Route Map
Treasures of South India Tour
Cultural cum Historic Tour
16 Days
THE TOUR AT THE GLANCE
South India is the perfect place to observe some of the finest ancient Indian architecture. Choose this 16-day private tour and indulge in South India’s beautiful hidden treasures. The greatest kingdoms of South include, the Chalukyan Empire. During the reign of Chalukyan Empire, the country saw construction of some of the most exquisite temples and forts This South India tour starts with an orientation tour of the cosmopolitan city of Bengaluru (Bangalore), followed by the Hoysala Temples of Belur & Halebidu, Mysuru (Mysore) – the city of palaces & silks, game drives in Nagarhole National Park to spot the wild cats, time to explore the tea & coffee plantations of Wayanad, the colonial port town of Cochin flanked by Chinese fishing nets, a night in a houseboat on the Kerala Backwaters and finally indulge in the beautiful palm-fringed Mararikulam Beach. Treasures of South India tour covers everything from precious Indian landmarks to game drives with wildlife experts. On this memorable tour, you will discover modern city sights, ancient temples, lush national parks and intriguing waterways.
EXPERIENCES AND VISITS IN THIS TOUR JOURNEY
- Excursion to Horanadu and Baha Budan Giri the major tourist attractions of Hassan
- Visit the Chamundi Hills and Nandi Bull Statue
- Visit the Hoysala Temples UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Statue of Gomateshwara
- Explore the Mysore palace for its marvelous architecture
- Experience the historical charm of Mysore.
- Game drives in Nagarhole National Park
- Trek in Wayanad including a visit to Edakkal Caves
- Sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin & Mattancherry
- Traditional Kathakali dance performance
- Watch the fishermen of Cochin and discover the traditional Chinese fishing nets and techniques that date back to the 14th century.
- Enjoy a day cruise on a traditional Kerala-style houseboat and discover the traditional charm of Kumarakom
- Private Houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Kerala.
- Visit Cochin on the Malabar Coast, settled by the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British.
- Enjoy the 300-year-old Indian classical dance form of Kerala- Kathakali Dance
- Sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake
- Day of leisure on Mararikulam Beach
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Arrive Bangalore, After completing immigration and custom formalities, meet our representative at the arrival gate. After introductions, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Bangalore- Bangalore, also referred to as Bengaluru, is the capital of the Indian state, Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the "Garden City" for its gardens and parks and was once called a Pensioner's Paradise. Bangalore is well known as a hub for India's Information Technology (IT) sector. It stands out for being among the top 10 preferred entrepreneurial locations in the world.
Today, morning visit Bangalore City: Visit The Lalbagh, the botanical garden spread over 240 acres and having a wide variety of exotic trees and plants. Visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace – dating back to 1790 and made mostly out of wood, it was used as the summer residence of the legendary ruler Tipu Sultan. Continue to visit the Bull temple believed to have been constructed in the 16th-century it has been carved out of a single granite block. The tour gives you an opportunity to drive past the Government Secretariat, VidhanSoudha (Legislature building).
After visit drive to Hassan, enroute visit Shravanabelagola - is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage destinations in Hassan district. The 57 feet monolithic statue of the Bhagavan Gomateshwara Bahubali is located on the Vindyagiri. Bhagavan Gomateshwara Bahubali is considered to be the world's largest monolithic stone statue and was erected by Chamundaraya, a general of King Gangaraya. Upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Hassan is rich in history and culture. The rest of the day is free to relax in your hotel or you may wish to explore and walk through the lush green Maharaja Park.
Today, your day will be packed with the fascinating history of the Hoysala Empire as you visit the heritage towns of Belur and Halabidu.
First, you will visit Belur, a UNESCO world heritage site. Here you will be amazed by the intricate carvings and statues of the Chennakeshava and Veeranrayana Temples.
This is followed by a visit to Halabidu, the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th Century where you will have the chance to admire the ornate Hoysaleswara Temple.
Today, travel to Mysuru, Enroute visit Srirangapatnam- is an island between two branches of the Cauvery River and was the capital of the Mysore Rajas from 1610 to 1799. Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were its most famous denizens. Visit the ruins of Tipu’s fort, the summer pleasure palace and the Gumbaz, his mausoleum. The inside of the Palace is handsomely carved with ornate arches and ceilings, liberally gilded wall panels and charming frescoes. The cream-coloured Gumbaz standing on its black marble pillars in the centre of a garden is an unforgettable sight. The interior is lacquered with Tipu’s tiger stripe emblem and the doors are of ebony inlaid with ivory. Arrive Mysore and check in at Hotel.
In the afternoon take chance to some shopping and Mysuru is famous for its colourful silks. These can be purchased from shops around the city, including the Government Silk Factory. Centuries-old Devaraja Market provides another unique shopping experience. This bustling market is a feast for the senses, with vibrant cones of coloured dyes, exotic fruits and fragrant flowers.
Today, morning visit the Maharajah’s Palace which artistically blends Indo-Saracenic style with foreign elements such as Scottish steel and Victorian-Edwardian era furniture. Drive up to the Chamundi Hills to be blessed alongside hundreds of jubilant pilgrims at the Chamundeshwari Temple. On your way back, visit Sri Nandi Temple to be blessed by Hindu God Lord Shiva’s faithful gatekeeper Nandi, the decorated bull. Visit famous Jagmohan Palace where exquisite artwork awaits you at the Raja Ravi Verma Gallery. St. Philomena's church: Built as a miniature reproduction of the Cologne Cathedral in 1930s, this is the largest church in Southern India. The church has white washed walls, high vaulted Gothic ceilings and color stained glass representations of different aspects from the life of Jesus.
In the afternoon visit Somnathpur Temple -A place famous for temples is rich in Hoysala architecture. Which has archaeological importance and has a lot of temples. The scenic beauty of this place will take your heart away and will allow you to create a lot of memories.
Later in the evening visit Brindavan Gardens are located 23 km from Mysore. It is a famous spot for sightseeing near Mysore and a perfect space to spend a pleasant evening.The magical fountain show is the highlight, ornated with beautiful lights and cheerful music. Boat rides and fruit orchards serve as the icing on the cake.
Today, the next couple of days are a real treat for nature lovers. You take the short drive to Nagarhole (Kabini) National Park, rated among the best of India’s wild spaces. It’s an area of sandalwood and teak forest, threaded by the Kabini River and its backwaters. The Kabini provides water for hundreds of different animals, such as the wild elephants, which you might spot on your trip.
In the afternoon, you’ll be taken by a 4x4 vehicle on a game drive down a forest track, where your guide will point out animals hidden in the undergrowth. In conjunction with the wildlife authorities, a motorboat and canoe ride across the reservoir will also be arranged.
An early morning game drive is recommended, as the animals are most active at this time of day. You will be travelling in an open-top 4 x 4 vehicle, so make sure you bring something warm to wear. Look out for elephants, spotted deer, mongoose, peacocks, jungle fowl and if you are lucky you may even see a tiger.
Later you can go on an expedition with a local naturalist, so make sure you pack sunscreen and a hat.
Today, travel by road to Wayanad, one of the most unspoilt locations in South India, famed for its wildlife. Nestled among the craggy peaks of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a diverse region of remote forest, emerald tea plantations and lime-green paddy fields.
Afternoon at leisure for independent activities.
Today, your adventure continues in Wayanad where you will be taken on a visit to the nearby plantations, to learn about the production of coffee, tea and spices. There's also the chance to spot local wildlife such as birds in the forest canopy.
In the afternoon there is a choice of activity. You can trek to Edakkal caves to marvel at the ancient writing carved into the stone walls but this excursion requires a moderate level of fitness as there is a steep climb. Alternatively, you can visit some of the local markets.
Today, after an early breakfast, leave the peace of Wayanad for the buzz of Cochin, a colonial port city steeped in history. Cochin has been an important gateway to South India for distant merchants and travellers since 1413. It’s a melting pot of cultures, first ruled by the Portuguese, and then taken over by the Dutch and the British. This multicultural heritage is reflected in the city’s diverse architecture.
In the evening, enjoy a boat trip past Cochin’s island shores. As the sun sets, you will see the famous cantilevered fishing nets. It's fascinating to watch the fishermen skilfully dip the hammock-like nets into the water, silhouetted against the orange and pink sky.
Today, enjoy a tour of Cochin. Visit St. Francis Church, built in 1562 by St. Francis; this is India’s oldest
European-built church. Continue on to Mattanchery Dutch Palace, a double-storied palace. The most important feature of Mattanchery Palace is the murals in the bedchambers, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata. Proceed to the Jewish Synagogue, with its exquisite interior, which was constructed in 1568 and make a stop at the Jewish cemetery. Continue along the coastline, where one can view the unique and still-in- use Chinese Fishing Nets which were introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved.
This evening, attend a Kathakali Dance Performance – a unique Keralan experience. The dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians. Arriving at the theatre early affords the opportunity to see the dancers getting ready for the show and their faces being painted.
Today, take a short journey from Cochin, you will arrive in the laid back village of Kumarakom, nestled in the backwaters off the South Eastern end of Vembanad Lake. Here, you can immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of the area with a stroll along the lakeside or the coconut fringed canals of the backwaters.
Sunbathe by the pool of your luxury hotel, or relax with one of the many authentic Ayurveda therapies it offers. You can also visit the butterfly garden, go bird watching or even try your hand at paddleboarding. A highlight of the tour is an evening cruise on Vembanad Lake, where you can watch the sunset over the waters.
After a morning of leisure, board your deluxe private houseboat in time for a typical Keralan lunch. The houseboat will be your overnight transport to Alleppey, which is known as the Venice of the East due to its network of narrow canals, as well as your accommodation for the night.
Sit back and relax as an expert crew steer you across the Kerala backwaters, catering to your every need. You will cruise down a network of coconut palm-fringed backwater canals and across the famous Vembanad Lake. As you drifting past traditional villages and paddy fields, keep a lookout for birds such as kingfishers, snake birds and herons.
Today, de-board from hopuseboat after breakfast, and you will be met by your driver , who will taken on a short trip to Mararikulam, a quaint little fishing village with one of the most picturesque beaches in South India.
You will be given the opportunity to relax here for the next two nights, with garden villa accommodation at the Marari Beach Resort. Alternatively, if you are feeling more energetic visit the local temple, enjoy a cycle trip or pick up some tips from the hotel chef.
Today is a full day of leisure, giving you time to soak up the sun and serenity at this quiet, unspoilt beach.
Relax in a hammock under a shady palm tree or enjoy a dip in the clear waters of the Arabian Sea.
You can also indulge in a rejuvenating massage at the hotel’s Ayurveda spa before retiring to your villa for the second night.
In time you will be picked up by your driver and transferred to Cochin Airport for your return flight.
End Of Tour
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN YOUR TOUR COST
- Accommodation for total 15 nights sharing twin/Double room on Bed & Breakfast basis.
- Meals: As per program
- Transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per the program by air-conditioned Vehicle
- English speaking local guide for sightseeing as per program
- All entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the program.
- 02 Jeep Safari to explore Nagarhole National park
- Visit Silk Weaving Factory in Mysore
- Private Houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Kerala.
- Our representative for assistance on arrival and departure at airport.
- All presently applicable taxes including the GST charges levied recently by the Government.
- Two bottles of mineral water each day during sightseeing.
TOUR COST WILL NOT INCLUDE FOLLOWING EXPENSES
- International / Domestic Airfare
- Any new admission fees / taxes / fuel surcharges/ Visa fees
- Meals not mentioned
- All personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, trip cancellation and personal insurance, gratuities, excess baggage fees
- Early check-in/late check-out (except as noted)
- Camera/video fees at monuments
- Communication costs
- Any additional expenses due to unforeseen problems like natural disaster, war or strikes, cancellation or misconnection of flights or last-minute change of timings etc.
- Any other service, which has not been specified as "included".
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