Karnataka & Kerala – Through Wilderness backwaters & beaches

Arrive Bangalore

Arrival Bangalore Airport. You will be welcomed at the airport and will be transferred to the hotel (30 mts) , Overnight at Bangalore

From Bangalore to Mysore

Morning , drive to Mysore . Enroute visit Sritangapattanam. 

The ruins of Hyder Ali’s and Tipu sultan’s capital, from which they ruled much of Southern India during the 18th century.  The dungeon where Tipu held a number of British officers has been preserved.  Inside the fortress walls there’s a mosque and the Sri Ranganathsway Temple  

Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom is a city of fine gardens, tree-lined boulevards, art galleries and an intriguing palace. 

Evening visit the devaraja fruit & Vegetable market. Devaraja market  is an apt place to get a flavor of the local people’s . With more than 100 years of history, this market is well knitted into the heritage of Mysore. This is a good sample of a traditional Indian market place that is colourful, noisy, vibrant and a tad chaotic. 

Overnight at Mysore

At Mysore

Morning visit  Somnathpur (45 mts) .The Keshava Temple stands at the edge of the tranquil village of Somnathpur . Built in 1268 during the heyday of the Hoysala kings, it’s an astonishingly beautiful, unpoilt building.  The walls of this star-shaped temple are covered with superb sculptures in stone depicting various scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita and the life and times of the Hoysala Kings.  

Afternoon visit Maharaja’s palace built in 1911-1912. The palace harmoniously synthesizes the Hindu and the Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures, which are truly magnificent .  

Overnight at Mysore

From Mysore to Bandipur (80 kms , 2.5 hrs)

In the morning, drive to Bandipur Wild life sanctuary (80 km,2.5 hrs) 

Located in the southern part of the beautiful state of Karnataka, Bandipur is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India. The Bandipur National Park was made by the Maharaja of Mysore in the year 1931 and was then spread over an area of 90 sq kms. 

Afternoon enjoy jeep safari in the Bandipur National Park.  A qualified naturalist accompanies you on every trip to help you interpret the exotic flora and fauna of the region.  

Overnight at Bandipur.

From Bandipur to Nilambur

After breakfast, drive to Nilambur (80 km, 2.5 hrs ) 

Nilambur Kovilakams or palaces situated at the foot of the Western Ghats along the banks of the river Chaliyar, are architectural marvels known for their beautiful frescoes and wood work. These residences of the local rajas were built according to traditional Kerala architecture and boasts of excellent skill and craftsmanship. 

The Puthiyakovilakam (New Palace) ,the place you will stay  were built by the Nilambur rajas nearly 200 years ago. The royal family, whose roots can be traced back to Nediyiruppe swaroopam or Koodamanna lineage, were once the chieftains of the Zamoodiri’s. They eventually emerged as the undefeated rulers of Nilambur nearly 250 years ago.  

This evening you will visit the Kovilakom Temple and witness the deity from outside. Temple will be lighted up with lamps in the evenings. 

Overnight at Nilambur

Nilambur

Early morning you will meet up with a Brahmin lady who will tell you the history of ‘Kolam’ drawing practised by the hindu women in front of their houses. Kolam is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice  Kolams are thought to bring prosperity to homes. You may also participate in this ritual practise.

You will also visit an Astrologer, who will read your palm and predict your future and makes you comprehend your past. 

In the evening you will visit the tribal colony to witness the pottery making. 

Overnight at Nilambur. 

From Nilambur to Cheruthuruthy

Morning drive to Cheruthuruthy (80 km,2.5 hrs)

You will stay at the erstwhile summer palace of the Cochin Maharaja , this palace turned resort overlooking the nila river , preserves its history in every detail.

Over night at Cheruthuruthy.

From Cheruthuruthy to Cochin via visit of Kerala Kalamandalam

Visit of cultural & art school  -  Kerala Kalamandalam 

It is the premiere public institution in India imparting training in and conducting performances of the classical arts of Kerala viz. Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Mohiniyaattam, Thullal and Panchavaadyam] A visitor gets the opportunity to spend few hours at the centre witnessing the classes and interacting with the masters. 

Late afternoon drive to Fort Cochin (110 km ,2.5 hrs)

The spice trade first bought Chinese and Arabian traders to Kerala’ shores and later the Portuguese  , Dutch and British thus making Fort Cochin a cultural melting point. Wander through its old streets, the synagogue, the ancient churches, colonial houses and the picturesque Chinese fishing nets. 

Overnight at Cochin.

At Cochin – Being local

Today is a different day , this morning you will explore Cochin with your guide by being a localite. There is no car today. You will walk , take the TUK TUK through the narrow streets of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry , climb on a local bus in the busy hours to the city  , walk along thousands of people exploring the local market , know the spices , visit the railway station when thousands of people return to their nearby village after the day’s work , take the local ferry from the mainland to return to the island of Fort Cochin. By evening you will experience everything what is happening in a day at Cochin. 

During the course, you will also visit the monuments at Fort Cochin and Mattancherry  - The St  Francis  Church,  the oldest European Church in India ,where Vasco de Gama the first European traveller to India was originally buried here.  Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (Friday closed) is renowned  for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.  The Jewish Synagogue ( Saturday closed) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town.  

Overnight at Cochin

Cochin/Nedumudy backwaters

After breakfast drive to Nedumudy a village in the backwaters (65 km , 1.5 hrs) Once you are at the jetty , you will be transferred in the canoe to the home stay.

This 100 year old wooden mansion situated on the bank of the holy river Pamba, you will feel the serenity, peace and joy, which has been long lost to the frenetic pace of the times that we live in. This is a golden opportunity to experience closeness with Nature. The home is just on the bank of the river with a clear view of the village life across and also once sit and relax watching the fishermen , boats , people cruising along.

Half past six when the sun set beneath the banks , you set off in punted canoe with your lone oarsmen, on a slower pace cruising through the darkness watching the far way lights. Somewhere in the middle of the lake, your oarsmen will serve you a glass of wine. On a clear sky, sip the wine gazing at the stars or watch the people still on the bank , some taking a bath, some fishing , some washing their utensils and some waving at you.  

Overnight at Nedumudy

Nedumudy/Alleppey/Marari

After early breakfast, you will walk up to the nearby public jetty with your host who will assist you getting into the public boat transport to Alleppey. This cruise lasts for 1.5 hours passing through the villages and en-route picking up villagers from the jetty who are on their way to Alleppey for daily work.  

On arrival at Jetty , your driver will wait with your luggage and take you to the famous mullakkal temple . 

The bazaars of Mullackal Road provide a delightful morning browsing. Here you’ll find everything from fine gold jewellery to umbrella emporiums and coir products. Visit the Mullackal Temple from inside

Later drive to Marari beach (30 minutes)

The Marari beach is among one of the 5 Hammock beaches in the world rated by National Geographic survey. Mararikulam is a fishing hamlet where small wooden boats rest on the sea shore. The beach is relatively undiscovered, hence not too many resorts. The beach is quiet, only the local fishermen, their traditional colourful wooden boats and the abundant wildlife share the beach, so you are virtually alone to enjoy the endless crisp white sand under your bare feet, the vibrant green coconut palms, the cool sea breeze and the azure ocean. 

Relax at the beach resort. Overnight at Marari

Marari

Full day relax at the beach. 

Overnight at Marari 

Marari /Cochin departure

In time transfer to Cochin airport (90 km,2.5 hrs) to connect flight back home