South India – Hills & Beaches

Warm welcome to Kerala. Upon your arrival at Cochin International Airport TSF representative will be available to take care of any immediate needs and ensure your smooth transfer to the hotel in Cochin. Day free for rest.

Rise to a wonderful morning in Kerala and indulge in a tasteful breakfast at your hotel before you head out to feel the heritage of Cochin. The queen of Arabian Sea attracted by traders, invaders and travelers from all over world form many years. The fascinating highlights of Cochin include, The Jewish Synagogue, in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica, it was built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace and the Spice market. Overnight stay at hotel.

Relish a delicious breakfast and proceed for your transfer to beautiful backwaters of kerala, also known as ‘venice of the east’. The enchanting backwater destination a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom has strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being God’s own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies. Upon arrival check – in to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure as you wish. Overnight stay at hotel. Optional Activity - Leisure at house boat.. We are leaving the hotel to experience the backwater in a Houseboat. The lush green vegetation and the backwaters of Kerala together create a spectacular visual imagery for you to draw inspiration from nature itself. You can experience this while you are sunbathing on the deck. Cruise the day through the backwaters with enhanced traditional flavor. After adding flavors to your bond, this day will also add some restful moments to your visit as you slip into your comfy bed for the night. Indeed, an unforgettable Alleppey houseboat stay.

This morning travelling to Munnar. The lovely hill had been a summer vacation spot for British colonials. The hill station station at a height of 1525 metres filled with tea plantations and misty mountains. The drive to Munnar is very scenic crossing the narrow hairpin roads where you see beautiful valleys, spice gardens and small waterfalls on the way. Anamudi peak, the highest peak in South India is situated here. Check into hotel, Enjoy the evening of leisure and overnight stay at Munnar.

Leaving the hotel to embark this beautiful hill town. Heading towards to the famous tourist attractions of Munnar. Mattupetty Dam and the dense green Eravikulam National Park are among them. En-route visit tea and spice plantations, and stop over the viewpoint for memorable snaps etc. Call off the day with lovely dinner and back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Leaving the hotel early morning to Ooty enroute catch the Nilgiri mountain rail. Established in the early 19th century by the British as the summer headquarters of the Madras government officials. Just under 30 miles of track entirely run through the picturesque Nilgiri Mountains, Enjoy…. Overnight stay in Ooty

Day free to Explore the Beautiful hill station visit Doddabetta Peak & Sim’s Park - A natural garden and Dolphin’s nose - an enormous rock formation, if time permits visit the Botanical Garden & Ooty lake. Overnight in Ooty

Morning check out & proceed to Bandipur. Check in to a wildlife resort. Afternoon jungle safari to Bandipur Tiger Reserve by jeeps.

Morning after Breakfast proceeds to Mysore, check in to your hotel. Enjoy a full day tour that includes a visit to the Maharajah’s Palace which artistically blends Indo-Saracenic style with foreign elements such as Scottish steel and Victorian-Edwardian era furniture. Drive up to the Chamundi Hills to be blessed alongside hundreds of jubilant pilgrims at the Chamundeshwari Temple. On your way back, visit Sri Nandi Temple to be blessed by Hindu God Lord Shiva’s faithful gatekeeper Nandi, the decorated bull. At the famous Jagmohan Palace admire the exquisite artwork at the Raja Ravi Verma Gallery and then take a break from the sites and temples with a relaxing stroll through the scenic Brindavan Gardens built alongside a dam on the Kaveri River.

Start after breakfast as you continue your journey by surface to Hassan via Shravanbelagola, Shravanabelagola is famous for its great statue of Lord Gomateswara, situated in Manjunath Temple in Dharmasthala. The statue symbolizes renunciation, self-control, and subjugation of ego as the primary steps towards salvation. Overnight stay at Hampi

After breakfast proceeds to Hampi via Belur and Halebid in Hassan district. In Belur you visit the Chennakeshava temple which is a fine example of Hoysala architecture. It was consecrated by the famous Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana to mark his victories in 1116 AD against the Cholas. Your last stop is Halebid, the ancient capital of Hoysala dynasty. 'Halebeedu' (the original name) actually means 'ruined city' as it was ruined by the Moghul sultanate twice. Here, you visit the famous Hoysaleshwara temple which is comprised of two shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The walls of the temple have carvings of different deities of Hindu mythology and stories from Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas. Lunch today is at a local restaurant and you arrive into Hampi by evening. Transfer directly to your hotel and check-in. Overnight at hotel

After breakfast your tour starts at Virupaksha Temple. This temple is the major attraction of Hampi and the oldest structure of the city dating back to the 15th century. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Shiva. The main tower of the structure is over 50 metres tall. From here a short drive brings Vithala Temple. Halfway into the drive first stop at Queen's Bath. It is a rectangular building with a square tank of depth of 6 ft. It is known that the Royal family used to take bath here with the servants showering flowers and fragrances through small window-like openings. Though its exterior may not look like much, it is truly beautiful from the inside. Unarguably, Vithala Temple is the most impressive structure of the city Hampi. It is believed to be made in the early 16th century. The Temple is now officially a World Heritage Site. At the entrance of the temple, you will find a famous stone chariot with an image of Garuda. It is known that the stone chariot was just carved out of one stone. You will also be astonished to see the 56 musical pillars inside the hall - which when struck make musical sounds. Finally explore the Zenana Enclosure. Zenana Enclosure was an area reserved specially for the royal women. The major attraction in Zenana Enclosure is the Lotus Mahal which is considered to be the Queens' recreational zone. In the middles of the area, you will also find Queen's Palace. Other nearby major attractions include Elephant Stables and Guard Quarters. Return to your hotel by evening. Overnight at hotel.

The drive to Badami talks approximately five hours. You start after breakfast. Picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, the exquisite structures and Badami’s rust red sandstone cliffs tell many a tale of yore. Famous for its four ancient rock-cut caves replete with carved pillars and bracket figures, hewn from red sandstone on a hill. This afternoon in the company of your guide discover the impressive architecture, the ancient art and culture scene and rich history of this erstwhile regal capital. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the four famous temples of Badami are considered stellar examples of Indian rock-cut architecture. The famous Bhutanatha group of sandstone shrines are worth a visit. Witness a rugged landscape stretched out before the manmade Agastya Lake at the base of the temple complex. The grand Badami Fort is perched atop a hill, just a short climb from the lake, where you will discover intricate cave temples and religious figures carved into the red sandstone. The evening is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

It is another long day today as you drive approximately eight hours to Goa. The drive takes you through the Western Ghats is some of the most scenic in all of India. You carry a packed lunch on the drive and en route you will stop for refreshing tea or coffee breaks. On arrival in Goa you drive to your hotel and check-in. Overnight at hotel.

Spend the day at the beach. You have the option of a half day tour to Old Goa famous for its churches and cathedrals where the influence of Portuguese rule in India is most evident. In Old Goa, explore the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. Discover the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the first minor basilica of the country, home to the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier. Walk around the Latin Quarter of Fontainhas. Dating back to Portuguese rule, the narrow and winding streets are similar to those found in many old European cities comprising old villas and buildings with red-tiled roofs and colourful balconies. Overnight at hotel.

Day free for leisure.

This day marks the end of your extraordinary vacation in the subcontinent. Enjoy a pleasant breakfast at your hotel and head to the airport for your flight back home with beautiful memories...