SOUTH INDIA

The western ghats of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu still remains under the veil from the mainstream commercial travellers. The unchartered terrain is adorned with marvellous temples and terraces of coffee and tea plantations. The hilly landscape and lagoons are canopied by tropical forests. The untouched beauty of the district sparkles with clear streams and gushing rivers.

Day 1 : ARRIVE BENGALURU * ONTO MYSORE (143 KMS / APPROX. 3 HOUR DRIVE)

Welcome to your ‘Highlights of Karnataka’ tour! On arrival at the airport / railway station in Bengaluru, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Mysore. En route, visit Srirangapatnam – the capital of Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan.

In the evening, visit Brindavan Gardens and enjoy the Musical fountain show on direct payment basis. The Brindavan gardens are the most sought after locations for experiencing nature’s beauty first hand. These gardens have been featured in numerous Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films. Indigenous and exotic species of plant varieties are found here.

Overnight in Mysore.

Day 2 : IN MYSORE * EXCURSION TO SOMNATHPUR (35 KMS / APPROX. 1 HOUR DRIVE)

This morning, proceed on an excursion to visit one of the best-preserved Hoysala Chennakesava Temple at Somnathpur. The Chennakesava Temple temple is unique in its style and presentation, and is devoted to Prasanna Chennakeshava. The temple was constructed in the 12th-13th centuries by the Hoysala rulers and their officials. It is lavishly adorned with sculpture. The sculptures probably cover each and every inch of the wall space. This particular style of intensely packed sculptural scheme is the characteristic exclusive to the Hoysala art.

In the afternoon, visit the famous Mysore Palace- one of the major attractions of Mysore. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the Palace is an abode of exquisite carvings and precious paintings from all over the world. Mysore Palace was the authorized residence and seat of the Maharajas of Mysore who ruled the region between the 14th and the 20th century. The Palace houses a number of hidden tunnels leading from the cellar to other palaces and confidential areas in Srirangapatna. The Mysore palace is a three-stone structure with marble domes. Its entrance displays the emblem and coat of arms of the Mysore Kingdom.

Overnight in Mysore.

Day 3 : ON TO COORG (120 KMS / APPROX. 4 HOUR DRIVE)

Today, proceed on one of the most beautiful drives through the mountains of the Western Ghats, witnessing the evergreen deciduous vegetation to Coorg.

On arrival, check in to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight in Coorg.

Day 4 : IN COORG

After breakfast, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Coorg visiting places like the Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri Fort and Abbey Falls.

A Shaiva theology inspired temple, the Omkareshwara temple was built in the most unique architectural combinations. The temple has been built in a rare mix of Gothic and Islamic forms of architecture. It has a pond which has been used for centuries for prayer and offerings to God. The temple is symbolic of a repentant king and his true devotion to the Lord.

A famous landmark in the city of Coorg, the Madikeri Fort is one of the relics of the glorious past of Karnataka. The fort holds remnants of history. The Fort was built in the late 16th century and was raised and rebuilt in the 17th century. The most salient feature of the fort is that there are two masonry elephants installed outside the front gate of the fort. The fort is a great vantage point to see the entire city of Coorg from atop.

Later, visit Abbey Falls – located between the coffee plantations that are spread through acres of land. The view of the cascading water from the high mountain cliffs in the Abbey falls is truly astounding. The water here falls from a great height. The origin of the waterfalls here seems to be from the Kaveri River. The Abbey falls is a very pleasant location for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Coorg.

Day 5 : ON TO BENGALURU (270 KMS / APPROX. 6 HOURS DRIVE)

After breakfast, proceed to Bangaluru, en-route visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and ISKCON Temple.

Spread over an area of 240 acres of land, Lalbagh is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the city. The main attraction here is the glass house that maintains striking similarity to its English counterpart, the Crystal Palace. A Lecture Hall, Lalbagh House and a Pigeon House have also been installed here. A statue of Kempegowda Woodeyar and Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar has been placed here too.

Sri Radha Krishna Temple (ISKCON temple), is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world. The construction of the temple n took 7 years to be completed. The main shikharas of the temple is at least 50 feet high and is entirely made of white stone. The carvings on the main entrance of the temple and on the conical structures above the main entrance are intricately done. The temple is a vision in white at night.

On arrival, check in to your hotel in Bengaluru.The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight in Bengaluru.

Day 6 : DEPART BENGALURU

Today, bid farewell to your ‘Highlights of Karnataka’ tour as you are transferred from hotel to the airport / railway station in Bengaluru for your onward journey

Kerala – God’s own country’, is a heaven landscaped with palm-lined beaches, steamy jungles, plantation-covered hills, tropical rivers and lakes. Located amidst the lush green vegetation with numerous milky waterfalls, delightful rivulets, splendid springs, lakes and hill-plantations, Kerala provides a fascinating experience.

Day 1 : ARRIVE KOCHI

Welcome to your ‘Colours of Kerala with Houseboat’ tour! On arrival at the airport in Kochi or railway station in Ernakulam, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Proceed on a city tour of Kochi visiting places like the St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, The Jewish Synagogue and view the Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi area.

St Francis Church is one of the oldest churches in India, built by Europeans. Originally built in 1503, the church has witnessed many skirmishes between Indians and the Britishers. St Francis Church was declared a protected monument in 1923. This church is built in the Indo gothic style of architecture.

The Mattanchery palace is a Dutch Palace in the state of Kerala and was built in 1555. It served as a gift to the local Raja of Kochi. The palace stands as a testament of the Dutch rule over Cochin and neighboring areas. The palace now exhibits Temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.

The Jewish synagogue is also called the Pardesi Synagogue. It is located in the corner of the Jew town in the city of Kochi. The Jewish synagogue is a prayer house or shrine for people from the Jewish faith . Built in 1568, the synagogue has a 500 year old history attached to it.

Chinese fishing nets also called Cheena vala are the fishing installations made in Kochi. Each net has a limited area and depth of operation. The fishing nets make for a beautiful backdrop for photography.

Overnight in Kochi

Day 2 : ON TO MUNNAR (130 KMS / APPROX. 4 HOUR DRIVE)

After breakfast, proceed to Munnar. Drive through the picturesque countryside of Munnar which is surrounded by lush green tea estates.

On arrival, check in to your hotel in Munnar.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this quaint hill station.

Overnight in Munnar

Day 3 : IN MUNNAR

Today, proceed on sightseeing tour of Munnar including visit to the Rose Garden and the Tata Tea Museum (Closed on Mondays. Timing 1000hrs to 1700hrs).

Post lunch, proceed to visit Echo Point and Mattupetty Lake.

Near Top station is the echo point. On this point, the valley is acoustically inclined to reverberate the sounds that enters it. The legend goes that if your voice echoes thrice, you will get what you wish for.

Mattupetty Lake is flanked by steep hills and woods and has been created by the small hydro-electricity dam. The entire area around it is covered with forests and sightings of wild animals are common. This territory is famous for its elephant sightings.

The rest of the evening is at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight in Munnar

Day 4 : ON TO THEKKADY (95 KMS / APPROX. 3 HOURS DRIVE)

Today, proceed to Thekkady, en-route enjoy a Spice Plantation tour.

On arrival, check in to your hotel.

Proceed to enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Note: Entry and Boat ride on direct payment basis. Please carry a photo-id proof for Periyar boat ride.

The rest of the day is at leisure to to walk through the bustling spice market in the Kumily Village.

Overnight in Thekkady

Day 5 : ON TO ALLEPPEY (129 KMS / APPROX. 3 1/2 HOURS DRIVE)

After breakfast, proceed to the idyllic backwaters of Alleppey. Alleppey is Kerala’s Venice of the East, a heartland of lagoons and mangrove fields, inter-linked with hundreds of narrow winding canals.

On arrival, embark in to your houseboat.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the scenic surroundings of Alleppey.

Overnight in Alleppey

Day 6 : ON TO KUMARAKOM (51 KMS / APPROX. 1 1/2 HOUR DRIVE)

After breakfast, proceed on a picturesque drive to Kumarakom located on the idyllic backwaters.

On arrival, check in to your hotel in Kumarakom.

The rest of the day is at leisure Or one can opt to enjoy a backwater cruise (boats can be hired on direct payment basis).

Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 7 : ON TO KOVALAM (190 KMS / APPROX. 5 HOUR DRIVE)

Post breakfast, drive to the beach town of Kerala – Kovalam. The meaning of Kovalam is ‘a groove of coconut trees’. The Samudra Beach, Kovalam Beach and Hawa Beach gives Kovalam its serenity and scenic beauty.

On arrival, check in to the hotel in Kovalam.

The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight in Kovalam

Day 8 : IN KOVALAM * EXCURSION TO KANYAKUMARI (90 KMS / APPROX.2 HOUR ONE WAY)

After breakfast, proceed on an excursion to Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari lies in southernmost tip of India where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a popular tourist monument in Vavathurai, Kanyakumari. The memorial stands on one of two rocks located about 500 meters east off mainland of Vavathurai, India’s southernmost tip

Later, en route visit the Suchindram temple – one of the best place to understand the rich religious and cultural heritage of India , which is dedicated to a deity representing the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma.

The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Kovalam

Day 9 : DEPART KOVALAM

Today, bid farewell to your ‘Colours of Kerala with Houseboat’ tour, as you are transferred from hotel in Kovalam to the airport / railway station in Trivandrum for your onward journey.

The western ghats of Karnataka and Tamilnadu still remains under the veil from the mainstream commercial travellers. The unchartered terrain is adorned with marvellous temples and terraces of coffee and tea plantations. The hilly landscape and lagoons are canopied by tropical forests. The untouched beauty of the district sparkles with clear streams and gushing rivers.

Day 1 : ARRIVE BENGALURU *ON TO MYSORE (143 KMS / APPROX. 3 HOUR DRIVE)

Welcome to your ‘South India Delight’ tour! On arrival at the airport / railway station in Bengaluru, you will be met and transferred to your hotel,en route, visit Srirangapatna – the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. On arrival, check in to your hotel in Mysore.

In the evening, visit the Brindavan Gardens. The Vrindavan gardens are the most sought after locations for experiencing nature’s beauty first hand. These gardens have been featured in numerous Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films. Indigenous and exotic species of plant varieties are found here.

Overnight in Mysore

Day 2 : IN MYSORE

This morning, proceed on an excursion to visit Chennakeshava Temple – one of the best-preserved Hoysala temple at Somnathpur. The Hoysala temple is unique in its style and presentation and is devoted to Prasanna Chennakeshava. The temple was constructed in the 12th-13th centuries by the Hoysala rulers and their officials. It is lavishly adorned with sculpture. The sculptures probably cover each and every inch of the wall space. This particular style of intensely packed sculptural scheme is the characteristic exclusive to the Hoysala art.

In the afternoon, visit the famous Mysore Palace, which is a historical monument located in the city of Mysore in Karnataka, facing the Chamundi Hills eastwards. It was the authorized residence and seat of the Maharajas of Mysore who ruled the region between the 14th and the 20th century. Mysore Palace houses a number of hidden tunnels leading from the cellar to other palaces and confidential areas in Srirangapatna. The palace is a three-stone structure with marble domes. Its entrance displays the emblem and coat of arms of the Mysore Kingdom. It is the venue for the famous Mysore Dasara Festival held every year on the day of Vijaya Dashmi, featuring stage performances by leading artists and elephant parades.

Overnight in Mysore

Day 3 : ON TO OOTY (170 KMS / APPROX. 4 HOUR DRIVE)

Today, your picturesque journey continues into the blue Nilgiri Hills as you drive the steep hills covered with lush green tea and coffee plantations to Ooty. En route visit the Chamunda Temple on the hill in the outskirts of Mysore.

Named after the Goddess Chamunda, the Chamundi hills are a prestigious landmark in the city of Mysore. Earlier known as Mahabalachala, the hill was renamed as the Chamundi hills in respect for the Goddess Chamunda. Legend has it that the Goddess had slain the demon Mahishasur.. The temple has a very beautiful idol of the goddess wearing a garland of skulls. On arrival, check in to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure Or one can opt to enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful hill station.

Overnight in Ooty

Day 4 : IN OOTY * EXCURSION TO COONOOR (35 KMS / APPROX. 1 HOUR DRIVE)

This morning, enjoy a tour of the ‘Queen of the Blue Mountains’, that includes a visit to Doddabetta Peak for a spectacular view. The Dodabetta Peak is situated merely 10 km away from Ooty. Doddabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters and is said to be one of the highest peaks in South India and one of the famous tourist spots in India.

Later, drive to Coonoor and visit Sim’s Park and Dolphin’s Nose Point. Situated at a height of 1780 m above sea level Sim’s Park has a collection of over 1,000 plant species that includes magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. Dolphin’s nose is located 10 km away from Coonoor. The protruding rock formation looks exactly like the nose of a dolphin hence the name. Dolphin’s nose is a great vantage point that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

Drive back to Ooty to visit the Botanical Garden and the popular Ooty Lake.

One of the famous attraction of Ooty is the Botanical Garden. This garden was laid out in 1897 by the Marquis of Tweedale. Presently this garden is under the maintenance of Horticulture Department of Tamilnadu. The garden features thousands of species of plants, shrubs, ferns, trees, herbal plants etc (Entry to Botanical Garden will be on direct payment basis).

The Ooty Lake is artificial lake is situated in the heart of the city making it an ideal place for families visit. Boating is the major attraction of the lake which is available at the Boat House adjoining the lake (Boating will be on direct payment basis).

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city . Overnight in Ooty

Day 5 : ON TO KODAIKANAL (260 KMS / APPROX. 6 AND HALF HOUR DRIVE)

Today, your picturesque journey continues through the Palani Hills to another scenic hill-station- Kodaikanal. On arrival, check in to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Kodaikanal

Day 6 : IN KODAIKANAL

Today, enjoy sightseeing tour of Kodaikanal visiting the Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk and the magnificent Bear Shola Falls.

The Pillar rocks are three granite boulders which are seen standing vertically shoulder to shoulder and is now a very famous tourist spot for many visitors.

The Bear Shola falls is another favorite tourist spot in Kodaikanal and it is called so, because in earlier days bears used to come and drink water from this fall.

Coacker’s Walk provides very picturesque view of the plains as well as scenic valleys that is sure to bring joy in the minds of the visitors. Coaker’s walk is named after Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodaikanal.

In the afternoon, spend some time in Bryant Park- one of the most colourful attractions of Kodaikanal. The park was established by a British forest officer by the name H. D. in the year 1908. Bryant Park, seen on the eastern side of the lake, is a mini botanical garden spread across 20 acres of area. The glasshouse in the park contains wide varieties of flowers, ferns and other ornamental plants.

Overnight in Kodaikanal

Day 7 : DEPART KODAIKANAL

Today, bid farewell to your ‘South India Delight’ tour as you are transferred from hotel in Kodaikanal to the airport / railway station in Coimbatore for your onward journey.

Apart from its mesmerizing scenery, Andaman and Nicobar Island is packed with rich marine life. Swanked with coral gardens, the twin islands are located at the confluence of Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. The serenity of the island is emphasized with its multicultural past. Popular amongst the honeymooners, the Indian union territory offers splashing varieties of water sports.

Day 1 : ARRIVE PORT BLAIR

Welcome to your ‘Discover Andaman with Neil Island Ex- Delhi’ tour! On arrival at the airport in Port Blair, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Later, in the afternoon, visit Corbyn’s Cove Beach. About 9 kms from Port Blair – a coconut palm fringed beach, ideal for swimming, sun-basking and bathing.

In the evening, attend the enthralling Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail – where the heroic saga of the Indian freedom struggle is brought alive.

Overnight in Port Blair

Day 2 : IN PORT BLAIR * EXCURSION TO NORTH BAY ISLAND AND ROSS ISLAND.

Today, after breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to North Bay Island (Coral Island) to see coral reefs, exotic varieties of beautiful ornamental fishes and other marine life. The glass bottom boat ride helps one to take a closer look at the vast coral colonies.

Later, visit Ross Island from where the Britisher’s governed the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands, prior to India’s Independence. This island is an ideal destination for nature walk amidst sylvan surroundings with deers, peacocks, exotic birds etc.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES AT NORTH BAY ON DIRECT PAYMENT BASIS.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride.

Jet Ski Ride.

Sea Walk.

Note: North Bay / Ross Island is closed on Wednesdays therefore alternate sightseeing can be done accordingly (trip to Wandoor or Chidiya Tapu beach.)

The rest of the evening is at leisure

Overnight in Port Blair

Day 3 : ON TO HAVELOCK (57 KMS /APPROX. 1.5 HOUR)

Early morning, depart to the ferry Terminal in Port Blair.

Inter – Island transfer by ferry to Havelock Island.

On arrival at Havelock Island, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Later, proceed to one of Asia’s best beaches, ‘Radhanagar Beach’. Overnight in Havelock Island.

Day 4 : IN HAVELOCK ISLAND

After breakfast, proceed to Elephant Beach for an adventurous snorkeling experience. Later, return to your hotel in Havelock Island.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT ELEPHANT BEACH ON DIRECT PAYMENT BASIS.

Glass Bottom Boat ride.

Jet Ski Ride.

The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight in Havelock Island.

Day 5 : ON TO PORT BLAIR * EXCURSION TO NEIL ISLAND

After breakfast, proceed to the ferry terminal in Havelock Island for the morning ferry to Neil Island.

Inter – Island transfer by ferry to Neil Island.

On arrival,proceed to Laxmanpur Beach, located at a distance of around 2 km from Neil Jetty. Laxmanpur Beach has white shell sand along with shallow water that makes it an ideal place for snorkeling. This beach is favourable for activities like sun basking and swimming as well.

Proceed to ferry terminal in Neil Island.

Inter – Island transfer by ferry to Port Blair

On arrival at the ferry terminal in Port Blair, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Port Blair

Day 6 : DEPART PORT BLAIR

Today, bid farewell to your ‘Discover Andaman with Neil Island Ex- Delhi’ tour, as you are transferred from hotel to the airport in Port Blair for your onward journey.