Single Traveller Southern India Explorer Trip

Your journey of a lifetime begins in Bangalore. Arrive at the international airport where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. There is no better way to start your adventure than with an afternoon guided sightseeing walk around the city.

Once an obscure town, Bangalore is now the hub of India’s booming IT industry and is the nation’s most progressive city. The title “A Tale of Two Cities” is apt as Bangalore bridges together two different worlds. The central district, dating back to the British Raj years, contrasts with the Silicon Valley-esque outskirts of Bangalore. On this journey you will discover a mystifying land sprinkled with the unpredictable gems of India’s legacy.

At 16:00 hrs, visit the Bangalore Palace. It is one of the top attractions in Bangalore known for its elegant splendour and royal charm. You may take a walking tour of the palace and explore the architectural marvel which is a perfect blend of Tudor and Scottish Gothic with wooden interiors.

Travellers arriving Bangalore by afternoon flight will be taken to Bangalore palace on day 2 morning at 09:45 hrs.

OVERNIGHT IN BANGALORE

For the ultimate Indian indulgence we have arranged a day of stunning delights with the best of local wines. After breakfast and check-out, your wine tour commences with chauffeured transport in an air-conditioned car to a beautiful wine-producing vineyard situated in Channapatna,a city located 60km south-west of Bangalore. Here you will relish the strong floral and fruity notes of different varieties of wines. Your expert guide will ensure your tour flows effortlessly from start to finish, from pouring the finest wine into your ice-cool glass to surmising the age-old and modern processes of wine and cuisine.

Next, you will drive to the royal city of Mysore. Your stop along the way is equally spectacular with a visit to the fort town of Srirangapatnam. Located on an island straddling the Cauvery River, Srirangapatam is steeped in bloody history. The seat of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan’s power, this town was the de facto capital of much of southern India during the 18th century. The epic war waged by the British against Tipu Sultan in 1799 ended Srirangapatnam’s glory days. You can still sense the history as you view the massive ramparts, battlements and some of the remaining gates of the fort.

Drive on to Mysore and check-in to your hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN MYSORE

After breakfast, we arrive at Mysore Palace. Discover a royal heirloom in marble as you behold the sight of the sun striking its rays onto the domes that radiate like pink pearls. The palace cannot be left out of Southern India’s treasure trail! The finest example of Indo-Saracenic archaeological brilliance, it is one of India’s grandest royal buildings. Entering the Doll’s Pavilion and Elephant Gate you will be transported back to a lavish way of life, where opulent halls are richly decorated with stained-glass ceilings and a golden elephant howdah that stands like an unused TARDIS to the ancient world of the Maharajas of Mysore.

Your afternoon exploration of the city of Palaces begins at the temple of Chamundeswari located on top of Chamundi Hills. The temple was named after a deity worshiped for centuries by Mysore Maharajas. Walk up the steps to behold the remarkable tower of the temple and its granite statues including the beautiful 16-foot statue of Nandi, gifted by the Maharaja, Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar in 1659. Also included is a drive to St. Philomena’s Church. Constructed in 1936, it is believed to be one of the oldest churches in India and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

OVERNIGHT IN MYSORE

After breakfast from the hotel, check out at 10:00 Hrs and depart for Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary which is 14 kms from Mysore.

Spanning over 40 acres of land area, Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary lies beautifully on the banks of River Cauvery. The sanctuary houses some of the most exquisite birds and offers a picturesque setting to mesmerise tourists. Here you can spot a wide array of local and migratory birds including shag, white ibis, Darter, Peafowl, Pond Heron, Wild Duck, open-billed stork, painted stork, kingfisher, Cattle Egret, River Tern and many more. Later, visit the Lalith Mahal palace hotel, which is the second largest palace in Mysore. The construction of the palace dates back to 20th century and was build for the exclusive stay of the then Viceroy of India. The elegant palace is painted pure white and boasts of its exquisite Renaissance architecture, sprawling landscaped gardens and historical significance.

Post lunch, depart for Ooty at around 13:00 hours. Enroute to Ooty visit Bandipur Forest by car, you will proceed to Mudumalai national park & wildlife sanctuary which is 12 kms away from Bandipur national park, Covering 880 sq km expanse of wilderness between the Deccan Plateau and Western Ghats, Bandipur National Park was once the Mysore Maharajas’ wildlife reserve. It is now a protected zoo for over 100 species of mammals, including tiger, elephant, leopard and sloth bear. The park also teems with 350 species of bird, so keep your eyes open for delicately hued doves, slender and elegant herons and broad winged eagles.

Enjoy the Jeep Safari at Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary from 1500 to 16:00 Hrs.Then you will proceed to Ooty, which is also known as the “the queen of the hill stations” and is one of 65 hill stations set up across India by the British. The town was established in the early 19th century as the summer headquarters of the Madras government and memorably nicked-named “Snooty Ooty”. It lies among sprawling forests, and at 7,00

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Ooty. “Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris which means "Blue Mountains" is a land of picturesque picnic spots and was once a popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days.

Morning visit to Botanical Garden in Ooty, Tea Factory & Lovedale Founded in 1812, the town was used by the British to escape from the heat of the plains below. Like with other hill stations –Ooty, Coonoor, Wellington – founded by the British, Lovedale still retains its colonial flavor in the form of old-world cottages, bungalows and Gothic Church.

Afternoon proceed to Coonoor, known for the production of Nilgiri tea, Coonoor is one of three misty Nilgiri hill stations. It sits approximately 1850m above sea level and is connected to Ooty and Mettupalayam by the joyful and ingenious Nilgiri Mountain Railway, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The surrounding region is beautifully carpeted in emerald tea plantations that are studded with tall trees and interspersed with waterfalls. Enjoy lunch and visit Sims park and Coonoor Tea plantations

Depart from Coonoor at 1600 hrs and proceed to Ooty at 17:30 hrs. You will be picked up from Ooty Railway station and will be transferred to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN OOTY

Check out at 10'o clock and proceed to Vythiri in Wayanad. Enroute to Wayanad visit Needle Rock View point in Gudalur and later visit the Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary. In afternoon visit Pookot Lake and Chain Tree, check in at the Wildlife resort at 15 00 hours.

Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Located at a distance of 80 km. from the sea shores of Kozhikode, this verdant hill station is full of tea & coffee plantations, forests and wildlife.

Regarding geographical location, Wayanad district stands on the southern top of the Deccan plateau and its chief glory is the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges and rugged terrain interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and deep valleys.

OVERNIGHT IN WAYANAD

After enjoying your breakfast, this day will be at leisure. You may relax at the hotel or can choose amongst inhouse resort activities such as nature walk with naturalist, trek to nearby hillocks, etc. In the evening there will be cooking demonstration etc would be an amazing experience for you.

OVERNIGHT IN WAYANAD

Check out at 09 00 clock and depart to Kochi by car, on the way to Kochi visit Lakkidi view point. Arrive Kochi in the evening and relax at the hotel. Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is a cosmopolitan city in Kerala. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. It’s a delightful place to spend some time and nap in some of India’s finest homestays and heritage accommodation.

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on a guided tour that will take you into the heart of this magnificent city. Here you will visit the gigantic Chinese fishing nets, “cheenavalas”, dating from 1350 and still in use today.

You will also visit the wonderful St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Relax in the shade as you drive to the Jewish Synagogue, built over 400 years ago and discover the impressive architecture and beautiful murals of Dutch Palace.

Kochi is also a centre for Keralan arts and one of the best places to see Kathakali. After 5:00 o'clock in the evening, you will also experience Kathakali Show.

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Your journey continues by crossing the captivating backwaters by air conditioned houseboat. After breakfast, depart for Alleppey. Set out in style on an enchanting one night cruise. While lounging in these floating villas, you will feel like invaders of the backwaters, with the vibrant sights of Kerala skimming by. Look out for the huge Chinese fishing nets, paddy fields, and locals making coir products, rustic buildings, ancient temples and dense coconut trees. Three meals will be served on board.

OVERNIGHT ON THE HOUSEBOAT

After breakfast, check out from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam. Kovalam is often tipped as the ‘paradise’ of South India, with its coconut trees and sweeping beaches, reflecting the meaning of its name –a grove of coconut trees. There is a rocky promontory that has formed a fantastic bay of pristine water perfect for a dip. The beaches are divided by rocks, creating its famous crescent shape.

From Kovalam you will be going to Poovar that lies very close to Vizhinjam, a natural harbour. The Poovar Island here is a popular tourist destination and enroute to Poovar you will be visiting the Hawa Beach.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Spend a full day at leisure sunbathing on the golden sands of Poovar Beach. The estuary shimmers in spades of wow factor where the river, sea and lake meet the land.

A complimentary hour long boat can be organised at Poovar Lake, where you can find golden sandy beaches meeting the estuaries and mangroves.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Breakfast is at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. End your holiday on this wonderful paradise by treating yourself to an Ayurvedic Massage, where the body is revived and the soul replenished. Included is a full body session at the hotel or a nearby spa. Please book your slot with the Ayurveda Center at the resort at the time of check in.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. A beautiful souvenir is the perfect way to end such a magical holiday. Take home a silk sari or handmade version, its motif conveying Kerala’s everlasting memories.

END OF TOUR