Kerala Karnataka Tour

Duration: 17 Nights / 18 Days
Destinations covered: - Bangalore - Hassan - Belur - Halebid - Sravanabelgola - Badami - Pattadakal - Aihole - Hospet - Mysore - Cochin - Munnar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Trivandrum

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Day 01: Arrive Bangalore
Traditional welcome on arrival at Bangalore International airport. Transfer to hotel. Relax for the rest of the day. Overnight at hotel.

Bangalore: Reputed as garden city of India Bangalore is capital of Karnataka houses finest temple Gangadhareshware Temple (Cave Temple) -Built by Kempe Gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon.

Day 02: Bangalore

 

After breakfast visit Lal Bagh, Cave temple- Built by Kempe Gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon, Hesaraghatta. Remainder of the day is free to explore commercial section of city.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Bangalore- Sharavanabelagola-Hassan (192 kms 4 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Hassan. Enroute visit Sharavanabelagola.

Sharavanabelagola: 51 Kms southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres. Here is the 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka -a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000 -year- old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
Arrive Hassan and Check in at hotel.
Hassan: As base to visit remnant of one of prominent Royale Dynasty of Hoysala Empire. Era of Hoysala Dynasty was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. A excursion to visit Belur and Halebid awards an firsthand experience of understanding development of art, architecture, and religion in South India.

Relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Hassan- Belur - Halebid – Hassan

After breakfast proceed for excursion to Belur and Halebid.

Belur: This quaint hamlet - 38 Kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank.

Halebid: It is 27 Kms north-west of Hassan and 17 Kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basadis, Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan.
Overnight in Hassan.

Day 05: Hassan – Badami

After breakfast start for Badami.

Badami, more than anything else, it is known for its rock-cut cave temples. They have been carved out of the red sandstone hills surrounding Badami. Apart from rock-cut temples, the town also has some other temples and a beautiful tank. Finally, the Badami Fort is a good place to view the entire Badami ruins.

Arrive Badami and check in at hotel.

 

Day 06: Badami - Pattadakal - Aihole - Badami
After breakfast Proceed for sight seeing of 'AIHOLE & PATTADAKAL'.
'Pattadakal' was the second capital of the mighty Chalukyan and a place that hosted important state functions of the time. It is also a centre of Chalukyan architectural extravaganza. There are many temples here, mostly dating back to 6th and 7th centuries AD.
'Aihole' completes the third dimension of Chalukyan architectural centers. This place had an important position during the rule of the Chalukyas. There are a number of richly carved Hindu temples constructed in the 6th and 7th centuries. The small museum run by the archaeological department that showcases objects found in Aihole, mostly of the Chalukyan era is worth a visit too.
In the evening back to Udaipur and stay at hotel for overnight.

Day 07: Badami - Hospet (180 Km 4 Hrs drive by road)
After breakfast start for Hospet.
Hospet a city in Karnataka is famous for its charming town of Chitradurga. Also known as the fort town, it is located at a convenient distance of 340 kms from Bangalore. Situated in the northern part of Karnataka, Hospet is a small dusty town that was once the powerful seat of Vijayanagar empire. Having epitome of architectural marvels, that are located around Hospet, UNESCO and the Archaeological Survey of India have been trying their level best to restore the grand ruins of this heritage city.
Arrive Hospet and Check in at hotel.
After lunch proceed for the sightseeing of Daroji bear sanctuary - only special Sanctuary in India for Bears.
A short drive of 20 km will reach you to this sanctuary where you drive though the Shrubby forest looking out for Bears. You also have a great chance to view the bears from the view-point at a good height. If you are lucky it's the best place to see & enjoy the activities of bears in wild (untamed).
Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Hospet-Mysore (484 Kms 10 hrs drive by road)

After breakfast start for Mysore.

Mysore is defined by magnificent palaces, scenic gardens, fragrant sandalwood, luxurious silks, flamboyant festivals-- Mysore is a veritable tourist extravaganza with its glorious history and rich tradition. Located 140 Kms from Bangalore, this City of Palaces bursts at the seams with a mind-boggling array of attractive destinations.

 

Arrive Mysore and check in at hotel.

Relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

 

 

Day 09: MysoreSightseeing- Cochin (388 Kms 8 hrs drive by road)

After breakfast visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style; its attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Vrindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.

In the afternoon drive to Cochin.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
Arrive Cochin and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Cochin

After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the near by Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road. Over night stay at the hotel.

 

Day 11: Cochin - Munnar (140 Kms, 3 hours drive by road)

After breakfast drive to Munnar. Throughout the journey enjoy beautiful streams small water falls, Rubber, Pepper cardamom and Tea plantations and thick forests. Arrive Munnar and check in at resort.

Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air.

 

Day 12: Munnar

After breakfast start for a full day sightseeing of Munnar watch beautiful mist kissing romantic green meadows- mind-blowing hills sleeping under green carpet (Tea Gardens) visit Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai, Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary & Tea Plantation.

 Overnight stay at Munnar.

 

Day 13: Munnar- Kumarakom (200 kms, 4 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Kumarakom.

Kumarakom - When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Arrive Kumarakom and check in at resort.
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. In the evening canoe down the narrow canals. Join the evening sunset cruise or enjoy the beauty of backwater by just relaxing near Vembanadu Lake. Overnight stay at the resort.

Day 14: Kumarakom (Houseboat)
Breakfast at resort. Morning at leisure at resort, 1230 hrs check in at houseboat. Rest of the day at leisure on the House Boat. Sit back and relax while the boat cruises through the narrow serene backwater canals. Lunch, Evening Tea/Coffee with snacks, dinner and enjoy your evening on the sundeck away from polluted cities and maddening crowd.
Overnight stay on House Boat.

Day 15: Kumarakom-Alleppey (38 kms, 40 minutes drive by road)
After breakfast start for Alleppey.
Arrive Alleppey and check in at Houseboat and enjoy an over night cruise cum stay in your houseboat. Food will be served in the houseboat. Enjoy the unique experience of a day on backwaters in a houseboat, and meander through the labyrinth of canals, that makes Kumarakom a top world destination. The backwater ride paints vivid picture of the traditional country life in all its natural beauty.
Over night stay at the houseboat.

Day 16: Alleppey-Kovalam (158 kms 3.5 hours drive by road)

After breakfast start for Kovalam.
Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Azure water and favourable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. Sea here is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters. Surfing and swimming are among the other water sports possible in Kovalam beach. Many people from different countries and cultures intermingle with each other and get together in this paradise of the South and spend their leisure time joyfully.
Check-in at hotel at Kovalam. The rest of the day is kept for leisure at the Kovalam Beach. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Day 17: Kovalam - Trivandrum (16 Kms, 20 mins drive by road)

After breakfast start for Trivandrum.

Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum) the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

Arrive Trivandrum and check in at hotel.

In the afternoon visit Museum Complex, Padmanabha Swami Temple, Science and Technology Museum, Veli Tourist village.

Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 18: Trivandrum

After breakfast drive to International airport to board flight for destination ahead with sweet memories of Kerala, Gods own country.