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India: Karnataka’s Heritage and Backwaters of Kerala

India: Karnataka’s Heritage and Backwaters of Kerala

11 Days from $3,190 USD / person
Itinerary Summary
Itinerary Details
Price & Inclusions
Guest Reviews

Itinerary Summary

Day
Place
Hotel Opts
1 – 3
Bangalore
Highlights: The Bull Temple, Bangalore Palace, Vishwesharaiya Museum
Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road
3 – 6
Hampi
Highlights: Two-Storied Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Vitthal Temple, Stone Chariot
Heritage Resort Hampi
6 – 8
Cochin
Highlights: Fort Kochi Harbor, Matancherry & Pardesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Eighth Bastion
8 – 9
Backwaters of Kerala
Highlights: Lagoons & Lake, Houseboat Cruise, Village Life & Local Culture
Spice Coast Cruise
9 – 11
Mysore
Highlights: Maharajahas Palace, Chamundi Hills, Vrindavan gardens, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Royal Orchid Metropole
11 – 11
Bangalore
Highlights: The Bull Temple, Bangalore Palace, Vishwesharaiya Museum
Your Vacation. Your Way.

This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Itinerary Details

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.

Included activities

Highlights of Bangalore

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.

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.

Included activities

Highlights of Hampi

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)

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.

Included activities

Dances of Kerala: A Cultural Evening

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)

Fort Kochi on Foot

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)

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.

Included activities

Overnight Houseboat Experience

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.​

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.

Included activities

Highlights of Mysore

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)

Day Trip to Tippu Sultan’s Srirangapatna

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.

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

Experience the magic of India as you explore two of its Southern states – Karnataka and Kerala. Begin your journey at Bangalore, popularly known as the Silicon Valley of India, and visit its sprawling gardens, historical monuments, and interesting museums. Travel on to Hampi, a town with a landscape that is as fascinating as its history. In Kochi, discover the city’s colonial influences and later immerse yourself in its vibrant and colorful local culture. Serene and scenic, the backwaters of Kerala beckon. Sail past charming villages and lush coconut trees on a traditional houseboat and enjoy authentic local delicacies as you watch the sun go down. There’s much to marvel at in Mysore, a land of maharajahs and sultans. Take in the grandeur of its royal palaces and imposing fortresses and learn about the dynasties that ruled this region. Discover the never ending allure of India, its ancient history, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Contact us for a customized itinerary that takes you on an unforgettable adventure through this fascinating country.

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $3,190 USD / person

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.
Rating 5/5
India Tour
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!
Rating 5/5
Boat house in the Alleppey backwaters, Kerala
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.
Rating 5/5
India: Karnataka’s Heritage and Backwaters of Kerala
Marianne Oort-Lissy

Netherlands

A level of service that was second to none. We have no hesitation in recommending Enchanting Travels!
Rating 5/5
Visit Meenakshi Temple of Madurai on your South India tours
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.
Rating 5/5
India: Karnataka’s Heritage and Backwaters of Kerala
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.
Rating 5/5
India: Karnataka’s Heritage and Backwaters of Kerala
Carole Uhlander

USA

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