Karnataka And Kerala Explorer

• Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

  On arrival at Bangalore, meet your tour representative and get assisted with transfer to your hotel. Bangalore - Bangalore, also known as the Silicon Valley of India is the capital city of the Karnataka. It is the main organizational, cultural, commercial and industrial epicenter reputed for its flourishing Software Industry, and it is one of Asia’s fastest growing cities. Bangalore is also called the ‘Garden City’ of India, because of its abundant greenery. The climate of Bangalore is very calm and composed, throughout the year. While matching pace with the world or even leading the race, Bangalore has kept its olden charms intact. Amid the modern day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see the remains of ancient Bangalore. Overall it’s a beautiful city to visit. Overnight in Bangalore.

• Day 2: Drive Bangalore – Coorg (250 kms/5-6 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided half day sightseeing tour of Bangalore city. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: The Bangalore Fort - In the late 18th century, the Bangalore Fort was constructed. The Bangalore Fort is well known for its beautifully carved Islamic-style, roofs on the gate walls, and for the well-protected Ganesha temple within its area. The Bull Temple – The Bull temple is located in the South of Bangalore. The deity is a huge 15-foot Basava or bull, which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The reason for curiosity about this huge Bull is that it has been carved from a single stone. Cubbon Park - Cubbon Park is an attractive 300-acre park and was constructed in 1864. The park has a public library and a museum. Lal Bagh - Lal Bagh is a 240 acre garden containing the largest collection of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants with many amazing century-old trees. This magnificent glass house was constructed in 1840, on the lines of the London’s Crystal Palace. The Garden is fenced by fountains, sunshades, lotus pools, rose gardens and a deer park. Vidhana Soudha - Vidhana Soudha is Bangalore’s most royal looking landmark. It was constructed in 1956 and has a total base area of over 5, 00, 000 sq. ft. The construction of Vidhana Soudha was done in Neo- Dravidian and incorporates elements of Indo-Saracenic style. There are quite a lot of government offices in Vidhana Soudha apart from the Secretariat and the State legislature. Later, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check-out formalities. You will then start your drive to Coorg, the next destination of your tour. Coorg – Snuggled in the lap of nature, Coorg is a beautiful hill station of India. Officially known as Kodagu, it is among the most amazing places to relax. Misty mountains, slopes covered in coffee and spice plantations, exotic scenery, breathtaking adventures and warm hospitality make it the perfect getaway. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Coorg.

• Day 3: In Coorg

  Start the day with a relaxed breakfast. The entire day is at your own leisure. Overnight stay in Coorg.

• Day 4: Drive Coorg – Kabini/ Nagarhole (110 kms/ 3 hrs)

  After a relaxed breakfast, start with your drive to the next destination of your tour of Karnataka and Kerala Explorer. Kabini/ Nagarhole: The Nagarahole National Park in Karnataka is spread over the area where the Western Ghats meet the Deccan Plateau. Nagarhole is flanked by the Bandipur National Park to the south-east and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to the south-west. Together with these parks, it forms part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has a total area of 5500 sq km. The Kabini River is the major river draining the park with the Nagarahole River lending its name to the park. The Nagarahole ecosystem supports the highest density of herbivores anywhere in south-east Asia including Tigers, Elephants, Gaur, bison and more. With the blessed wildlife and birdlife and extremely scenic landscape comprising hills, rivers and water beds that make Nagarhole and Kabini a must-do for serious wildlife enthusiasts. On your arrival, check in at the resort. Embark upon an afternoon wildlife safari. In the Nagarhole National Park, safaris are conducted on jeeps in the company of a naturalist. Overnight stay in Nagarhole/ Kabini.

• Day 5: In Nagarhole/ Kabini

  The day includes early morning & evening safaris in Nagarhole National Park. Safaris in Nagarhole are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight stay in Nagarhole/ Kabini.

• Day 6: Drive Kabini – Mysore (100/ 3 hrs)

  This morning after breakfast at the hotel, drive you to Mysore. On arrival in Mysore, check in at the hotel. Mysore: Officially named Mysuru, Mysore is the cultural capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. The city is one of the most flamboyant cities of India with more than 600 glorious years of legacy. It is noted worldwide for its premium Mysore silk, sandalwood and incense products. Mysore is also famous for its heritage structures and palaces, including the magnificent Mysore Palace (the seat of the rulers of Mysore), and the grand festivities during the Dushhera festival. Check-in at your hotel upon reaching. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Mysore.

• Day 7: In Mysore

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Mysore. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: The Mysore Palace - The Mysore Palace is richly-carved and exhibits intricate, colorful, thrilling art and architecture. Constructed in Indo Saracenic style in 1912, the Mysore Palace was earlier the residence of the royal family of Wodeyars. The construction of the Mysore Palace is one of the largest of its kind in India. The Jaganmohan Palace – The Jaganmohan Palace is a converted art gallery that has paintings that dates back to the late 19th century. Chamundi Hill - The Chamundi Hill is another famous landmark on the outskirt of the Mysore city. On the edge of the Chamundi Hill is the 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. This huge 4.8 meter high Stone of Nandi, the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a wonder to watch. The huge statue of the demon Mahishasura is also set here next to the temple. St. Philomena's Church - In 1956 St. Philomena Church was constructed and it is one of the major churches in the country. This church was designed in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and airy towers. Brindavan Gardens – Brindavan Gardens of Mysore is undeniably one of the best terrace gardens in the world. With illuminated fountains, Botanical Park, extensive varieties of plants and fun-filled boating, it is a place for relaxing. Overnight stay in Mysore.

• Day 8: Drive Mysore – Ooty (170 kms/ 5 hrs)

  Start the day with a relaxed breakfast. Later, check-out of the hotel and start your drive to Ooty through the scenic Nilgiris. Ooty - Ooty is the capital of the Nilgiri district. The popular hill station is located in the Nilgiri Hills. This place was formerly occupied by the Todas, the area came under the rule of the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. Ooty is the land of beautiful picnic spots. Ooty has always been the popular summer gateway, because of its altitude, 2,240 meters above the sea level. Ooty is spotted with undulating hills, glittering waterfalls, splashing brooks and fresh green tea gardens. On arrival in Ooty, check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Ooty.

• Day 9: In Ooty

  Have a relaxed day at the hotel, or enjoy the mountain train ride. You can also visit the Tea gardens or head to Conoor. And lastly, you can also go for a hike on the Blue Mountains. Overnight stay in Ooty.

• Day 10: Drive Ooty – Cochin (280 kms/ 06-07 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, drive to Cochin. Cochin: Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin has one of the world’s most attractive natural ports. Cochin is well known for its spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood. It has traditionally rich heritage, but at the same time it is one of the most fast-paced and contemporary cities in India. It is very easy to be spellbound by the magic of Cochin and it is the beauty and comparatively good infrastructure that makes Cochin the ideal gateway to the state. Cochin, or Kochi as it is now called, offers visitors palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters; palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a modern metro city. On your arrival at the hotel in Cochin, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with the check in formalities. Overnight stay in Cochin.

• Day 11: In Cochin

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes the following places of interest: Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Portuguese constructed The Mattancherry Palace in 1557, and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61) as sign of goodwill. After 1663, the Dutch carried out some constructions and renovations in the palace, and from that day it was widely called as the ‘Dutch Palace’. The most significant thing about this palace is the amazing paintings in the bedrooms and other rooms. The paintings portray scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends. These paintings are certainly the most extensive and attractive paintings to be seen anywhere in India. The Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue is located near the Dutch Palace. This synagogue was constructed in 1568 and was brilliantly decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Synagogue has a giant scroll of the Old Testament. Cochin Harbor: The very popular tourist attraction in Cochin Harbor is the Chinese Fishing nets. These fishing nets are one of its kind and are found only in India. The fishing nets were popularized in Cochin Harbor by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan. St Francis Church: St.Francis church was constructed by the Europeans in 1503. St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama died in Kochi, during his third visit to Kerala. Initially, his body was buried in this church, but after a few years, his remains were moved to Portugal. In spite of all this, the place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church. Fort Kochi Beach: Fort Kochi beach is an ideal location to saunter in a peaceful and relaxing way. This beach happens to be one of the favorite tourist spots in Kerala. The view of the sunset with the Chinese fishing net and the sailing ships in the background is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen alongside the shoreline. Later in the evening, you will be picked up by the guide and will be taken to a Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a classical dance form, portraying Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The costumes of the dancers are very colorful and elaborate. Dancers with painted faces depict the various characters of the ancient epics. The Kathakali dancers portray a lot of facial expressions and articulate body movements. Overnight stay in Cochin.

• Day 12: Drive Cochin – Kumarakom (70 kms/ 1 ½ hrs) & Board Houseboat

  After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Kumarakom. On your arrival, you will be transferred to jetty to board you private houseboat for an overnight stay. Houseboat - One of the highlights of a Kerala tour, is the night spent on board the Houseboat. These rice barges or “Kettuvallams” sail alongside the shallow palm-edged lakes and narrow canals. The House Boat takes you through the villages constructed on narrow spits of land, where you can stop at the local markets, or to see the wonder of the crafts men engaged in centuries-old boat-making tradition. These Houseboats offer one or two small cabins with a tiny sitting area and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. The Houseboats serve authentic Keralan cuisine. The overnight stay on the Houseboat is an extraordinary experience. Overnight stay on board Houseboat.

• Day 13: In Kumarakom

  After breakfast, disembark the houseboat in Kumarakom and check-in at the resort. Kumarakom: Kumarakom is a small village on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela. This beautiful paradise stocked with mangrove forests, beryl green paddy fields and coconut groves comprises with water ways and canals adorned with while lilies. Kumarakom charms the tourist from all over the world. It offers a wide variety of flora, beautiful sightseeing, boating and fishing experiences. It is a part of Kuttanad region and the bird sanctuary spread over 14 acres is a safe home for many migratory birds. It is a fascinating sight for the visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat ride round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day enjoying the resort’s facilities. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

• Day 14: Drive Kumarakom – Cochin (80 kms/ 02 ½ hrs) & Depart

  The morning is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort. Check out of the resort for a timely transfer to Cochin airport, where your tour ends with happy memories of Karnataka and Kerala.

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