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» Incentive to South India
Incentive to South India
Duration: 11 Days
Places to Visit: Bangalore - Mysore - Bangalore - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Marari - Cochin -Mumbai
Day 1 Abroad – Bangalore – Mysore Arrive at Bangalore International airport. Our representatives will assist the group inside the airport with the baggage.
On arrival in Bangalore, the group will straight drive to Mysore (140 kms / 3 hours).
Important note: Depending on the time of arrival of the international flight, we can decide where the group should be provided with breakfast.
While the guests are transferred from airport to Mysore the guests will be provided wet towels in the coaches.
The rooms will be pre-allocated at the hotel, which would fasten up the process on arrival at hotel.
Morning free for own activities.
Afternoon vsit the surrounding region visiting
Chamundi Hills: 13 kms from Mysore is the temple of patron Goddess of Wodeyars, Chamundeshwari. Located on a hill 335 m high, the temple can be approached by 1000 steps built by the Maharaja of Mysore in the 17th century. Half way towards the temple is the giant monolith Nandi Bull. This 4.8-meter high monolith was originally grey in colour but the application of coconut oil by the devotees has turned it black. Close to the Chamundi temple is the giant and colourful statue of the demon Mahishasura. From the hill summit one can have a panoramic view of the Mysore City.
Vrindavan Gardens: These gardens are laid on the banks of Krishnarajasagar Dam. Spread over an area of one acre, the terraced lawns and fountains make these gardens one of the best in South India. The swirling Fountains are illuminated on weekend and have given backdrop to many movies in recent times. The Dancing fountains are a major attraction among the tourists. Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day
2 Mysore Late morning sightseeing tour city of Mysore.
Visit the beautiful city of Mysore, that is known for its fine craftsmanship in wood, ivory, sandalwood and for its silk. Visit the Maharaja's Palace, built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, it is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open onto luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The Marriage Pavilion is adorned with glazed tiled flooring, stained glass and domed ceilings. The walled palace complex houses the Residential Museum, temples and shrines, including the Shwetha Varahswamy Temple.
This evening a special Gala evening with dinner will be organised with Royal family. ??
Gala evening will be an extravagant affair, which will be held at the lawns of the Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore. The entire palace area will be lit up for the group members and they would be driven in royal horse carriages to the venue where a befitting dinner awaits you.
Important note: (On every Sunday the palace is illuminated in the evening). Hence, we recommend that the itinerary and date of the tour should be planned in such a manner that group member can witness this spectacular view of the illuminated Palace.
Day
3 Mysore – Bangalore This early morning proceed to Sriringapatnam on a Horse Safari.
Important note: Sturdy, well – maintained horses are nothing new to the visitors in India. This trip can be even taken by people who are not confident in riding the horse, as we will have grooms accompanying the group. This will be an outstanding experience for the group members. Ofcourse, incase any of the group member doesn’t want to take this safari then they have an option of travelling in the coaches which will be following the group. This horse ride will take approximately 4 hours and the distance that is covered is 18 kms.
On arrival visit Sriringapatnam from this small Island fortress - town straddling the river Cauvery came the two brilliant Muslim leaders Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who ruled a powerful empire comprising much of Southern India for 40 years. Tipu Sultan “The Tiger of Mysore” became the most dreaded foe of the British in the south, and inflicted two punishing defeats on the forces of East India Company before at last being overcome in 1799. Tipu was killed and his town razed, but his elegant Summer Palace, or Daria Daulat Bagh remains intact; the British kept it for their own use. Later Duke of Wellington lived here for a spell while serving as governor of Mysore.
Picnic lunch will be followed.
“A picnic lunch” - a traditional camp set-up in the surrounding area of the temples, overlooking the Sriringapatnam temple the group members will be served a buffet Indian / Continental lunch.
Later drive onwards to Bangalore
Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy one of the various SPA treatments at the Resort.
« An evening with difference » Bangalore’s affluence has bred a pub culture with flashy bars, well-lit discotheques and draught beer after a hard day’s work at the office. In order to give you a taste of nightlife in India, we will arrange for private evening at Nostalgia Bar followed by traditional North Indian Lucknowi and Awadhi dinner
Nostalgia Bar: A cozy Bollywood/Hollywood themed bar, with life size caricatures, video screen and audio effects all creating a perfect atmosphere to indulge in the nostalgic memories of the stars and starlets of yester years. Choose from the great selection of beverages, mocktails, aperitifs, spirits, soft drinks, cigars and even Bollywood/Hollywood inspired cocktails.
Badsha: A poolside open air restaurant offering Lucknowi and Awadhi cuisine serving selection of tandoori kebabs, biryanis and Indian breads. Featuring an open kitchen concept where the guests can choose their own vegetarian or non vegetarian selections. A perfect setting for a special dinner, with candle lights and soft ghazal music, against the backdrop of nature bathed in soft subtle moonlight and twinkling stars…
(Both the above venues will be booked on exclusive basis for the group members.) Overnight at hotel
Day
4 Bangalore – Cochin After breakfast at the hotel the guests will be transferred to the airport for flight to Cochin. The baggage and the check in for the guests will be done in advance.
Leave: Bangalore at: 1030 hrs by: IC 909 Arrive: Cochin at: 1125 hrs
On arrival in Cochin, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Day 4 Bangalore – Cochin (contd.)
Upon arrival in Cochin transfer to the hotel.
Lunch at Brunton’s Boat Yard, situated at the Harbour mouth overlooking the busy ship channel, with a magnificent view of the Sea and the Delta
Later proceed directly to a point and board the motor launch for cruise till Fort Cochin – visiting the Fort area including the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 A.D., which contains Grand scroll of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges, granted to the Jews by the Cochin rulers. The floor of the Synagogue is paved with exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles. Visit the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Ruler of Cochin in 1555 A.D. he 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, Ramayana can be seen here. Visit St. Francis church, built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here. The Chinese fishing nets can be seen at the entrance of the harbor.
The Chinese through their trade contact taught this technique of catching fish – these nets along the backwaters are a fascinating sight. The sightseeing tour ends with a walk in the historic Fort Cochin.
Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance - Kathkali is a unique dance whi ch has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different ‘mudras’ or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings. Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day
5 Cochin – MunnarMorning drive to Munnar (135 kms/4-hrs). Upon arrival in Munnar- check in to the hotel.
Munnar - is the beautiful hillstation housing world’s highest tea-growing estates. Beyond these estates are rich tropical forests that houses an assortment of wildlife such as Nilgiri Langur, Sambhar, Gaur, Elephant and Lion-tailed Macaques.
Afternoon Jeep ride to the popular tea estates.
The Healing touch at Munnar Ayurvedic Centre: Ayurveda, the Science of Life, is almost as old as the Indian civilisation. It's holistic approach, the efficacy of its therapies and the absence of distressing side affects are some of its more salient features. Throughout the world there is a rising awareness of the benefits of natual health systems. Health in the ayurvedic view represents the Harmony of body, mind and soul. It's pharmacopia is nature herself and its diagnostic and curative tools have been derived from the invaluable legacy of insights, experience and knowledge bequeathed to posterity by its great masters. It is based on natural principles that inform and animate human life. The Spice Village offers the following therapies at it's Ayurvedic Centre under the guidance of an expert " vaidyan " ( physician ) whom you may consult for a fuller understanding of symptoms and appropriate treatment. It is well equipped with a dispensary and qualified resident staff Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 6 Munnar – Periyar
Early morning a Yoga session administered by highly trained Yoga Gurus for a holistic rejuvenation of the mind & soul.
Morning drive to Periyar (90 kms/ 2-½ hrs).
Upon arrival in Periyar – « special welcome with ladies in traditional attire lined along the quai, holding oil-lamps to the accompaniment of ‘panchavadi’ (five instruments) music. »
Check into hotel.
Day
6 Munnar – Periyar (contd.) Periyar- sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills.
Afternoon Forest Treks: It can be arranged for you to venture deep into the tropical forests. Accompanied by a tribal guide, you will be dropped off by boat at the far end of the lake, from where you proceed on foot, quickly leaving behind the crowds. It is only safe to travel at certain times of the day, but your guide will know more about the jungle than the wild animals that roam the savannah grasslands and woods. (This trek would be for approximately two hours).
« Bharatnatyam dance performance followed by welcome dinner » Special Dinner around the illuminated poolside with Bharatnatyam dance performance. Bharatnatayam is a well-known classical dance of South India that exudes enchantment, grace and passion. Overnight at hotel
Day 7 Periyar – Kumarakom
« Water Safari on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary »
There are several ways to explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The most popular is by boat, which allows visitors to watch animals drinking at the lakeside. The best chance of sighting animals is in the early morning or at dusk. It's an eerie sensation passing by the forest branches, which poke out, from the water, stretching through the mist like dead men's fingers. Many animals come to the water's edge and it is one of the few places in the world where elephants can be observed at close quarters from the safety of a boat.
Later « board Indian four wheel jeeps for a drive through the fascinating countryside of winding Ghats lined with prosperous spice and tea plantations ». Later arrive the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (130 kms / 3 hours), enroute visit the tea estates where refreshments would be served to the group members.
Upon arrival in Kumarakom - check into hotel.
Kumarakom – is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages.
« Moonlight boat cruise with Cocktails followed by dinner (at the Resort) » Moonlight boat cruise on the Backwater of Kerala - Guests will be ferried aboard a spacious, specially decorated boat for a delightful Moonlight boat cruise on the Backwater of Kerala. Cocktails will be served on board. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day
8 Kumarakom – Houseboat Morning visit the superb Bird Sanctuary in adjacent wooded marshland - which boasts of egrets, tree pies, black headed orioles, bee-eaters & a whole host of herons.
Afternoon, board the traditional rice boats - “Kettuvallam” for a fascinating cruise through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one of the world’s truly unforgettable experiences.
These traditional houseboats of Kerala are one of the most enduring images of the backwaters, its natural, cocoon-like profile complementing the surrounding countryside. These palm covered country boats are designed to navigate the narrowest canals. Almost 50 feet long, the “Kettuvallam” is propelled from the bow and stern by two boatmen using punting poles. It has a comfortable bedroom with ensuite facilities. There is also a large open-side sitting area where meals are served. This also doubles up an ideal living deck. Each houseboat is fully staffed, which includes a captain, his mate and a butler. The food served are freshly bought produce from the local markets and cooked on board. The atmosphere on a “Kettuvallam” is exceptionally relaxing and romantic. You can relax on the sundeck and watch the way of life and activity of the local people, sipping from a tender coconut and enjoying the sheer peace of the surroundings. Overnight at Houseboat
Day 9 Houseboat - Marari
After breakfast on board, disembark at Alleppey ride on motorbikes to Marari (30 kms). «The motorbike’s which will be provided to them, will be Royal Enfield (350 CC or 500 CC). Of course, first the guests will be given a familarisation of the bikes and we will have a leading person and one on the tail to keep the group together and see that there is no mishap. » This ride is about 30 kms and would take about 1 to 1½ hours. Incase, the guests don’t want to ride the bike then they have an option of travelling by the coach.
Mararikulam- is one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coastline of Kerala. This private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms.
There will be Martial Arts Show known as ‘Kalaripayatru’ – which evolved in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., is designed to be used in conjunction with Ayurvedic medicine, the martial arts master is trained at the same time as a physician who can heal wounds. An exclusive dinner by the illuminated poolside at the resort will follow this.
« Mock Kerala Wedding Theme followed by a lavish sit-down dinner (at the Resort) »
Important note: 'Saris' for ladies and 'Kurta/Pyjama' for men which are to be worn for the evening ahead & to be retained as souvenirs.
This evening the group members get an opportunity to re-say their wows!
A traditional Kerala wedding ceremony where the group members participate as the "Baraat" (wedding procession of the bridegroom accompanied by his relatives and friends) and the bride's party. The Baraat arrives with a local band. The hosts receive the Baraat and the wedding ceremony is held under a decorated "Mandap" or a pavilion beautifully decorated with flowers and fairy lights. The (mock) wedding takes place between two group members where the Indian Priest performs all the marriage rites.with). A festive buffet meal, laid out for both the parties in the illuminated hotel, is accompanied by spirited local music and dance performance. Overnight at hotel
Day
10 Marari – Cochin – Mumbai After breakfast, drive to Cochin (60 kms) airport for flight to Mumbai. The baggage and the check in for the guests will be done in advance.
Leave: Cochin at: 1055 hrs by: 9W 402 Arrive: Mumbai at: 1240 hrs
On arrival in Mumbai, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Afternoon, brief City tour of Mumbai - the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes Gateway of India overlooking the Harbour, the Towers of Silence, Marine Drive, and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi.
In the evening drive to Marine drive from where the guests would board the horse carriage (Victorian ride) which will take them to the famous Khyber restaurant for farewell dinner. Khyber restaurant is renowned for its North-West Frontiers delicacies.
Late night transfer to International airport for flight to back home.
Day 11 Mumbai - Abroad
Depart Mumbai