Two Cultures India Tour | Bangalore Luxury Travel

Best of Two Cultures

$2000

per person

Old world charm and raw beauty

We begin our india tour in the city of Bangalore, its quaint old world charm offers places of historical interest, making sightseeing through this modern metropolitan city unforgettable. Visit the exquisite temples of Hassan, the grand Maharaja Palace and Chamundi Hill in Mysore as well as stopping at Ooty, Cochhin Churches and the beautiful tea gardens of Munnar. But it doesn’t end there, blow your senses away with a spice tour, before sailing down Lake Periyar on a soul stirring experience where you can observe the raw beauty of untainted wildlife. Then find yourself reminiscing the journey you have been on while basking at the white sandy beaches of Kovalam surrounded by its shimmering calm waters lapping on the shore.

17 Days

Bird Watching

City Sightseeing

Cruises

Include

Daily Breakfast

Entrance Fees Per Itinerary

Internal Flights

All Taxes

Tour Fees Per Itinerary

English Speaking Guide

All Transfers

Lunch & Dinner as per Itinerary

Accommodation
Not Included

Travel Insurance

Late Check-Out

Early Check-In

Tips

“Force Majure” Costs

Personal Costs

Laundry Costs

Excess Baggage

Drinks

International Flights

Local Transport

Airport Taxes

Day 01 Arrive Bangalore

Arrive at Bangalore, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative will assist you at the airport and to the hotel for check in. Bangalore combines a quaint old world charm with the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolitan city. It is a delightful place with a variety of rich cultures, crafts and heritage centres. This city while enjoying the reputation of being modern, nigh-tech city, still offers a lot of places of historical interest for the avid sightseer to explore. A trip around the city can be very interesting and provides a varied sightseeing experience with Palaces, museums, temples, churches and gardens. Overnight in Hotel - Bangalore

Day 02 Bangalore

Today we take a guided tour of Bangalore, visiting Tipu Sultan Palace, the layout of the palace gives the idea of the ethnic Mughal lifestyle. The fort and its remains present the history of the era in which it was built. Also visit Iskcon Temple, a harmonious blend of the Dravidian and modern architecture. The building has some of the modern facilities along with a Vedic preaching library. Next we visit the Lal Bagh Garden, the name Lal Bagh has been given to it for the wonderfully bloomed red roses that remain blooming all through the year. Haider Ali started building this garden in 1760. We will also stop at Vidhan Soudha, a seat of state legislature - an imposing magnificent palatial building built in 'Neo-Dravidian' style and incorporates Indo Sara scenic elements. Overnight in Hotel- Bangalore

Day 03 Bangalore - Hassan

Today we drive to Hassan, founded in the 11th century by Channa Krishnappa Naik, a Palegar. The place is called Hassan after the Goddess Hasanamba (Smiling Goddess) presiding deity of the town. Later we take a tour of Chennakesava Temple at Belur, built in 1117 AD to celebrate Hoysala military victories and it took over a hundred years to complete. We also visit the Hoysaleswara Temple at Helebid, built in 1121 AD and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has two shrines connected by pillared walls and in each shrine is a Lingam Hoysaleswara and Shanthaleshwara. Overnight in Hotel - Hassan

Day 04 Hassan - Mysore

Today we drive down to Mysore, on arrival check in at the hotel. Later we take a tour of Mysore, we visit Srirangapatnam, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan known for his struggle against British rule. Several monuments relating to his rule are sprinkled across the island. Later we visit Daria Daulat, commonly known as the Summer Palace, is situated amidst scenic surroundings on an island formed by two branches of the river Cauvery. Overnight in Hotel - Mysore

Day 05 Mysore

Today we visit Maharaja Palace, designed by British architect Henry Irwin, the Amba Villas Palace as it is also known, was completed in 1912. Chamundi hill, which is topped with a 12th century temple of Durga with the magnificent 5m tall Nandi, carved from a single piece of granite in 1659, is one of the largest in India. Also visit to Jaganmohan Palace, as constructed in 1861 by the king, his Highness Krishnaraja Wodeyar III as an alternate retreat for the royal family. The rest of the afternoon is free for independent activities. Optional: Brindavan Musical Garden Overnight in Hotel - Mysore

Day 06 Mysore - Ooty

Today we drive to Ooty, Queen of hill stations and the capital of Nigliri district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and was a very popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. An added attraction for the tourists is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and winds its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. Overnight in Hotel - Ooty

Day 07 Ooty

Today the whole day is free to enjoy the scenic beauty and do as you please. Overnight in Hotel - Ooty

Day 08 Ooty - Cochin (295km / 7hrs)

Today we drive to Cochin, a very popular and historical sea trade connection with the Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, Dutch and British. It has one of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hotel - Cochin

Day 09 Cochin

Today we visit St. Francis' Church, built in 1503 its known to be one of the oldest European churches in India. We also visit Dutch Palace, it has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. Later we visit the Jewish Synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. We also visit the spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices and history that brought the world to its doorstep. In the evening see Kerala's most popular classical dance, Kathakali. Overnight in Hotel - Cochin

Day 10 Cochin - Munnar (140km / 4hrs)

Today we drive to Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in South India, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. It was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British officers in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, fairy tale towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Overnight in Hotel - Munnar

Day 11 Munnar

Today we take a tour of Munnar, visiting the world's highest tea estates spread like a green carpet over a large area. Later we visit Eravikulam National Park, the best place to see the rare Nilgiri (mountain goat). This sanctuary was set up for the preservation of the endangered Niligiri Tahr. The rest of the evening is free to spend at your leisure enjoying the natural beauty of the place. Overnight in Hotel - Munnar

Day 12 Munnar - Periyar (130km / 3hrs)

Today we drive to Periyar, one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where one can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora, fauna and birds are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear resemblance to any other wildlife sanctuary in the world. Notable among the inhabitants are the tigers, majestic Asiatic wild elephants and distinctive Nilgiri Langur. A cruise through the waters of the Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers a soul stirring pleasant experience. In the evening we go for a Spice Plantation Tour. Overnight in Hotel - Periyar

Day 13 Periyar - Kumarakom

At sun rise, we take a boat ride to view wildlife sanctuary on Lake Periyar. After two hours of wildlife viewing we get back to the hotel for breakfast. Later we drive to Kumarakom, it is a cluster of little islands, on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kuttanad, the 'Wonder Land' believed to have been lying below the sea level, sprang out into the marshes when the sea receded later. The land of lakes, canals, and paddy fields, Kumarakom transports you to sheer ecstasy. Furthermore Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the Karimeen (Pearl Spotted Fish), Chemeen (Prawns) and Konju (Tiger Prawns). Overnight in Hotel - Kumarakom

Day 14 Kumarakom - Thothapalli

Today we visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. There are two seasons for the birds: October - February there are cormorants, teals and other ducks, from February - July there are darters, night herons, egrets and Siberian storks. It also has golden backed woodpeckers, crow pheasant, white-breasted water hen, tree pie etc. Later we board the houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam, and cruise around the backwaters of Kumarakom to Alleppey to observe and experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters. Overnight on Houseboat

Day 15 Thothapalli - Kovalan

This morning, we disembark the houseboat and drive straight for Kovalam, an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930's. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm water ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse, sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, Catamaran cruising, etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush coppery on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. Overnight in Hotel - Kovalam

Day 16 Kovalam

Spend today at your leisure. Explore the water sports or perhaps an Ayurvedic spa on your own. Overnight in Hotel - Kovalam

Day 17 Trivandrum

We will assist you with your transfer to the airport for your onward travel. Our tour concludes: Thank you for your patronage and we look forward to travelling with you in the future.