South India Tour

Duration :12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations covered : Bangalore - Hassan - Mysore - Ooty - Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom - House boat - Varkala - Trivandrum

Day 1 : Arrive Bangalore
Arrive Bangalore. Upon arrival our representative will meet you in the airport and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 2 : Bangalore - Sravanabelgola - Hassan
Morning drive to Sravanabelgola (185 kms) - is one of the one of the oldest and most important Jain pilgrimage centres in India and the huge 17m-high naked statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwara) is said to be the world's tallest monolithic statue. It overlooks the sedate country town of Sravanabelagola from the top of the rocky hill known as Indragiri.. The beautifully sculpted face of Bahubali at Sravanabelagola reveals determination and total control. This colossal statue is the main attraction at Sravanabelagola and draws tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. Continue drive to Hassan (52 kms). On arrival, check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Hassan - Belur - Halebid - Mysore
Morning drive through lush tropical landscapes to Halebid and Belur - Built in the 12th and 13th century in the superb baroque style, these temples are carved of stone and are truly magnificent. As one architect and critic said "These friezes carved with a minute elaboration of detail are one of the most marvelous exhibitions of human labor to be found even in the patient East". The temple at Belur is famed for its profusely ornamented exterior, and the one at Halebid for its sculptured figures and open-air museum. Also visit the colossal monolithic Jain statue, 57-ft high, which stands on top of a steep bare hill. Thereafter proceed to Mysore.On arrival, check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 : Mysore-Ooty
Morning sightseeing of Mysore - Visit the Maharaja's Palace, which is lavishly decorated in a mixture of styles. Also visit the Zoological Garden, Mysore Arts & Crafts centre and then proceed to the Chamundi Temple on a hill above the city. After that proceed to Ooty (158 kms). On arrival, check-in at hotel. Ootacamund (Ooty) - it is known as the Queen of Hill stations. It nestles in the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 2300 m. Ooty still maintains its definite air of elegance and there are British Raj reminders everywhere-notably in the stone cottages with flower gardens, the beautiful Botanical gardens (1840), the Churches, tea gardens and eucalyptus plantations. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 : Ooty
Fullday at leisure. Overnight at hotel

Day 6 : Ooty - Cochin
Morning drive to Cochin (281 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 : Cochin
Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin or "Kochi"- the palm green, commercial capital of Kerala, which has one of the finest natural harbours & is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famousChinese fishing nets. Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance - Kathakali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different 'mudras' or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings.

Day 8 : Cochin - Periyar
Morning drive to Periyar (140 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Afternoon boatcruise on Lake Periyar - an artificial lake which is the heart of the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where animals such as wild Elephants, Asiatic deer, Black buck, wild boars and others from the surrounding sanctuary come to the shores of the lake to drink water. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 : Periyar - Kumarakom
Afternoon drive to Kumarakom (170 kms). On arrival, check-in at hotel. Kumarakom-is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss-crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. Overnight at hotel

Day 10 : Kumarakom - Houseboat
Morning at leisure. Afternoon, board the traditional rice boats - "Ketuvallam" for a fascinating cruise through the backwaters of Kerala (own arrangement). Overnight on board

Day 11 : Houseboat - Varkala
Breakfast on board. Thereafter disembark at Alleppey & proceed directly to Varkala (160 kms). Varkala is a small seaside town in Kerala, has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. To this day, the 800 hundred year old Janardhana Temple remains a popular pilgrimage spot. Varkala is also blessed with an unspoilt, golden beach, lapped by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Rest of the day free for own activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 : Varkala - Trivandrum
Morning visit the Portugese church of Anjengo dated to the time of occupation, which maybe the Elanchoros of the geography of Ptomempee (2nd century A.D.). Also visit the English Fort constructed in 1695 A.D. by the English 'East India Company'. Afternoon drive to Trivandrum (90 kms). On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 : Trivandrum - Abroad
Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home.