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Southern Splendors: A Journey Through South India

0/5
Duration

9 Nights / 10 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a breathtaking journey through South India, designed to stimulate all your senses and offer a deep connection with its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and heritage. Begin in Bangalore, a dynamic metropolis known for its gardens and palaces, then move to Mysore, the cultural heart of Karnataka. Experience thrilling wildlife safaris in Nagarhole, a biodiversity hotspot, and breathe in the crisp air of Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations. From there, transition to Kerala—God’s Own Country—to explore Cochin’s colonial charm and culminate with a tranquil cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey in a traditional houseboat.

Highlights

  • Explore Bangalore’s historic forts, gardens, palaces, and colonial heritage.
  • Visit Mysore’s majestic palaces, sacred temples, and bustling Devaraja Market.
  • Enjoy jeep and boat safaris at Nagarhole National Park, home to tigers and elephants.
  • Relax in the cool hills of Ooty and ride the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
  • Cruise through Alleppey’s enchanting backwaters in a private houseboat with onboard meals.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 43.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 37.5%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 46.4%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 42.4%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 49.7%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 46.4%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 51.9%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

• Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
• Visit Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, home to 1,800+ plant species and a glasshouse modeled on London’s Crystal Palace.
• Explore Bangalore Fort, a relic of Tipu Sultan’s resistance against the British.
• See Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, built in teak with Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Admire Bangalore Palace, inspired by Windsor Castle with Gothic and Tudor design.
• Visit Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, featuring a giant granite monolith.
• Drive through Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, and the Secretariat.
• Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore - Mysore (150kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• If sightseeing was not completed Day 1, visit any remaining Bangalore sites.
• Drive to Mysore, enroute stop at Srirangapatna, to visit Ranganathaswamy Temple, a 1000-year-old Vaishnavite shrine.
• Arrive in Mysore and check in at hotel.
• Evening enjoy a Heritage Walking Tour from Town Hall to Devaraja Market, ending at Jaganmohan Palace.
• Overnight at hotel in Mysore.

Day 3: Mysore Sightseeing + Excursion to Somanathapura

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Excursion to Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura, a stellar example of Hoysala architecture with intricately carved stone ceilings and sculptures.
• Return to Mysore and visit:
• Mysore Palace, a grand Indo-Saracenic masterpiece with colorful interiors and royal artifacts.
• Chamundi Hills to see Chamundeshwari Temple and panoramic city views.
• St. Philomena's Church, a striking Neo-Gothic cathedral.
• Jaganmohan Palace, housing traditional Mysore-style paintings and royal memorabilia.
• Optional visit to Brindavan Gardens in the evening for musical fountain show.
• Overnight at hotel in Mysore.

Day 4: Mysore - Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) (95kms)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Nagarhole, check in at jungle lodge/resort.
• Lunch at lodge.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a boat or jeep safari along the Kabini River.
• Look for elephants, crocodiles, deer, and exotic bird species.
• Dinner and overnight at resort.

Day 5: Nagarhole NP (Kabini)

• Early morning jeep safari into the park to spot Bengal tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and more.
• Return for breakfast and relax at the lodge.
• Afternoon boat safari on the Kabini reservoir.
• Nature walk or bird-watching optional between safaris.
• Dinner and overnight at resort.

Day 6: Nagarhole – Ooty (160 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Ooty, the charming colonial-era hill station nestled in the Nilgiris.
• Check in at hotel and unwind.
• Explore Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy paddle boating.
• Visit St. Stephen’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris.
• Overnight at hotel in Ooty.

Day 7: Ooty Sightseeing + Nilgiri Train Experience

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit the Botanical Garden, home to over 1,000 species of plants, including rare orchids and ferns.
• Board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage train, for a scenic journey to Coonoor.
• Explore Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, and Tea Factory in Coonoor.
• Return to Ooty by car or train (subject to train availability).
• Overnight at hotel in Ooty.

Day 8: Ooty – Cochin (290 km)

• Early breakfast and drive to Cochin (approx. 7-8 hrs).
• Arrive and check in at hotel.
• Evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, showcasing dramatic facial expressions and elaborate costumes.
• Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 9: Cochin Sightseeing – Alleppey Houseboat (60 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning tour of Fort Kochi to visit:
o Chinese Fishing Nets, iconic cantilevered structures unique to Kerala.
o St. Francis Church, the first European church built in India.
o Santa Cruz Basilica, an impressive colonial cathedral.
o Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), famous for its murals and royal exhibits.
o Jewish Synagogue and stroll through Jew Town’s spice markets.
• Drive to Alleppey, board your private houseboat around noon.
• Cruise through narrow canals, paddy fields, and coconut groves.
• Observe local village life, spot birds and enjoy onboard lunch, tea, dinner.
• Sunset view from the houseboat sun deck.
• Overnight on deluxe houseboat with private bedroom and ensuite bathroom.

Day 10: Alleppey - Cochin Airport (60kms)

• Breakfast on board.
• Disembark by 9:00 AM and drive to Cochin Airport for your onward flight.
• Tour ends with beautiful memories of Southern India's natural and cultural richness.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance at airport.
  • 9 Nights accommodation in 5 star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast at hotels.
  • Accommodation in Nagarhole NP for 2 nights included all meals.
  • Accommodation in Alleppy Houseboat 1 nights included all meals.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • 2 Time Gypsy safari in Nagarhole National Park.
  • 1 Time Boat safari Kabini River in Nagarhole National Park.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight fare.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels or the best available quality options in remote regions where luxury properties are limited. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, location, and service standards. In case a specific hotel is unavailable, an equivalent standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for this tour (9 Nights Accommodation):
Bangalore – 1 Night: ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection OR Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road
Mysore – 2 Nights: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Nagarhole National Park – 2 Nights: Evolve Back, Kabini
Ooty – 2 Nights: Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions
Cochin – 1 Night: Kochi Marriott Hotel OR Xandari Harbour
Alleppey – 1 Night: Luxury Houseboat (Full Time AC)

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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