leisure (No Transportation envisaged)
Overnight at Kovalam
Day 22 Kovalam – Bangalore (by Flight)
Post Breakfast Drop at Trivandrum Airport to catch flight to Bangalore
Upon arrival at Bangalore Airport transfer to Hotel and Check-in
Afternoon, you will proceed for sightseeing tour of Bangalore – you will take a tour to Vidhan Soudha, the Nandi Temple, the Lal Bagh Garden and Iskon Temple. The rich heritage, beautiful gardens, magnificent palaces, broad avenues & sacred temples attracts the visitors.
Overnight at Bangalore
Day 23 Bangalore Airport Drop
After Breakfast drop at Bangalore Airport to Catch the flight to Home.
End of Tour
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