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iExplore Southern India Experience(Trip #44453)

Tour Overview

India will humble, awe, frustrate, amaze, and intimidate -- all in the same day. Home to the world's most spectacular medieval architecture and largest slums; sacred rivers and filth-strewn streets; religious rituals and endless traffic jams; aristocratic tigers and casteless untouchables; jewel-encrusted tombs and pavement-bound beggars; ancient traditions and modern-day scams -- there is so much to take in. Whether you are here to soak up India's spirituality, chill out on the beaches, rejuvenate at an Ayurvedic spa, or live like a king in the land of princes, this program will help you experience the very best India has to offer.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01 – Bangalore, India
Arrive Bangalore International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and day at leisure.
Overnight: Bangalore

Day 02 – Bangalore - Mysore
This morning, you are collected from your hotel for a half-day city tour of Bangalore City.

Visit the Palace of Tippu Sultan (once home to the south Indian king famous for battling the British), the Bull Temple, the Indian Institute of Science, Vidhana Soudha, an imposing structure in granite built in the Dravidian style, and the 240-acre/100-hectare Lal Bagh botanical garden, with its pools, terraces, fountains, trees and herbs. This afternoon you will drive approximately three hours to Mysore.

Mysore, located in the hill country region of southwestern India, is cooler than the coastal cities - one of the reasons so many maharajahs chose to live there. Upon check in at your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast
Overight: Mysore

Day 03 – Mysore
This morning, you are collected from your hotel for a half-day city tour of Mysore City. Visit Nandi Bull, carved from solid stone, and a 2,000-year-old Hindu temple. Evening visit to Brindavan Garden.
Breakfast
Overnight: Mysore


Day 04 – Mysore -Bangalore - Cochin
This morning you are transferred from the hotel to Bangalore airport for your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for check-in.

Cochin is not the capital of Kerala, but it is its most charming city, blessed with its own international airport and a relatively good infrastructure, making it the ideal gateway to the state. This has been the case since 1341, the year nature carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood. As a result, Cochin became the first port of call for Arabs, Chinese and, finally, European sea merchants, who sailed for barter into what came to be known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea."
Breakfast
Overnight: Cochin

Day 05 – Cochin
This morning, you are collected from your hotel for a half-day city tour of Cochin City. Start your tour at the harbor near Vasco da Gama Square, where you can watch fishermen hoisting their catch from the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that line the shore, then head along Church Road to St. Francis Church. Keep going toward Parade Road (near the Malabar House Residency), making your way to Peter Celli Street to explore a few local shops before you drift down Bastion Street, in the direction of Santa Cruz Cathedral.

Then head back toward Princess Street, where you can see Koder House. Built in 1808 by Jewish patriarch Samuel Koder, this is a good example of the hybrid Indo-European style that developed in Cochin. It's still occupied, so you'll have to appreciate it from the sidewalk. In the same road, the Pierce Leslie Bungalow is a charming 19th-century mansion reflecting Portuguese and Dutch influences on local architecture. This evening enjoy the Kathakali Dance Show.
Breakfast
Overnight: Cochin

Day 06 – Cochin - Kumarakom
You are collected from the hotel for a morning drive from Cochin to Kumarakom for check-in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure at the resort.
Breakfast
Overnight: Kumarakom

Day 07 – Kumarakom - Alleppey
This morning your houseboat will pick you up from the hotel. You will backwater cruise to Alleppey and experience the tranquility of the water as you overnight on your houseboat.

The backwater destination of Kumarakom, on the banks of Vernbanad Lake inspired some to comment, “natures silent beauty provides a perfect setting for contemplation”. The backwater provides splendid views of coconut groves, mangroves and paddy fields and you will come across traditional country crafts, boats and canoes as you make your way to Alleppey, so called the Venice of the East. Step off your boat and try the traditional Keralese food, particularly the seafood.
Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight on Houseboat, Alleppey

Day 08 – Alleppey -Cochin
After breakfast you will be transferred from your houseboat and driven to Cochin airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast