Backwater tour with Enchanting Karnataka

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Travel Duration: 14Nights & 15Days
Covered Destinations: Bangalore - Cochin - Alleppay - Kumarakom - Periyar - Madurai - Coimbtore - Ooty - Coonoor - Madumalai - Bandipur - Nagarhole - Mysore - Bangalore
Tour Type: Customized Tour with Private Car and Driver

Highlights of the Tour

Kathakali Dance presentation in Cochin
Romantic Overnight House boat in Alleppey through enchanting water ways
Spot the Tiger in Periyar Tiger Reserve
Toy Train in Indias finest Hill Station Ooty (Udhgamadnalam)
See Wildife in National Parks of Madumallai, Bandipur and Nagarhole
World famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
Lots of Other magnificent temples in Mysore.

Special Activities Included

Reception and Assistance at the airport on arrival / departure.
Accommodation can be availed on Single, Double & Triple Sharing basis.
City sightseeing tours, excursion and surface travel by AC Car inclusive of fuel charges, taxes, toll, parking etc as per programmed.
English speaking guide for entire tour.
Daily buffet breakfasts.
All prevailing taxes like luxury tax in all hotels and expenditure tax wherever applicable.
All transfer to or from hotels, city tours, drives by air-conditioned transport.
Interstate road tax, toll tax, drivers allowance and parking etc.
Mineral water for the entire tour for Outdoor use only.
Village tours where organized.
Accommodation at the House boat including all meals.
Entrance fees at National parks and Bird Sanctuary.
Experienced naturalogist at the national parks to explain the flora and fauna of the jungle.
Boat Ride in Periyar.
Indian Classical Dance shows specially KATHAKALI in Cochin.
Lodging in House Boat in Kumarakom including all meals.
Toy Train ride for Ooty from Metupallayam.

Detailed Travel Plan

Day 01: Bangalore

After arriving in Bangalore, you will be received by our company representative who will escort you till the hotel. Meanwhile, he will acquaint you with the city culture and its forms of art. Later, you will check in at the hotel.

Bangalore- The garden city of India is much talked about for its several parks and avenues of jacaranda, gulmohar, Cassia. It is one of the 6th biggest and one of the cleanest cities in India. Its world class technological excellence has earned it the sobriquet of Indias Silicon Valley. Bangalore city was established by Kempa Gowda in the 1537 AD. It continued to be known as a British Garrison town for about 50 Yrs from 1831.

Spend few hours of relaxation at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will venture out on the half-day sightseeing city tour.

You will pay visits to the Cubbon Park, Vidhan Soudha and Museums and Bull temple.

Vidhan Soudha It is situated at the northern end of Cubbon Park and houses both the state Legislature and the secretariat. It was erected in 1954 in the Neo Dravidian style of architecture. It is considered as Bangalores most impressive structures.

Cubbon Park Sprawling across 120 hectares of land, this park was laid out in 1864. It is the main lung of the city and provides a delightful escape from the surrounding urban chaos. It is particularly famous with local people. It has beautiful landscaped lawns, grassy expanses, flowering trees, childrens play ground, bandstand and a restaurant.

The Government museum here is recognized as the oldest museum in India. It was established in1886. It houses a rich collection of stone carvings, weapons, pottery, etc from all over Karnataka.

You overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 02: Bangalore Cochin:
By Flight: 9W 2731 (Dep 10:15 Arr 11:35)

After breakfast, our representative will drive you to the airport to board a flight for Cochin. On reaching, you will check in at the hotel. After relaxing for a while, you will start sightseeing tour of the city.

About Cochin: A group of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin or Kochi is perhaps the second best place on the Western Ghats. It is known as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. It displays the best of all that Kerala has to offer you. A rich past and a vibrant present, Kochi gained the status of the business hub of the region many years back. All the parts of Kochi are well connected by ferries. Some of the popular spots to visit here are inclusive of mainland of Ernakulam, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, the islands of Willington, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin.

A sightseeing tour of Cochin includes a visit to the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry. It is famed for its wall murals that depict scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue is another attraction which is located in the center of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church here is considered to be the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica was originally erected in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have been brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Finally, the Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, is the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of India and is a must visit place.

You overnight stay will be at the hotel in Cochin.

Day 03: Cochin Alleppey:
By Surface: 64 kms/ 01.5 Hrs*

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast and head for Alleppey. Reach Alleppey and later check in at the hotel or resort. Get some refreshment and begin the sightseeing tour.

You will visit Alleppey Beach - Kuttanad - the rice bowl of Kerala, and so on. Later in the evening retire into the resort or Hotel.

Your overnight stay arrangements are available at the hotel in Alleppey.

You overnight stay will be at the hotel in Cochin.

Day 04: Alleppey Kumarakom
House Boat

Have a delicious breakfast and then check in the houseboat.

Get ready for the 22 hours of backwater cruise from Alleppey to Kumarakom sailing through several canals and waterways that lead up to the destination. The backwater cruise in a country boat is undoubtedly the best way to discover the charm of the villages and rural life here. In Alleppey, you will be taken aboard your floating houseboat, a different boat with a bedroom and en-suite rest room for your comfort. Enjoy unlimited surfing on backwaters, and sip a coconut. Enjoy the chirping of birds and occasional ripples in water and take delight in mouthwatering delicacies whipped up in front of you by your Kitchen crew. You will spend the night onboard. Have a pleasant cruise experience on the backwater traversing through a labyrinth of canals and lagoons. Do bask in the taste of the freshly caught fresh water fish cooked specially for you.

About House Boat: Earlier these Houseboats of Kerala were known as "Kettuvallam". These huge, ling and tapering barges were traditionally used to transport goods across kingdoms, with portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as a rest room and kitchen for the crew. A familiar sight on the Backwaters, these vessels have been made without using nails. The houseboats are made of plants of jack wood, that are joined together, and coir rope and then coated with caustic black resin that is made from boiled cashew kennels. Proper maintenance process makes them last for generations. Today famous as Luxury Houseboats, (Kerala Backwaters) these houseboats contain furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, comfortable living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. As you cruise down the canal, you will see that morning newspaper and mail delivery are made by boat. Vendors in boat travel from house to house to sell everyday provisions like rice, vegetables, oil, kerosene etc. with hundreds of quacking ducks around. Also you can see village activities, fisherman's activities and see old beautiful temples, churches and old fashioned Kerala.

Your overnight stay will be on board on full meal basis.

Day 05: Kumarakom - Periyar
By Surface: 110 Kms/ 02 Hrs*

After breakfast check out the houseboat and check in the resort in Periyar. After some refreshment and relaxation, you will start the trip to the city.

Tiger! Isnt the word exciting & thrilling! Today you might have an opportunity to meet the beast. Come!

Lets pierce into the Den & go to Periyar Tiger Reserve.

In morning, the nature lovers can trek in the Jungle with an assistance of the local guide who will familiarize you with the rare birds, trees & flowers. You can even take a walk through the plantations exuding heady fragrance of fresh spice.

A boat safari on the Periyar Lake will extend you an opportunity to see exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. It will be fun to see bathing habits of the wild elephants that come down to the lake from so close.

Your overnight stay will be at the hotel or resort.

Day 06: Periyar Madurai
By Surface: 136 Kms/ 03.5 Hrs*

After breakfast, you will leave for Madurai. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage which is as old as more than 2500 years old. It has been an important commercial centre as early as 550 AD. It is the ancient city in Tamil Nadu. It was originally referred to as Kadambavanam or the forest of Kadamba.

Evening will be free to spend some leisure time. So enjoy it in your style.

Your overnight stay will be arranged at the hotel in Madurai.

Day 07: Madurai

After breakfast at the hotel, you will get on the sightseeing tour of Madurai.

Today, you will visit Meenakshi Sundareshwar. It was erected about 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded between the years 1623 and 1655 AD. Initially there was only the Shiva temple. The striking feature of the temple is its structure called the Ayiramkaal mandapam or the Hall of a thousand pillars situated in the outermost corridor.

Your overnight stay will be at the hotel in Madurai.

Day 08: Madurai Coimbatore:
By Surface: 217 Kms/ 05 Hrs*

Enjoy your breakfast and head towards Coimbatore. Reach and check in the hotel. After some time, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour.

Coimbatore is the 3rd largest city of Tamil Nadu. It is the district headquarters and the most industrialized and commercialized city in Tamil Nadu. It is the textile capital of the south. It is known as the Manchester of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of Noyyal, which is a tributary of the river Cauvery. The hinterland with black cotton soil and the ideal climate are suitable for the development of textile industry. It was in existence even before 2nd century as the capital of Kongu kings. It came under the reign of Karikal Chola of the 2nd century A.D., the Rastrakutas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar rulers, and Mysore Wodeyars too held sway in this region. When it finally fell into the hands of the British, its name was perpetuated as Coimbatore. As it is nestled on the shadows of the Western Ghats, it enjoys a very pleasant climate throughout the year. It witnesses fresh breeze that blows through the 25 kms wide Palakkad gap, which is the main link to the neighboring state Kerala.

PerurTemple: This temple is consecrated to Lord Shiva. It was erected by Karikola Cholan by the Noyyal river side.

Maruthamalai Temple: This temple is consecrated to Lord Murugan. It is situated on a hillock about 12 kilometers away from Coimbatore. The presiding deity of the temple is called Dhandayuthapani.

V.O.C.Park: This park has been named after the freedom fighter V.O.Chidambaram. The park consists of a mini zoo and toy train.

The other interesting sites to visit here include Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and one of the oldest forest colleges of the country.

Your overnight stay will be at the hotel in Coimbatore.

Day 09: Coimbatore Mettupalayam:
By Surface: 65 Kms/ 02 Hrs*
Mettupalayam Ooty:
Toy Train:

Enjoy a breakfast and move towards Mettupalayam. From Mettupalayam, you can board a Toy Train for Udhgamandalam (Ooty) that passes through Tea plantations. The journey will give you an opportunity to bask in the scenic beauty of Ooty "The Queen of southern hill resorts". After arrival, you will check in the hotel.

Enjoy the beauty of this beautiful creation of God. This famous hill station was founded by the British in the early 19th Century. It was introduced as the summer capital of the Madras Government. Prior to this the Toda Tribal people inhabited it. Today only about 1500 of them remain and you see their shrines in various places throughout the hills.

Ooty is touted to be the first esablished hill station in India. It is given the title of the queen of the Blue Mountains. One can still see the remnants of the British occupation in the single storey stone cottages, winding lanes with tall leafy eucalyptus, the stone churches, the private schools and the Ooty club house. The Maharaja's summer palace here transports its onlookers back to yet another time.

Ooty is extended over a large meandering hills and valleys. It is situated at an elevation of 2286 m above sea level. A small hill train painted in blue and ivory hues, known as the Blue Mountain Express, chugs up every day from Mettupalayam in the plains.

You can also try hand on activities such as trekking, horse riding, boating in the lake etc.

Your overnight stay will be at the hotel in Ooty.

Day 10: Ooty Madumalai
By Surface: 57 Kms/ 01 Hrs*

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and get ready to drive to the Madumalai. After you reach, you will check in the hotel.

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary here is considered to be the first Wildlife Reserve in South India. The Park is much talked about for its expansive terrain that boasts hills, ravines, valleys and swamps. Even the vegetation is quite different. There are blooming trees like Indian Labumusum, Solanancea, Aredesia, and others like Bamboos (Bambusa Arundinacea) Crenulata/Terminalia Tomontosa, Natural teak (Tectona Grandis), Terminalia, Anogeissus latifolia and Grewia,

The Wildlife sanctuary houses one of largest elephant populations in the country. The National Park serves as a habitat to other animals like tigers and leopards, chital, dhole panther Gaur, Banner, Macaque, Common langur, Sloth Bear, Python, Otter, Crocodiles (mugger), barking deer, Four Horned Antelope, giant flying squirrel, Sambar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Porcupine, Jackal, Hare, and Mongoose.

The Birds that can be spotted at this National Park are, peacock, gray jungle fowl, the shama, the magpie-robin, the red spur fowl, the gray partridge quails, malabar grey hornbill, bulbuls, goggle eyed plover, Malabar whistling thrush, spotted babbler, small green barbet, green pigeons, the brown dove, mynahs, etc.

Your overnight stay will be at the hotel in Madumallai.

Day 11: Madumalai Bandipur National Park
By Surface: 200 Kms/ 06 Hrs*

After breakfast, you will be taken to the Bandipur National Park. Once you reach, you will check in the hotel or resort.

Bandipur National Park is nestled in the south Indian state of Karnataka. Cuddled in the foothills of the Nilgiris, Bandipur wildlife sanctuary serves as a home to some rare species of birds and animals. Cozily far off from the bustle of polluted cities, Bandipur National Park is an ideal retreat for them who enjoy the company of wildlife. The sanctuary is situated on the Mysore-Ooty Highway. It is the part of the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka.

Your overnight stay will be at the hotel in Bandipur.

Day 12: Bandipur

Have your breakfast and enjoy the fascinating vista of the wildlife of Bandipur.

Bandipur wildlife sanctuary was made a tiger reserve in 1973. It was one amongst the 15 tiger reserves of the country. The park is an extension of the Venugopal Wildlife Park, which was built by the Maharajas of Mysore in 1931.

You will come across a number of wild animals in the park. Some of the animals that you will be able to spot on wildlife tour of Bandipur Wildlife sanctuary are elephant, sambar, partridges, peafowl, quail, giant squirrel, hornbill and barking deer.

The park boasts of nicely built roads that make a travel inside the park easy and comfortable. It is a wonderful experience to watch animals grazing or simply basking in the sun. You can opt for a jeep safari or elephant safari. Wildlife tours in the park are organized between 6 am to 9 am in the morning and 4 pm to 6:30 pm in the evening.

Your overnight stay will be at the resort in Bandipur.

Day 13: Bandipur Nagarhole

Have your breakfast at the hotel and drive to the Nagarhole.

Nagarhole National Park is an all weather park which is located 96 km away from Mysore. The area is marked for the habitat of several rare and endangered species, notably the tiger. Much of it has been protected from the ill effects of development because Indian royalty used the area as a hunting park. Nagarhole is part of the protected area complex that includes Bandipur National Park, Wynad Sanctuary and Mudumalai Sanctuary.

The name Nagarhole is taken from the Kannada word `Naga' which means `snake' and `Hole' which means `streams'. A number of streams snake through the rich tropical forests of Nagarhole.

Nestled within the districts of Koodogu (Coorg) and Mysore in Karnataka, the sanctuary is adjacent to the Kerala State. It was originally designated as a game sanctuary in 1955 that centred on the Nagarhole settlement. The sanctuary was later extended to its present size in 1974 by combining the Mysore forests and Nagarhole Sanctuary.

The Park flaunts an elegant landscape of smooth slopes and shallow valleys. The largest river draining the area in the south is the Kabini, which was dammed in 1974.

Other eminent rivers are Lakshmana, Teentha and Nagarhole. The several perennial and seasonal streams here drain into the four major rivers.

The Park mainly consists of moist deciduous forest in the northern and western parts and dry deciduous forest in the south-eastern part. A striking characteristic of these forests is the open grassy swamps which are locally referred to as hadlus. Here the grass is verdant all year-round. Owing to the high rainfall, the place abounds in swamps. Plantations of teak and species of eucalyptus are found all over the park

Your overnight stay will be at the hotel in Nagarhole.

Day 14: Nagarhole Mysore
By Surface: 96 Kms/ 02 Hrs*

Enjoy your breakfast and take a route to Mysore. After reaching Mysore, you will check in the hotel.

Mysore, better known as the city of palaces, is a noted travel destination of South India. Also called Mysooroo, the city previously served as the capital to the Wodeyar rulers. The Wodeyar rulers were great patrons of art and culture, which you can see in the rich heritage of the city. Besides its several palaces and rich buildings, Mysore city is also largely visited for its nearness to many other places of tourist interest including Srirangapatna, Krishna Raj Sagra dam and Sivasamudram falls.

Apart from these attractions, the Mysore city is also recognized for sandalwood products and the Dasara festival (Navaratri) organized every year. The Mysore Dasara is famous with many tourists. The name Mysore is said to have been deduced from Mahishuru. The term Mahishuru has come from Mahisha. According to legends, the area around the Mysore city was once under the demon king Mahishasura, who was defeated and killed by goddess Chamundeshwari.

The Chamundeswari Temple, which is located on the top of the hill of Chamundi, is of huge religious importance. It is consecrated to the Goddess Chamundi or Durga, who killed the demon king. Earlier, this temple was very small. But, later under the Wodeyar rule, the temple was expanded.

Another temple to visit is the Mahabaleshwar Temple. It is considered older than the Chamundeswari Temple, which somehow lost its importance with the latter gaining significance.

The Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple, consecrated to Lord Krishna, and erected by a Wodeyar ruler, is as old as 18th century. The temple houses about 40 bronze statues of gods and saints. One can also see the statue of the ruler who built this temple.

Other ancient temples of this region are the Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple and the Trinesvaraswamy Temple.

Your overnight stay will be at the hotel in Mysore.

Day 15: Mysore Bangalore
By Surface: 140 Kms/ 03 Hrs*

Enjoy a nice breakfast and move towards the city of Bangalore.

Enjoy the day at your own leisure. During afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport to board a flight to your next destinations with sweet memories of India in mind.

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FIRST TIME VISITORS

GROUP TOURS

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WILDLIFE TOURS AND SAFARI

Backwater tour with Enchanting Karnataka

Highlights of the Tour

Special Activities Included

Detailed Travel Plan