Southern Splendors

• Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

  On arrival at Bangalore, meet your tour representative and get assisted with transfer to your hotel. Bangalore - Bangalore, also known as the Silicon Valley of India, is the main organizational, cultural, commercial and industrial epicenter of the state of Karnataka. The climate of Bangalore is very calm and composed, throughout the year. Bangalore is also called the ‘Garden City’ of India, because of its abundant greenery. It is now reputed for its flourishing Software Industry, and it is one of Asia’s fastest growing cities. Bangalore has witnessed a major technology gain and is presently the home to more than 250 high-tech companies, including the home grown giants like Wipro and Infosys. But Bangalore has nothing for those who have a keen interest in History, though with the modern day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see the remaining’s of ancient Bangalore. Overall it’s a beautiful city to visit. Overnight in Bangalore.

• Day 2: Drive Bangalore - Mysore (140 kms/3 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Bangalore city. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest : The Bangalore Fort - In the late 18th century, the Bangalore Fort was constructed. The Bangalore Fort is well known for its beautifully carved Islamic-style, roofs on the gate walls, and for the well-protected Ganesha temple within its area. The Bull Temple – The Bull temple is located in the South of Bangalore. The deity is a huge 15-foot Basava or bull, which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The reason for curiosity about this huge Bull is that it has been carved from a single stone. Cubbon Park - Cubbon Park is an attractive 300-acre park and was constructed in 1864. The park has a public library and a museum. Lal Bagh - Lal Bagh is a 240 acre garden containing the largest collection of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants with many amazing century-old trees. This magnificent glass house was constructed in 1840, on the lines of the London’s Crystal Palace. The Garden is fenced by fountains, sunshades, lotus pools, rose gardens and a deer park. Vidhana Soudha - Vidhana Soudha is Bangalore’s most royal looking landmark. It was constructed in 1956 and has a total base area of over 5, 00, 000 sq. ft. The construction of Vidhana Soudha was done in Neo- Dravidian and incorporates elements of Indo-Saracenicstyle. There are quite a lot of government offices in VidhanaSoudha apart from the Secretariat and the State legislature. Later, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check-out formalities. You will then start your drive to Mysore, the next destination on your Southern Splendors tour. Mysore : Mysore is an ancient city with more than 600 marvelous years of tradition. This city is situated in the hill country of south western India. Mysore is cooler than the other coastal cities. It is one of the most colorful spots in India and this is one of the reasons so many Maharajas chose to settle here. There are 17 famous palaces in the city. Mysore still has its ancient charm and many constructions still has impressive roofs, towers and beautiful doorways. Mysore is also known as the “Sandalwood City”, as it is the major spot for manufacturing incense. The city also has anheirloom of the famous soldier Tipu Sultan, known for his victories over the Royal British Armies. Mysore is also well known for its major center for nurturing Silkworms. Thus, more than palaces, temples and parks, Mysore is famous for its mouth watering sweet meat, the whisper of soft silk and thetraditional carvings on the sandalwood. Mysore is also known as the Shopper’s paradise. On your arrival in Mysore, check in at the hotel. Overnight in Mysore.

• Day 3: Drive Mysore - Ooty (170 kms/4 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Mysore. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: The Mysore Palace - The Mysore Palace was constructed in Indo Saracenic style in 1912. The Mysore Palace was earlier the residence of the Wodeyars. The construction of the Mysore Palace is one of the largest of its kind in India. The Jaganmohan Palace – The Jaganmohan Palace is a converted art gallery that has paintings that dates back to the late 19th century. Chamundi Hill - The Chamundi Hill is another famous landmark on the outskirt of the Mysore city. On the edge of the Chamundi Hill is the 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. This huge 4.8 meter high Stone of Nandi, the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a wonder to watch. The huge statue of the demon Mahishasura is also set here next to the temple. St. Philomena's Church - In 1956 St. Philomena Church was constructedand it is one of the major churches in the country. This church was designed in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and airy towers. After sightseeing, start your drive to Ooty, the next destination on your Southern Splendors tour. Ooty - Ooty is the capital of the Nilgiri district. It is situated 80 Kms North to Coimbatore. Ooty is a popular hill station and is located in the Nilgiri Hills. This place was formerly occupied by the Todas, the area came under the rule of the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. Ooty is the land of beautiful picnic spots. Ooty has always been the popular summer gateway, because of its altitude, 2,240 meters above the sea level. Ooty is spotted with undulating hills, glittering waterfalls, splashing brooks and fresh green tea gardens. On arrival in Ooty, check in at the hotel. Overnight in Ooty.

• Day 4: In Ooty

  Have a relaxed day at the hotel, or enjoy the mountain train ride. You can also visit the Tea gardens or head to Conoor. And lastly, you can also go for a hike on the Blue Mountains. Overnight in Ooty.

• Day 5: Drive Ooty - Cochin (280 kms /6 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, drive to Cochin, the last destination on your Southern Splendors tour. Cochin : - Widely known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin has one of the world’s most attractive natural ports. Cochin is well known for its spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood. It has traditionally rich heritage, but at the same time it is one of the most fast-paced and contemporary cities in India. It is very easy to be spellbound by the magic of Cochin and it is the beauty and comparatively good infrastructure that makes Cochin the ideal gateway to the state. Cochin, or Kochi as it is now called, offers visitors palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters; palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a modern metro city. On your arrival at the hotel in Cochin, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with the check in formalities. Overnight in Cochin.

• Day 6: In Cochin

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Portuguese constructed The Mattancherry Palace in 1557, and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61) as sign of goodwill. After 1663, the Dutch carried out some constructions and renovations in the palace, and from that day it was widely called as the ‘Dutch Palace’. The most significant thing about this palace is the amazing paintings in the bedrooms and other rooms. The paintings portray scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These paintings are certainly the most extensive and attractive paintings to be seen anywhere in India. The Jewish Synagogue- The Jewish Synagogue is located near the Dutch Palace. This synagogue was constructed in 1568 and was brilliantly decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Synagogue has a giant scroll of the Old Testament. Cochin Harbor: The very popular tourist attraction in Cochin Harbor is the Chinese Fishing nets. These fishing nets are one of its kind and are found only in India. The fishing nets were popularized in Cochin Harbor by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan. St Francis Church - St.Francischurch was constructed by the Europeans in 1503. St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama died in Kochi, during his third visit to Kerala. Initially, his body was buried in this church, but after a few years his remains were moved to Portugal. In spite of all this the place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church. Fort Kochi Beach: Fort Kochi beach is an ideal location to saunter in a peaceful and relaxing way. This beach happens to be one of the favorite tourist spots in Kerala. The view of the sunset with the Chinese fishing net and the sailing ships in the background is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen alongside the shoreline. Later in the evening, you will be picked up by the guide and will be taken to a Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a classical dance form, portraying Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The costumes of the dancers are very colorful and elaborate. Dancers with painted faces depict the various characters of the ancient epics. The Kathakali dancers portray a lot of facial expressions and articulate body movements. Overnight in Cochin.

• Day 7: Depart Cochin

  Have a relaxed morning at your hotel. Later, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the checkout formalities. He will then escort you to the airport for your flight back home.

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