Southern Sojourn

Day 01 Arrive Bangalore On Arrival at Bangalore airport you will meet our representative who will escort you to the Hotel. Your night stay is at the hotel.

Day 02 Bangalore - Sravanabelgola - Hassan In the morning after the breakfast you set on a planned journey to Sravanabelgola (185 kms) - which is one of the oldest and most revered Jain pilgrimage destinations in India. It is here you get to see the huge 17m-high naked statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwara) which is said to be the world's tallest colossal statue. The 58 feet tall monolithic statute is located ontop of the rocky hill known as Indragiri. It overlooks the sedate country town of Sravanabelagola from here. The beautifully chiseled face of Bahubali at Sravanabelagolatellshis determination and total control. This colossal statue is the centre of attraction at Sravanabelagola and attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. Continue with your onward journey to Hassan (52 kms). On arrival in Hassan, check-in at hotel. Relax overnight at hotel.

Day 03 Hassan - Belur - Halebid - Mysore In the Morning after breakfast proceed to Halebid and Belur. On the way drive through lush tropical landscapes - Built in the 12th and 13th century in the excellent baroque style, these temples are carved of stone and are simplysuperb. One of architect and critic stated "These friezes carved with a minute elaboration of detail are one of the most marvelous exhibitions of human labor to be found even in the patient East". The temple at Belur is famous for its rich ornamented exterior, and the one at Halebid for its beautifully sculptured figures and an open-air museum. Also visit the colossal monolithic Jain statue, 57-ft high, which stands on top of a steep bare hill. Thereafter drive to Mysore. On arrival in Mysore, check-in at hotel. Enjoy overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Mysore - Ooty In the morning after breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Mysore.Mysore is also known as City of Palaces. You can visit the Maharaja's Palace, which is lavishly decorated in a mixture of styles. Visit Mysore Palace, zoo,Mysore Arts & Crafts centre and then proceed to the Chamundi Temple on a hill above the city. After that embark on a journey toOoty (158 kms). On arrival in Ooty, check-in at hotel. Ootacamund (Ooty). Ooty is also known as the Queen of Hill stations. It nestles in the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 2300 m. Ooty still preserves its positive air of elegance and and you get to see reminders of British Raj everywhere-notably in the stone cottages with flower gardens, the beautiful Botanical gardens (1840), the Churches, tea gardens and eucalyptus plantations. Enjoy overnight stay in the Ooty

Day 05 Ooty After breakfast, visit the remaining attraction and enjoy the day leisure by shopping in the local market. Overnight stay at Ooty

Day 06 Ooty - Cochin After breakfast proceed to Cochin (281 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 Cochin After morning breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Cochin or "Kochi". Cochin the palm green, commercial capital of Kerala, which has one of the natures finestharbours& is also known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Destinations visited include Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famousChinese fishing nets. In the evening watch the Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a mystic dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different 'mudras' or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings. Overnight stay is at hotel.

Day 08 Cochin - Periyar In the Morning proceed on journey to Periyar (140 kms). Check into the hotel on arrival. In the afternoon enjoy boatcruise on Lake Periyar - an artificial lake which is the center of the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Here in this sanctury animals such as wild Elephants, Asiatic deer, Black buck, wild boars and others from the surrounding sanctuary come to the shores of the lake to drink water. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 09 Periyar - Kumarakom Afternoon journey to Kumarakom (170 kms). You can check into the hotel on arrival and relax.Kumarakom-is a beautiful village located in backwater on the shores of the fascinatingVembanad Lake, criss-crossed with winding waterways and ancient cottages. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Kumarakom - Houseboat Enjoy morning at leisure. In the afternoon, board the traditional rice boats - "Ketuvallam" for a mesmerizing cruise through the backwaters of Kerala (own arrangement). Relax and enjoy overnight on board.

Day 11 Houseboat - Varkala Enjoy breakfast on board. Next disembark at Alleppey&travel directly to Varkala (160 kms). Varkala is a small coastal town in Kerala. Varkala has been a famous Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. It is heritage site. To this day, the 800 hundred year old Janardhana Temple remains a popular pilgrimage spot. Varkala is also famous for an unspoilt, golden beach, lapped by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy and relax for rest of the day as per your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 12 Varkala - Trivandrum In the morning visit the Portugese church of Anjengo dated to the time of occupation, which maybe the Elanchoros of the geography of Ptomempee (2nd century A.D.). Also stopover at the English Fort erected in 1695 A.D. by the English 'East India Company'. In the Afternoon you drive to Trivandrum (90 kms). On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest overnight at hotel.

Day 13 Trivandrum - Abroad Early morning you will be transferred to the airport to proceed for your return journey.