Our best of Karnataka and Kerala Tour is an extensive tour of two of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. This 12 night and 13 days’ tour allows you to explore the diverse cultural, architectural, historical and natural opulence of Karnataka and Kerala. The tour will let you experience the splendid palace of Mysore, coffee plantations and temples of Coorg, a rich wildlife park in Munnar, houseboat ride on the captivating backwaters of Alleppey, the luxuriant hills of Wayanad and Munnar, delightful boat ride on Periyar Lake among many others. Neighboring states, Karnataka and Kerala - God’s Own Country will tantalize you with their affluent exhibition of art, culture and serene nature. This carefully planned tour covers major attractions of the two destinations in a comprehensive way.
Upon arrival at Bangalore International Airport, our representative will meet you and assist you to your hotel. After check-in at the hotel, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we will drive you to Mysore. Officially named Mysuru, Mysore is the cultural capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. The city is one of the most flamboyant cities of India with more than 600 glorious years of legacy. It is noted worldwide for its premium Mysore silk, sandalwood and incense products. Mysore is also famous for its heritage structures and palaces, including the magnificent Mysore Palace (the seat of the rulers of Mysore), and the grand festivities during the Dussehra festival.
Check-in at your hotel upon reaching. Relax for some time, then head out to see Mysore Palace. Richly carved, the palace exhibits intricate, colourful, thrilling art and architecture.
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Coorg - the coffee and spice producing hill station of India. Officially known as Kodagu, Coorg is equally popular for its exotic scenery, breathtaking adventures and warm hospitality. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival and spend the evening at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast, and then proceed for a half-day tour of the beautiful Coorg covering coffee plantations, orange orchards and the green paddy fields. Visit Madikeri, aka Mercara, the largest town in Coorg. Come across the sprawling Madikeri fortress, built in the 17th century by the Rajas of Coorg, standing on a hilltop overlooking the entire town. Not far from here stands a temple of Lord Omkareshwara, a popular religious destination here, which shows an unusual combination of the Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture, unlike other traditional temples in India.
After breakfast, embark on a wonderful journey to Wayanad driving through lofty peaks, cascading streams, verdant forests and hills, and winding roads. It is a green paradise nestled among the lush mountains of the Western Ghats; Wayanad is nature’s abode of Kerala. The land is clean, pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing as well as replete with fascinating history and culture.
On arrival, check-in to your hotel. Later in the day, proceed to visit Lakkidi View Point - the gateway to Wayanad, situated 2296 ft. (700 m) above sea level at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. It is a great vantage point to view the valleys and the mountains. Also, visit Pookat Lake, a natural fresh-water lake, nestled amid evergreen forested hills, and a one of its kind in Kerala. Boating facilities, children’s park, handicrafts, spice emporiums and a freshwater aquarium are among the tourist attractions here.
After breakfast at the hotel get ready for a fun-packed jungle safari. A jungle safari along the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary where elephants, deer, sloth bears, tigers, and panthers roam free and numerous rare birds chirp through the skies. Set off towards the Kuruwa Island, a bunch of desolate islets sprinkled in the middle of the vast Kabini River. Now it is a soaring hub of ecotourism supported by the locals as well as forest administration. Crossing the dangerous-looking and rock-strewn waters is an experience to cherish.
After breakfast, drive to Kochi which is also known as Cochin. It is a beautiful city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Over the years, the history and development of this city carry stubborn marks of the British, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese. It is undoubtedly the best starting point on your discovery to capture the beauty of God’s own country – Kerala.
Check-in at the hotel. Spend rest of the day exploring the old buildings and bustling markets of Fort Cochin. Fort Cochin is the place where the Portuguese flag was first hoisted and it is also believed to be the oldest settlement in India.
After breakfast, go for Cochin sightseeing tour that begins with a visit to Fort Kochi located on the western coast of India amidst the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea. On visiting this fort, soak in the mesmerizing specimens of the bygone era. The architecture of this gorgeous fort uncovers the layers of colonial influence ingrained in the landscape of this city. Visit the St. Francis Church (Closed on Sundays from 08.00 to 11.00 hrs.) within the middle of the fort’s complex. Built-in the year 1503, it is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The lofty architecture of this Church is impressive in every way and has managed to retain its ancient charm, over the years.
Also, visit the Jewish Synagogue located close to Fort Kochi, which is more than 100-years old. It was built in 1568 and is a showpiece displaying hand-painted floor tiles, Belgium-imported glass chandeliers, rare antiques and an exclusive gallery. Your Kochi sightseeing tour ends with a visit to Chinese Fishing Nets. They are a hallmark, visible from Fort Kochi. The concept of fishing nets is said to be introduced by Zheng He (a Chinese explorer). Here the fishing nets are made of bamboo and teak wood poles and practice the principle of balance. Almost every visitor visits here - especially during sunset - to click a few pictures. End your day watching the traditional Kathakali Dance Show.
After breakfast, drive to Munnar. It is a beautiful hill station named after three rivers: Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. It is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala that offers spellbinding views of vast spice and tea plantations. It also boasts of the highest peak in South India - Anamudi. Munnar is surrounded by various wildlife sanctuaries that house the grizzled giant squirrel, Elephant, Gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, etc. and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat). Also, a blue flower "Neelakurinji:" grows here in every 12 years.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Day at leisure.
After breakfast, head for sightseeing tour of Munnar with the first visit to the Munnar Tea Estates. Munnar is a city renowned for its bountiful tea plantations nestled amidst pristine nature. Walkthrough these sprawling tea estates and soak yourself in the refreshing aroma of the tea leaves. Here you can also visit the Tea Museum that showcases old photographs and huge machinery that has been used in tea processing over the years. Also, get a first-hand experience of how tea is processed.
Explore the Eravikulam National Park, a must-visit attraction located in Munnar. It's the first of its kind in Kerala that is home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat) and various other endangered species. Also, a flower that blooms once in 12 years - Neelakurinji (next to be seen in 2018) is another attraction here. Visit the Mattupetty Dam as well which is a concrete gravity dam constructed between 1949 and 1953 for the purpose of conservation of water and hydroelectricity generation. The captivating reflection of the surrounding tea gardens falling upon the still water is the best part of this dam.
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady. It is a landscape, set amidst the Western Ghats, in Kerala that entices its visitors with its rich biodiversity and natural vistas. The place is best known for the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered to be one of the major tiger reserves in India. Nestled in the Western Ghats, it is blessed with exotic wildlife and scenic charm.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake. In the evening, watch the traditional Kalaripayattu (ancient Indian martial arts, originated in Kerala 1000 years ago) and show with its impressive display of martial arts, fire performances and more.
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey lovingly called the “Venice of the East”. This beautiful waterside destination in Kerala has a vast network of backwater canals that meander through the surrounding town, villages and the Vembanad Lake. The best way to enjoy Alleppey is to discover the tropical village life, tea and spice plantations and its pristine beauty on a traditional houseboat.
On arrival, board your Houseboat, which is called Kettuvallam in local. Cruise through the stunning and scenic backwaters of Alleppey, while you enjoy the unique experience of the houseboat. Enjoy dinner and a pleasant stay.
This morning after breakfast on the houseboat, we will transfer you to Cochin International Airport for your departure flight.
Duration | : | 12 Nights / 13 Days |
Starting price | : | 1048 Per Person |
Route | : | Bangalore - Mysore - Coorg - Wayanad - Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Cochin |