Southern Culture & Wildlife
Duration: 15 Days & 14 Nights
Destinations Covered : Bangalore - Mysore - Nagarhole - Ooty - Annamalai - Eravikulam - Alleppey - Cochin
Destinations Covered : Bangalore - Mysore - Nagarhole - Ooty - Annamalai - Eravikulam - Alleppey - Cochin
A 15 day tour takes you through the Deccan Plateau through the south eastern part of Karnataka onto the South western part of India i.e. Kerala. Tour begins with arrival into Banglaore, which is also known as city of Gardens and also has a Palace to boast about followed by a visit to Mysore where you soak yourself in the rich history by visiting the Mysore Palace which houses the museum. After the Palaces, you travel onto the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary, best places in India to observe Elephants in the wild besides other wildlife like the antelopes, Gaurs, wild dogs, leopards, tigers etc. From Nagarhole, you travel to Ooty, also known as Queen of Hill stations before getting onto Annamalai National Park which is a deciduous jungle home for Elephant, Gaur, water Buffalo, Tiger, Civets and a range of birds.
You enter into Kerala from Munnar and visit Eravikulam National Park which is famous for Nilgiri Tahr, before heading off to the backwaters. You will sail through the narrow canals in a rice barge which has been converted into a comfortable houseboat for you to spend the night. Cook on the houseboat will serve the catch of the day. The journey comes to an end with the visit to Cochin. Here you will visit the Jewish Synagogue and also witness the classical Kathakali Dance performance.
Day 01 Arrive Bangalore
Arrive Bangalore. On arrival you will be received by our representative for transfer to hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bangalore - city with its centuries ‑ old trees, sub‑tropical herbs and well laid out gardens. Visit the beautiful botanical gardens of ‘Lal Bagh’, the ‘Nandi Bull Temple’, the impressive building of the ‘Vidhana Souda’ (Secretariat). Continue onwards to the ‘Palace of Tipu Sultan’. It was started by Hyder Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan. One of the three summer palaces built by the two Mysore rulers, it is made entirely of wood, except for the internal pillar supports. Within are gloriously painted walls, ceilings, and balconies in red, black and gold. Bangalore has rapidly become an important industrial center and, has been nicknamed the 'Silicon Valley' of India.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 Bangalore – Mysore
Morning drive to Mysore (140 kms). On arrival check-in at the hotel.
In the late afternoon visit the Mysore Palace. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, it is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open onto luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The Marriage Pavilion is adorned with glazed tiled flooring, stained glass and domed ceilings. The walled palace complex houses the Residential Museum, temples and shrines, including the Shwetha Varahswamy Temple. The magnificently jewel-studded golden throne, the pride of the ruling Wodeyar family, is displayed here during the Dussehra festival. The palace, illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty. (Once a week on every Sunday the palace is lit up in the evening)
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 Mysore – Nagarhole
Morning drive to Nagarhole (96 kms). On arrival check-in at the hotel for 03 nights.
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Western Ghats, is a mixture of rich green tropical and deciduous forests with rolling hills criss-crossed by streams, swamps, rivers and waterfalls. Nagarhole, a former Maharajas hunting area, is dedicated to saving the wildlife and is considered one of the best places in India to observe Elephants in the wild. About a thousand Elephants are thought to populate the park, and in the hot summer months they congregate in large herds along the banks of the River Kabini. Other animals include Four-Horned Antelope, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Gaur, Indian Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, and the elusive Leopard and Tiger. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded here, and as well as large numbers of game and water birds the park is noted for its Ospreys. Due to the large number of Elephants in the park, gameviewing and birdwatching are by jeep or early morning coracle rides (small light-weight boats).
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 & 05 Nagarhole
Morning & Evening game viewing.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 Nagarhole – Ooty
Morning drive to Ooty (64 kms). Upon arrival in Ooty, check into your hotel.
Ooty - the summer capital of the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu), it is known as the Queen of Hill stations. It nestles in the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 2300 m. Ooty still maintains its definite air of elegance and there are British Raj reminders everywhere-notably in the stone cottages with flower gardens, the beautiful Botanical gardens (1840), the Churches, tea gardens and eucalyptus plantations.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 Ooty
Day is at your leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 Ooty – Annamalai (Indira Gandhi National Park)
Morning drive to Annamalai (260 kms) and the 958 square kilometre Indira Gandhi National Park. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Indira Gandhi National Park is situated in the Annamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful nature preserves in Tamil Nadu. The park rises steeply through deciduous jungle and bamboo thickets and sightings of Gaur, Elephant and Leopard are not uncommon during the early or late hours of the day. Within the park is a hamlet known as Top Slip, named for the teak logs which were 'slipped' to the plains below down a narrow canal. The park is home to Elephant, Gaur, Water Buffalo, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Civets and an array of colourful birds.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 & 10 Annamalai (Indira Gandhi National Park)
Enjoy wildwatching.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 Annamalai (Indira Gandhi National Park) – Munnar
Morning drive to Munnar (120 kms). Upon arrival in Munnar, check into your hotel.
Munnar - is the beautiful hillstation housing world’s highest tea-growing estates. Beyond these estates are rich tropical forests, that houses an assortment of wildlife such as Nilgiri Langur, Sambhar, Gaur, Elephant and Lion-tailed Macaques.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 Munnar – Eravikulam National Park – Munnar
Visit Eravikulam National Park, which is situated in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats. It was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species of wild goat and the only one to be found south of the Himalayas.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 Munnar – Alleppey
Morning drive to Alleppey (150 kms) to board the traditional rice boats - “Kettuvallam” for a fascinating cruise through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one of the world’s truly unforgettable experiences. These traditional houseboats of Kerala are one of the most enduring images of the backwaters, its natural, cocoon-like profile complementing the surrounding countryside. You can relax on the sundeck and watch the way of life and activity of the local people, sipping from a tender coconut and enjoying the sheer peace of the surroundings.
Overnight on board
Day 14 Alleppey – Cochin
Dis-embark the houseboat after breakfast and drive to Cochin (60 kms). Upon arrival in Cochin, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin or "Kochi"‑ the palm green, commercial capital of Kerala which has one of the finest natural harbours & is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis and the famous Chinese fishing nets.
Late afternoon witness the Kathakali dance performance - Kathakali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different ‘mudras’ or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 Cochin – Onward Destination
Today you will be transferred to the International airport for your flight onward destination.
The above cost includes:
You enter into Kerala from Munnar and visit Eravikulam National Park which is famous for Nilgiri Tahr, before heading off to the backwaters. You will sail through the narrow canals in a rice barge which has been converted into a comfortable houseboat for you to spend the night. Cook on the houseboat will serve the catch of the day. The journey comes to an end with the visit to Cochin. Here you will visit the Jewish Synagogue and also witness the classical Kathakali Dance performance.
Day 01 Arrive Bangalore
Arrive Bangalore. On arrival you will be received by our representative for transfer to hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bangalore - city with its centuries ‑ old trees, sub‑tropical herbs and well laid out gardens. Visit the beautiful botanical gardens of ‘Lal Bagh’, the ‘Nandi Bull Temple’, the impressive building of the ‘Vidhana Souda’ (Secretariat). Continue onwards to the ‘Palace of Tipu Sultan’. It was started by Hyder Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan. One of the three summer palaces built by the two Mysore rulers, it is made entirely of wood, except for the internal pillar supports. Within are gloriously painted walls, ceilings, and balconies in red, black and gold. Bangalore has rapidly become an important industrial center and, has been nicknamed the 'Silicon Valley' of India.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 Bangalore – Mysore
Morning drive to Mysore (140 kms). On arrival check-in at the hotel.
In the late afternoon visit the Mysore Palace. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, it is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open onto luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The Marriage Pavilion is adorned with glazed tiled flooring, stained glass and domed ceilings. The walled palace complex houses the Residential Museum, temples and shrines, including the Shwetha Varahswamy Temple. The magnificently jewel-studded golden throne, the pride of the ruling Wodeyar family, is displayed here during the Dussehra festival. The palace, illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty. (Once a week on every Sunday the palace is lit up in the evening)
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 Mysore – Nagarhole
Morning drive to Nagarhole (96 kms). On arrival check-in at the hotel for 03 nights.
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Western Ghats, is a mixture of rich green tropical and deciduous forests with rolling hills criss-crossed by streams, swamps, rivers and waterfalls. Nagarhole, a former Maharajas hunting area, is dedicated to saving the wildlife and is considered one of the best places in India to observe Elephants in the wild. About a thousand Elephants are thought to populate the park, and in the hot summer months they congregate in large herds along the banks of the River Kabini. Other animals include Four-Horned Antelope, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Gaur, Indian Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, and the elusive Leopard and Tiger. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded here, and as well as large numbers of game and water birds the park is noted for its Ospreys. Due to the large number of Elephants in the park, gameviewing and birdwatching are by jeep or early morning coracle rides (small light-weight boats).
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 & 05 Nagarhole
Morning & Evening game viewing.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 Nagarhole – Ooty
Morning drive to Ooty (64 kms). Upon arrival in Ooty, check into your hotel.
Ooty - the summer capital of the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu), it is known as the Queen of Hill stations. It nestles in the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 2300 m. Ooty still maintains its definite air of elegance and there are British Raj reminders everywhere-notably in the stone cottages with flower gardens, the beautiful Botanical gardens (1840), the Churches, tea gardens and eucalyptus plantations.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 Ooty
Day is at your leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 Ooty – Annamalai (Indira Gandhi National Park)
Morning drive to Annamalai (260 kms) and the 958 square kilometre Indira Gandhi National Park. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Indira Gandhi National Park is situated in the Annamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful nature preserves in Tamil Nadu. The park rises steeply through deciduous jungle and bamboo thickets and sightings of Gaur, Elephant and Leopard are not uncommon during the early or late hours of the day. Within the park is a hamlet known as Top Slip, named for the teak logs which were 'slipped' to the plains below down a narrow canal. The park is home to Elephant, Gaur, Water Buffalo, Sloth Bear, Tiger, Civets and an array of colourful birds.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 & 10 Annamalai (Indira Gandhi National Park)
Enjoy wildwatching.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 Annamalai (Indira Gandhi National Park) – Munnar
Morning drive to Munnar (120 kms). Upon arrival in Munnar, check into your hotel.
Munnar - is the beautiful hillstation housing world’s highest tea-growing estates. Beyond these estates are rich tropical forests, that houses an assortment of wildlife such as Nilgiri Langur, Sambhar, Gaur, Elephant and Lion-tailed Macaques.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 Munnar – Eravikulam National Park – Munnar
Visit Eravikulam National Park, which is situated in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats. It was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species of wild goat and the only one to be found south of the Himalayas.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 Munnar – Alleppey
Morning drive to Alleppey (150 kms) to board the traditional rice boats - “Kettuvallam” for a fascinating cruise through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one of the world’s truly unforgettable experiences. These traditional houseboats of Kerala are one of the most enduring images of the backwaters, its natural, cocoon-like profile complementing the surrounding countryside. You can relax on the sundeck and watch the way of life and activity of the local people, sipping from a tender coconut and enjoying the sheer peace of the surroundings.
Overnight on board
Day 14 Alleppey – Cochin
Dis-embark the houseboat after breakfast and drive to Cochin (60 kms). Upon arrival in Cochin, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin or "Kochi"‑ the palm green, commercial capital of Kerala which has one of the finest natural harbours & is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis and the famous Chinese fishing nets.
Late afternoon witness the Kathakali dance performance - Kathakali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different ‘mudras’ or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 Cochin – Onward Destination
Today you will be transferred to the International airport for your flight onward destination.
| Validity: October 16, 2011 till April 15, 2012 – Standard Hotels | ||
| Cost based in EURO | 2 – 3 Guests | 4 – 6 Guest |
| Land cost | Euro 1780 per person | Euro 1500 per person |
| Supplement for single room | Euro 920 | |
| City | Hotel name | Category of room | No. of nights |
| Bangalore | Hotel Ramada | Standard room | 01 |
| Mysore | Hotel Regaalis | Standard room | 01 |
| Nagarhole | Hotel Kabini River Lodge | Standard room | 03 |
| Ooty | Hotel Savoy | Standard room | 02 |
| Annamalai | Hotel Residency | Standard room | 03 |
| Munnar | Fort Munnar | Standard room | 02 |
| Alleppey | House Boat | Ac Deluxe | 01 |
| Cochin | Hotel Abad Atrium | Standard room | 01 |
| Validity: October 16, 2011 till April 15, 2012 – Superior Hotels | ||
| Cost based in EURO | 2 – 3 Guests | 4 – 6 Guest |
| Land cost | Euro 2035 per person | Euro 1755 per person |
| Supplement for single room | Euro 1175 | |
| City | Hotel name | Category of room | No. of nights |
| Bangalore | Hotel Royal Orchid Central | Standard room | 01 |
| Mysore | Hotel Metropole | Standard room | 01 |
| Nagarhole | Hotel Orange County | Standard room | 03 |
| Ooty | Hotel Savoy | Standard room | 02 |
| Annamalai | Hotel Residency | Standard room | 03 |
| Munnar | Hotel Windermere | Standard room | 02 |
| Alleppey | House Boat | Ac Deluxe | 01 |
| Cochin | Hotel Grande Residencia | Standard room | 01 |
- Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis for Fourteen nights.
- Based on room plus Breakfast basis at all the cities except House boat which is on full board basis.
- Transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned transport as per the itinerary,
- Entrances at monuments & national parks at all cities as per the itinerary.
- Services of an English speaking local guide for sightseeing tours as per the itinerary.
- Road tax, parking fees and driver’s overnight wages
- Validity as mentioned along with the quotations.
- Service tax levied by the government of 2.576%.
- Any personal expenses such as laundry bills, telephone bills, alcoholic beverages and airport tax.
- Tips and other such cost which is to be paid to the drivers, guides, porters etc.
