Bangalore to Kochi Cultural Route

Arrive Bangalore On arrival at Bangalore airport assistance and transfer to hotel, check in (check in/out time 12pm). Later visit Lal Bagh Garden which houses over 1800 species of flora including rare and enchanting collections of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Bangalore Fort a living testimony of the notorious struggle of the Mysore Empire against the mighty Britishers. Tippu`s Summer Palace the magnificent accommodation of the valiant ruler of Mysore Tipu Sultan. Bangalore Palace an epitome of great architecture and beauty a mixture of Tudor & Scottish Gothic architecture. The Bull Temple one of the oldest temples in the city. Cubbon Park a landmark area located within the heart of the city. Also drive pass the Government buildings Vidhana Soudha & the Secretariat. Overnight at hotel.

Bangalore - Mysore (150kms) Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Bangalore if not done on the 1st day. Later drive to Mysore enroute visit Ranganathaswamy Temple a 1000 year old beautifully carved temple complex located in Srirangapatna. The temple has an imposing tower over the entrance gate and two large concentric rectangular enclosures around its perimeter. Arrive Mysore check in at hotel. Later 2hr heritage walk from the bustling town hall to colorful devaraja market to the magnificent jagan mohan palace. Overnight at hotel.

Bangalore - Vellore (220kms/ 5hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to visit Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura. Chennakesava Temple an exemplary monument of Hoysala architecture consecrated in 1258 CE, a Vaishnav Hindu Temple dedicated to might and beauty of Lord Krishna. The Chennakesava temple is one of the 1500 Temples built by the Hoysala Empire kings in different parts of their kingdom, and is said to be the climax development in Hoysala temple style and yet is unique in many other ways. On return city tour of Mysore visit Mysore Palace built in the 1912 for the 24th Ruler of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is counted amongst one of the biggest palaces in the country. Chamundi Hills, site of the Chamundeswari Temple, one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas located on the eastern edge at the height of 1000ft. The temple also has statues of Nandi Bull and Mahishasura the demon. City Palace which was re-built by Henry Irwin during 1897 in an indo-saracenic style. The palace contains astonishing wall paintings, authentic stained glass work and ornamented doors. St. Philomena`s Church the second tallest church of Asia built in Neo-Gothic style of architecture. Jaganmohan Palace that housed the royals before the construction of The Mysore palace, this structure displays various paintings of the past kings of Mysore and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Overnight at hotel.

Mysore - Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) (95kms) Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) check in at hotel. Nagarhole NP, is a wildlife reserve and part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Karnataka. The park is backed by the Brahamagiri Mountains and filled with sandalwood and teak trees. The Kabini River winds through jungle landscapes, home to tigers, Asian elephants and a variety of birds. Later gypsy/boat safari. Overnight at hotel.

Nagarhole National Park Early morning and afternoon jeep and boat safari in the national park. Top animals to spot here are Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, ussuri dhole, antelope, barking beer, sambar deer, elephant and jungle bison. More than 250 species of birds are found here top birds to spot are blue bearded bee - eater, white backed vulture, greater spotted eagle, Nilgiri wood pigeon, red headed vulture, blue winged parakeet, oriental white ibis, Malabar whistling thrush, common osprey, duck and herons. There are 96 species of dung beetles and more than 60 species of ants in the park. Most interesting ant species in the park is the jumping ant, which can jump up to one meter high. Overnight at hotel.

Nagarhole NP (Kabini) - Ooty (160kms) Breakfast at hotel, Drive to Ooty check in at hotel. Ooty is all-seasons hill resort and the queen of hill stations at an elevation of 7216 ft above sea-level. Surrounded by trees, central Ooty Lake is a huge artificial expanse of water with beautiful boats. Rest time to explore the colonial city with your driver.

Ooty Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy the town and visit the well-maintained botanical gardens, which have over 1,000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees. Also take a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway that winds its way down through spectacular scenery and breathtaking views to the nearby town of Coonoor. It was established in the early 19th century by the British now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight at hotel.

Ooty - Cochin (290kms) Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Cochin check in at hotel. Cochin is a the lovely seaside city flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. You will find here a unique mix and match of traditional as well Western architecture and lifestyle. In the evening enjoy Kathakali, a traditional dance form of Kerala with lavish costumes, exotic makeup, masks etc. Overnight at Hotel

Cochin - Alleppey (60kms) Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Kochi, visit Fort Kochi a charming seaside area known for its Dutch, Portuguese & British colonial architecture and elaborate bamboo fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach. St. Francis Church was the original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama. Upscale eateries and chic cafes serve Keralan specialties, and quaint shops sell cotton clothing and handmade souvenirs. Heritage buildings house contemporary art galleries. Also visit Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry Dutch`s Palace. After sightseeing transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board houseboat and sail through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters. While sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals, the panoramic sights one can never forget. Pass through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. Alleppey is referred as the Venice of the East, due to canals, backwaters, and lagoons. Boats are the main mode of transportation here, you can see Shikara boats, small motor boats, passenger boats, cargo boat, and houseboats. Evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats. The Houseboats have generated electricity, sitting cum dining area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a chef & driver. Overnight at Hotel

Alleppey - Cochin Airport (60kms) After breakfast disembark from houseboat and drive to Kochi. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination. Overnight at hotel.