11 Days from $3,190 USD / person
India: Karnataka’s Heritage and Backwaters of Kerala
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 3
International Arrival
We will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel
2 Nights
Bangalore
Bengaluru, India’s answer to Silicon Valley, was ranked third in 2012 amongst the list of world’s top ten cities to visit by Lonely Planet! Formerly a ‘pensioners paradise’, the bustling city sits high above sea-level, and is blessed with pleasant weather all year round. A center for British resistance in the 18th century, Bangalore has remained a permanent home of the Indian Army, retaining the campgrounds scattered all over the city and a distinct Cantonment atmosphere. The multicultural and multilingual city boasts charming gardens, tree-lined avenues and cozy bungalows, apart from several of the largest software and IT parks in india.
Hotel options
Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Day 3 – 6
Your chauffeur will drive you from Bangalore to Hampi in a private vehicle (Duration: 9 hrs)
3 Nights
Hampi
Hampi is so mystical with its boulder-strewn landscapes that you might feel like you’ve landed on the moon! This ancient village is split into two by Tungabhadra River, which has become a natural epicenter. Hampi has a soothing quality to it, as its gentle agricultural community tend to lush green paddy fields and global travelers gather. As the former capital of the mighty Vijayanara Kingdom and home to ruins of a once sacred and regal city, the village is home to several major UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hotel options
Heritage Resort Hampi – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Villa
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Style
Boutique
Day 6 – 8
Your chauffeur will drive you from Hampi to Hubli in a private vehicle (Duration: 5.5 hrs)
Board your flight from Hubli to Cochin (Flight duration: 2 hrs)
You will be transferred from Cochin airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Cochin
Kochi, formerly Cochin, is considered the Queen of the Arabian Sea as it was one of the first European settlements in India, due its ideal positioning for trading. Kochi has always been at the heart of the Indian spice trade.The Portuguese first colonised Kochi in the 16th century, before the city was conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century and the British in the 19th century. The city’s architecture has been shaped by its colonial rulers, yet today it remains a vibrant and busy commercial center with a multicultural atmosphere and a cosmopolitan heart. As well as showcasing Kerala’s traditional dance and martial art forms throughout the year, Cochin plays host to several annual celebrations, including the Cochin Carnival every December, and the colorful contemporary art festival, Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
Hotel options
Eighth Bastion – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 8 – 9
Your chauffeur will drive you from Cochin to Backwaters , Alleppey/Kumarakom in a private vehicle (Duration: 1.5 hrs)
1 Night
Backwaters of Kerala
Kerala’s famous backwaters are a labyrinthine network of tree-fringed lagoons, idyllic lakes, and river systems, running parallel to the Arabian Sea along the Malabar coast. Quaint towns and charming villages dot the banks of these interconnected canals. This unique ecosystem is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The heart of Kerala’s backwaters is the vast Vembanad lake and the intimate Ashtamudi lake. The region is replete with inviting and serene homestays, resorts, and houseboats offering diverse experiences that provide a glimpse of life on these waterways. Cruising down the tranquil backwaters aboard traditional kettuvallams or houseboats is a quintessential Kerala experience, especially enhanced by local seafood and meat preparations and complemented by the region’s iconic palm wine. For a window into the state’s culture, visit the region during the colorful annual boat races which feature up to a 100 rowers rowing in unison in 100-feet long snake boats.
Hotel options
Spice Coast Cruise – Opt 1
Room
One Bed Room
Meals
Full Board
Style
Houseboat
Day 9 – 11
Your chauffeur will drive you from Backwaters , Alleppey/Kumarakom to Cochin in a private vehicle (Duration: 1.5 hrs)
Board your flight from Cochin to Mysore (Flight duration: 1.5 hrs)
You will be transferred from Mysore airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
2 Nights
Mysore
Mysore provides you with an opportunity to step back in time into a world of regal opulence, and is often described as the City of Palaces. All roads in Mysore lead to the beautiful Mysore Palace built for the Maharajahs of Mysore, the Wodeyar Dynasty, who contributed to much of the city’s cultural development. Before them, Mysore was the stomping ground for rulers Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sultan. Steeped in Hindu legend, the city’s name comes from a Sanksrit word for a mythical part-human, part-buffalo demon. The city comes alive during September/October when the state Hindu festival of Darasa takes place.
Hotel options
Royal Orchid Metropole – Opt 1
Room
Royal Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Day 11 – 11
Your chauffeur will drive you from Mysore to Bangalore airport in a private vehicle. Enroute you will visit Srirangapatnam (Duration without stops: 3.5 hrs)
Bangalore
Bengaluru, India’s answer to Silicon Valley, was ranked third in 2012 amongst the list of world’s top ten cities to visit by Lonely Planet! Formerly a ‘pensioners paradise’, the bustling city sits high above sea-level, and is blessed with pleasant weather all year round. A center for British resistance in the 18th century, Bangalore has remained a permanent home of the Indian Army, retaining the campgrounds scattered all over the city and a distinct Cantonment atmosphere. The multicultural and multilingual city boasts charming gardens, tree-lined avenues and cozy bungalows, apart from several of the largest software and IT parks in india.
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
What Our Guests Say
This trip was my gift to my wife for her birthday. I had traveled to India numerous times for business and wanted her to see this interesting and beautiful land. This was our 7th trip with Enchanting and I knew they would put together a journey that would explore the most important sights in the time which we allowed. We spent 2 weeks in the North of India and 2 weeks in the South. I was hesitant to do some much traveling by car but India has really improved their highways and the car trips where enjoyable. Our drivers were excellent. They knew the lay of the land and how to navigate the hectic Indian traffic. I am a retired international airline pilot and I will tell you that the hotels we stayed in are some of the finest in the world.
Everett Beasley
USA
This was our 14th trip with Enchanting. Each trip is always very well coordinated with never any worries about transportation, reservations or tickets etc…. The guides are always very knowledgable, helpful and kind. The drivers are always very prompt and courteous. The trip coordinators are in constant contact for any needs or concerns throughout the journey. I always answer the survey after our trips and know that Enchanting takes the answers very seriously. Thanks to the staff at Enchanting for many happy memories!
Julie Goodwin
USA
I have been using Enchanting Travels from their very beginning and I will continue to use them in the future. Although I use them mainly for India, they did arrange a very nice trip to Vienna when I went there to attend a wedding. They are reliable, efficient, trustworthy and knowledgeable and just plain excellent.
Marianne Oort-Lissy
Netherlands
A level of service that was second to none. We have no hesitation in recommending Enchanting Travels!
Jeremy Lewis
UK
I would definitely use Enchanting travel again. By planning your holiday well before you go. It is worth spending time doing this, and listen to the advice you are given You can relax during your holiday.
Erica McDonagh
Australia
Kamesh, who was the airport greeter, did an excellent job getting both us and our son from the airport to and into the hotel and situated for the trip. ALSO I don’t know if Prathima or Shivangi were responsible, but one or both of them arranged for us to get tickets to a dance performance Dec 16 at the Yagnaraman centre for performing arts at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha Trust — I was delighted. We wanted to see dance and had been unable to find information on this. Very grateful that we were able to attend. Let me also emphasize how excellent both Prathima and Shivangi were. Prathima with amazing patience and knowledge planned the trip. She was totally responsive — but also resolutely and gently made sure her experience guided our plan. And Shivangi was always there, fixing what needed to be fixed on occasion and always providing a friendly and encouraging voice. I felt we learned a lot about history, about Tamil culture and about Hinduism (that last especially on this and the next part of the trip and from our guides). Auroville is something else again and fascinating in its own different way.
Carole Uhlander
USA
