Splendid South India Tour

Day 1 - Arrival/Bangalore

Meeting and assistance on arrival at the Bangalore airport and transfer to hotel. Bangalore, now renamed Bengaluru is known as the Garden city. In 2009, it has been inducted into the Global Cities and ranked as "Beta World City" alongside cities such as Geneva, Copenhagen, Boston and Berlin. Banglore is today known as the Silicon city of India because of its position as Leader in IT exports. Once the centre of the British rule, it is a growing metropolis today and a major economic and cultural hub. It is truly a combination of Old world charm and the hustle and bustle of Modern city. Overnight at Taj West End

Day 2 - Bangalore/Mysore

Morning city sightseeing of Bangalore with your private guide and chauffeur driven car visiting Vidhan Sauda, Lal Baghand the museum. After noon drive 3 hrs to Mysore, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Mysore, ruled by the Wodeyar Rulers and later by Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan. 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. Overnight at Hotel Royal Orchid Metropole.

Day 3 - Mysore

After breakfast excursion to Ranganathethu Bird Sanctuary. A boat tour will be organised of the bird sanctuary. Afternoon city sightseeing of Mysore visiting The Maharaja Palace, Chamundi Hills, St Philemona Church and the other palaces. Evening free time to explore the markets full of arts and handicrafts and mingle with the lovely and friendly people from the city. ** Special authentic Kodava Cuisine dinner at a private home can be arranged here. The family is great host and prepare fresh, hygienic, home-cooked meals. Ethnic Indian and Western cuisine are offered with emphasis on Kodava food. Overnight at Hotel Royal Orchid Metropole.

Day 4 - Mysore/Nagarhole

After breakfast today you will drive 3 hrs to the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary. Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park" was the hunting ground of the former rulers of Mysore. Today the national park, spread across an area of 643 sq kms is protecting the wildlife in the state of Karnataka. The park, which is part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, has a healthy abundance wildlife which consists of tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bear, bison and different species of deer and large population of elephants. It is considered the best national park viewing wild elephants in India. On arrival check into your lodge. Afternoon game viewing in the national park with your naturalist by jeep. Evening enjoy the views of the Kabini river from your room. Dinner and overnight Cicada Resort.

Day 5 - Nagarhole

Early in the morning after a hot cup of tea proceed for game viewing by boat. If you are lucky enough, you can view marsh crocodile sun bathing on the banks of the river. Afternoon jungle excursion by jeep with your naturalist. Overnight at Cicada Resort.

Day 6 - Nagarhole/Wayanad

Morning game viewing in the national park by jeep with your naturalist. Later after breakfast drive 3 hrs to Wayanad. On arrival check into your Resort. Wayanad is a green paradise, located in the Western Ghats. The land, clean, pristine and enchanting is filled with the history, arts and culture. Wayanad is full of plantations, forests and wildlife. It also forms the vast land mass for the movement of wildlife. It is strategically located, as most of the tourist centres of the region are located around it. Evening free for independent activities or nature walk in the surrounding areas. Overnight Tranquil Resort, a great place to unwind and relax in the serene and beautiful surroundings.

Day 7 - Wayanad

After breakfast visit to Edakkal caves will be organised. They are considered to be of great importance in the history of the region. It is believed that the caves were formed by the arrows shot by the sons of Rama, legendary hero of the epic, Ramayana. Afternoon visit coffee and rubber plantations. Overnight at Tranquil Resort.

Day 8 - Wayanad/Thalessary (Tellicherry)

After breakfast drive 2 hrs to Thalessary. On arrival check into Ayesha Manzil, a very popular home stay among the tourists from abroad. Tellicherry is a small picturesque town in northern part of Kerala. It is a growing tourist centre because of its culture, food and historical importance. Afternoon visit the local markets and some cloth weaving units to give you a firsthand experience. Evening visit the temple complex to watch the closing ceremony, where, a colourful dance form "Theyyam" is performed. Overnight at Ayesha Manzil.

Day 9 - Thalessary/Kumarakom

After breakfast drive 4 to 5 hrs to Kumarakom, in the backwaters of beautiful Kerala. Spend the evening at leisure or enjoy a soul soothing ayurvedic massage at the resort. Kumarakom is a cluster of Islands on the Vembanad Lake in backwaters of Kerala. Famous novel "The God of small things" written Arundhati Roy is set in the Aymanam village, adjoining Kumarakom. Overnight at Hotel Coconut lagoon.

Day 10 - Kumarakom

Day free to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the backwater resort. You can also choose to visit the bird sanctuary or enjoy a refreshing Ayurvedic massage at the spa. This is a perfect place to relax and unwind. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon.

Day 11 - Kumarakom/Alleppey (overnight houseboat)

After breakfast at the resort, check out and board your Kettuvallum house boat that will cruise whole day through the lakes and lagoons, canals and the rivers. Meals will be served on board the houseboat under the open sky. Houseboat will have air conditioned accommodation and experienced crew to look after you. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 12 - Alleppey/Cochin

After breakfast check out of the houseboat and drive 1 hr to Cochin. On arrival check into your hotel. Cochin or Kochi is a major tourist centre today and attracts people from across the globe. The Chinese fishing nets swaying in the breeze, the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Portuguese architecture, Bolgatty Palace in Kochi, rich the heritage of Kerala. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at The Brunton Boatyard.

Day 13 - Cochin

After breakfast proceed for city sightseeing of Cochin visiting the Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace and the Portuguese. The local English speaking guide along with your private car will be with you throughout the day. Evening visit a nearby theatre to see a show of Kathakali, the traditional dance form of Kerala. **Today farewell dinner at a very renowned Private Home of a Christian family who has been serving guests for many years. Overnight at The Brunton Boatyard

Day 14 - Cochin/Departure

Transfer to airport for flight to onward destination