Bangalore / Day 01 - 02
Arrive in Bangalore and check in. Bangalore, capital of Karnataka, famous as the `Garden City', was once a summer resort of the British Raj. Bangalore is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks, avenues and impressive buildings. Today, it is one of India's prosperous thriving commercial and industrial centers, also referred to as the `Silicon Valley' where most of the big electronic and computer companies have their centers also known as "Garden City" of India. After breakfast enjoy the short sightseeing of Bangalore. Visit the garden city including the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens. The gardens is said to be laid out by Haidar Ali and his son Tipu Sultan as a summer garden in the 18th century, has numerous flowers, hundred-year-old trees from many countries and the lotus Pond. Proceed to the Bull Temple in dravidian style with the huge monolith statue of Shiva's vehicle, the sacred Nandi Bull, nearly 5 m high and 6 m long, in grey granite polished. After sightseeing drive to Hassan. On arrival in Hassan, transfer to the hotel. Hassan has been named after the town's presiding Goddess “Hasanamba" and is called Karnataka’s temple-architecture capital. Hassan dates back to the 11th century, under the rule of the Hoysala Dynasty (11-14th century), who was largely influenced by Jainism.
Hassan / Day 03
After breakfast visit the twin temple towns of Belur and Halebidu for a glimpse of Hindu temple art at its glorious best. In the 16th century, Belur-Halebidu (both towns are spoken of in the same breath) was at the heart of the throbbing Hoysala empire. The Hoysalas were huge patrons of art and architecture and built massive temples that have survived the ravages of time. Some of the sculptures are so exotic, erotic and eloquent - that you expect them to speak or move. About 16 km away from Belur is Halebidu, the other temple town, equally magnificent but not as well preserved. Halebidu was the capital of the Hoysalas till the Delhi Sultanate destroyed it in the early 14th century after attacks. The Hoysaleshwara temple survived the pillage but it somehow managed to remain incomplete even after 87 years of uninterrupted construction. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and has two enormous Nandi bulls at the entrance.
Coorg / Day 04 - 06
On this day, we drive to the hilly coffee town of Coorg. Situated on the Western Ghats, Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer. Misty hills, lush forest, hundreds of acres of coffee plantations, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri (capital town) an unforgettable holiday destination. This is one of the most beautiful hill stations lying in Karnataka's southwestern end, covering an area of 4,102 sq km. Morning enjoy the bird watching walk which will start at around 0630 Hrs and will end up around 0730 Hrs. Coorg is an ornithologist's delight. And is every bit as entertaining and Enlightening for the amateur birdwatcher too. Consider how Coorg alone accounts for over 25% of all bird species in India, and you get an idea of why birding at Coorg is so popular. In & around Coorg, there are 300 species of birds including as different species of Woodpeckers, Owls & Parakeets. Later enjoy the nature walk, which will be of around 03 Hrs, start at 1000 Hrs and back in the hotel at 1300 Hrs. This walk will be done in adjoining Dubare Reserve Forest. Learn all about the birds and the beasts, and understand how each tree has a story to tell. Listen to jungle lore under a canopy of multi-hued green, and come back with a greater knowledge of the forest system and a higher sensitivity to the eco system. After breakfast drive to the Dubare Elephant Camp across the river Cauvery, where you will have a half-day program. You can participate in bathing and feeding of the elephants. A specialist explains you about the elephant's behavior and this interaction helps build bridges between man and pachyderm. Afternoon enjoy the plantation tour which will start at 1600 Hrs and will end up around 1800 Hrs – Enjoy the tour of the 300 acre working coffee and spice plantation on foot. Learn first hand the difference between an Arabica and Robusta, discover how the Malabar blend got 'monsooned', and explore the spice scented pathways of to slip into the spirit of the land.
Kabini / Day 07 - 08
After breakfast drive to Kabini. Kabini is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Karnataka, probably because of its easy accessibility, the lush green landscape surrounding a large picturesque lake, and fantastic sightings of large herds of elephants. It is 80km away from Mysore and 205km from Bangalore and comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarhole National Park. Situated on the banks of River Kabini, this forest reserve is spread over 55 acres of forestland and water bodies. In the evening, enjoy a boat safari. After breakfast, you will get a chance to visit the Tribal village of South India. Nearby, lies a small hadi or village of the Kuruba tribals. They are the Jenu Kurubas and the Beta Kurubas (collectively called Kadu Kurubas or simply Kurubas). These people were originally hunter-gatherers who switched to swidden agriculture and when that was banned, to the collection of minor forest produce. Later in the afternoon enjoy the vehicle safari in which guests will be taken into the Nagarhole National Park in a vehicle specially designed to facilitate wildlife sightings. The Nagarhole ecosystem supports the highest density of herbivores anywhere in Asia. During the safari, which lasts for three hours the visitor has a good opportunity to sight the herbivores. Later drive back to the Hotel.
Mysore / Day 09 - 10
After breakfast enjoy the coracle boat ride at Kabini River. (Subject to weather condition). You will be taken on a traditional round shaped boat called a coracle. The design of the boat is unique to the rivers of southern India and surprisingly to the rivers of Ireland! The coracle will drift slowly down the Kabini, hugging the shoreline. The purpose of this activity is to allow you to experience the river by bringing you in direct contact with it. You will get to experience the many moods of the river, calm, stormy. After this joy ride check out from the hotel and drive to Mysore. Mysore is rightly known as the "Cultural capital of Karnataka". It is a scenic town located in the state of Karnataka and is also the second largest city in the state following the capital city of Bangalore. A travel to Mysore is always an enriching experience since you will come across its rich culture, heritage, glorious history, and breathtaking tourist sites apart from the genial and hospitable people. Arrive Mysore and transfer to the Hotel. After breakfast enjoy the sightseeing of Mysore. Visit Maharaj Palace, the epitome of grandeur and extravagance that was built during the British Raj. In 1897 the old wooden palace was completely burnt down in a fire mishap during the princess's marriage. So a new palace had to be built to match the royal stature of the Wodeyars of Mysore who had succeeded in making Mysore state, the model state of British India. Also visit Chamundi Hills, which is named after the Goddess of Mysore "Goddess Chamundi". She is an incarnation of Parvati (consort of Shiva), who killed the demon Mahishasura.
Bandipur / Day 11
After breakfast drive to Bandipur. Established in 1931, Bandipur National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park is flanked by the Rivers Kabini and Moyar while River Nugu runs through it. The park is the first biosphere reserve of the country and provides sanctuary to several of India’s endangered wildlife species such as Indian elephants, tigers, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, Indian rock pythons and four-horned antelopes. Besides these it is also home to bisons, spotted deer, panthers, bears, leopards, sambars, and peacocks. Enjoy afternoon Jeep Safari in the park. Overnight in the hotel
Ooty / Day 12
After breakfast drive to Ooty. The queen of the hills in South India, Ooty is a popular hill station that is known for its pleasant climate, tea plantations, fruit orchards and scenic hills of the Nilgiris. An ideal destination to beat the heat, Ooty is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Ooty is nestled in the verdant hills of the Nilgiris. The beautiful hill resort is situated at an altitude of 2,268 m and is part of Tamil Nadu. In the day, experience the visit of tribals of Ooty called Todas. The Nilgiris are the home to 18 tribal groups, among whom the Todas are the most remarkable. A pastoral community, the Todas are dark-skinned and curly-haired and are strict vegetarians. Their language through of Dravidian origin has no script.
Madurai / Day 13
After breakfast drive to Madurai. Madurai is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and the place where the Dravidian culture reached its zenith in art, architecture, palaces and temple buildings. Once the capital of powerful Nayaka kings, a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers. In the evening again visit the Meenakshi Temple to attend the evening ceremony known as 'Bedtime of the God'. A colourful procession, in which the image of Shiva is carried accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests from his shrine to enter Parvati's (Meenakshi) temple to sleep with her for the night. This ceremony is worth witnessing.
Periyar / Day 14 - 15
After breakfast, visit the famous Meenakshi Temple which is an outstanding example of Vijaynagara temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temples in India. Its nine "Gopurams" - Temple Towers have wonderful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals from Hindu mythology. Later visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a palace in Indo Saracenic style built in 1636, with huge domes and 240 columns rising to 20 metres, a beautiful garden and an attached museum. The celestial pavilion an arcaded octagonal structure is curiously constructed in brick and mortar without any supporting rafters. Later drive to Periyar famous for Periyar National Park, which is a unique wildlife sanctuary and is about 780 sq. km centred on an artificial lake fed by the Periyar River. On arrival, transfer to hotel. In the morning enjoy game viewing by boats, which carry you through the jungle along convoluted waterways and afford sightings of elephant, bison, deer and occasionally tiger. There are trees more than 100 years old and over 50 m high. After breakfast visit a Spice Plantation. You will walk through the aromatic spice gardens where the air is laden with the fragrance of nature's bounty. Many spices are also known to have medicinal value, for instance, turmeric is a known anti-oxidant and curry leaf can control and prevent diabetes. The evening is reserved to witness Kalaripayattu performance - A martial art designed for the ancient battlefield (the word "Kalari" meaning "battlefield").
Alleppey / Day 16
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. On arrival in Alleppey, transfer to the jetty to board House-boat (Kettuvallom) on the world famous backwaters of Kerala.“Kettu" literally means to tie up and "Vallom" means”boats". The boats played a major role in the economic development of ancient Kerala, moving cargo and men from the very nook and corner of otherwise unreachable area, cutting across the length and breadth of the land.
Cochin / Day 17 - 19
After breakfast on the rice boat (Kettuvallom) get down at jetty and drive to Cochin. Cochin has been variously hailed as Queen of the Arabian Sea, Venice of Orient, etc. Some choose to call it simply a museum city for its rich past and colorful present. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening enthrall yourself with a special presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali Dance Drama in a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form of Kerala and the impressive facial expressions, hand gestures and dance moves will leave one spellbound. Enjoy the city tour, which includes the visit to the most iconic parts of Cochin. St. Francis Church is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. The Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. The third place that one must visit is the Dutch Palace, which was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Onward journey.