Southern Panorama – 12days: Mysore-Bandipur-Ooty-Cochin-Backwater cruise-Marari beach

<strong>Day 01: </strong>Arrive in Bangalore.
You are welcomed at airport and transferred to your hotel in Mysore.
Balance of the day you are at leisure.

<strong>Day 02: </strong>Mysore.<strong>
</strong>Start your exploration of India from Mysore. Your tour begins from The Mysore Palace, an incredibly opulent structure that is one of the most impressive palaces in the world. You’ll be amazed by its sheer size, the unbelievable richness of its interior, and the beautiful facade of this Indo- Saracenic architectural gem. It was the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, and the current version was commissioned in 1897 and finished by British architect Henry Irwin in 1912.  Balance of the day you are at leisure.

<strong>Day 03: </strong>Mysore – Bandipur.
You are driven to Bandipur in the morning; check into your lodge.
Bandipur offers a fascinating experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Once the Mysore maharaja’s private wildlife reserve this is noted for herds of gaurs (Indian bison), Cheetel, sambars, leopards, sloth bears and langurs, as well as tigers and elephants.
Enjoy safari through Bandipur National Park in the afternoon.
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Day 04: </strong>Bandipur – Ooty.
After your second safari in the morning you are driven to Ooty on the Nilgiri Hills, the most popular hill station.

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Ooty is located at the tri-junction of the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Ooty was founded by the British in the early 19th century to serve as a summer headquarters of the government of erstwhile Madras presidency. To the north-west of Ooty are splendid downs resembling those of Sussex, while to the west, south and south-west, lofty hill add to the grandeur of the scenery. Its climate is similar to the summer in England.

<strong>Day 05: </strong>Ooty.
Enjoy a travel on UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Train to Coonoor. You are greeted by your driver and the local guide at Coonoor station and then driven to a local family where you have lesson on home chocolate. After your lunch with the local family visit the tea gardens and factory. Return to your hotel after the visits.

<strong>Day 06: </strong>Ooty – Cochin.<strong>
</strong>Check out from your hotel in the morning; you are then driven to Coimbatore and assisted with your boarding on (1310-1655Hrs) train to Cochin. Check into your hotel on arrival.
<strong><em>World renowned Yoga Retreat- http://www.ishafoundation.org founded by Sadhguru is 30Kms away from Coimbatore. Please visit their link for programs. Imagesindia tours can book your stay at Isha Foundation. </em></strong>

Day 07: Cochin.
Post breakfast you are driven to outskirt Cochin. Enjoy a cruise on a country boat through the narrow winding canals. Your boat cruise will give you opportunity to see village folks at work, village temples and visit traditional Keralian homes. Return to your hotel after you relish a Keralian lunch served on banana leaf.
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Day 03: </strong>Cochin – Alleppey.
You are then driven to Alleppey; embark one of the beautifully designed houseboats and cruise on the backwater of Kerala. Relax and have good time until next morning. The cook and other staff will make sure that you are well taken care, while serving you delicious Kerala cuisine for lunch, dinner and breakfast.

<strong>Day 09: </strong>Alleppey – Marari/Cherai beach.
Disembark from your houseboat and they you are driven to Marari/Cherai beach on  the Malabar Coast.
<strong>
Days 10-11: </strong>Marari beach.
Accompanied by a local guide; explore the beautiful Fort Cochin in the afternoon.
Your tour begins from Jewish Synagogue <em>(closed on Fridays and Saturdays).</em>It contains beautiful Belgian glass chandeliers and paved with painted tiles from China. Later visit the Dutch Palace <em>(closed on Fridays)</em> with its wonderful murals depicting the entire story of the Ramayana. Then visit St. Francis Church, established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama was buried in the courtyard of this European church, one of the first built in India. Visit the Chinese fishing nets. More than a century old and still in use, they are a great part of this tour. Return to your resort after
you visited a Keralian family for cooking lesson and lunch.
You are also allowed one complimentary general body massage during your stay.

<strong>Day</strong><strong> 12: </strong>Marari beach – Cochin – Onward destination.<strong>
</strong>You are transferred to Cochin airport in time to connect your flight onward destination.
<strong>We end our services</strong> in Cochin airport.
<strong><u>
Package Inclusion:</u></strong><strong>
</strong>  Three night accommodation in Marari beach.
Two night each accommodation in Mysore, Ooty &amp; Cochin.
One night accommodation on houseboat includs three meals.
Every day buffet dinner and breakfast.
Sightseeing tour accompanied by government licensed guides.
Transfers and sightseeing by air conditioned personal vehicle.
One bottle of mineral water per person per day.
Entrance to monuments &amp; parks.
Applicable government taxes.

Tailor made itinerary &amp; Rate available on request.