Start from Goa to South Kerala, let yourself be seduced by the sweetness of life of the Malabar coast. Immerse yourself in the Portuguese atmosphere in Goa, discover the magical ruins of Hampi, stroll in Kochi (Cochin), and sail along the water on the peaceful backwaters. An itinerary to discover mesmerizing sites, lush nature and an authentic culture
Arrive Goa meet and greet by our representative and transfer to hotel. You will enjoy two full days to relax and enjoy the sea. Explore Panaji (Panjim) with the Portuguese atmosphere, Calangute and its Tibetan market, Mapusa and Anjuna. Your home for 2 nights
After breakfast drive to the charming village ofBadami set in beautiful countryside’s of the four of a red sandstone ridge the small rural town of Badami was once the capital of the Chalakyan Empire which covered much of central Deccan between the 4th and 8th centuries.Visit Rock-cut cave temples, Gateways, Forts, inscriptions, Sculptures that seem to come alive under your eyes…. Badami has to be seen to be believed. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves – all hewn out o sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Three are four caves here. The first three belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain Temple in Badami. The first cave temple – past Shiva’s door Keepers – and there he is the eighteen-armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornamental is the third Cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu Pantheon, Narasimha – the half man and half lion avatar of Vishnu, Hari Hara, the composite god who is half Shiva a half – Vishnu.Walk around to Bhutanatha temple, and around the lake where women often come to wash their clothes. Overnight stay
After breakfast a scenic journey by road from Hampi to en route visit to nearly Pattadakal – a UNSECOworld heritage center, it has 10 major temples representing early chaluyan architecture, where coronations took place and where most of the temples were built between the 7th and 9th centuries. The Virupaksha, Mallikarjuna and join Temples are quite marvelous to behold included is a visit to Aihole where the Hindu temples architecture can be seen in its embryonic stage –50 temples within the fort wall and 50 outside. Arrive Badami & transferred to hotel.
Three full days to explore freely in rickshaw bike and walk the beautiful and
peaceful spectacular Vijaynagar ruinsof Hampi
– the 14th century capital city of the Vijayanagar Empire lies in the Deccan
Heartland, The ruins spread over an area of more than 26 sq. kms. Protected by
the tempestuous rive Tungabhadra in the north and by rocky granite ridges on the
other three sides. A terrain such as this was excellent for a capital city that
needed to be vigilant and spend a further day in the heart of the lost empire.
Explore Hampi at your own pace. Its monuments- like its centuries- old patience
& wisdom- most be savored bit by bitthe royal city with its temple and
watchtowers, the Vittala temple, baths and other remains. The landscapes are
beautiful, with granite chaos dotting the countryside.
Hospet’s Virupaksha temple rises majestically. The most
splendid monuments of Hampi is, undoubtedly the Vithala temple
complex memories of Hampi will stay with you always.
On day six in the evening of the 9th day, train to Mangalore, on the coast
Malabar.
Arrival in Mangalore,Visit of the city and continuation by train a little further south for Tellicherry (Thalasseri) or Kannur. Opportunity to attend a show Theyyam Overnight stay
Today we head to the railway station this morning for the journey southwards to beautiful Kerala. Our destination is Cochin– Capital oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coats & Kochi, one of the India’s most colorful cities, the Dutch palace built by the Portuguese in 1557 and renovated by the Dutch from 1663 with its beautiful murals and Jew town including the antique warehouses and shops, spices trading house and the Jewish synagogue built in 1568, the oldest in the commonwealth. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Kochi is the only place in the country where you can see Portuguese Churches, a Jewish Synagogue, Hindu Temples, Dutch Architecture & Mosquenearly side by side a serene coastal city that has been attracting merchants and visitors for over 600 years. Our base for two nights is the Hotel. Overnight stay.
After breakfast we take a guided tour on which includes the sixteenth-century Jewish Paradesi Synagogue, home to an array of treasures, the Dutch Palace - originally built by the Portuguese and presented to the Rajah of Kochi in 1555, and the church of St. Francis, the oldest European church in India. This evening we are treated to a to a Kathakali danceone of India’s most famous Classical dances, the traditional dance-drama of Kerala, which combines vibrant costumes, ornate head-wear and ceremonial dance movements with live music.Overnight stay.
After breakfast drive to Munnar upon arrival check in hotel. Munnar – is situated at the confluence of three mountains streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni & Kundala. Later visit to Mattupetty – 13 kms away from Munnar, situated at a height of 1700m. It is famous for its highly specialized Dairy Farm – the indo Swiss livestock project. Over a hundred varities of high yielding cattles are reared here. Visitor is allowed to 3 of the 11 cattle shades at the farm. TheMattupetty Lake& dam just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. This sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are the other attraction in the vicinity. Overnight stay in Munnar
Today discovery tea plantations at your own pace: visit of the Tata Tea museum factory to understand the basic processes. Rickshaw tour around Munnar offering beautiful views of the plantations and walk in the heart of tea plantations at sunrise, Overnight stay
After breakfast drive to Alleppey to meet your way own floating hotel. Cruise the backwaters & explore the rural life in & around Alleppey.
Kettuvalam (An Authentic Kerala Houseboat) - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. The fully furnished and palm covered boats (single & double) bedrooms with attached bath, sit out, kitchen and living room made of traditional wood. In each houseboat, there are 3 men staff (crew), comprising a cook and two well trained punters throughout the cruise. Punters stand on each end of the boat for punting and directing the boat. Traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala cuisines are served. A journey through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one of the world’s truly unforgettable experiences, myriad network of silent lagoons, freshwater river, and hyacinth covered canals that wind their way through colorful corridors of forests, palms and fruit trees. A canoe expedition via an intricate network of canals, through backwater villages where daily continues unaltered, as it has for centuries. You will see lush palm groves and stretches of rice fields. Overnight stay in air condition house boat
Immersion of two days in the heart of the backwaters, in a family pension: discovery of the life of the village, the local culture and also the ecological stakes. During your stay you will get many opportunities for walks in the rice fields on foot, bike or canoe, participation in a cooking class. Overnight stay in Kumarakom
After breakfast drive to the small seaside resort of Varkala. The day is free for relaxation and swimming. Possibility to walk along the cliff and watch the return of fishermen, Your home for 2 nights
Say good bye to this fascinating journey departure transfer to International airport to board the flight for onward destination.
Language guide, Major meal Laundry, Insurance, Tips, Telephone calls, Hard drink /beer and Expenses like personal nature