DAY 01: ARRIVE KOCHI
Arrive Kochi International Airport On arrival, transfer to your hotel, check in and relax. Kochi – rich in history and a trading port since Roman times, Kochi is one of south India’s most interesting cities. Today, modern Kochi reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. The city comprises of three parts, Fort Kochi, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam. Willingdon Island, created after dredging the channel, is the headquarters of the Southern Command of the Indian Navy.DAY 02: KOCHI
Morning sightseeing tour of Kochi (Jewish Synagogue is closed on Friday and Saturday and Mattancherry Palace is closed on Friday) Most sights of interest are found in Fort Kochin, these include Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557 and given to the Raja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. In 1663 the Dutch renovated it, and today it houses a collection of artefacts that belonged to the Rajas of Kochi; it is however best known for the beautiful murals painted on the wooden walls, some of the most detailed and well preserved in the whole of India. Visit St. Francis Church originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, patron saint of Portugal. Vasco de Gama died on this site in 1524 and was buried in the cemetery, his body being taken to Portugal 14 years later. Renamed St. Francis in 1663 under the Dutch, it became a Protestant church and then, in 1804 it became Anglican. In 1949 the congregation joined the Church of South India. Be sure to see the famous 14th-15th century cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Evening visit to a cultural center to see Kathakali dance/drama performance Enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, Kerala’s unique dance-drama. Originally performed only by men, this art form, with its intricate hand gestures, facial expressions and choreographed movements, evolved from an ancient martial art form. <DAY 03: KOCHI – ALLEPPEY – HOUSEBOAT – ALLEPPEY – KUMARAKOM
Morning transfer by road to Alleppey (approximately 02 hours drive) to embark on an air-conditioned houseboat (Rice barge/Kettuvallam) for a day cruise through the backwaters of Kerala with lunch onboard The traditional Keralan rice-boats were converted into comfortable houseboats, ideal for a leisurely cruise through the region’s tropical backwaters. This is a tranquil haven where the visitor can watch rice fields, coconut palms and the activities of day-to-day rural life drift by. Truly low-impact sightseeing, but stops can be made, to go ashore for more active sightseeing. The boats are approximately 20 meters in length and normally accommodate just 2 to 4 passengers in 1 or 2 double cabins. The furnishings are simple but comfortable and wholly appropriate to the setting. The main part of the roof has a wicker canopy, which works as a very effective sunscreen. A crew of 4 including a chef to prepare all meals looks after the Guests. Dis-embark at Alleppey jetty and transfer by road to Kumarakom (approximately 01 hour and 30 minutes drive) On arrival, check-in at the hotel of your choice. Kumarakom is a typical Kerala village, on the eastern bank of the Vembanad lake. Kumarakom and the nearby islands are a roosting place for migratory birds. The drive from Kumarakom to the Periyar life Sanctuary is a thrilling journey following winding roads through rich tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations. The scenery is breathtaking, every bend of the spiral road bringing in a view of fresh panorama of scenic glory.DAY 04: KUMARAKOM
Enjoy this day at leisure. Evening visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary by private boat (bird sanctuary will be explored on foot; subject to weather conditions) Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – across the Kavanar river, numerous species include bitterns, brahminy kites, marsh harriers, several varieties of lake herons and of course, the darter, which seems to be everywhere at once.DAY 05: KUMARAKOM – PERIYAR
Morning transfer by road to Periyar (approximately 04 hours and 30 minutes drive) On arrival, check-in at your hotel of choice Afternoon guided nature walk at Periyar National Park (approximately 03 hours walk) Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The programme is offered between 0700 hours – 1030 hours and 1400 hours – 1500 hours and lasts for about 03 hours. There would be a trained tribal guide and this Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.DAY 06: PERIYAR
Buffet breakfast. Morning transfer by road to Elephant Junction (approximately 30 minutes drive) for various activities like Elephant ride, Elephant Bathing / Shower, Timber Dragging, Commands and communication and Photo Session Elephant Junction is an elephant park and best way to explore the park is through the “Elephant ride”. Ride covers Cardamom, Pepper, Coffee and tea plantations, Tribal settlements and surrounding misty hill regions. The winding journey to this hill town through the spice gardens, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush. Afternoon boat ride on Lake Periyar (seat in boat) In 1895 the Periyar River was redirected into the huge 55sq km reservoir that lies at the heart of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The first sanctuary in the state of Kerala, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1934 by the old Travencore State Government; it is a rare example of human meddling enhancing rather than damaging an ecosystem. In 1973 Periyar was designated a part of Project Tiger but the sanctuary is better known for its large herds of tusk-less elephants. The area is home to over 246 species of birds and 112 of butterflies. A morning or early evening boat ride on the lake allows you to observe animals in their natural habitat and whilst cruising on the mist-shrouded lake you are likely to see wild boar, Sambar deer, wild dogs, Langur monkeys and herds of elephants. Rest of the day at leisure with vehicle and driver at disposalDAY 07: PERIYAR – MADURAI
Morning transfer by road to Madurai (approximately 05 hours drive) On arrival, transfer to your hotel of choice Evening visit the famous Meenakshi Temple to witness the Aarti (religious prayer) ceremony (Timing may vary depending on Aarti / prayer timing) Meenakshi, the fish-eyed goddess has her temple to the south and Sundareswarar, (Shiva) has a temple to the west. Every evening, the ‘putting to bed ceremony’ led by an elephant and a cow, sees Sundareswara carried in a procession to Meenakshi to sleep by her side. It is believed that if you place a literary work in the sacred Tank of the Golden Lotus, at the Meenakshi Temple, it will sink if it is worthless and float if worthy. Outside the temple are the musical pillars, which produce different swaras or notes when tapped.DAY 08: MADURAI
Morning visit the flower market followed by sightseeing tour Madurai A visit to Madurai is not complete without a visit to the flower market. It is South India’s largest fresh flower trading centre, bustling with activity and filled with seasonal flowers, this market is par of Madurai’s cultural heritage. Known as the city of festivals, Madurai’s history goes back to the 6th century. Famous for its writers and poets, the ancient city had trading links with the Greeks and Romans and was controlled at various times by the Pandiyas and the Cholas. In 1364 Hindu Vijayanagar kings captured the town. The Meenakshi Temple dominates Madurai and it is aptly named a “city within a city”. Enclosed by the old town, (itself enclosed by four Veli Streets) this religious structure is a testament to the skills of the Vijayanagar builders. Thirumalai Nayak Mahal – was constructed way back in the 17th century. Several buildings and temples had been constructed by him in the region and they have been splendid piece of construction. It was constructed by kings of Muslim dynasty which covered several regions of Coimbatore, Madurai districts and other few places in southern Tamil Nadu. It is a great piece of art and all of the sculptures are carved in the Madurai style. Rest of the day at leisureDAY 09: MADURAI – BENGALURU
Flight out to Bengaluru Day at leisure with vehicle and driver at disposal for you to explore on your own.DAY 10: BENGALURU
Day at leisure with vehicle and driver at disposal.DAY 11: BENGALURU – SRIRANGAPATNA – MYSORE
Transfer by road to Mysore enroute visiting Srirangapatna (approximately 03 hours and 30 minutes drive including stop)
Srirangapatna – an island site in the Kaveri River, Srirangapatnam, 12 kms from Mysore, has been home to religious reformers and military might since the 10th century. Vishnu Sri Ranganathasvam Temple, from which the town’s name is derived, is in fact older than the town and fort. In the 18th century the fort, originally built by the Vijayanagar kings became the capital for Haidar Ali. Upon his father’s demise Tipu Sultan also used the fort as his headquarters.
Check into your hotel.
Evening visit illuminated Mysore Palace (Mysore Palace is illuminated only on Sundays and Public Holidays)
Mysuru Palace is one of the most magnificent buildings. It is a sight not to be missed when it is illuminated on Sundays and festive occasions. The interior of the Palace is equally worth a visit, for its spacious halls, paintings and architectural beauty. The palace is an excellent combination of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
DAY 12: MYSORE – NAGARHOLE
Morning transfer by road to Nagarhole (approximately 03 hours drive) On arrival, check-into your hotel. This is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries of the South and has elephants, wild boar and Sambar. Jungle excursions include a ride on the river Kabini Park has deciduous forest and a beautiful landscape. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to elephant, tiger, panther, sambar, chital, sloth bear, leopard, jungle cat, jackal and wild dog. Apart from wild animals, the park is teeming with a large number of birds. About 250 species of birds are present in the Nagarhole National Park. Afternoon game viewing in Nagarhole National Park by shared jeep or by boatDAY 13: KABINI
Morning and afternoon game viewing in Nagarhole National Park by shared jeep or by boat
Nagarhole National Park (NNP), the enchanting 247 square-mile park in Karnataka has an astonishing abundance of wildlife including large mammals such as tigers, leopards, wild elephant, dhole (Indian wild dog), and gaur (Indian bison). Other species present are chital spotted deer, muntjac (barking deer), mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, mongoose, civet, otter, and more. The landscape is one of gentle slopes and shallow valleys. Dry deciduous forest trees are leafless in the summer rather than in the winter. There are grassy swamps where the soil is clayey, perennially moist, and which support a luxuriant growth of green grass all year. The change in terrain throughout the park in refreshing and the river system provides a unique wildlife viewing experience.
DAY 14: KABINI – MYSORE
Morning game viewing in Nagarhole National Park by shared jeep or by boat Later transfer by road to Mysore (approximately 03 hours drive) On arrival, check-into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure with vehicle and driver at disposalDAY 15: MYSORE
Early morning proceed for a Cycle Tour Saddle up, as we head out on an early morning tour when the city is waking up to life and the streets are still devoid of traffic. Get a peek into the different communities and have some chai with the locals. Take in the city at your own pace as we ride past some lovely colonial structures and get to know the stories behind them. To make up for the calories lost we end with a sumptuous South Indian breakfast and a good cuppa filter coffee on the tour Afternoon proceed for sightseeing of Mysore Mysore – Karnataka’s second largest city, is famous for royal palaces, gardens, silks and sandalwood. With shady avenues and a pleasant climate this elegant city, with its fading grandeur and stunningly opulent architecture, is also the perfect place for leisurely shopping. The Palace of the Maharaja, designed by Henry Irwin was built in 1897 after the old wooden palace was destroyed in a fire. One of the largest palaces in the country and beautifully restored it houses many art treasures, wall paintings and ivory inlaid doors. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures, all of which are magnificent. At the top of Chamundi hill to the southeast of the city is Chamundeshwari Temple. Dedicated to Durga the temple celebrates her victory over the buffalo god. On a clear day the views from this vantage point are wonderful. Finally, be sure to visit the giant Nandi Bull on your return. Rest of the day at leisure with vehicle and driver at disposalDAY 11: MYSORE – BENGALURU – HOME CITY
Morning transfer by road to Bengaluru (approximately 03 hours drive) International Airport to board your flight home.
This is a suggested itinerary for inspiration. Contact to start planning your own.
What Our TRAVELLERS say
Usha customizes your trip based on feedback she gets from you about the activities that you and your family enjoy. She takes lot of effort to research unique experiences when you are on your vacation. She not only saves us money and makes the planning process easy and convenient, she has our back if we run into issues during our trip. For example, my husband ran into issues on his trip to Peru, Usha was there to help because she works with vendors in that area. She has built relationships with vendors over the years, which help her to pass on the wonderful experiences to us. I used to plan my family vacations but after meeting Usha, I spend my time packing and dreaming about my relaxing getaway, instead of worrying about it
Pragati G.