01
Day; Arrival Mumbai:
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the International airport, our representative welcome you and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would brief the tour to you and hand over the documents. Overnight at the hotel.
Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by nos time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.
02 Day: Mumbai:
After breakfast takes a sight seeing tour of Bombay,
drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats
to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you
to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses
large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is
made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of
the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls
are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is
the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God
is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the
creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway
of India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other
several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar
serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of
Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple,
Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are
closed on every Monday.
03 Day: Mumbai - Trivandrum
(By Air) – Kovalam:
Today after breakfast checkout from the hotel and transfer
to the domestic airport to board morning flight for
Trivandrum, assistance on arrival in Trivandrum and
drive to Kovalam (16 kms for half hour), on arrival
transfers to the beach resort. Day free to relax and
leisure activities in the beach resort.
Kovalam: On the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village; called Kovalam is 16 kms away from Trivandrum, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. The beach resort here is of international standard. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a paradise of nature.
04 Day: Kovalam - Trivandrum
- Cape Camorin - Kovalam (excursion 85 kms):
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of Trivandrum
city, (16 kms) the capital of the state of Kerala is
a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu
and is a landmark in the city. Later drive to Cape Camorin
also known as Kanya Kumari 85 kms, this place is at
the tail tip end of India, one can see the 3 seas meet
over here (Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean & bay of Bengal)
on arrival visit Kumari Amman Devi Temple, Vivekananda
Rock & Ashram, enjoy sunset over here & drive
back to Kovalam for overnight.
Trivandrum: Thiruvananthapuram shot into prominence in the 18th century when the capital was shifted here form Padmanabhapuram, a little down south. The erstwhile kings of the then Travancore State, taking on the title of Padmanabhadas (servant of Lord), had dedicated themselves completely to the service of the Lord residing in the temple here. By the terms of this dedication, the deity owns the kingdom while the king is the mere executor of the trust. The temples in the city are believed to be several thousands years old. After independence, the city was designated as the capital of Kerala.
Kanyakumari - Referred to by the British as Cape Commorin, Kanyakumari in the state of Tamil Nadu is located at the southern most tip of the peninsular Indian. The small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari, or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name. Kanyakumari is the point of confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This well-known Hindu pilgrimage center is famous for its beautiful sights of sunrise and sunset over the waters.
05 Day: Kovalam:
The day is free for leisure and you can enjoy Ayurveda
massage at the resort. Rest of the day is free for beach
activities. Overnight at beach resort at Kovalam.
06 Day: Kovalam - Varkala
(60 kms - 1 hour):
After breakfast checkout & drive to Varkala, on
arrival transfer to beach resort in Varkala. Day free
to relax at the beach resort or optionally you can go
for Ayurvedic Massages available at the resort. Overnight
in Varkala.
Varkala, a quiet, secluded stretch of sand, the Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The 2000-year-old shree Janardhana Swamy temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here. It is 40 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
07 Day: Varkala - Alleppey (140 kms - 3 hours) (Backwaters
tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom):
After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on
arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey
of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside
enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake
boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing
enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the
vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets
lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic
sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets,
the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found
on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks
and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring
pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land,
you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening
enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving
towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity;
sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached
English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with
a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat.
Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the center of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - the most colourful snake-boat race in Kerala - is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.
Alleppey A glide in a "Kettuvalam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land.
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 like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands
08 Day: Kumarakom:
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive
to Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. Here in this backwater
town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings
where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later
visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks
of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous
species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy
kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of
Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher,
it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at
all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss
out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh
water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
09 Day: Kumarakom - Thekkaddy
/ Periyar (140 kms - 3 ½ hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy, on
arrival transfer to the hotel. After rest and relaxation
take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom,
cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way
back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market
and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight at Periyar.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq.miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centerpiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq.km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The lake is an important source of water for the many wild animals. The Best time to visit Periyar is between OCTOBER and MAY. The best chance of watching animals is during the hot months of march, April and May, when water gets low and the grass dries out, animals especially elephants come down to the Periyar lake to bath & frolic in the water with the young ones.
10 Day: Thekkaddy (Periyar):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy, on
arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries
covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve.
Its centrepiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height
of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq. km, running through the forests
of the Western Ghats in Kerala, discover the park, animals
found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars
and birds like ibis and grey heron. The visit is done
in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we
may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Overnight
at Periyar.
11 Day: Periyar - Munnar
(105 kms - 2 hours):
After an early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival
transfer to the hotel, Munnar is located at the Idukki
district of Kerala State in India. The word "Munnar"
means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here.
During the British rule in India, Munnar was the summer
resort of the Government officials. The natural beauty,
calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year make
it the favourite tourist place. There are about 30 tea
plantations in and around Munnar. The tea estates, hills,
lakes and forests inside Munnar range exposes it's beauty.
The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which make
the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Later take
visit at Rajmalai Wild Life sanctuary - this is the
only sanctuary in India where Indian Ibex’s are
found, followed by visit at Kannan Devan Hills from
here you can have a panoramic view of Munnar Tea Estates
& the Lake of Munnar. Overnight at the hotel.
Munnar, the erstwhile 'summer capital of the British', has become the most sought after holiday destination in South India. It is the luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, the eastern border of Kerala, 5000ft above sea level. Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and major cash crop plantations cover most of this region. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri Thar and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna.
12 Day: Munnar:
After breakfast you can opt to visit to Mattupetty famous
for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss
live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding
cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three
of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by
visit to Pothamedu which offers an excellent view of
the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar.
The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking
scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain
walks. Later visit at Devikulam (7 km from Munnar).
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic
flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare
experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters
and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.
The lake is also ideal for trout fishing. Return to
the hotel for overnight stay at Munnar.
Optionally you can visit Eravikulam National Park (15
km from Munnar) the park is 97 sq. km, situated in the
Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Considering
the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and
zoological significance, it was declared as a National
park in 1978. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and
is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found
anywhere in the world. Later return to the hotel for
overnight at Munnar.
13 Day: Munnar - Cochin
(134 kms - 3 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Cochin. On arrival
transfer to the hotel. After some rest and relaxation
in the evening enjoy the Kathakali, one of India's most
famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic
makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers,
intricate moments. Overnight at Cochin.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.
14 Day: Cochin:
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Cochin: Oasis
state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coasts &
Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colourful
cities. This inter, connected series of Islands &
shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures &
Religions; Visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church
to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish
Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace.
This evening a memorable experience in any journey in
Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes &
Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary
excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we
see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch,
we enjoy use of narrow produced - Laden dugouts &
the everyday life of families living on narrow spits
of land between the waters. Later return to the hotel
for overnight stay.
15 Day Cochin - Ooty (300
Kms 5- 6 hrs):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Ooty, en route
optionally you can visit Bandipur & Mudumalai Sanctuaries,
on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation,
enjoy the beauty of this hill station. Ooty is fondly
known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty is snugly
ensconced in the heart of the Nilgiris. Dotted with
undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, gurgling brooks
and lush green tea gardens, this tranquil haven is sure
to capture the hearts of every visitor. Later take a
sightseeing tour of Ooty enjoy the scenic surroundings,
the Botanical Garden a wealth of variety of plants that
include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare
flowering plants, eucalyptus trees, several old trees
and even a fossilized tree trunk that is 20 million
years old, followed by boat rides and fishing, a visit
to the Ooty Lake is a must. Besides these, there are
various view points like Lamb’s Rock, Kodanadu
and Dodabetta Peak is the highest point in the district
at a height of 2623 meters. Provided the day is clear,
one can see as far as the plains of Coimbatore and the
Mysore plateau. Overnight at Ooty.
Ooty: Known as the queen of hills and the most popular hill station in the South India. It is located in the Nilgiri hills at 2286 meter above sea level. With its rolling lawns and salubrious climate it became the important hill station in South India and the summer capital of the former Madras presidency. Ooty still has the touch of the Raj about it, with its cottages and pretty gardens and stone churches that stands among the groves of pine. Old summer palaces of maharajas are now hotels and set in their beautiful parks.
16 Day: Ooty - Coonoor -
Ooty (1 hour drive):
After breakfast take an excursion to Coonoor, visiting
Sim's Park, there are also a number of individual tree
specimens planted all over the place, give a special
charm to the park, Dolphin's Nose, the Nose is a unique
rock of tremendous proportions which looks like a Dolphin,
Lamb's Rock commands a grand view of the Coimbatore
Plains, Laws Falls a paradise for Nature lovers. If
you love trekking visit to The Droog, used by as an
outpost by Tipu Sultan, stands 6,000 feet height overlooking
the plains, it is around 3 kms trekking, later drive
back to Ooty for overnight stay.
Coonoor, surrounded by the tea plantations, and at an altitude of 1850 m, Coonoor is the first of the three Nilgiri hill station-Udhagamandalam (Ooty ), Kotagiri and Coonoor - that you come to when leaving behind the southern plains. Like Ooty, it's on the toy train line from Mettupalayam. While Kotagiri had the Kotas, and Ooty the Todas, so Coonoor was home to the Coon hill tribe. ( The suffix, 'oor', means village. ) This now bustling town appears rather squashed between the hills and it's only after climbing up out of the busy market area with the bus and train terminals that you'll get a sense of what hill stations were originally all about.
17 Day: Ooty - Mysore (155
kms - 3 hours):
Morning after breakfast drive to Mysore is the Sandalwood
and Incense Capital of the World & some of India's
finest Crafts, such as Printed Silk, Inlaid, Furniture
and Ivory Carvings are also found here. Also known as
the city of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that
never fails to enchant. Afternoon Sight seeing trip
to visit the Palace of the Maharaja (Emperor) built
in 1911 - 1912. The palace is of harmonious syntheses
of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with
archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures
which are magnificent followed by visit at St. Philomenas
cathedral - folklore museum - Brindavan gardens &
spectacular musical fountains. Visit the Art Gallery;
drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple
and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see
the Nandi Bull. Overnight at the hotel.
Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore races its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyars rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendor.
18 Day; Mysore - Hassan
(115 kms 3 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Hassan,
en route visit the picturesque hilly landscape afterwards
continue to drive to Hassan. En route toy can take a
stopover in Halebid, which is the ancient capital of
Hoysala Empire. In Halebid we visit the Hoysalesvara
Temple of 12th century where we see half-life size statues
of Hindu deities, with minute details of each, all around
the temple. After the visit in Halebid we proceed to
Belur. In Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples,
which are famous for its architecture and sculptures.
After visit drive to Hassan for overnight stay.
Hassan is a convenient base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. The District Museum here has a collection of sculpture, paintings, weapons, coins and inscriptions. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleshwara Temple, dating back to the 12th century is astounding because of its wealth of sculptural 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 the Nandi Bull was never completed.
Halebid is 27 kms northwest 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 Hoysaleshwara 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 basdis 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.
19 Day: Hassan - Sravanbelagola - Bangalore
(140 Kms - 3 hrs):
After breakfast check out and drive to Bangalore. En
route visit Sravanbelagola, At Sravanbelagola, hewn
out of a single rock and visible from a distance of
25 kms is the statue of Lord Gomteshwara, which is bathed
with milk, sandalwood, saffron once every 12 years.
Continue to proceed to Bangalore. On arrival transfer
to the hotel relax. Later take a sightseeing tour of
the city visiting Lal Baugh - One of the many gardens
in the city; it derives its name from the profusion
of Red roses which are in bloom here, Cubbon Park -
a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864. The ambience
of the city life is broken with presence of such a large
park in the center of the city. The Bull Temple - The
4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out
of single granite rock, Bangalore Palace - Built in
the Tudor style and inspired by the Windsor palace,
Vidhan Soudha - the Vidhan Soudha houses the state legislative
assembly of state government, Tipu’s Palace -
The summer palace of Tipu Sultan later followed by visit
to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple - The temple is
natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. Overnight
at the hotel.
Sravanbelagola 51 kms southeast of Hassan, Sravanbelagola is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centre .The world's tallest monolithic statue27 m. high monolith of Lord Bahubali is situated here. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000-year -old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron, and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 A.D. Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan.
Bangalore: Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka is called the Garden City for it's fascinating blossoms and luxuriant greenery that renders an unique beauty to this charming city. Bangalore is India's 5th largest city and the momentum of its industrial and commercial growth unequalled in the country. The city, where different cultures and customs exist. Today, this is a bustling and diverse city, with ancient arts that flourish alongside the Silicon Plateau of India. With profusion of greenery, splendidly laid out colorful garden, the city is a sheer delight to simply walk around. Weather being the best feature, Bangalore with pleasant summers and bearable winters is the best option for the tourist in India.
20 Day: Bangalore - Mumbai
(By Air) – Hometown (By Air):
Morning after breakfast transfer to the airport to board
the schedule morning flight to Mumbai. On arrival transfer
to the international airport to board the schedule flight
back home. On departure the tour concludes with happy
memories.
