Best of Southern India : 10 Days
The Gateway to Kerala and often dubbed as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” Cochin is an interesting confluence of diverse cultural and historic influences like the Arab, Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch and the English.
Visit the many iconic attractions of the city such as the Mattancherry palace and the Pardesi synagogue. Walk through the harbor of Fort Kochi to see the most prolific visual of this city-the gigantic Chinese fishing nets.
Drive through tropical evergreen and deciduous forests to arrive at Thekkady to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The best way to see the reserve is by taking a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake to do some bird spotting and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger!
A short drive takes you to Kumarakom –the awe-inspiring backwater town of Kerala. Enjoy the picture perfect coconut –fringed Kerala backwaters aboard a luxurious houseboat as you sail through narrow canals abundant with aquatic life and animals such as the otters, turtles and beautiful migratory birds. Unwind and relax as you admire your picturesque surroundings and watch the water gently slinking past as you sip cardamom tea from the deck.
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Head to Kovalam , a little piece of paradise, full of picturesque beaches, coconut trees and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. From luxurious Ayurvedic massages and sun-kissed beaches to sumptuous seafood, wild water sports and historical landmarks, Kovalam has an interesting mix of attractions.
A short drive from Kovalam takes you to the southernmost tip of India: Kanyakumari. It is geographically the end of Indian mainland and the meeting point of three seas, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian sea, and the Bay of Bengal.
With its stunning coastline, dense forests and spectacular sunrise and sunsets, Kanyakumari is a very popular touristic destination.
Day 01 :
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Bangalore, also called the Silicon Valley of India. An afternoon free to recover from jetlag or explore at your own pace.
Day 02 :
A morning sightseeing tour of Bangalore reveals the Bangalore Fort, Bull Temple and Cubbon Park - a beautiful 300 acre park that houses the public library and the museum. Continue on to Lal Bagh and Vidhana Soudha - Bangalore's centre of State Government. Later depart departing Bangalore on the road to Mysore.
Mysore, also known as the city of Palaces, never fails to mesmerize travellers. It's quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, and beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples are a pleasure in so many ways. Overnight at your selected Mysore Hotel.
Day 03 :
Spend the morning being introduced to Mysore - Mysore Palace, the Jaganmohan Palace and Chamundi Hill, where the 12th century temple of Chamundershwari sits. Close by are the gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura, St. Philomena's Church and the Brindavan Gardens - with lighting and musical fountains this place transforms itself into a fairy land in the evenings.
In the afternoon drive to Ooty, short for Ootacamund and also known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty is dotted with undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, gurgling brooks and lush green tea gardens. After checking in to your selected hotel for a 2 night stay, the remainder of the day is free.
Day 04 :
Ooty is the capital of Nilgiri district and Nilgiri means Blue Mountains. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level has always been a popular summer getaway. The day is at your leisure - enjoy the mountain train, visit a tea garden, head to Coonoor or hike those blue mountains!
Day 05 :
Drive to Cochin to spend 2 nights at your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the surroundings on your own or just relax by the hotel pool.
Day 06 :
Cochin's half day of sightseeing includes Cochin Harbour terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight; Mattancherry Dutch Palace; The Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church (built in 1510 Vasco Da Gama was originally buried here). Later visit the Hill Palace which was built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. Later you will be collected for a Kathakali Dance Show.
Day 07 :
This morning drive to the tranquility of Kumarakom where you are delivered to your chosen retreat to enjoy the remainder of the day discovering nature's beauty at your own pace.
Day 08 :
Morning transfer to Cochin Airport for your flight to Chennai where you will be met and transferred to your Chennai Hotel for a 2 night stay. Rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city or enjoy the hotel facilities.
Day 09 :
Your guide will collect you for a half day sightseeing that will include the San Thome Cathederal. The cathedral is built on the site of a 16th century Portuguese basilica which is said to be the tomb of the apostle Thomas, who is reputed to have brought Christianity to India in the 1st century AD. The tour also includes St Thomas Mount, the Little Mount Shrine, the Fort St George, St Mary's Church, and the Fort Museum which has a collection of objects from the tenure of the East India Company in Chennai including letters from Robert Clive.
Overnight in Chennai.
Day 10 :
You will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight.
