India: Karnataka’s Heritage and Backwaters of Kerala

Experience historic landmarks amidst the cosmopolitan chic. Venture to 16th century blackened Dodda Ganeshana Gudi (Bull Temple) dedicated to the sacred bull Nandi. Venture to the imposing Vidhana Soudha, a Neo-Dravidian building that houses the seat of state legislature. Tour Bangalore Palace, still owned and inhabited by the erstwhile royal family of Mysore. Visit Bangalore’s British colonial gardens – Lal Bagh, which includes a Victorian glasshouse replica of London’s original Crystal Palace, and Cubbon Park. Explore Tipu Sultan’s Fort and Palace, and the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India and home to many artifacts from the Neolithic period.

Prepared to be bowled over by the mesmeric boulders of Hampi! Navigate through giant rock formations to witness stellar examples of Dravidian architecture. Constructed by the last great Hindu dynasty, some of these architectural marvels date back to the 14th century and are scattered amid the craggy hills and plains. From the historic King’s Balance to the stunning Queen’s Bath, the grand Lotus Mahal (palace) to the colossal Elephant Stables, there is much to discover. Envision the former glory of the musical pillars of Vitthal Temple, standing tall in the heart of an erstwhile bazaar and see the awe-inspiring Stone Chariot. Virupaksha Temple, the principal place of worship, is close at hand. Venture past lush paddy fields and lethargic water buffaloes to see the curious monolith of Ugra Narasimha with its bulging eyes and ample mane. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Discover the art and culture of Kerala. Spend an evening at the Greenix Village in Cochin where you can enjoy a special performance of some of Kerala’s most celebrated dance forms. Learn the complex rhythm and artistic skills of popular classical dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam, performed by trained dancers over a period of two hours. The most famous and popular of these is Kathakali – a harmonious blend of dance, drama, music, literature and painting. Observe the detailed make up, grand costumes and intricate gestures which characterize this art form. (Half Day, Evening Activity & Transfer; Duration: 2.5 hours, from 1700 hrs to 1930 hrs including observing performer’s makeup session)

Enjoy a stroll through Fort Kochi, on colonial streets lined with old buildings and rain trees, admiring contemporary street art on crumbling facades. Make your way to the Cheenavala – a row of Chinese fishing nets in use for over five centuries, overlooking the waters near Vasco da Gama square. Inextricably linked to Fort Kochi, the sight of the nets against the setting sun and the waters of the Arabian sea make for some unforgettable images. Observe the action at dusk or dawn as fishermen operate these fixed land installations made of bamboo and timber. Next up, visit St Francis Church, among the oldest European churches in India with architectural influences from the Portuguese. Step inside to view the wooden interiors and gabled timber roof, where famous explorer Vasco da Gama is buried. End your tour with a visit to Santa Cruz Basilica, with its two towering spires and white-washed exteriors, marveling at the Gothic style interiors, stained glass windows, and beautiful murals. (Half Day; Time: Mornings or Late afternoon; Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Cruise Kerala’s backwaters and stay overnight in a traditional kettuvallom, a boat made from coconut rope and wooden planks. This unique and exotic barge experience provides all the comforts of a hotel, with furnished bedrooms, a modern shower and toilet room, a living area and a shaded balcony for relaxing on as you enjoy uninterrupted views of rural Kerala. There is also a kitchen where the boat’s crew will rustle you up deliciously fresh meals and snacks, served traditionally on banana leaves. The skipper (captain), might moor up and take you to visit a backwater village, where you can meet local people and observe ancestral homes and places of worship. After a relaxing day, drop anchor and rest your head to the gentle sounds of the swishing lake waters.​

Return to the regal era at Mysore! Visit the Maharajah’s Palace which artistically blends Indo-Saracenic style with foreign elements such as Scottish steel and Victorian-Edwardian era furniture. Every Sunday, visitors gather to to see the palace brightly lit up. Drive up to the Chamundi Hills to be blessed alongside hundreds of jubilant pilgrims at the Chamundeshwari Temple. On your way back, visit Sri Nandi Temple to be blessed by Hindu God Lord Shiva’s faithful gatekeeper Nandi, the decorated bull. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Mysore Palace is only light up at night on Sundays; Please bring socks as footwear is not permitted inside temples)

Discover Tipu Sultan’s historic city! En route to Mysore, embark on a tour of Srirangapatna, which was once the historic capital of a powerful empire and dates back to around 9th century The island fortress town offers plenty of attractions for history buffs, from temples and mosques, to palaces and cenotaphs (tombs). Explore the exquisite three-layered stone wall of the fort with its bastions and gates, which protected the rulers from many an invasion and is still an emblem of a glorious bygone era. Stop by the banks of Cauvery River and witness stunning views of the natural landscape.