TOURIST PLACE
Bangalore
Mysore
Ooty
Wayanad
Kochi
Alleppy
Kovalam
Trivandrum
- Visit to Botanical Garden & Lovedale in Ooty
- Visit Sims park and Coonoor tea plantations
- Enroute to Wayanad visit Needle Rock View point in Gudalur, the Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary, Pookot Lake and Chain Tree
- Enjoy activities such as nature walk focusing on bird watching, trekking and night walk with naturalist at Wayanad Wild resort
- Discover the dances of the Kathakali Show, Kochi
- Visit Chinese fishing nets and St. Francis’ Church in Kochi
- Wined and dined on board with all three meals & one bottle of wine during dinner.
- Unwind with one complimentary full body massage, Kovalam
Southern India
South India offers the coolest most luxuriant greens anywhere. Covering some of the most inspiring and delightful sights of the southern-most states of India.
Highlights
- Visit to the beautiful Bangalore Palace
- Sample the finest wines with Wine Tasting & Tour in Bangalore
- Guided tour of Mysore’s architectural and historical wonders
- Visit to Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary
- 1 Hour Jungle Jeep Safari through the Forest at Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chug across South India’s plains on a UNESCO mountain train, Ooty
- Learn about the history of tea with tea tasting excursion, Ooty
01 Bangalore
Arrive at the international airport where you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
02 Bangalore
Once an obscure town, Bangalore is now the hub of India’s booming IT industry and is the nation’s most progressive city. The title “A Tale of Two Cities” is apt as Bangalore bridges together two different worlds. The central district, dating back to the British Raj years, contrasts with the Silicon Valley-esque outskirts of Bangalore. On this journey you will discover a mystifying land sprinkled with the unpredictable gems of India’s legacy.
This afternoon visit the Bangalore Palace known for its elegant splendour and royal charm. Take a walking tour of the palace and explore the architectural marvel which is a perfect blend of Tudor and Scottish Gothic with wooden interiors.
Overnight stay.
03 Bangalore – Mysore (139Kms/3 hrs.)
After breakfast proceed to take an experience of wine tour.
This guided wine tour, of around 3 hours, begins at around 10.30 AM with a visit to the vineyards where the history of wine cultivation in brief would be shared. After strolling through rows of grape-bearing vines, you will witness the entire process of wine-making–crushing of grapes to final labelling and packaging. You would next head into the barrel room, setup with real oak barrels, where ageing of premium wine is done. The 90-minute long wine tasting session takes place in the cellar, where 5 different varieties of wines are proffered amid soothing music. The tour concludes with a lunch buffet, overlooking the vineyards under the hills.
Next, you will drive to the royal city of Mysore, en-route stop and visit to the fort town of Srirangapatnam. The seat of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan’s power, this town was the de facto capital of much of southern India during the 18th century. The epic war waged by the British against Tipu Sultan in 1799 ended Srirangapatnam’s glory days. You can still sense the history as you view the massive ramparts, battlements and some of the remaining gates of the fort.
Drive on to Mysore and check-in to your hotel.
Overnight stay.
04 Mysore
After breakfast, visit Mysore Palace. Discover a royal heirloom in marble as you behold the sight of the sun striking its rays onto the domes that radiate like pink pearls. The finest example of Indo-Saracenic archaeological brilliance, it is one of India’s grandest royal buildings. Entering the Doll’s Pavilion and Elephant Gate you will be transported back to a lavish way of life, where opulent halls are richly decorated with stained-glass ceilings and a golden elephant howdah that stands like an unused TARDIS to the ancient world of the Maharajas of Mysore.
Your afternoon exploration of the city of Palaces begins at the temple of Chamundeswari located on top of Chamundi Hills. The temple was named after a deity worshiped for centuries by Mysore Maharajas. Walk up the steps to behold the remarkable tower of the temple and its granite statues including the beautiful 16-foot statue of Nandi, gifted by the Maharaja, Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar in 1659. Also included is a drive to St. Philomena’s Church. Constructed in 1936, it is believed to be one of the oldest churches in India and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
05 Mysore – Bandipur- Mudumalai=Ooty
After breakfast from the hotel, check out at 10:00 Hrs. and depart for Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary which is 14 kms from Mysore.
Spanning over 40 acres of land area, Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary lies beautifully on the banks of River Cauvery. The sanctuary houses some of the most exquisite birds and offers a picturesque setting to mesmerize you. Here you can spot a wide array of local and migratory birds including shag, white ibis, Darter, Peafowl, Pond Heron, Wild Duck, open-billed stork, painted stork, kingfisher, Cattle Egret, River Tern and many more. Later, visit the Lalith Mahal palace hotel, which is the second largest palace in Mysore. The construction of the palace dates back to 20th century and was build for the exclusive stay of the then Viceroy of India. The elegant palace is painted pure white and boasts of its exquisite Renaissance architecture, sprawling landscaped gardens and historical significance.
Post lunch, depart for Ooty en-route to Ooty visit Bandipur Forest . You will proceed to Mudumalai national park & wildlife sanctuary which is 12 kms away from Bandipur national park, Covering 880 sq km expanse of wilderness between the Deccan Plateau and Western Ghats, Bandipur National Park was once the Mysore Maharajas’ private wildlife reserve. It is now a protected zoo for over 100 species of mammals, including tiger, elephant, leopard and sloth bear. The park also teems with 350 species of bird, so keep your eyes open for delicately hued doves, slender and elegant herons and broad winged eagles.
Enjoy the Jeep Safari at Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary from 1500 to 16:00 Hrs.
Then you will proceed to Ooty, which is also known as the “the queen of the hill stations” and is one of 65 hill stations set up across India by the British. The town was established in the early 19th century as the summer headquarters of the Madras government and memorably nicked-named “Snooty Ooty”. It lies among sprawling forests, and at 7,000 ft above sea level, it’s refreshingly cool.
Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight stay.
06 Ooty
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Ooty visit to Botanical Garden , Tea Factory & Lovedale Founded in 1812, the town was used by the British to escape from the heat of the plains below. Like with other hill stations –Ooty, Coonoor, Wellington – founded by the British, Lovedale still retains its colonial flavor in the form of old-world cottages, bungalows and Gothic Church.
Afternoon proceed to Coonoor, known for the production of Nilgiri tea, Coonoor is one of three misty Nilgiri hill stations. It sits approximately 1850m above sea level and is connected to Ooty and Mettupalayam by the joyful and ingenious Nilgiri Mountain Railway, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The surrounding region is beautifully carpeted in emerald tea plantations that are studded with tall trees and interspersed with waterfalls.
Depart from Coonoor at 1600 hrs and proceed to Ooty at 17:30 hrs. You will be picked up from Ooty Railway station and will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight stay.
07 Ooty - Vaythri (Wayanad)
This morning proceed to Vythiri in Wayanad, en-route visit Needle Rock View point in Gudalur and later visit the Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary. In afternoon visit Pookot Lake and Chain Tree, check in at the Wildlife resort at 15 00 hours.
Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Located at a distance of 80 km. from the sea shores of Kozhikode, this verdant hill station is full of tea & coffee plantations, forests and wildlife.
Regarding geographical location, Wayanad district stands on the southern top of the Deccan plateau and its chief glory is the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges and rugged terrain interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and deep valleys.
Overnight stay.
08 Vaythri (Wayanad)
Morning enjoying your breakfast.
Rest of the day will be at leisure.
You may relax at the hotel or can choose amongst inhouse resort activities such as nature walk with naturalist, trek to nearby hillocks, etc.
In the evening enjoy your dinner at hotel.
Overnight stay.
09 Vaythri (Wayanad) - Kochi
After breakfast depart to Kozhikode railway station, on the way visit Lakkidi view point. Later connect train to Kochi.
Train = JanShatabdi Express
Dep.1345 Hrs.
Arr. 1720 Hrs.
Arrive Kochi in the evening and transfer to the hotel.
Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is a cosmopolitan city in Kerala. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj.
Overnight stay.
10 Kochi
This morning visit the wonderful St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Relax in the shade as you drive to the Jewish Synagogue, built over 400 years ago and discover the impressive architecture and beautiful murals of Dutch Palace. Next visit the gigantic Chinese fishing nets, “cheenavalas”, dating from 1350 and still in use today.
Evening witnessing the mesmerizing Indian traditional dance show “Kathakali”. Kathakali means “Story Play”. This traditional dance, which is a blend of dance, music and acting, tells the stories from the Indian epics. Its easily draws the attention of people with its bright costumes, elaborate makeup and intricate movements of hand, face, body and eyes. If you are fond of the traditional dance form of Kathakali, try to reach the venue an hour or half an hour earlier so that you can watch how to do the Kathakali makeup.
Overnight stay.
11 Kochi-Alleppey
After breakfast, depart for Alleppey. Experience the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s backwaters with stay overnight Alleppey houseboat cruise.
Float past rural villages, coconut palms, rice paddies and more as you make your way through the narrow channels and expansive waterways known as the “Venice of the East”. It’s one of the best ways to escape the chaos of the city and truly relax and unwind on your trip to India.
Note: – Houseboat cruise time is from 12:00 noon to 17:30 Hrs. with 1 hour lunch break. The boat will be hankered or stationary from 17:30 Hrs. till next day 07:30 Hrs. AC is being provided in the bed room after the dinner. Next day it starts at 07:30 Hrs. and stop at 09:00 Hrs. There may be 30 minutes plus and minus depend upon different houseboat agencies.
Overnight stay at Houseboat.
12 Alleppey - Kovalam
Disembark after breakfast and drive towards Kovalam. Kovalam is often tipped as the ‘paradise’ of South India, with its coconut trees and sweeping beaches, reflecting the meaning of its name –a grove of coconut trees. There is a rocky promontory that has formed a fantastic bay of pristine water perfect for a dip. The beaches are divided by rocks, creating its famous crescent shape.
Upon arrival check in to the hotel.
Overnight stay.
13 Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel.
Day free at leisure to relax on the beach!
Optional activities:-
1. Visit Kovalam Art Gallery: This Art Gallery displays the age-old art that represents the cultural traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It also showcases beautiful sculptures, intricate paintings and the work of various artists from all over the world.
2. Ayurvedic Massages: Trip to Kovalam is incomplete without experiencing the famous Kerala Ayurvedic massages. One of the best things to do in Kovalam for rejuvenation.
3. Surfing in the Sea: Kovalam is home to the most fascinating water sports and activities like surfing, boating etc.. This sea surfing experience is a great experience to cherish as you enjoy the high of adventure & once-in-a-lifetime trip that you’ll never forget!!!
Overnight stay.
14 Kovalam – Trivandrum (20 Kms/30 Min drive)
After breakfast drive towards Trivandrum airport to connect flight for your onward destination.