Special Tours
Southern Splendors
Tour duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Places Covered: Bangalore / Mysore / Ooty / Cochin
Tour Destination: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7
A one week holiday, which begin in Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, and now a modern cosmopolitan city. The trip then takes you south to Mysore - the city of palaces, the British influenced hill station of Ooty, located in India’s blue mountains, the Nilgiris. From Ooty, you drive further south into Kerala, and visit the ancient harbour city of Cochin.
Day 01 – Arrive Bangalore
You will be met at the airport by Trans India Holidays representative and transferred to the hotel and assisted with check in formalities.Bangalore - Bangalore, also called the Silicon Valley of India, is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial and industrial centre of the state of Karnataka. Bangalore enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year. Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery made it the 'Garden City' of India. Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing cities and now reputed for its booming software industry. Bangalore has seen a major technology boom and is now home to more than 250 high-tech companies, including homegrown giants like Wipro and Infosys. Not to say that it has nothing for the people interested in history. But along with the modern day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see remnants of the older Bangalore. All in all, a lovely city to visit.
Overnight in Bangalore.
Day 02 – Drive Bangalore - Mysore (140 kms/3 hrs).
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Bangalore city. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:The Bangalore Fort - The Fort, built in the late 18th century, is noted for its beautifully carved Islamic-style arches on the gate walls, and for the well-preserved Ganesha Temple within its precincts.
The Bull Temple – situated south of Bangalore, is the Bull Temple,the deity is a massive 15-foot Basava or bull, which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The cause for wonder about this Nandi is that it has been carved from a single boulder.
Cubbon Park - planned and laid out in 1864, this beautiful 300-acre park contains the public library and the museum.
Lal Bagh - These 240-acre gardens contain the largest collection of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants with many awesome century-old trees. Fountains, terraces, lotus pools, rose gardens and a deer park surround the magnificent glass house built in 1840, on the lines of London's Crystal Palace.
Vidhana Soudha - Bangalore’s most majestic looking landmark, with a total plinth area of over 5, 00, 000 sq. ft is built in a neo-Dravidian style. It houses the Secretariat, the State legislature and several other Government offices.
After sightseeing, check out from the hotel followed by drive to Mysore.
Mysore: - Mysore “city of Palaces” is in the hill country of southwestern India, this region is cooler than the coastal cities - one of the reasons so many maharajahs chose to live here and given 17 palaces to this city. It still retains its old charm and many buildings are adorned with domes, turrets and impressive archways. . Also know as "Sandalwood City", it is a major center for the manufacture of incense. The city is a legacy of the famous warrior king Tipu Sultan, known for his victories over the Imperial British Armies. The city is also known for its silk processing and is a major center for nurturing silkworms. Hence, Mysore is more than palaces, parks and temples … traditional carvings on fragrant sandalwood … the rustle of rich silks … mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat … It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise.
On arrival in Mysore, check in at hotel.
Overnight in Mysore.
Day 03 – Drive Mysore - Ooty (160 kms/4 hrs).
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Mysore. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:The Mysore Palace - Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style. , former residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. The Jaganmohan Palace - this is a converted art gallery that houses paintings that date back to the late 19th century
Chamundi Hill - perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch. Also close to the temple stands gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura.
St. Philomena's Church - this beautiful Cathedral was built in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country. It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and lofty towers.
Brindavan Gardens - Adjacent to the dam is the beautiful Brindavan Garden. With lighting and musical fountains this place transforms it self into a fairy land in the evenings.
After sightseeing, check out from the hotel followed by drive to Ooty.
Ooty - Ooty is the capital of Nilgiri district and Nilgiri means Blue Mountains. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level has always been a popular summer getaway. Short for Ootacamund and also known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty is dotted with undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, gurgling brooks and lush green tea gardens.On arrival in Ooty, check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Ooty.
Day 04 – In Ooty
The day is at your leisure - enjoy the mountain train, visit a tea garden, head to Coonoor or hike those blue mountains!Overnight in Ooty.
Day 05 – Drive Ooty - Cochin (280 kms /6 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast, check-out from the hotel and then drive to Cochin.Cochin : - Cochin means harbour and even before the building of Ancient Rome, spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood were traded here. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is also one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. It is its charm and a relatively good infrastructure that make it the ideal gateway to the state. This has been the case since 1341, the year nature carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood. As a result, Cochin became the first port of call for Arabs and came to be known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This city offers visitors Forts, palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters, palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro.
On arrival in Cochin, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check in formalities.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 06 – In Cochin
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61), as a gesture of goodwill. It was substantially renovated by the Dutch after 1663, hence it’s other name, the 'Dutch Palace'. The most important feature of this palace, however are the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These murals are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and extensive to be seen anywhere in India.
The Jewish synagogue- The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.
Cochin Harbor: Cochin harbor terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight. The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
St Francis church - It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.
Fort Kochi beach: A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.
Hill Palace: Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings.
Later in the evening you will be picked up and taken to a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of the se epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 07 – Depart Cochin
Morning at leisure. Later in the day, you are met by our representative at your hotel and assisted with checkout formalities, followed by transfer to airport in time for your flight home.| Category of Hotels | Standard | Superior | Deluxe |
| Valid from 01st June’11 to 30th Sept'11 | US$ 673 per person | US$ 746 per person | US$ 909 per person |
| Valid from 01st Oct'11 to 15th April’12 | US$ 776 per person | US$ 798 per person | US$ 1066 per person |
| Cities | Standard | Superior | Deluxe |
| Bangalore | Regaalis | The Park | Vivanta by Taj MG Road |
| Mysore | Regaalis | Windflower Resort and Spa | Windflower Resort and Spa |
| Ooty | Monarch | Taj Savoy | Taj Savoy |
| Cochin | Gokulam Park Inn | Trident | Vivanta by Taj Malabar |
Small supplements may apply for travel between 20th December’2011 and 05th January’2012 and during the month of February 2012.
Our tour price includes:-
- Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis, at the selected categories of hotel.
- Land transportation exactly as per itinerary using an air-conditioned car.
- Sight-seeing tours exactly as per itinerary including entrance fee to monuments along with an English Speaking Guide.
