Day 01 – Cochin

On arrival at Cochin Airport, you will be met & transferred to your hotel. Afternoon for sightseeing of Cochin followed by a walk through Fort Cochin area.Later watch a cultural show at Greenix theatre. 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.

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 head quarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port.While Fort Cochin became the administrative head quarters, Mattancherry maintained its trading status.The colonial  stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favorite destination for tourists.Its getting an upgrade once its 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.

is a boat trip round the islands.

Day 02 – Alleppey Houseboat (70 kms 1.5 Hour drive)

After a leisurely breakfast,drive to Alleppey backwaters for an exclusive Houseboat cruise through Vembanad Lake followed by overnight stay on board.Your food will be freshly cooked and served on board.Overnight on 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.

Day 03 –Alleppey – Muziris – Cheruthuruthy  (160 kms-4 Hours)

After breakfast on board, check out and drive to Muziris Heritage circuit.You will reach Chendamangalam to visit the Jewish Synagogue and Jewish Cemetry. Later lunch at a village home. Afternoon  visit  Paliam Dutch Palace, Paliam Nalukettu , Kerala Jews Historical Museum  at Paravur Synagogue. Later drive to Cheruthuruthy for overnight stay.

Jews all over the world are a proud lot when it comes to their culture and heritage. Resulting from their diaspora in the sixth century BC, they made their presence felt in different parts of the world. They made India too their home, till majority of them returned to Israel after 1948.

Kerala is one place in India, where the Jewish community made its presence felt in a strong manner.

The synagogue at Chennamangalam reflects traditional Kerala architecture and has utilized western construction technology. Some of the visual attractions of this synagogue are undoubtedly the majestic altar, which stands out for its intricate artwork. The synagogue has a high roof, which at first sight would itself convince one about the difficulties that the craftsmen might have encountered while fixing it. The ceiling of the roof has a brightly coloured chequered pattern, with huge wooden beams giving additional support to the roof.

The short Muziris trail will give you a different picture on the historic thoughts on Kerala where we see a lot of influences during the life of our ancestors which paved ways to a better State later.Its amzing to see inspite of all kinds of invasions and destructions,still Kerala maintains a harmonious way of life and different religions play significant roles in maintaining a harmony within the society and life of Keralites. We could see the emerging of Cochin as the present trade centre due to many invasions in the olden days.

Day 04 – Cheruthurthy-Wayanad (150 kms-4 Hours Drive) 

After  breakfast, drive to Wayanad,a serene hill station of North Kerala.On arrival at Wayanad,check into your hotel.Early evening you may go for a guided Nature walk.Overnight at the resort.

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. 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.

Day 05 – Wayanad 

After breakfast,you will go for a guided village walk  followed by a traditional lunch served on banana leaf.Afternoon you will be taken to a wildlife sanctuary in the Nilgiri Biosphere for a wildlife vehicle safari through the National park.By evening return to your resort for overnight stay.(Any wildlife activities are fully under the control of the respective Forest & Wildlife wardens and the safaris may be changed in case of an  unexpected wildfire or similar natural incidents.)

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve in India established in the year 1986. It is located in the Western Ghats and includes  2 of  the 10  biogeographical provinces of India.  A wide range of ecosystems and species diversity  are found in  this  region. Thus, it was  a natural choice for the premier  biosphere reserve of  the country.The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve falls under the biogeographic region of  the Malabar rain forest. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wyanaad Wildlife Sanctuary Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley are the protected areas present within this reserve.The total area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is 5,520 sq. km.  The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve encompasses  parts of Tamilnadu, Kerala   and Karnataka.

Day 06 – Wayanad-Mysore (150 kms-4 Hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Mysore. You will be driving through Nilgiri Biosphere which will enable you to watch a lot of wildlife on both sides of road. On arrival in Mysore, check into your hotel. Afternoon for sightseeing of Mysore. Visit Maharaja’s Palace (Front Palace), Chamundi Nandi bull etc.  Overnight at the Hotel.

Maharaja’s Palace is a synonym for Mysore in the Tourist Map. Its 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.

Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, 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 centres and scenic spots.

Day 07 –Mysore-Hassan (125 kms-3 Hours drive)

After breakfast,drive to Hassan.Check into your hotel on arrival. Afternoon visit  Belur Channakeshava & Halebid Hoysalewswara temples famous for its Hoysala Architecture using the soft stone with amazing hand craft. Overnight at the Hotel.

The temples at Belur and Halebid, which remained incomplete despite 80 years of labor, are offerings of the finest workmanship in stone to the gods. The elaborate sculptured decoration on the temple, according to some critics, is even better than the Friezes at Konark in Orissa and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The Temple at Halebid is still used for worship today. Belur was the capital of the Hoysalas during the 11th and 12th centuries, before the capital was moved to Halebid. The thing not to be missed here is the impressive Chennakeshava Temple, which has some of the most intricate and beautiful carvings in India.TheChannakeshava temple at Belur, which was (the earlier Capital of Hoysala Kingdom) built by the emperor Vishnuvardhana, during 1117 AD to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism, has attracted connoisseurs of art the World over, through its intricate sculpting wonders. Hoysaleshvara temple Halebid is a 12th century Hoysala temple , the old Hoysala capital. The temple is laid out on a double plan, almost as if two temples were joined side to side. Both shrines open to the east, and rest on the usual Hoysala star-shaped bases. The efficiency and experience of the sculpture, who had carved these stories in stone is bewitching. Outside there is a Nandi (Bull) the mount of Lord Shiva bullock where the palace stood, connected to the temple by a passage. The walls of the temples are covered with variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls.

Day 08–Hassan-Hospet (300 Kms-6 Hours)

After an early breakfast,drive to Hospet.Enroute visit Chitradurga Fort from the foothills.Arrive early evening in Hospet,check in your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09–Hampi (12 Kms)

After an early breakfast,drive to Hampi for a full day sightseeing of Hampi,otherwise renowned as the largest open museum.The entire city is an open museum which is praised as one of the most important Heritage Sites of India.The destruction of the Vijayanagara capital,Hampi took almost six months for the Muslim consortium of Kings.If you finish your sightseeing by 4 PM,you may opt to visit Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary to watch Sloth Bears.The Sanctuary is open from 1 PM to 5.30 PM only.Back to Hospet for overnight stay.

Hampi, also known as ‘ THE FORT OF VICTORY – VIJAYANAGARA’, situated on the banks of the river Tungabhadra in the region of Bellary, is a vast site of monuments and ruins, a mute witness to an ear of glories, triumphs and tragedies. The ruins of Hampi, are so majestic and imposing that they leave the visitor totally dumbfounded, awestruck and humbled. Visit the Virupaksha Temple, rises majestically at the western end of a 670m long street that was once the famous Hampi bazaar. This is the only temple at Hampi that is still used for worship. The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly The Vitthala Temple Complex. The 56 pillars in the main hall produce musical notes when struck. To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve! Hampi is full of such surprises. The restoration and rehabilitation is still going on to bring Hampi township to its Royal touch.Archeological survey of India takes much pain to restore the same.The Hampi Township spread over 10 kms starting from Anantashayana Temple.

You will also visit Zanana Enclave (Women’s apartments),remnants of Queen’s Palace,King’s private temple called Hazararama Temple.There is also a huge elephant shed for 13 elephants,an open long dining table made of stone with inbuilt plates and so on.Another attraction is Vijaya Vithala Temple  which is no more used for worship.The architecture of this temple is amazing and the unique part is the huge stone chariot in front of the temple.No vehicles are allowed to approach the temple.There are Electric cars available at minimum costs for regular transfers up and down.

Day 10–Hospet-Badami (150 kms-3 Hours)

After breakfast,drive Badami. Afternoon visit Aihole & Pattadackal,famous as the ‘Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture’. Overnight at Badami.

Off the beaten track of modern civilisations, situated on the banks of Malaprabha river,is a little village known as Aihole,originally known as Ayyavole. The place name has a legendary origin associated with Parashurama,who having destroyed the whole race of Kshatriyas came to Malaprabha river to clean his bloodstained axe.Its said that the river turned red on washing the axe and at the sight of red water he cried out “Ai Holi! Ai Holi!”. Thus the place came to be known as Aihole.

Aihole has over 100 temples scattered around the village. Wherever one looks, it’s temples that meet the eyes.  Intricately carved, rich in detail, quiet and peaceful. Mute witnesses of a bygone era. Visit the oldest temple here is, perhaps, the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th century. The Durga Temple in Aihole is decidedly one of the finest specimens belonging to the late 7th century.It outbids the rest of the shrines both in artistic form and aesthetic sense.

It has an undivided chamber and is unique as its built on the lines of Buddhist Chaitya with an apsidal shaped cella over which rises a little spire or shikhara. The outer walls of the shrine have beautifully carved figures or Narasimha, Mahishaasuramardini, Varaha, Vishnu, Shiva and Ardanarishwara. You may also visit the museum at Aihole. Another piece of attraction is Huchchappayana Matha Temple. The temple has sculptures on its outer walls. The doorframe of the Garbhagriha is very well wrought with Ganga and Yamuna images.There are also some impressive figures of amorous couples.

The group of monuments at Pattadakal is a splendid contribution of Chalukyas of Badami, lies on the left bank of river Malaprabha amidst a rugged yet picturesque landscape. Aihole was an important centre of early Western Chalukya Kings from 6th to 8 Century.It gained cultural glory in 7th Century A.D.Since then several temples were built by Rastrakuta and Chalukya dynasties.According to historians and scholars, the architecture skill of Badami Chalukya was evolved in Aihole and developed in Badami and further reached its pinnacle in terms of growth and perfection at Pattadakallu. The name Pattadakallu derived as this was the crowning place for Princes. Most of the temples at Pattadkal were built by the early Chalukyas.

Day 11–Badami-Goa( 300 kms-7 Hours Drive)

After an early breakfast,check out and visit the cave temples in Badami. Later drive to Goa. Enroute visit Belgaum Fort and the Jain temple inside the Fort. On arrival,check in at your hotel in Goa.Overnight at Hotel.

Badami has four rock-cut cave temples, the largest being the third cave dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the temples is a reservoir, its banks dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The Bhutanatha Temples and the Museum set up by the Archeological Survey of India, are the other attractions. The Menabasadis are carved in the mega rocks of Badami Hills.

The Badami Chalukyas bestowed cultural and religious tolerance which made the Jain,Buddha, Vaishnava and Shaiva Monks and scholars visited and resided in Badami. Instead of residing in the Palace, they opted Cave temples which were situated amidst nature,a suitable place for their holy service. The Cave temples are evidently rich in Architecture which depicts the rock cut skill and technology of the period. They were the initial modeled temples and independently built termed as earlier styled or infant models. They provided a blue print to the later built similar model temples in and around Southern India and helped to develop and sharpen the skill.

Belgaum is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, it enjoys a cool, salubrious climate and is surrounded by natural beauty in the form of rivers, hills and dense evergreen forests. In the vicinity there are popular  historical sites, temples and churches exist in and around the city, most notably the Kamala Basti fort, Kapileshwar temple (South Kashi), kittur fort, Suvarna soudha etc.

Day 12 – Goa

Breakfast at the hotel. Afternoon go for a sightseeing of Old Goa to visit the historic churches like the chapel of St.Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus and other old churches around etc.You will driving over River Mandovi. Overnight at Hotel.

Panaji is the official capital of Goa. It was called Panjim during the times of the Portuguese and was one of the three principal Portuguese cities along with Velha Goa (Old Goa) and Margao. Though it began as a suburb of Velha Goa it ended up becoming the capital of Goa in 1843 when the Portuguese Old Goa. It is also one of India’s smallest and most charming state capitals.

Day 13-Goa

Full day at leisure on beach.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14 – Goa Departure

Like all good things,your holiday experience comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience.Today, you will be assisted and transferred to Goa International airport for your flight home!!