Tour Description
Small Group Tour
16 Days ex Bangalore
Departures:
Departs selected Mondays
2019: 17 Jun, 15 Jul, 19 Aug, 16 Sep, 21 Oct, 18 Nov, 16 Dec
2020: 20 Jan, 17 Feb, 16 Mar, 20 Apr, 18 May
South India has long attracted visitors to the region first for trade and more recently for the laid back lifestyle favoured by many western tourists since the 60’s. This 16 day Small Group Tour takes in many of the best sites while also providing plenty of opportunities to explore in your own pace and style.
Upon arrival at Bangalore International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Embark on a city tour of the Bangalore. This bustling city is the home to “high-tech” India yet still retains its history and cultural charms. Highlights include Tipu’s Palace the Bull Temple Lalbagh Vidhana Soudha and the city markets.
This morning depart from Bangalore and commence your road journey south to Mysore stopping on the way at the 11 tier high Ranganathaswamy Temple & Tipu Sultans Summer Palace at Srirangapattana.
This morning you will undertake a tour of Mysore city which will commence at Deveraja Markets St Philomenas Cathedral and the splendid Mysore Palace (in which the ruling family still reside).
Depart for Ooty considered to be the “Queen of southern hill resorts” located at the altitude of 7350 ft. above the sea level amongst the scenic environs of Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu.
In the afternoon after checking in to your hotel proceed for a sightseeing tour of Ooty including a visit to Botanical gardens Dodabetta Peak and local markets.
This morning proceed for Ooty Railway station to experience the famous Toy Train joy ride to Coonoor. Coonoor is the centre of the tea industry and you will have an opportunity to take tea at the Tranquil Tea Lounge.
Depart for a morning drive to Thrissur. Following hotel check in take an afternoon visit to Guruvayur Temple home to the historic Sree Krishna Temple called the Dwarka of the South.
Transfer to Cochin. Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities of coastal South India with indelible marks of Christianity Islam Hinduism and Jewish traditions. Commence your exploration in the areas of the busy spice markets and the neighbouring “Jew Town” area. Later see the famed Chinese nets and then on to the fascinating Fort Cochin area.
Day at leisure to explore Cochin at your own pace.
Take a full day tour of Cochin including St Francis Church Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue. Later in the evening experience Kathkali Dance in a local theatre.
This morning drive to Kumarakom. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore.
Today is set aside for your own activities or leisure until you embark on your sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake in the late afternoon.
Today is a highlight for many – a houseboat journey cruising through villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Embark on the houseboat directly from the resort to commence your unique experience floating through the narrow canals and channels on the traditional riceboat now a converted “Kettuvallum”.
Following breakfast prepared by the chef on your houseboat disembark and drive to Kovalam. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists especially Europeans since the 1930s.
Today is set aside for leisure as you come to the end of your southern India explorations in an area famed for its beaches.
One last breakfast to be had before you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation based on the below or similar
Superior Tourist Class – Ramada Hotel / Royal Orchid Central
Deluxe Class – The Park Hotel
Superior Tourist Class – Royal Orchid Metropole / Radisson
Deluxe Class – Wildflower Resort & Spa / Radisson
Superior Tourist Class – Fortune Sullivan Court / Gem Park
Deluxe Class – Tak Savoy
Superior Tourist Class – Fortune Sullivan Court / Gem Park
Deluxe Class – Tak Savoy
Superior Tourist Class – Casino Hotel / The Killians
Deluxe Class – Crown Plaza / Le Meredian
Superior Tourist Class – Eastend Lakesong / Backwater Ripples
Deluxe Class – The Zuri
Superior Tourist Class – Houseboat
Deluxe Class – Premium Houseboat
Superior Tourist Class – Turtle on the Beach / Poovar Island Resort
Deluxe Class – The Travancore Heritage
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
Priced From:
$ 5429pp *
