Itinerary for Mr Daniel Bernini -Italy -

Duration: 10 Days

Location: Bangalore, Mysore, Wayanad, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Munnar, Chinnar

“A well organized, totally customized tour by George. Nothing changed -all as scheduled. We had a professional driver who was ready to help us always. All our guides were well trained and knowledgeable who could share the local experiences of the places visited.”
– Feedback from Mr/s Daniel Bernini – Italy

25 Dec –Bangalore- Mysore

On arrival at Bangalore, you will be transferred to an airport hotel for freshen up and breakfast. Later drive to Mysore (3.5 Hours’ drive). Evening visit At Mary Convent. Overnight at the Hotel.

26 Dec – Mysore

Full day guided sightseeing of Mysore.Morning, after breakfast visit Srirangapatanam.Later visit Maharaja Palace,Chamundi hills and other attractions of the Royal city. Overnight at the Hotel.

The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna is just 16km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu’s mosque with its twin minarets, the celebrated RanganathaSwamy Temple, Tipu’s Summer Palace, the Wellesley Bridge, and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned. Equally impressive is the ornate white-domed Gumbaz, an imposing structure with doors of ebony inlaid with ivory and lacquered with Tipu’s tiger-striped emblem. About 1km to the east of the fort is Tipu’s Summer Palace (known as the Daria Daulat Bagh) set amidst a lovely garden.

Fort: It is from here that Tippu charged at the British soldiers with his legendry sword. An obelisk in the Fort marks the place where he fell – betrayed by his own men. Within the Fort is a Mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.

Daria Daulat Bagh:Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of Tipu’sfavorite retreats. It stands on a raised platform at a height of 1.5 meters. The Bagh is situated on the banks of Cauvery river has treasured the paintings, engraving, arms that depict the Valant victories and Struggles of Tipu Sultan. The structure made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. The corridors showcase murals which describe Tipu’s ordeals in the battlefield against the British.

Museum showcases painting with Tipu wearing a turban, a striped shirt, a necklace and a belt adornedwith precious stones with a sword attached. In 1792, G F Cherry painted the portrait. One more portrait was made by JonyZoffany in 1780. There are pencil sketches of the Tipus sons, minister of the Nizam, his son, Krishna Raja Wodeyar III his maternal uncle, Nandi Raja all drawn by Thomas Hickey, an English artist between 1799 and 1801. The museum boasts ofcollection of coins of various denominations of those times and medals made of bronze, silver and copper issued by the English to commemorate their victory over Tipu.

Masjid-E-Ala or JamiaMasjid :The mosque situated near the Bangalore Gate of the fort built by Tippu Sultan It is said that he performed the first imamath himself. standing on a high basement with an open court in the open court in the front and a covered verandah with a spacious prayer hall with the “Mihrab” on the west. There is an inscription mentioning the ninety-nine names of Allah and another records the date of its construction by Tippu in 1787 A.D.There are 2 minarets that are double storied and octagonal in shape with pigeonholes surmounted by domes that add to the grandeur of the entire structure. There are 200 steps leading to the top of the minarets from where one can get a picturesque view of the Masjid.

Gumbaz :Mausoleum of Tippu Sultan, and his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima Begam. This was built by Tippu Sultan between 1782-84, the Gumbaz, an imposing structure in the midst of the Lalbagh garden, stands on a high and wide platform with an open verandah of polished pillars all round.The importance of Gumbaz lies in its well-shaped large dome, ivory inlaid doors, carved stone windows of fine workmanship and inscriptions. Tipu’sfavorite Tiger stripes cover the walls.Inside are the tombs of Haidar in the center, his wife and his son Tippu on either side. In the verandah and on the platform are the other tombs of Haidar’s family members.

Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon: Named after Colonel Bailey who died here in 1780 A.D., this dungeon was used to imprison Captain Baird, Colonel Brithwite, Captain Rulay, Frazer, Samson and Lindsay by Tipu Sultan. The dungeon measures 30.5 meters width 12.2 meters height and is built of brick and mortar.Prisoners were chained to stone slabs fixed on its walls. During the seige of Srirangapatnam, one of the cannons rolled back, pierced the ceiling and fell into the dungeon. One can see them still lying there .

Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposingbuildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There’s an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.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 is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.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 centers and scenic spots.

Maharaja’s Palace is a synonym for Mysore in the Tourist Map. It’s built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes,turrets,arches and colonnades.The Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.The walled Palace complex houses the Residential Museum, temples and shrines including Shwetha Varahaswamy Temple. The jewel studded golden throne,the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignity,displayed here during Dussehra festival in October.The Palace will be lit with One Hundred Thousand electric bulbs on Sundays and Public Holidays.

27 Dec –Mysore- Muthanga-Vythiri -3-4 hours

After Breakfast, drive to Vythiri.You will be driving through the Nilgiri Biosphere of Western Ghats covering Bandipur & Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuaries which will enable you to sight many wildlife enroute. On arrival,check in at your resort.Rest of the time free at the resort to enjoy the activities at the resort.Evening you may opt to go for a guided Nature walk.Overnight at the resort.

The Bandipur National Park is one of the most fascinating wildlife centers, nestled in the foothills of the Nilgiri. As you penetrate deep into the forests, you can almost hear the mute conversations between the animals and the trees. There’s a lot, lot more to discover. Peafowl, patridges, quail, hornbill, giant squirrel, dhole (wild dog) elephants, sambhar, barking deer, etc. An endless variety of wildlife flourishes here and the trees sheltering them are even or beautiful. The green fauna and flora of these rain forests are unimaginable with a thick population of wild animals.If you opt for a safari,you will be taken deep into the forest in safari jeeps/vans escorted by the wildlife wardens.

28 Dec – Wayanad

After breakfast,you will go for a guided village walk through spice farms and tea gardens followed by a traditional lunch served on banana leaf.Afternoon drive to Tholpetty/Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided Jeep Safari through the National Park.By evening return to your resort for overnight stay.

Wayanad, one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions.Rains at Vythiri Village are like poems of nature wrapped in nostalgia as they bring the warmth of the earth to meld with the misty clouds. The aroma of the soil mingles with the wetness of the air and tingles our senses like the caress of a cool wind. Further, the little stream lowing creates a beautiful sound and whoever listens to it feels the beauty of nature. One gets easily mesmerized with the beauty of the surroundings.

You will be taken deep interior still through the outer zone to maximise the possibility of wildlife sighting. There are frequent Tiger sighting in this forest ranges. Elephants,Malabar Giant Squirrels,deers and a lot of birds are normal scenes.

29 Dec – Vythiri-Cochin (8 Hours)

After an early breakfast,drive to Cochin.Evening visit Greenix Theatre for a kaleidoscope of various art forms.Overnight at Hotel.

Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.

30 Dec – Cochin

Morning, after breakfast, proceed for a village backwater Cruise with lunch. Afternoon back to Cochin for sightseeing.Evening free to walk around Fort Cochin.You may plan for a New Year Eve Dinner pre booked. Overnight at the Hotel.

Village backwater Cruise – A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater 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 before you end up your exclusive experience in our Farm House for lunch -a delicious traditional Kerala dish under a tree…..While scrolling through this amazing village,you will watch the common life of the villagers for their livelihood.You will see them fishing in the river,the women do the coir making,a toddy tapper who does his job as a routine,men climbing the coconut trees to pluck the coconuts,later peeling the same to prepare to dry and make oil extraction possible.It’s all about a life experience which you will cherish throughout your life.

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 JewishSynagogue 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.

Fort Cochin & Mattancherry are twin cities carry a flavor of the colonial era.Jewish,Arabs,Portuguese British all came to Cochin for trading and Mattancherry was the spice trade headquarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port.While Fort Cochin became the administrative headquarters,Mattancherry maintained its trading status.The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favorite destination for tourists. It’s getting an upgrade once it’s declared as the first heritage city in India.Fort Cochin was also a part of Muziris route.It will be interesting to know that around 13 religious communities are harmoniously living in Fort Cochin and Mattancherry.Christians,Muslims,Hindus,Jews,Jains,Sikhs etc are few among them.

31 Dec –Alleppey Houseboat (1.5 Hour Drive)

Enjoy your breakfast at the resort. Later drive to Alleppey to board your exclusive Houseboat for a cruise through the backwater villages followed by overnight stay on board.Your meals are cooked and served on board. Explore the amazing backwater life of Kerala! Overnight at the Houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat 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 where are 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 locals, 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 rejuvenated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living.The experience on the Houseboat is not the one to be explained by words.Its to be lived and evolved by yourself.

01 Jan – Kumarakom – Periyar (4.5Hours’ drive)

After breakfast on board, you will be transferred to Periyar, the famous wildlife destination of Kerala.Afternoon visit a Spice Farm and later shopping for spices. Overnight at Hotel.

Indian agriculture began by 9000 BC as a result of early cultivation of plants, and domestication of crops and animals. Settled life soon followed with implements and techniques being developed for agriculture. Plants and animals—considered essential to their survival by the Indians—came to be worshiped and venerated.

Indian spices include a variety of spices and herbs grown across the Indian subcontinent (South Asia). With different climates in different parts of the country, India produces a variety of spices, many of which are native to the Subcontinent, while others were imported from similar climates and have since been cultivated locally for centuries.Spices are typically heated in a pan with ghee or cooking oil before being added to a dish. Lighter spices are added last, and spices with strong flavor should be added first. Curry is not a spice, but a term which refers to any side dish in Indian cuisine. It could be with a gravy base or a dry item. A curry typically contains several spices blended together.

Periyar – Conjures up images of elephants, chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will see a lot of wildlife and observe the way of life of simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

02 Jan: Periyar – Munnar (3 Hours’ Drive)

Early morning you will go for a boating in the Periyar National park and later after breakfast, proceed to Munnar, known as nature lover’s paradise. On arrival check in at your resort. Afternoon go for an orientation tour of Munnar. Overnight at the Resort.

The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opportunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.

Munnar… breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – an idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country with unending expanses of tea plantations… pristine valleys and mountains…exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests…aroma of spice scented cool air. Munnar has all these and more…. It’s the place you would love to visit… It’s the place you would wish never to leave. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft. in Idukki district, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities makes Munnar a holiday resort. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi – which towers over 2695 M and is an ideal spot for campers who like trekking.

03 Jan: Munnar – Chinnar

After breakfast at the Hotel, go for a full day guided trip to Marayoor&Chinnar.This trip will be a mix of a walking safari through Chinnar National Park,trekking in Dry Forest,tribal village visit etc.Traditional lunch will be provided at the village.Return to Munnar for overnight stay.

Drive to Eighth Mile Shola forest area for bird watching. This forest harbors many endemic species of primitive plants, orchids and animals. It has high endemism of plants and birds. It possesses 12 species of endemic birds of WesternGhats like, Nilgiri fly catcher, Nilgiri laughing thrush etc. The golden tree ferns and other spore producers from Gondwanaland is the high light of this forest. This forest also holds Tiger, leopard including black panther, rare and endemic Nilgiri marten, clawless otter, golden cat etc. Nilgirilangur, Malabar giant squirrel etc. are the arboreal animals of the forest.

Later proceed to Marayoor valley. Taste a traditional lunch in banana leaf. Visit to a rock cut temple, ancient inscriptions etc. Walk to the Mount of the Dead, a world famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoid cists.Visit to a traditional sugarcane farm and Jaggery (black sugar) manufacturing.Marayoor is famous for its Sandalwood Forest which is protected by the Forest Department.

Proceed to Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. Hiking through the wildlife zone and visit to a Mesolithic Cave art site. As you go on the nature trail in Chinnar, you are bound to come across a fascinating plethora of bird and animal life. Chinnar Sanctuary is located in the eastern slope of Western Ghats sharing its flora and fauna with Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park. The sanctuary has an area of 90 sq.km. Chinnar has the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophyticvegetation. The undulating terrain with rocky patches manifolds the scenic splendor of the sanctuary. As the altitude varies from 500 to 2,400 m above sea level within a few kilometer radius, there is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation.

This sanctuary has also rainfall ranging from 600 mm to 3000 mm and a dry season ranging from three to six months. Elephant, gaur, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, grizzled giant squirrel, hanuman languor, long eared fish owl etc. inhabit the Chinnar forests. The grizzled Giant squirrel is an endangered species.

04 Jan – Munnar-Athirapilly-Cochin Airport(4.5 Hours)

After breakfast,drive to Athirappally to watch the waterfalls and the nature around. Later by evening you will be dropped at Airport hotel for taking rest.

Athirapally waterfall nicknamed as “The Niagra of India”is situated in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 42-metre high waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations.It is situated on the border of Sholayar Forests of the Western Ghats in South India.These waterfalls are perennial, and fall from an average height of 300 meters above sea level. The strikingly magnificent waterfalls of Athirapally & Vazhachal are situated at River Chalakudy, which originates at the upper ranges of the Western Ghats called Anamudi Mountains. River Chalakudy is the main river which flows down through the Vazhachal Forest Division till it reaches Athirapally & Vazhachal. The rocky river-bed at Athirapally & Vazhachal makes the river water turbulent and it gushes forward around big rocks to form segmented water cascades. The Athirapally & Vazhachal waterfalls consist of three waterfalls, the biggest of which is 42 meters high and 220 meters wide.