Missing Kingdoms to the gentle way of life - 14 Day | 13 Night

Highlights of the programme :
  • The sculptures of Belur and Halebid
  • The extravagant palace of the Maharajah of Mysore
  • The Toy Train, train Centennial Mountains
  • Kovalam, sandy beaches and coconut groves

ITINERARY

Day 01 Bangalore

Arrival at Bangalore International Airport. And transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Bangalore - Hassan
Orientation tour of the city, westernized metropolis and major center of high-tech IT which earned him the nickname Silicon Valley Indian. Bangalore, capital of Karnataka state, was built around a fort built in the 16th century. She has two beautiful gardens, Lal Bagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park, the green heart of Bangalore. Civil architecture is more elegant with many classical buildings. Walk in the City Market, big market, part, covered, is renowned flower market. Departure for Hassan whose remarkable architecture of its temples earned him the title of Capital of religious architecture of Karnataka. En route, visit Shravanbelagola an important Jain pilgrimage center and mounted to the sanctuary that houses the colossal statue of Lord Bahubali, 17m high and carved from a single block of stone. Aged over 1000 years, it is considered as the largest monolith statue in the world. Continue to Hassan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Hassan - Halebid - Belur - Hassan
Belur Halebid and excursion to two major sites in the Hindu art that deserve our attention. Belonging to the Hoysala dynasty, Belur was the first site built on a star-shaped plan. Numerous reliefs recount battle scenes of the era and the profusion of sculptures represent deities, among the senior ranks and animals. Then, drive to Halebid, which was the capital of this dynasty and visit the temple of Hoysaleshwara. Real sumptuously carved gem dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. Back to Hassan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Hassan - Mysore
Morning drive to the royal city of Mysore, once one of the most prosperous princely states. Before arriving in the city, stop at the Chamundi hill overlooking the city to discover the temple of Sri Chamundeshwari erected there 2000 years and dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family. Then the statue monolith Nandi bull, mythical mount of Shiva, with impressive dimensions. Continue to Mysore. The charm of this city lies in its green and especially its impressive palace. Destroyed by fire in 1898 and was completely rebuilt in an exuberant style. Visit the extravagant residence of the Maharaja, a real riot of mirrors, gilt, mahogany ceilings, solid silver doors. Walk among the elegant buildings of the city and stroll the Devaraja market, with stalls selling garlands of flowers sold by the meter and sandalwood. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Mysore - Ooty
Then, drive to Ootacamund, more familiarly known as Ooty. This is an attractive mountain resort surrounded by mountains covered with thick forests of eucalyptus, plantations of tea and coffee. The road is a long crossing beautiful green mountain landscapes. Ooty, this beautiful resort was once highly prized by the English who have left many marks of their passage: cricket ground, golf clubs, typically English schools. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Ooty - Mettupalayam - Coimbatore
Morning visit a beautiful botanical garden with over 650 species of plants and trees. The highlight of this garden is the fossil of a tree dating back 20 million years. The Rose Garden has more than 3,000 varieties of roses and in 2006 was named Garden of Excellence, a title that only 15 rose gardens in the world have received. Ooty is a paradise for nature lovers. Early in the afternoon, transfer to railway station to board the train to Mettupalayam. Traveling at a maximum speed of 25 km / hour, the Toy Train through very diverse landscapes - plains, forests, plantations - offering passengers a splendid show. Some tunnels and bridges are enameled iron that trip a little out of time. Upon arrival, continue the road to Coimbatore. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Coimbatore - Cochin
Drive to Cochin. The road offers by turns diverse landscapes and varied but always colorful. Stops along the road. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Cochin
Since ancient times, the port city of Kochi is known to be an important commercial center. It was a prosperous stop on the Silk Road and spices and is still experiencing a great activity today in addition to being an important naval base. It is at Cochin, former first Portuguese and Dutch counter that Vasco da Gama made a stop in 1498 and died with the title of Viceroy of Portuguese India. With its old colonial houses, its cathedral and its alleys, it releases this a quaint and quiet charm. Explore the old town known for its bay and the show made major fishing nets, lift nets Chinese. Visit the church of St Francis, the first Christian church built in India, the old colonial quarter Mattanchery with its synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the traditional district of spice warehouses. In the late afternoon, representation of a Kathakali dance show, costume drama, song and dance, the themes are drawn from the great Indian epics. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Cochin - Munnar
After a long and winding road through beautiful landscapes, arrived in the resort of Munnar. This small mountain resort located 1,600 meters above sea level was a popular holiday resort by the English at the time of the British Raj. The town lies in the valley of teas and landscapes are gorgeous. Visit a tea plantation and tea museum tracing the history of this famous drink since 1880. It is the first museum of its kind in India, opened by the Tata company, which includes a true heritage of the origins and the evolution of the plantations. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Munnar - Periyar
A beautiful forest road that winds through the heart of the hills leading to the Periyar National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the heart of the Nilgiri, the panorama offers beautiful landscapes covered with tea plantations, coffee and spices. In the afternoon, exploration of the reserve: boat ride on the lake, an artificial lake of 26 km² absolutely gorgeous to observe the dense and varied fauna, ride on an elephant. Then, visit a spice garden and a pineapple plantation. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 Periyar - Allepey
Drive to Alleppey between the rubber plantations. Alleppey is a nice little town on the great Vembanad lake and one of its main craft activities is the exploitation and processing of coir fiber from the bark of the coconut. Alleppey invites a timeless Dayney through its backwaters. This idyllic network of rivers and canals make this region one of the most picturesque of rural India. Along the palm-fringed shores, one can observe the lacustrine life and people go about their various occupations. Getting on a houseboat for a leisurely cruise on these channels. Overnight on houseboat.
Day 12 Allepey - Kovalam
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Kovalam seaside resort whose beaches are the most attractive to those of Goa. Everything is laid out for tourists supervised swimming, catamaran rides, surfing. Here, coconut groves that line the beaches several kilometers are home to a large population of fishermen who live in villages and hamlets in the area. The Maharajah of Travancore held a significant place in the history of the station. Enthused by the beauty of the place, the king used to spend his free time. He invited his European friends in the 1930s, the popularity of Kovalam was made. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam
Morning departure for the city of Kanyakumari at the southern tip of India. On the way stop at the beautiful Padmanabhapuram Palace, the former summer residence of the Maharaja of Travancore, remarkable maze of corridors and walkways decorated with rich wood paneling and murals from the 17th and 18th centuries. Continue to Kanyakumari, the southernmost city of the country, formerly known as Cape Comorin to the time of British Raj. It is the place where three seas meet: the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. This advanced to the South Pole, there is no land. This is also a part of Kanyakumari ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was dispersed after his cremation, which is why the city is an important place of pilgrimage. Also some temples, Kanyakumari mark by the special atmosphere of the city around the world, here reigns a wind of lightness and relaxation that pairs well with religious fervor. Back to Kovalam. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 Kovalam 
Relaxation day to enjoy the seaside activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 Kovalam - Trivandrum
Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for the return flight.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative, subject to availability. The choice of accommodation category belongs to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Ramada Encore Bangalore Domlur - Bangalore

New hotel location. Courteous and pleasant. Spacious, clean and well equipped. Perfect bathrooms.

Hoysala Village Resort - Hassan

Quiet, bungalows with porches enclosed in a beautiful exotic garden. Nice pool and spa. Large rooms with all comforts. The friendly staff is noteworthy. Beautifully furnished common areas and small refined details.

Sandesh The Prince - Mysore

Positioned close to the Mysore Palace, elegant and modern hotel comfort without surprises. Comfortable, clean and spacious rooms with all amenities. Attentive staff.

Welbeck Residency - Ooty
Sherlock Hotel - Ooty

Comfortable hotel which is close to the hills. Wonderful panoramic view of the tea plantations. Beautiful garden. Staff very nice and helpful. Nice rooms with fireplace.

The Residency - Coimbatore

Luxury hotel which is located between the city and the airport. Very courteous staff. Rooms well maintained with modern amenities. An excellent place to stay in Coimbatore.

Old Harbour Hotel - Cochin

Hotel in the center of Hospet and enjoyable. Very warm welcome. Bedroom and spacious bathroom. Friendly staff. Pool, spa with massage and Ayurvedic treatments, restaurants available.

Swiss County - Munnar

A small hotel located in an  incredible property in the hills of tea plants. The rooms are large and some offer a mini suite with lounge. Courteous, attentive and caring staff. Fine cuisine.

Spice Village Resort - Periyar

Establishment luxury ecolodge. Bungalows scattered in a garden full of spices. Bright, comfortable, clean and spacious rooms. Attentive and efficient. Nice pool.

Maharaju Palace - Kovalam

A gem close to the beach. A calm oasis surrounded by beautiful gardens. Charming house with neat rooms that are well decorated. Very welcoming staff.

Suggested Activities

You will find below our suggestion of activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact a counselor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage  on the eye  helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of "pranayama" (breathing), "asanas" (positions) and 'dhyana' (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Film show

Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it's a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.

Kathakali show

Kathakali is a form of traditional dance and theater sacred native of Kerala. Appeared in the seventeenth century, it showcases stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas, and great epics of Hindu mythology. Kathakali is different from other traditional dances by the complexity of its costumes and extravagant make-up dancers. Show not to be missed!

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to  learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Motorcycle ride

Wander through India or Nepal aboard the legendary Royal Enfield. This breakaway motorcycle delight lovers of nature and you will discover the diversity of landscapes.

Horseback ride

Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.

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