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SOUTHERN INDIA SPICE TOUR

Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days.
Destinations : Delhi Sightseeing - Bangalore - Mysore - Cochin - Alleppey - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Kovalam - Kayakumari - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Delhi.

Tour Details :

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are assisted and driven through the city to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit first the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and, certainly, modern independent India. Rest of the day free to explore the city of Delhi. Our spiritual experience begins as we visit in the afternoon the famous Lotus and Iskcon Temples. Overnight: Hotel in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi
Today we look at another part of Delhi. Old Delhi houses the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver and goldsmiths. Afternoon is free. Evening we enjoy dinner at a typical restaurant. Overnight: Hotel in Delhi.

Day 04: Delhi - Bangalore
Today we take a flight to Bangalore where, upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our Hotel. Our tour of this clean city covers the Botanical Garden, the Visveswariah Museum, and the famous Mysore Arts and Craft Center. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka. It is called the Garden City due to its delicate blossoms and greenery that impart a unique beauty to this lovely city. The weather is the city's best feature, with pleasant summers and bearable winters. Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city, where a variety of cultures and customs thrive. Kempe Gowda founded the city in 1537 - is today a bustling and diverse city with ancient arts that flourish alongside the Silicon Plateau of India.
Overnight: Hotel in Bangalore

Day 05 : Bangalore / Mysore (Drive 139 kms)
Today we are taken on a scenic drive to Mysore. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed to mesmerize with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Our tour includes the Maharajah's Palace, the Shri Chamundeswari Temple and the Nadi Shiva's Mount and a stroll through the city. Evening is free to enjoy the Vrindavan Garden and City Palace, which is beautifully lit on certain days. Overnight: Hotel in Mysore

Day 06 (FRI): Mysore / Bangalore / Cochin (Flight)
14 km northeast of Mysore on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway is Srirangapatnam, the island fortress that was once the capital of the warrior –kings Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. After visiting this historical fortress we make our way to Airport at Bangalore for our flight to Cochin. On arrival at Cochin we are met and transferred to Hotel Overnight Hotel in Cochin


Today we tour the city, with one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city, often referred to as the Venice of the East. We visit the oldest European Church in India "St. Francis Church". Vasco Da Gama was originally buried here 14 years later his remains were taken back to Portugal. One can see the winding streets with mosques and 500 year old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community with ancient roots, a 16th century synagogue, and a palace built by the Portuguese. In the evening we also see Kathakali Dance with dinner. Overnight Hotel in Cochin

Day 08 : Cochin / Alleppey (Drive 60 kms)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Alleppey and watch the Boat races. In the afternoon we board the House Boat. Which takes us to the splendid tour of canals and lakes. People here are so adapted to the water that it is not unusual to see people talking for hours, while immersed up to their necks in water. Canoes with huge sails still transport people and you can find vegetable sellers, fisherman and other household materials being brought door to door by small wooden boats. The area is surrounded with coconut palms and lush green rice fields. The major crop is coconut and it is said that the name Kerala comes from the old name of coconut. Overnight: House Boat

Day 09 : Kumarakom
In the morning our boat anckers at Kumarakom and we are transferred to our Hotel. Situated on the Vembanad Lake this unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. In this small water world is has plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes that take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, and meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming.
Overnight Hotel in Kumarakom

Day 10 : Kumarakom
Today we visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the Sanctuary.
We start with a boat ride to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Those adventurous enough may indulge in water sports such as windsailing and water skiing. For those looking to relax, try a canoe ride on the still waters.

Day 11 : Kumarakom / Kovalam (Drive 180 kms)
After breakfast we take a scenic e drive to the beautiful Kovalam beach situated on the Malabar Coast near Trivandrum. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories make this beach an incredible paradise.
Overnight: Hotel in Kovalam

Day 12 : Kovalam / Kanyakumari / Kovalam
Today we go for a day excursion to the "Lands End" of India: Kanya Kumari is the southernmost tip of peninsular India where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. A place from where one can see spectacular sunrises and also colourful sunsets. On balmy evenings, one can watch the sun set while the full moon is rising in another part of the sea. Overnight: Hotel in Kovalam

Day 13 : Kovalam / Trivandrum / Home
Today we are transferred to Airport for our flight to onward destination