DUSSEHRA FESTIVAL

09 Days & 08 Nights

Overview
Itinerary

Duration: 08 Night / 09 Days
Transportation: AC Vehicle.
Accommodation : Luxury Hotels /Palaces or Heritage Hotels.
Destination : Bangalore - Hassan – Mysore – Coorg – Calicut – Cochin
Time – October / November

Dussehra, a celebration of good over evil, is celebrated with grandeur and much enthusiasm at the picturesque and tranquil city of Mysore. The ten day celebrations touch the peak on the tenth day (Vijayalakshmi), on which Goddess Durga slew the demon Mahishasura as per myths. The Royal family of Mysore performs special poojas on the occasion. Many Cultural programs, poet meets, food festivals, film festivals and wrestling matches are organized at the Mysore palace, an imposing architectural wonder. Experience this excitement with Royal India Holidays Tours.

Tour Highlights

Explore the silicon valley of India- Bangalore
Visit the sandalwood city and enjoy the Dussehra Festival
Explore the beautiful region of Wayand full of coffee and rubber plantations
Enjoy the sunset cruise at Cochin
Visit the Jewish synagogue at Cochin
Explore the fishing village of Mattancherry at Cochin

Day 1 - ARRIVAL / BANGALORE

Meeting and assistance on arrival at Bangalore airport and transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of city Bangalore – the Garden City of India visiting the Lal Bagh which has a variety of old Trees, Fountains, Lotus Pools, Terraces and an assortment of tropical herbs and sub tropical herbs. Also see the Govt. buildings and the Maharajas Palace. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - BANGALORE / HASSAN

After breakfast drive to Hassan en route visiting the Jain temple at Sravanabelgola situated on top of a hill.
Hassan can be called the temple-architectural capital of Karnataka and is also the location of the Hasanamba Temple after which it has got its name. Continue your drive to Hassan. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 - HASSAN /MYSORE

After breakfast excursion to the Belur and Halebid to see the temples built during 900 and 1200 BC. Afternoon drive to Mysore. Mysore, also known as the city of palaces is a popular tourist destination which attracts visitors from across the globe. It is also famous for arts and handicrafts along with the sandalwood and silk sarees. Dussehra, a hindu festival is celebrated with great zeal over a period of 10 days here. Upon arrival checks in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 4 - MYSORE (Dussehra Festival)

After breakfast city sightseeing of Mysore visiting the Palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. Visit the Art Gallery, drive up to Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back, see the Nandi Bull. Afternoon enjoy the Dussehra festivities. Explore the fairground and the colourful streets with all the decorations. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 5 - MYSORE

Today will be your day to enjoy the festivities and witness some of the most amazing rituals and customs of the region and festival. Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 6 - MYSORE / COORG

After breakfast drive to Coorg, also known as Scotland of India.

Coorg is a region of scattered villages and hamlets, with a few townships standing out. Postcard-pretty with their red tiled cottages and purple flowering shrubs. Coorg has a few temples like Bagamandala and Omkareshwara that are worth visiting. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 7 - COORG / COCHIN

After early breakfast leave for Cochin en-route visiting Punnathur Kotta located near Guruvayoor. The Elephant pound or elephant fort has about 64 which belong to the Guruvayur temple. They are trained and kept here.

Cochin is a city with an eventful history. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the English all had established themselves here at one time or the other and therefore have left their influence on this major city. COCHIN also known as Kochi, is the present is the industrial and commercial capitol of the state of Kerala.
On arrival at Cochin check into your hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 8 - COCHIN

After breakfast city sightseeing of Cochin with your private guide.

Prominent attractions are the Jewish synagogue, Santa Cruz church (built in 16th century by the Dutch), cochin fort (built-1503 by the Dutch), Bolgatty Palace built by Dutch in 1744 and the St. Francis church (built-1510 AD by the Dutch) where Vasco de Gamma was buried (later his remains were taken to Portugal, but his tombstone is still there at the St. Francis church which is the oldest church in India built by Europeans). The Chinese fishing nets and the fishing village of Mattancherry.

Evening witness a traditional Kathakali Dance Drama. Overnight at the hotel.