Abroad – Bangalore

Arrive Bangalore

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Bangalore – Belur – Halebid – Hassan

Morning drive to Hassan (180 kms) enroute visit Halebid and Belur.

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.

Continue drive to Hassan and upon arrival check in at hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Hassan – Mysore

Morning, drive to Mysore (115 kms) enroute visiting Srirangapatnam and Sravanbelgola

Visit Sriringapatnam from this small Island fortress - town straddling the river Cauvery came the two brilliant Muslim leaders Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who rulled a powerful empire comprising much of Southern India for 40 years. Tipu Sultan “The Tiger of Mysore” became the most dreaded foe of the British in the south, and inflicted two punishing defeats on the forces of East India Company before at last being overcome in 1799. Tipu was killed and his town razed, but his elegant Summer Palace, or Daria Daulat Bagh remains intact; the British kept it for their own use. Later Duke of Wellington, lived here for a spell while serving as governor of Mysore.

Sravanbelgola famous for its colossal statue of the Jain Saint Gomateshwara. 614 steps lead to his monolithic statue 18 meters tall and standing atop the hill of Indragiri. Every 12 years Jains from all over India gather here for the spectacular bathing festival of the statue.

Upon arrival at Mysore - check into hotel.

Overnight at hotel


Bangalore – Cochin – Periyar

Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Cochin.

Leave: Bangalore at: 0915 hrs by: IC 502
Arrive: Cochin at: 1050 hrs

Upon arrival in Cochin – you will be met & proceed straight to Periyar (200 kms). Upon arrival, check–in at the hotel.

Periyar - Sprawling across 777 sq kms of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, it is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills.

Overnight at hotel

Periyar – Kumarakom

Early morning boatcruise on Lake Periyar - an artificial lake which is the heart of the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and 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. Lake Periyar is or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River.

Afternoon drive through the winding "Ghats" lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (150 kms) enroute visit the tea estates.

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

Kumarakom – Houseboat

Morning at leisure.

Kumarakom – Houseboat (contd.)

Afternoon, board the traditional rice boats - “Kettuvallam” for a fascinating cruise through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one of the world’s truly unforgettable experiences. These traditional houseboats of Kerala are one of the most enduring images of the backwaters, its natural, cocoon-like profile complementing the surrounding countryside. You can relax on the sundeck and watch the way of life and activity of the local people, sipping from a tender coconut and enjoying the sheer peace of the surroundings.

Overnight on board

Periyar – Munnar

Morning drive to the beautiful hill station of Munnar (140 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Munnar - is the beautiful hill station housing world’s highest tea-growing estates. Beyond these estates are rich tropical forests that houses an assortment of wildlife such as Nilgiri Langur, Sambhar, Gaur, Elephant and Lion-tailed Macaques.

Overnight at hotel.

Houseboat – Marari

After breakfast on board sail to Alleppey & disembark. Upon arrival proceed directly to Marari (30 kms).

Mararikulam- is one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coastline of Kerala. This private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms.

Marari Beach Resort - is set in a superb location of 25 acres of coconut palm grooves leading down to the vast expanse of beach. The hotel is built in the style of traditional fishing village with thatched villas that have been designed to be keeping with local village style.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel

Munnar – Kovallam

Morning drive to Kovallam (190 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Kovalam - situated on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village of Kovalam. This quiet town of Kovalam came on the tourist map, when its beautiful and secluded beaches were discovered. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees. The unforgettable image of Kovalam is that of the coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that cuddles the calm and wide expanse of the blue waters. This marvelous beach is a tourist's dream come true.

Overnight at hotel.

Kovallam

Full day at leisure for own activities.
Overnight at hotel.

Kovallam – Trivandrum – Delhi

Late morning drive to Trivandrum (15 kms) airport for your flight to Delhi.

Depart: Trivandrum at: 1455 hrs by: IC 168
Arrive: Delhi at: 1955 hrs

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel

Delhi

This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘rickshaw ride’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

Afternoon you will be taken to visit New Delhi drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the towering minaret of Qutab Minar.

Overnight at hotel

Delhi – Agra

Morning drive to Agra (203 kms). Upon arrival in Agra – check into the hotel.

Afternoon visit the Taj Mahal -This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child. The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).

Overnight at hotel

Agra – Delhi – Onward journey

Morning visit the Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Morning drive to Delhi (203 kms). Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the international airport for your onward journey.

Depart: Delhi