The two neighboring Southern States though closely situated are very different in many aspects, like language, customs, festivals, food and landscape. Kerala with its serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush paddy fields, exotic hill-stations, sprawling plantations, enchanting art forms, colourful festivals, alluring cuisine and the revitalizing Ayurveda-the age old natural science for good health and much more… And Karnataka-is a treasure trove of tourist delights, from a dazzling array of ancient sculptured temples to modern cities and virgin tropical forests and amazing wildlife sanctuaries.

Day 01 – Bangalore

On arrival at Bangalore, you will be met by our meet & greet team and transferred to your Hotel. Rest of the day to relax after your long travel. Evening you may opt to visit the Bull Temple and LalBagh Gardens to see the evening public life of Bangalore. Overnight at the Hotel.

Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and best known internationally as an IT hub that rivals silicone valley. It is easy to see why it is the favourite of the Techies with its salubrious climate, its tree-lined avenues, its trendy bars and clubs, it is a city of striking contrasts. Bangalore today is Asia’s fastest growing cosmopolitan city. The VidhanSoudha is a major attraction which presently functions as the state legislative assembly and a marvelous example of  Neo-Dravidian architecture. The City boasts of spacious gardens, parks, tree-lined avenues, a profusion of flowering trees and lakes earning it the synonym of Garden City. With its booming economy and racy lifestyle, the capital of Karnataka has metamorphosed from a sleepy Garden City into one of India’s fastest growing cities.

Bangalore is still popular for maintaining the Green inspite of the expansion of the City as one of the Metros of India. TheCubbon Park in the heart of the city, LalBagh (famous for the blooming red roses), and the Bangalore Palace are some of the other must see attractions of this garden city. The Tipu’s Palace and the adjoining fort are fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture that also offer a glimpse into the Mughal lifestyle of the day. Besides, one can also visit the Aquarium, which is the second largest in the country.

Day 02 – Hassan

After breakfast drive to Hassan (195 Kms / 04 Hrs); Enroute visiting Shravanabelagola. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Hassan, the district headquarters, located 194 Kms from Bangalore is a quiet and peaceful town, convenient base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid.

Shravanabelagola – Wedged between two stark rocky hills, this legendary pilgrim center and shrine of the Jains since early times. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, a Jain saint and an object of worship for centuries, standing atop one of the hills, is 18 meters high and is said to be one of the tallest and most graceful monolithic statues in the world. The symmetry in stone was created around 978 AD. The Mahamastakabisheka festival, an elaborate ritual, held here once every 12 years, the last one in February 2006, attracts devotees from all over the world.

Day 03 – Hassan

Day to visit Belur & Halebid temples famous for its Hoysala Architecture using the soft stone with amazing hand craft. Evening you may visit the local village which is an experience to see the lifestyle variations in villages compared to Cities like Bangalore. 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. Beside this temple, there are two other temples to see, the Viranarayana Temple and the Chenniga Raya Temple The Channakeshava 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.

The 42 bracket sculptures that decorate the outside walls of Chennakeshava, under the eaves, are fine examples of Hoysala art. Hoysaleshvara is a 12th century Hoysala temple in Halebid, 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. There are no gopurams or towers.Sequences from Ramayana, Mahabharatha&Bhagavatha are depicted on the outer walls of these temples. 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. There is a museum on the lawn with 12-13th century sculpture and the gold coins in use at the time. TheKedreshwara temple where the sculptor’s virtuosity seems to have surpassed even the goldsmith’s skill in its sheer intricacy.

Day 04 – Mysore

Morning, after breakfast drive to Mysore.(150 Kms/ 03 Hrs). Enroute visit Srirangapatanam and Somnathpur. On arrival in Mysore, check-into the hotel. Evening you may visit the local market and if it’s a Saturday or Sunday , you may have look at the Maharaja’s Palace in the night fully lit. 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 DaulatBagh) 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.

DariaDaulatBagh : Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of  Tipu’s favourite retreats. It stands on a raised platform at a height of 1.5 metres. 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 boast 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 buit 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 adds 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 FathimaBegam. 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’sfavourite 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 metres width 12.2 metres 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 .

Somnathpur, a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri, 140 kms, south-west of Bangalore.This place boasts of one of the last and the grandest of Hoysalamonuments – the Kesava Temple. The riches and splendour of the Hoysala court were already evident in their grandtemples at Belur and Dvarasamudra (present day, Halebid). The temple, however, was built by this celebrated army commander, Somnath. Some year ago he had founded a village on the left bank of the Kaveri River, which he named Somnathpur, after himself. All the facts are duly mentioned on the slab in old Kannada script and appear as though to have happened yesterday!Somnathpur is more representative of the age, since it did not suffer destruction as much as Belur and Halebid did and hence offers a more unbroken view of period’s architecture. Often it is referred to as the poor cousin of Belur and Halebid. Its unique design and perfect symmetry are ignored amidst the farms and agricultural lands of surrounding villages.

Day 05 – Mysore

Day to explore the royal Palace of Mysore and the rich heritage.Mysore is known as the city of Palaces and the entire architecture and decorum of the place is in harmony with the Royal style for which Mysore is known. Today you will visit, Maharaja’s Palace, ChamundiHills, Nandi Bull etc. Evening you may opt to go for a shopping. Mysore Silk is very popular and worth to have a look. Overnight at the Hotel.

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 centres and scenic spots.

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.

Day 06 –Nagarhole (Kabini) (50 kms-1.5 hours drive)

Morning, proceed to Kabini or popularly known as Nagarhole famous for Rajiv Gandhi National Park. On arrival, check in at the Hotel. Evening you may opt to have a guided safari through the National park. Overnight at the Hotel.

Karnataka’s forests and wildlife are the natural heritage for which the State is boasted of. From the majestic evergreen forests of the Western Ghats to the scrub jungles of the plains, a wide variety of habitats teem with diverse flora and fauna, some of them endemic to the region. Nestled amidst the Karapur Forest lays a pristine piece of land that abounds with nature. Beckoning you to explore it for a wild exciting holiday. The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous spirits.

Day 07 –Nagarhole

Full day at Kabini for jungle activities like guided safaris and free walks. Overnight at the Hotel.

Nagarhole , a Kannada name has meaning of Snake River. The name derives from the winding course of the river that flows through the forests. Nagarhole has an astonishing abundance of wildlife, especially the Asiatic elephant. The backdrop of the distant misty blue Brahmagiri Mountains, the natural sounds of the jungle, the gurgling of streams and rivers and the twittering of the birds, make a trip to Nagarhole a memorable experience. It has an area of 643.39 Sq.km. Covered mainly by moist and dry deciduous forests, and dominated by teak, rosewood and dry deciduous forests in the eastern limits of the peak. Mammals include elephant, tiger, leopard, wilddog, sambar, barkingdeer, slothbear, wildboar, Indianbison, mousedeer, spotteddeer, slenderloris, black –napedhare, jackal, langur, wildpig, porcupine, Malabarsquirrel, striped hyena and four-horned antelope.

Day 08 –Kabani- Vythiri -3-4 hours

After Breakfast, proceed to Vythiri. Rest of the time free at the resort to enjoy the Nature around. Evening you may go for a 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. 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.

Day 09 – Vythiri

After breakfast, you may take a desirable option for sightseeing. The options are like PookkotLake, Soochippara Waterfalls and BanasuraDam. Otherwise you may opt to go for a day trip to KuruvaIslands. Sometimes, you may not prefer to come out of your resort because of the amazing Nature around you. Dinner and overnight st resort.

PookotLake: Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad’s top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the National Highway 212. It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children’s park, shop for souvenirs and spices, and a fresh water aquarium. Replete with a café and restaurant, this is a good setting for day outings with family.

SoochipparaWaterfall: The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi are really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height are a treat to the eyes. The pool below provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing, etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give a unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding spring.

KuruvaIsland: TheKuruva islands are a group of three islands located in the middle of one of the tributaries of the east-flowing river Kabani. This 950 acre tract of uninhabited land is rich in flora and fauna. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs can be seen here. It is a must see destination for nature lovers and a popular picnic spot.

BanasuraDam: TheBanasura Dam is built across Karamanathodu, a tributary of the Kabini River, and is part of the BanasuraSagar Project aimed at supplementing the Kakkayam Hydro- electric project, and to provide drinking water and irrigation facilities to the region. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas make a pretty sight against the backdrop of the Banasura Hill. Boating is a favorite activity here.

Day 10 –Vythiri – Cochin – 7 hrs

After an early breakfast, drive to Cochin. Enroutestop at Guruvayur for lunch and later to visit the Elephant Camp where the Temple elephants are kept. By early evening continue the drive to Cochin Overnight at the Hotel.

Cochin known as ‘queen of the Arabian Sea’ is the commercial capital of Kerala and perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. Cochin has Asia’s best preserve Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India – the St. Francis Church.

Day 11- Cochin

After breakfast drive to Poothotta Backwater Village for a Country Boat Cruise through an island village to watch the backwater village life followed by lunch at a farm house. Afternoon for sightseeing of Cochin. Evening watch fusion of Indian Art Forms at GreenixTheatre. 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. Its 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.

Day 12: Alleppey – Houseboat

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Alleppey to board the houseboat for a night’s stay with on board lunch and dinner.You will be cruising through the lively villages and unique lifestyles. 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 rejenuvated. 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 13 – Houseboat – Kumarakom

After breakfast, the Houseboat will drop you atKumarakom, which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. On arrival at Kumarakom check in at your resort on the banks of VembanadLake.Rest of the day at leisure. You may opt to go for an Ayurvedic Massage at the resort centre. Or may opt to visit the Bird Sanctuary nearby. Overnight at Hotel.

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and a picturesque, clean village like most places in Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

The village of Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, spread across 14 acres, has an interesting variety of birdlife. If you are a bird enthusiast, visit the sanctuary between June and August, the breeding season of resident wetland birds such as Indian Darter, Little cormorant, different species of egrets and herons, white ibis, several species of kingfishers, etc. Between the months of November and May, the bushes and woods of the sanctuary play host to some rare migratory birds. The Vembanad lake body attracts waterfowl like pin-tailed duck, garganey teal, spot-billed duck, birds of prey like osprey, marsh harrier, steppe eagle, etc. Bird lovers can also take a boat trip to the nearby KaipuzhaMuttu, Pathiramanal, Narakathara, Thollayiram Kayal and Poothapandi Kayal to watch local bird life and migrants which could easily be more than a hundred species.

Day 14: Kumarakom – Marari

After a leisurely breakfast , check out and drive to Marari Beach (45 Minutes Drive). On arrival, check in at your resort . Day free to enjoy the beach activities. Overnight at the resort.

Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it’s best.

Day 15: Marari

Day free to enjoy the beach activities. You may opt to visit the nearby Temple during evening hours to see local people gathered for worship anssocialization. Also try Ayurveda at your resort. Overnightat Resort.

Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.

Day 16:Cochin 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 Cochin International airport for your flight home!!.