Select south tour and holidays- a journey through south india

A 17 night program through the neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka. The two neighboring Southern States though closely situated are very different in many aspects, like language, customs, festivals, food and landscape. Kerala with its serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush paddy fields, exotic hill-stations, sprawling plantations, enchanting art forms, colourful festivals,alluring cuisine and the revitalizing Ayurveda-the age old natural science for good health and much more………….And Karnataka-is a treasure trove of tourist delights, from a dazzling array of ancient sculptured temples to modern cities and virgin tropical forests and amazing wildlife sanctuaries.

The two neighboring Southern States,Kerala and Karnataka though closely situated are very different in many aspects, like language, customs, festivals, cusine and landscape. Kerala with its serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush paddy fields, exotic hill-stations, sprawling plantations, enchanting art forms, colourful festivals, alluring cuisine and the revitalizing Ayurveda-the age old natural science for good health and much more… And Karnataka-is a treasure trove of tourist delights, from a dazzling array of ancient sculptured temples to modern cities and virgin tropical forests and amazing wildlife sanctuaries.The tour gives you a wide scope for the best explorations in Southern India.

Day 01 – Bangalore
On arrival at Bangalore, you will be met by our meet & greet team and transferred to your Hotel.Rest of the day to explore the garden city. Overnight at the Hotel.

Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and best known internationally as an IT hub that rivals silicone valley.It is easy to see why it is the favourite of the Tecchies with its salubrious climate, its tree-lined avenues, its trendy bars and clubs,it is a city of striking contrasts. Bangalore today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. The Vidhan Soudha is a major attraction which presently functions as the state legislative assembly and a marvelous example of Neo-Dravidian architecture.

Day 02 – Bangalore
Full day for exploring the wonderful cosmopolitan city. Overnight at the hotel.
The Cubbon Park in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh (famous for the blooming red roses), and the Bangalore Palace are some of the other must see attractions of this garden city. The Tipu's Palace and the adjoining fort are fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture that also offer a glimpse into the Mughal lifestyle of the day. Besides, one can also visit the Aquarium, which is the second largest in the country.

Day 03 – Hassan
After breakfast drive to Hassan (195 Kms / 04 Hrs); Enroute visiting Shravanabelagola. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Hassan, the district headquarters, located 194 Kms from Bangalore is a quiet and peaceful town, convenient base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid.
Shravanabelagola - Wedged between two stark rocky hills, this legendary pilgrim center and shrine of the Jains since early times. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, a Jain saint and an object of worship for centuries, standing atop one of the hills, is 18 meters high and is said to be one of the tallest and most graceful monolithic statues in the world. The symmetry in stone was created around 978 AD. The Mahamastakabisheka festival, an elaborate ritual, held here once every 12 years, the last one in February 2006, attracts devotees from all over the world.

Day 04 – Hassan
Day to visit Belur & Halebid temples. Overnight at the Hotel.

The temples at Belur and Halebid, which remained incomplete despite 80 years of labor, are offerings of the finest workmanship in stone to the gods. The elaborate sculptured decoration on the temple, according to some critics, is even better than the Friezes at Konark in Orissa and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The Temple at Halebid is still used for worship today. Overnight at Hassan
Belur was the capital of the Hoysalas during the 11th and 12th centuries, before the capital was moved to Halebid. The thing not to be missed here is the impressive Chennakeshava Temple, which has some of the most intricate and beautiful carvings in India. Beside this temple, there are two other temples to see, the Viranarayana Temple and the Chenniga Raya TempleThe Channakeshava temple at Belur, which was (the earlier Capital of Hoysala Kingdom) built by the emperor Vishnuvardhana, during 1117 AD to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism, has attracted connoisseurs of art the World over, through its intricate sculpting wonders. The 42 bracket sculptures that decorate the outside walls of Chennakeshava, under the eaves, are fine examples of Hoysala art. Hoysaleshvara is a 12th century Hoysala temple in Halebid, the old Hoysala capital. The temple is laid out on a double plan, almost as if two temples were joined side to side. Both shrines open to the east, and rest on the usual Hoysala star-shaped bases.There are no gopurams or towers.Sequences from Ramayana, Mahabharatha & Bhagavatha are depicted on the outer walls of these temples. The efficiency and experience of the sculpture, who had carved these stories in stone is bewitching. Outside there is a Nandi (Bull) the mount of Lord Shiva bullock where the palace stood, connected to the temple by a passage. The walls of the temples are covered with variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. There is a museum on the lawn with 12-13th century sculpture and the gold coins in use at the time.
The Kedreshwara temple where the sculptor's virtuosity seems to have surpassed even the goldsmith's skill in its sheer intricacy. One Km from Halebeed is Basti Hill where there are Jain Basties with gleaming black stone pillars..

Day 05 – Mysore
Morning, after breakfast drive to Mysore.(150 Kms/ 03 Hrs). Enroute visit Srirangapatanam. On arrival check-into the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.
Srirangapatanam - the island fortress of the legendary warrior, Tipu Sultan. Inside the fortress is Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, the celebrated Ranganatha Swami temple, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned. On arrival at Mysore check in hotel and relax leisurely. Mysore -is one of the major cities of Karnataka. Mysore is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.

Day 06 – Mysore
Day to explore the royal Palace of Mysore and the rich heritage. Overnight at the Hotel.

Visit the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull.

Mysore, an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendor of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots. Rangathittu, lush green islands on the river Cauvery, are home for an astonishing variety of migratory birds from as far away as Siberia - Spoon bills, Open Bill Stork, White Ibis, Little Egret, Darter, Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Cormorant, Wild Duck, Peafowl. The only sounds are the cries of birds; swoosh of wings and the ripple of water.

Day 07 - Kabini (50 kms-1.5 hours drive)
Morning, proceed to Kabini. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Rest of the day to discover the wildlife. Overnight at the Hotel.

Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lays a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature. Beckoning you to explore it for a wild exciting holiday. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits.

Day 08 – Kabini
Full day at Kabini for jungle activities like guided safaris and free walks. Overnight at the Hotel.

The jungle activities are organized by the jungle resorts with proper safari jeeps and escorting rangers takes you deep into the forest.Perhaps nowhere else in India can one see so much of wildlife. Sighting of elephants, sambhar, spotted deer, gaur, wild boar, sloth bear, wild dogs, etc., are almost assured, while if one is lucky, a tiger or a panther too, could be sighted.

Day 09 –Mysore- Vythiri -3-4 hours
After Breakfast, proceed to Vythiri.Rest of the time free at the resort to enjoy the amenities of the resort. Overnight at the resort.
The Vythiri resort is located in the forested highlands of Kerala. Living in the midst of nature, it's not difficult to actually fall in love with it. At Vythiri, the entire philosophy revolves around this undying love. No trees have ever been cut to make way for the resort. Even the rocks and boulders have been left in peace and the animals around the resort, undisturbed.

Day 10 – Vythiri
Full day enjoy the amenities of the resort. Overnight at the resort.
The cottages and huts are in the ethnic styles. Taking you back to an indigenous "tribal village" where simplicity and harmony reigned supreme. The climate is mildly cool, just fine - neither too cold, nor warm. Vythiri’s unique geographical features lend a peculiar charm and a delightful challenge to trekkers and nature freaks. Its fascinating scenery and wonderful climate creates an unforgettable experience.

Day 11 – Vythiri – Cochin - 7 hrs
After an early breakfast, drive to Cochin. Enroute lunch at Cheruthuruthy River Retreat, a nice resort on the banks of Bharathapuzha.(River Nila). By early evening continue the drive to Cochin Overnight at the Hotel.
Cochin known as ‘queen of the Arabian Sea’ is the commercial capital of Kerala and perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin
From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. Cochin has Asia's best preserve Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India - the St. Francis Church.

Day 12- COCHIN
After breakfast drive to Poothotta Backwater Village for a Country Boat Cruise through an island village to watch the backwater village life followed by lunch at a farm house.PM for sightseeing of Cochin. Evening watch fusion of Indian Art Forms at Greenix Theatre.Overnight at the Hotel.

Village backwater Cruise - Village backwater Cruise – An unforgettable journey in a country boat into the pristine backwater villages of Kerala.... goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms.....watch rare birds....country boat making....a natural fish farm where you can go fishing…You will witness coir making, toddy tapping and enjoy a typical Kerala lunch at a farmhouse.
Cochin Sightseeing - St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The "Dutch Palace" was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - which gives the effect of polished marble.

Day 13: Alleppey – Houseboat
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Alleppey to board the houseboat for a night’s stay with on board lunch and dinner. Overnight at the houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Meals would be cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad localities, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejenuvated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living.

DAY 14 – Houseboat – Kumarakom
After breakfast, check out from the Houseboat at the Hotel Boat Jetty in Kumarakom, which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. On arrival at Kumarakom check in at The Coconut Lagoon. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon (set in an island full of coconut palms in the very heart of these fascinating backwaters, designed to give visitors an authentic insight into Kuttanad life).

Day 15: Kumarakom – Marari
After a leisurely breakfast ,check out and drive to Marari Beach (45 Minutes Drive). On arrival, check in at Marari Beach Resort (www.cghearth.com). Day free to enjoy the beach activities. Overnight at the resort.

Marari originates from "Mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it's best.

Day 16: Marari
Day free to enjoy the beach activities. Overnight at Marari Beach Resort.

Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala's traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.

Day 17: Marari
Day free to enjoy the beach activities. Overnight at Marari Beach Resort.

Marari Beach sprawls across 55 acres of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and whispering coconut groves, all threaded through with stone- flagged pathways. A windbreak of palms runs the length of the property, a protective cover that reduces even the gustiest sea winds to mere caresses. And beyond is a milk-and-azure ocean, fringed by a beach more ochre than yellow, a sand-meets-sea combination you're not likely to find anywhere else.

Day 18:Cochin Departure
Like all good things, your holiday experience comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience.Later after wash & change , you will be assisted and transferred to Cochin International airport for your flight home!!