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Southern Splendors 6N / 7D. Royal Voyage to Bangalore, Mysore, Ooty and Cochin

Mysore, Ooty, Kerala, Backwater, Houseboat, Agents, Package

Southern Splendors 6N / 7D. Royal Voyage to Bangalore, Mysore, Ooty and Cochin

Market Price

USD 950

Discount

25%

Destination

Destinations:

USD 715

DEAL CLOSED

Overview

A one week holiday, which begin in Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, and now a modern cosmopolitan city. The trip then takes you south to Mysore - the city of palaces, the British influenced hill station of Ooty, located in India’s blue mountains, the Nilgiris. From Ooty, you drive further south into Kerala, and visit the ancient harbour city of Cochin.

Day 01 – Arrive Bangalore

You will be met at the airport by Trans India Holidays representative and transferred to the hotel and assisted with check in formalities.

Bangalore - Bangalore, also called the Silicon Valley of India, is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial and industrial centre of the state of Karnataka. Bangalore enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year. Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery made it the 'Garden City' of India. Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing cities and now reputed for its booming software industry. Bangalore has seen a major technology boom and is now home to more than 250 high-tech companies, including homegrown giants like Wipro and Infosys. Not to say that it has nothing for the people interested in history. But along with the modern day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see remnants of the older Bangalore. All in all, a lovely city to visit.

Overnight in Bangalore.

Day 02 – Drive Bangalore - Mysore (140 kms/3 hrs).

The Bangalore Fort,Southern Splendors After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Bangalore city. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:

The Bangalore Fort - The Fort, built in the late 18th century, is noted for its beautifully carved Islamic-style arches on the gate walls, and for the well-preserved Ganesha Temple within its precincts.

The Bull Temple – situated south of Bangalore, is the Bull Temple,the deity is a massive 15-foot Basava or bull, which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The cause for wonder about this Nandi is that it has been carved from a single boulder.

Cubbon Park - planned and laid out in 1864, this beautiful 300-acre park contains the public library and the museum.

Lal Bagh - These 240-acre gardens contain the largest collection of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants with many awesome century-old trees. Fountains, terraces, lotus pools, rose gardens and a deer park surround the magnificent glass house built in 1840, on the lines of London's Crystal Palace.

Vidhana Soudha - Bangalore’s most majestic looking landmark, with a total plinth area of over 5, 00, 000 sq. ft is built in a neo-Dravidian style. It houses the Secretariat, the State legislature and several other Government offices.

After sightseeing, check out from the hotel followed by drive to Mysore.

Mysore: - Mysore “city of Palaces” is in the hill country of southwestern India, this region is cooler than the coastal cities - one of the reasons so many maharajahs chose to live here and given 17 palaces to this city. It still retains its old charm and many buildings are adorned with domes, turrets and impressive archways. . Also know as "Sandalwood City", it is a major center for the manufacture of incense. The city is a legacy of the famous warrior king Tipu Sultan, known for his victories over the Imperial British Armies. The city is also known for its silk processing and is a major center for nurturing silkworms. Hence, Mysore is more than palaces, parks and temples … traditional carvings on fragrant sandalwood … the rustle of rich silks … mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat … It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise.

On arrival in Mysore, check in at hotel.

Overnight in Mysore.

Day 03 – Drive Mysore - Ooty (160 kms/4 hrs).

Mysore, Southern SplendorsAfter breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Mysore. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:

The Mysore Palace - Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style. , former residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. The Jaganmohan Palace - this is a converted art gallery that houses paintings that date back to the late 19th century

Chamundi Hill - perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch. Also close to the temple stands gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura.

St. Philomena's Church - this beautiful Cathedral was built in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country. It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and lofty towers.

Brindavan Gardens - Adjacent to the dam is the beautiful Brindavan Garden. With lighting and musical fountains this place transforms it self into a fairy land in the evenings.

After sightseeing, check out from the hotel followed by drive to Ooty.

Ooty, Southern SplendorsOoty - Ooty is the capital of Nilgiri district and Nilgiri means Blue Mountains. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level has always been a popular summer getaway. Short for Ootacamund and also known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty is dotted with undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, gurgling brooks and lush green tea gardens.

On arrival in Ooty, check in at the hotel.

Overnight in Ooty.

Day 04 – In Ooty

The day is at your leisure - enjoy the mountain train, visit a tea garden, head to Coonoor or hike those blue mountains!

Overnight in Ooty.

Day 05 – Drive Ooty - Cochin (280 kms /6 hrs)

After leisurely breakfast, check-out from the hotel and then drive to Cochin.

Cochin : - Cochin means harbour and even before the building of Ancient Rome, spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood were traded here. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is also one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. It is its charm and a relatively good infrastructure that make it the ideal gateway to the state. This has been the case since 1341, the year nature carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood. As a result, Cochin became the first port of call for Arabs and came to be known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This city offers visitors Forts, palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters, palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro.

On arrival in Cochin, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check in formalities.

Overnight in Cochin.

Day 06 – In Cochin

Cochin, Splendors Tour to South IndiaAfter breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61), as a gesture of goodwill. It was substantially renovated by the Dutch after 1663, hence it’s other name, the 'Dutch Palace'. The most important feature of this palace, however are the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These murals are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and extensive to be seen anywhere in India.

The Jewish Synagogue- The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.

Cochin Harbor: Cochin harbor terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight. The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.

St Francis Church - It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.

Fort Kochi Beach: A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.

Hill Palace: Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings.

Later in the evening you will be picked up and taken to a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of the se epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements.

Overnight in Cochin.

Day 07 – Depart Cochin

Morning at leisure. Later in the day, you are met by our representative at your hotel and assisted with checkout formalities, followed by transfer to airport in time for your flight home.

Validity / Category of Hotels	Standard	Superior	Deluxe
Valid from 01st Oct'13 to 15th April’14	US$ 712 per person	US$ 850 per person	US$ 1055 per person

Cities	Standard	Superior	Deluxe
Bangalore	Regaalis	The Park	Vivanta by Taj MG Road
Mysore	Regaalis	Windflower Resort and Spa	Royal Orchid Metropole
Ooty	Monarch	Taj Savoy	Taj Savoy
Cochin	Gokulam Park Inn	Trident	Vivanta by Taj Malabar

Small supplements may apply for travel between 20th December’2013 and 05th January’2014 and during the month of February 2014.

Terms & Conditions

Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis, at the selected categories of hotel.
Land transportation exactly as per itinerary using an air-conditioned car.
Sight-seeing tours exactly as per itinerary including entrance fee to monuments along with an English Speaking Guide.

Bangalore

Arrive and check-in for your Southern Splendor tour at the Taj West End. After you check in, you will be led on a nature walk to appreciate the beauty of the area. Afterwards, high tea is served before your briefing for the Golden Chariot Tour. Enjoy a cultural show in the evening followed by a visit to the ISKCON Temple .The Internations Society for Krishna Consciousness) before the drive to Yeshwantpur Station. You are welcomed on board the Golden Chariot, where you can enjoy dinner and begin your journey through South India’s glorious past.

Mysore, Ooty, Kerala, Backwater, Houseboat, Agents, Package

Cochin:Enjoy breakfast on board the Golden Chariot as you arrive Alleppey this morning. Embark on a relaxing cruise though Alleppey’s picturesque canals and backwaters. After lunch at the Punnamada Resort, drive to Cochin (Kochi), the site of the first European colonial settlement in India when it was occupied by the Portuguese in 1503. Your sightseeing tour of Cochin includes visits to St. Francis Church, the Chinese Fishing Nets, the market and Jew Town. Return to the train later in the evening for dinner as it makes its final departure for Bangalore.

Botanical Gardens: The gardens consist of 22 hectares of beautifully maintained gardens which include numerous mature species as well as an Italian and a Japanese garden. A major attraction is the fossil tree trunk believed to be 20 million years old. The gardens host an annual flower show during the third weekend of May, when you can feast your eyes on a plethora of colour and buy exotic flower seeds at a bargain price. During this weekend, car parking is in a field a kilometer away, and is an uphill walk back.St Stephen’s Church: This is the oldest church in Ooty and was consecrated in 1830. The huge wooden beams inside came from Tipu Sultan’s palace in Srirangapatnam 120km away, hauled by a team of elephants. The mortal remains of John Sullivan, the pioneer of Ooty, lie in the cemetery behind.

Ooty:Later proceed for Coonoor and enjoy a Toy Train ride.Briefing (Coonoor): is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. It stands on a lower ridge of the main plateau at an altitude of 1839 meters. Its climate is milder than Ooty. Surrounding the town are many picnic spots. In the heart of Coonoor is "Sims Park". It is a park cum botanical garden. Many species of trees and shrubs not found in Ooty are grown here. It is at an elevation of 1880 meters and occupies 12 hectares of land.Reach and check in at the hotel and later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Coonoor visiting Sim’s Park and Pomological Station.

Sim's Park - The Park is situated in a deep ravine on the Northern side of Coonoor Railway Station at an elevation of 1768 to 1798 mts. The park can be divided into eight major sections. The natural shola with winding footpaths all over the higher slopes of the park is the most distinctive and picturesque feature of this park. This apart a number of individual tree specimens planted in a scattered fashion all over the place, lend a special charm to the park especially when they bloom in different seasons throughout the year.Pomological Station - This is one of the three experimental fruit gardens in the Nilgiris maintained by the Horticultural Department. The other two are Burliar and Kallar on the Coonoor - Mettupalayam ghat road. Apples, Plums, Peaches, Lemons, Apricots and Pomegranates are grown here for the purpose of research. Surplus fruits and fruit based jams are sold to the public.Return back to Ooty and spend night.

Mysore:Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.Later proceed for sightseeing tour of Mysore visiting Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, St. Philomena's Church, and the Art Gallery.Brindavan Gardens: Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'. In Dec 2004 the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights.

Chamundi Hills: A well known 335 metres high landmark, Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith. At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars. Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces.

Art Gallery: The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore 'gold leaf ' paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary artist like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich.St. Philomena's Church: A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Was built between 1933 and 1941 in the gothic style, the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass window sand lofty towers this is a miniature replica of the Cologne Cathedral, the hall is huge with stained glass windows and soaring Gothic Revival arches. The biblical scenes adorn the stained glass windows. The main feature of this church is the reclining statue of St Philomena. The statue is taken out in a procession in the city streets during the fest.

Overnight will be at Mysore.