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-: South India Cultural & Wildlife Tour :-
Key Places covered -::- 16 Days
Duration of Trip -::- Banglore , Mysore ,Bandipur ,
Madumali , Coonoor , Ooty , Coimaatore , Madurai , Periyar ,Kumarkom ,
Alleppy ,Cochin
The far-flung golden beaches of Kerala and Tamilnadu are renowned the
worldwide for their convenience and congeniality. Hill-stations of Tamilnadu,
and the placid backwaters of Kerala, are immensely rejuvenating and soothing.
Experiance a bamboo rafting excursion in the river Periyar running through
the National Park. Stop at a tea factory to see the tea – making
process. The other prominent fauna to be seen are Tiger, Sambar, Barking
deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed
macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black
Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01 : Arrival at Bangalore
Representative will meet and assist you upon your arrival at the Bangalore
airport. Transfer to your hotel and relax for the day.
Overnight will be at Hotel.
Day 02 : Bangalore - Mysore
By Road 150 km in 03hr
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Drive to Mysore.
On the way visit Srirangapatnam - 16 km before Mysore, this fort was the
stronghold of Tipu Sultan, son of Haider Ali. Tipu made a last minute
ditch against the British in 1799 before surrendering his kingdom. Among
the many fort buildings still intact, are Tipu's airy Summer Palace and
his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (garden). Here, is also the celebrated
Sri Ranganatha Temple.
Reach Mysore and check in at hotel.
Mysore city was the capital of the old royal Mysore province. The word
Mysore expands to "Mahishasurana Ooru" which means the town of Mahishasura.
The story goes that the demon Mahishasura was killed by goddess Chamundeshwari
atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore, and hence the name. Ever since, the
Mysore royal family has worshipped Chamundeshwari as the palace deity.
Hills dedicated to her stand at the eastern end of Mysore town today.
To the people of India the word Mysore is synonymous with Sandalwood,
silk and fine inlay-work using ivory. It is the home of incense sticks
dipped in sandalwood oil perfume base and has two well known incense factories
- the Aravinda Parimala and the Vasu and Cycle brand (together these two
account for 70% of the incense stick export from India). Mysore is also
the home of many well regarded musicians and artists. It is even today
the hub of the tourist map of Karnataka. Nearby are several places of
interest to visitors, some of these are Brindavan Gardens, Srirangapattana,
Rangana Tittu bird sanctuary, Chamundi Hills, Nanjanagudu, Bandipur forest
reserve, Shivanasamudra falls, and Talakaadu.
Within the town are several places of interest. The grand palace with
its four arched entrances stands at the centre of the town. Liberally
covered with golden domes and home to the most expensive royal chair (Simhasana),
made of gold and studded with diamond and precious stones, this palace
rivals the best in the world. During weekends the whole palace is lit
with thousands of lights, a great sight. Saint Philomina's church is a
fine cathedral dating back to the 18th century. The Venkatappa art gallary
has inspired many an artist and conducts courses in traditional painting,
drawing and woodwork. It is also the birth-place for the Mysore wooden
toys, which are exported worldwide.
Enjoy the palace sightseeing.
Visit Chamundi Hills - Towering over the city, these hills are 13 km away
from Mysore. Halfway-up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. Right on
top is the 2000-year-old Brindavan Gardens 19 km northwest of Mysore is
the KRS Dam and the ornamental Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountains
and colorful lights transform this palace into fairy land in the evenings.
Visit Sir Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery - Housed in the Jaganmohan
Palace, this gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back
to 1875, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional Mysore gold
leaf style of painting.
Overnight will be at Mysore.
Day 03 : Mysore - Nagarhole - Bandipur
By Road 150 km in
02 + 02 = 04hr
Drive to Nagarhole after a leisurely breakfast.
Established in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary, Nagarhole was designated
a national park twenty years later. The park today stretches in a series
of gentle hills and valleys, over an expanse of 640 sq km, north of the
river Kabini. The park came up around a perennial water reservoir formed
in 1974, when the Kabini River was dammed.
Nagarhole's vegetation is refreshingly different from Bandipur's dry scrub
- moist deciduous forests, including bamboo, teak, eucalyptus and
cassia, cover much of the sanctuary, providing a refuge for a wide range
of animals and birds. Nagarhole has all the resident wildlife of the Nilgiri
hills: Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, bison, leopard, Asian elephant, wild
boar, deer, dhole (wild dog) and porcupine, besides tigers. A high canopy
of trees- up to thirty metres tall in some places- harbours rare birds
such as the endangered Malabar trogon, the Malabar pied hornbill and the
crested hawk-eagle.
Nagarhole saw some upheavals in 1992, when quarrelling between the wardens
of the park and the local villagers resulted in arson which had an enormously
adverse impact on the park and its wildlife. It will still take a few
years for Nagarhole's forest and animal count to get back to normal but
there has already been a resurrection of sorts and things get better every
year.
Drive to bandipur after the safari.
Bandipur National park is one the many reserves located within the forest
belt between the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Mountains. Most of these
reserves are demarcated more by political boundaries than by truly physical
ones. Bandipur lies in the southern state of Karnataka and covers a forest
area of 865 square kilometers. It was declared a National Park in 1974
and is one of the original 9 tiger reserves under the watchful eye of
"Project Tiger".
The park is situated on the border with Kerala to the south and Tamil
Nadu to the west. The national park lies at the heart of an extensive
forest at the confluence of the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills. Bandipur
was made a national park in 1974. The sanctuary was elevated in status
and enlarged to 80,300 hectares in 1941 and renamed Venugopal Wildlife
Park after a temple. The national park is included in the proposed Nilgiri
Biosphere Reserve.
The terrain is undulating and broken by chains of hills, flat-topped hillocks
and water-courses. The reserve is drained by the Kubini, Nugu and Moyar
rivers and by the Bavali, Moolehole, Kekkanalla, and Marandi streams.
The River Moyar has cut a picturesque gorge, known as Mysore Ditch, which
is 260m deep.
Underlying rocks are mainly metamorphic: gneiss, quartzite, mica, and
hornblende schists are generally widespread. Igneous intrusions of granite
and charnokite appear as out crops at high levels and in the beds of water
courses (Neginhal, 1974). The soil is usually a mixture of red laterites
and black cotton soil, but the latter does not show a higher concentration
of salt. In some places sandstones, semi-quartz and shales are present.
Cold, dry and wet seasons are distinguished. The cold season lasts from
November to mid-February, and is followed by a dry season lasting until
June. The wet season starts mid-June, though heavy pre-monsoon showers
fall in April and May. Temperatures range between 18 - 24 degrees
celcius in November and 21 - 33 degrees celcius in June.
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 04 : Bandipur
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Spend a day in the wild.
All meals will be at the resort. Enjoy the elephant ride and spend time
with the cubs.
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 05 : Bandipur - Madumalai
By Road 90 km in 02hr
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Drive to MADUMALAI NATIONAL PARK.
Madumalai is a paradise in the wild. The name itself suggests visions
of bees and honey. However, it is much more than that. It is a virgin
valley of fresh, crisp foliage and loafing tigers, gaurs, deer and elephants
over acres of jungle. Tiny brooks and streams along with the Kabini River
form the nerve system of the sanctuary. Surrounded by the three ghats
with the Niligiris forming a sort of gulf below, bordering the Kannads
above, one finds here a potpourri of deciduous trees and shrubs of several
rare species. Madumalai is an invigorating experience for those tired
of the bustle of cities.
Enjoy the safari of the park and stay at the tree house. It is more than
100 feet above the ground with attached bathroom and all amenities. This
is a thrilling experience enjoying the animals from the top and is definitely
not for the weak-hearted.
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 06 : Madumalai
Enjoy the day at the park.
All meals will be in the
park.
Overnight will be at the resort.
Day 07 : Madumalai - Coonoor
By Road 50 km in 02hr
Drive to Coonoor after breakfast and the morning safari.
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 metres. 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 metres and occupies 12 hectares of land.
Enjoy the evening at the beautiful heritage resort.
Overnight will be at Coonoor.
Day 08 : Blue train to Ooty
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
Visit the following places:
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 specially 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.
Take the TOY TRAIN (blue train) to OOTY.
Ootacamund, Ooty or more recently Udhagamandalam, call it what you like,
still translates to a little town set on the stepped slopes of the Nilgiris,
the oldest mountain range in India. Located 2240 meters, above sea level,
the soothing clime and rustic setting gift Ooty a charm of its own. The
verdant tea gardens and the rolling hills exude a pleasantness that will
calm the high-strung city dweller and soothe his senses with the fragrance
of eucalyptus and sandalwood that hangs in the air. What’s
more, the superb 300km drive from Bangalore to the hill station takes
the motorist through two dense wildlife sanctuaries. We’ve been
there and done that and we’re about to tempt you to do the same.
Relax during the day and in the evening explore the small town.
Overnight will be in Ooty.
Day 09 : Ooty - Coimbatore
By Train & Road 80 km in 04hr (3 hr by train & 1 hr by
surface)
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Visit the beautiful botanical gardens.
Drive to DODABETTA PEAK and enjoy the day among nature.
In the evening take the train to METTUPALIYAM (toy train) and then drive
to Coimbatore.
Check in at hotel and spend night at Coimbatore.
Day 10 : Coimbatore - Madurai
By Road 250 km in 05hr
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and drive to Madurai.
Reach and check in at hotel.
Madurai’s Main attraction is the Famous Sri Meenakshi Amman temple
a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with Gopurams carved
from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multicolored images
of Gods. Tamil & Greek documents record the existence of Madurai from
the 4th Century BC the city was known to the Greeks via Magathenes their
ambassador to the court of Chandraguptha Muriya this city was popular
in trade especially in spices. It was also the site the Sangam the academy
of the Tamil Poets. And Madurai is the centre of all the cities and Madurai
is famous for the cotton Sungudi Saris.
Visit the temple in the evening.
Sri Meenakshi Amman temple:
dated back to 2000 Years back and designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayaka
and built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayaka. The Temple occupies an
area of six hectares. There are 12 temple towers (Gopurams). The outer
towers are the landmarks of Madurai.
Overnight will be at Madurai.
Day 11 : Madurai
After breakfast go for city tour of Madurai.
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a huge
temple tank about 5 km east of the Meenakshi temple. The mandapam in the
centre has an idol of Vigneshwara (Vinayaka). It is said to have been
found when the earth was being dug out from here to build the Thirumalai
Nayakkar Mahal. So, the place attained sanctity and was converted into
a teppakulam (tank). This enormous temple tank is fed by water brought
from the Vagai through an ingenious system of underground Channels. King
Thirumalai Nayak was born in 'Poosa' Star. In commemorating the birth
of the king “Float Festival” is conducted in Tamil Month 'Thai'
(Jan/Feb) in the tank in a colourful way, which attracts thousands of
tourists.
Gandhi Museum: The Gandhi Memorial Museum is one of the distinct places
to be visited in Madurai. This Museum is one of the rare living memorials
of "The Father of India". The Museum is set in relaxing grounds and has
a clear historical account of India’s struggle for Independence.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace: This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai
Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today
was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex
was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted
mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. In these two
parts, there are royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armoury,
palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. King Thirumalai
Nayak celebrated festivals like Scepter festival, Navarathri, Chithirai
festival, Masi festival and the Float festival. He conducted daily dance
and music performances in the palace. This palace was destroyed by his
grandson Chokkanatha Nayak and the valuables were transferred to other
places. During the British rule, in 1822, Lord Napier made several renovation
works. Then the palace was utilized to house some officials of the judiciary
and district administration. After independence, this palace was declared
as a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamilnadu Archaeological
Department.
Overnight will be at Madurai.
Day 12 : Madurai - Periyar
By Road 133km in 04hr
Proceed for Periyar after
breakfast.
The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial
river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important
place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as
Chilapathikaram, ‘Akananuru’, ‘Purananuru’ etc
much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the ‘Choorni
Nadi’ or ‘Thamraparni Nadi’ (Sukasandesam -stanza
66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day
Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar.
The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of
the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century
AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living
there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods.
The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and
the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the
high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud
and sand which created an Island at the ‘Azhimugham’ of the
Periyar which is now known as the Vyppin Islands.
Proceed for a JUNGLE WALK in the national park with your guide.
In the evening visit the SPICE MARKETS.
Overnight will be at hotel in Periyar.
Day 13 : Periyar
Leave the resort early in the morning (7 AM) for a bamboo rafting excursion
in the river Periyar running through the National Park.
Breakfast and lunch will be during the excursion. From the safety of the
raft you can witness herds of wild elephants coming down to water and
swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are Tiger, Sambar, Barking
deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed
macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black
Langur (Monkey). Tigers and Leopards seldom come to the lakeside by day.
Return in the evening and visit the Spice plantations.
Overnight will be at Periyar.
Day 14 : Periyar - Kumarokom
By Road 175km in 04hr
Breakfast will be at resort.
Proceed towards Kumarakom enjoying the beauty of the traditional Kerala
houses. You will also pass through rolling tea gardens and rubber plantations.
Stop at a tea factory to see the tea - making process.
Reach Kumarokom and check in at hotel. An enchanting backwater destination,
Kumarokom offers visitors many other leisure options.
An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green
paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways
and canals adorned with while lilies - this is Kumarokom.
Enjoy a visit to the BIRD PARK.
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely
backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat.
The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people
and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and
crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over
1500 km, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to
south. Alleppey which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar
geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This
gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore
while on a backwater ride.
Talk to the crew and sip your tea while enjoying the backwaters and seeing
life pass by. The meals and refreshments will be served on the boat.
Overnight will be at Houseboat.
Day 15 : Aleppey - Cochin
By Road
60 km in 01hr
Cruise through the villages after breakfast.
Disembark the boat at Alleppey.
Aleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with
a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the
east". These large networks of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey
was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best
known ports along the Malabar Coast. Even today it retains its charm as
the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the
ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the
lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous
for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.
Drive to Cochin.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341
threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning
it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became
a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the
first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in
the 15th century.
Enjoy the boat ride in the harbour watching the dolphins playing and enjoying
the city from the water.
Overnight will be in hotel.
Day 16 : Cochin - Bangalore: (By flight to be announced)
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites
included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama
Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow,
Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the
interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles
which work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set
up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade
that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered
and pulled out of the sea.
Take flight to Bangalore and freshen up at a hotel close to the airport.
Fly out late in the night with sweet memories of India.
SERVICES INCLUDE :
- ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
- SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
- ALL TOURS AND TRANSFERS IN AIR-CONDITIONED SUV,
- DAILY DINNERS AT THE HOTELS / RESORTS,
- ALL MEALS AT BANDIPUR & MADUMALAI,
- ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER ALL THROUGH,
- ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS & STATIONS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
- OVERNIGHT AC HOUSEBOAT CRUISE IN BACKWATERS,
- TOY TRAIN RIDE AT OOTY & COONOOR,
- HARBOUR CRUISE AT COCHIN,
- AIRFARE FROM COCHIN TO BANGALORE,
- KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION AT COCHIN,
- ALL MEALS ON HOUSEBOAT,
- SPICE PLANTATION TOUR IN PERIYAR,
- AARTI CEREMONY AT MADURAI,
- ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
- ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCES AND
- ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES
HOTELS:
| CITY |
SUGGESTED DELUXE / HERITAGE HOTELS
& LODGES |
NIGHTS |
BANGALORE
|
THE PARK
|
01
|
MYSORE
|
METROPOLE
|
01
|
BANDIPUR
|
TUSKER TRAILS
|
02
|
MADUMALAI
|
WILD CANOPY (TREE HOUSE)
|
02
|
COONOOR
|
TAJ GARDEN RETREAT
|
01
|
OOTY
|
TAJ SAVOY
|
01
|
COIMBATORE
|
RESIDENCY
|
01
|
MADURAI
|
TAJ GARDEN RETREAT
|
02
|
PERIYAR
|
SPICE VILLAGE
|
02
|
BACKWATERS
|
PRIVATE 1 BR AC HOUSEBOAT
|
01
|
COCHIN
|
BRUNTON BOATYARD
|
01
|
BANGALORE
|
THE PARK
|
DAY USE
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PLEASE ASK US FOR QUOTATION ( PLEASE FILL THE FORM BELOW )
NOTE:
Please note that only lunches and dinners are not included along with
personal expenses and camera, etc. fees, tips, (if any) at places where
applicable. All cruises, rides, etc. are private. All hotels and flights
at the time of quotation are subject to availability
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