KERALA TOUR TRAVEL

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This is a tour designed , keeping in focus the actual wellness of the traveler and introducing you to the age old traditions of health improvements and vitalization . You will travel from the modern IT capital of India - Bangalore to the princely city of Mysore to the ancient kingdom of Hassan , Halebid & Belur and through the coffee estates of Coorg to the hidden hilltop resort of Neelambari in the western ghats of unspoilt North Kerala in the surrounding of golden beaches of Neeleshwar on the Arabian sea with its stunning old fort at Bekal . The last leg of the journey will follow the famous Calicut port of Vasco Da Gama , where we see ship building & elephant temple . We end this blissful trip in Cochin - the cultural capital of Kerala , visiting its Jewish heritage & Chinese fishing nets . The houseboat cruise through the backwaters will be a delight .

Best time : Mid October to Mid April
Destination: Banglore-Mysore-Neelambari-cochin
Duration : 14 Days

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 : Arrive Bangalore ( South India )
Arrive Bangalore in the early morning, garland welcome, assistance and transfer to pre-booked hotel. Morning free to relax. Afternoon we make a short visit to this bustling capital city of Karnataka. Visit Vidhan Soudha, a magnificent building housing the State Legislature and Secretariat. Evening stroll around the avenues. O/n Hotel.

Day 2 : Bangalore - Mysore
Morning after breakfast drive to Mysore (about 140kms/03hrs), check into the hotel. Afternoon visit the My sore Palace, once the residence of Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this Palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. Proceed to St. Philomena's Church in the Gothic style, is one of the largest churches in the country and has beautiful stained-glass windows. Evening we make a short drive to Chamundi Hills towering over the city, these hills are 13 kms away from My sore. Halfway - up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. Right on top is the 2000 year old Chmundeswari Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

Day 3 : Mysore - Hassan
Morning after breakfast drive to Hassan (about 135kms/04hrs), check into the hotel. Visit the CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE at Belur, the exquisite sculptors cover the exterior with the friezes. The line of 650 elephants surrounds the base, with of rows of figures and foliage above. The detail of 38 female figures is perfect. Later on proceed to Halebid to visit the HOYSALESVARA TEMPLE, set in lawns, has two shrines dedicated to Siva with a Nandi Bull facing each. The largest of the Hoysala temples, it was started in 1121 but remained unfinished 86 years later, also visit the Jain bastics. O/n Hotel.

Day 4 : Hassan - Chully ( Neelambari )
Morning after breakfast we drive to the hidden hilltop resort of Neelambari ( About 220 kms / 6hrs ) in the western ghats of unspoilt North Kerala . The Resort offers accommodation in its 16 traditional Kerala style cottages . All the rooms are well furnished with tiled roofs and wood , equipped with modern amenities . The final approach of about 40 Kms is a steep hilly drive through dense jungle and on top miles of breathtaking views of the rolling hills . Arrive and check into the resort . O/n Resort

Neelambari Resort & Spa : Nestling in the spice hills and quiet estates, Neelambari is set in 110 acres with spectacular views of surrounding natural forests, mountains and valleys. It is the ideal getaway to explore North Kerala, with proximity to beaches, backwaters whilst being tucked away in the mountains!

Ayurveda at Neelambari : Ayurveda , the ancient system of Indian Medicine, dates back to millenniums. It is a unique system of medicine handed down through the centuries by ancient physicians, holding out the promise of a healthy, long life. Ayurveda is practiced with absolute dedication in Kerala where the tranquil shores help achieve harmony of body, mind and soul. It is a completely herbal-based medical treatment using only the purest of elements. As such, there are no side effects whatsoever. Kerala's natural wealth of herbs and the cool monsoon season is best suited for its curative and restorative packages .

Nirvana - The Neelambari Ayurveda center offers a holistic health evaluation and a personalized treatment programme administered by experienced therapists ranging from wellness packages like rejuvenation and revitalization , stress relief programmes , different kinds of massages and beauty therapies .

Day 5 : Chully ( Neelambari )
Morning yoga & stretching session in the green and tranquil atmosphere .
A free day to relax or time for a short trek in Ranipuram Hill sation . Located 10 kms from Neelambari Resort, Ranipuram widely known as Madathumala is a beautiful mountain terrain known for trekking. It is located 750 m above sea level in the Western Ghats in Kasargode district. Covered with evergreen shoal woods, monsoon forests and grasslands, this beautiful land is ideal for trekking. Elephants can be seen wandering around here. O/n Resort

Day 6 : Chully ( Neelambari )
Today after breakfast a day excursion to visit Talakavery - the source of the sacred Kaveri River in Karnataka . Kaveri is considered a river of divinity, peace and tranquility. It is also known as the Ganges of the South. From Talakaveri, steps lead up to the Brahmagiri peak where the seven great sages or saptarishi had performed a special yaga. You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills. Later drive back to the resort . Evening a session and interaction with astrologer & Palmhist . O/n Resort

Day 7 : Chully ( Neelambari )
Morning after breakfast drive about 50 Kms / 2 hrs to visit Bekal Fort , Pallikere & Neeleshwar Beaches and Chandragiri Fort . Also visit one of the Beedi making factory near Neeleswar . Evening drive back to Resort . O/n Resort

Beedi is a mixture of blended tobacco, wrapped in beedi leaves, cut to size, tied up with a thread, roasted in an oven to remove moisture and to give that inimitable flavour that brings indefinable joy to the smokers. The tobacco is blended in desirable proportions and the beedi leaves are selected and cut to uniform size. The secret of a good beedi lies in the blending of tobacco and it is as such treated as a trade secret. After this, by sheer dint of experience, the skilled worker with his deft fingers just rolls the beedi at one stroke, flat at the smoking end and round at the lighting end. It is tied at the flat end with a cotton thread of a particular colour chosen to identify the manufacturer.

Bekal Fort : The 350 year old fort is situated 10 Kms north of Kanhangad and is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. This imposing circular structure of laterite rises 130 ft. above sea level and stands on a 35 acre head land that runs into the Arabian Sea. Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty is said to have built the fort between 1645-1660. But some historians are of the opinion that the fort was built by the then north Kerala rulers, the Kolathiri Rajas .

Pallikere & Neeleshwar Beach : This beautiful expanse of shallow waters and beach offers a spectacular view of the Bekal fort. The beach has ample space for recreation and relaxation. With international standard facilities to be developed here, Pallikere will rank among the best beaches in the country and the nearby Neeleshwar beach is the most unspoilt beach area in India with friendly fishing villages nearby . A session of meditation at sunset can be a divine experience at Neeleshwar .

Chandragiri Fort : Situated on the Chandragiri river, south east of Kasaragod town, this town is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

Day 8 : Chully ( Neelambari )
A full day to experience Ayurveda & Yoga . Begin your day with Yoga by the pool followed by breakfast . After which pamper yourself in the health center to rejuvanate your body and mind . Rest of the day enjoy by the pool or discover the exotic spices of this region from Pepper to Vanilla . Evening time for the traditional cultural show and bonfire farewell dinner . O/n Resort

Day 9 : Chully - Calicut
Morning after breakfast we say good bye to this resort and drive to the plains of Calicut ( about 196 kms / 5hrs ) enroute visiting Muzhuppilangad Beach and also Kappad Beach where Vasco-da-Gama first landed in 1498. Check into the hotel. Calicut was one of the great ports on the west coast and is a port of call for cargo steamers even today. A big centre of timber industry, has busy boat-building yards. Late afternoon visit the Beypore (11kms), is a small coastal town for centuries as a ship building centre and still famous for its country crafts called 'Uru' built by the traditional shipbuilders known as Khalasis. Beypore is still a favourite destination among Arabs shopping for large boats. Evening stroll around the Halwa Bazaar. O/n Hotel.

Day 10 : Calicut - Cochin
Morning after breakfast drive to Cochin (about 215kms/06hrs) - the commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the State's cities, Kochi has long been eulogised in tourist literature as the 'Queen of Arabian Sea". It has a fascinating blend of cultures. Enroute visit the Punnathur Kotta - elephant camp at Guruvayoor. Arrive and check into the hotel. In the evening witness the famous Kathakali dance in one of the theatres. O/n Hotel

Day 11 : Cochin
Cochin is one of the most interesting towns in South India. A trading port since Roman times, it was on the main trade route between Europe and China. Fort Cochin occupies the South promontory on the seaward side of the Bay. Cochin is also known as the commercial capital of Kerala. After breakfast we will have a guided tour of Cochin

Fort Kochi: A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township In India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the cultural influences of the Dutch and later by the British. The result of these cultural influences is seen in the many examples of Indo-European architecture that still exist here.
Chinese fishing nets: These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 by Traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and the catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.
St. Francis Church: Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European Church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch and converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and some of the Puranic Hindu legends. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins and the coronation robes of former maharajas of Kochi.
Synagogue: Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch.

Day 12 : Cochin - Alleppey
Morning after breakfast drive to Alleppey ( About 60kms / 2hrs ) , here we board our houseboat and sail through scenic backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. The boat will pass through picturesque stretches of the backwaters allowing a glimpse of village life and to experience a way of life unique to this region. O/n Houseboat

Day 13 : Alleppey - Cochin - Bangalore
Morning after breakfast disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Cochin . Arrive Cochin and have lunch in local restaurant at Cochin . Afternoon time to stroll around the Jew street and broadway market . Evening transfer to the International airport to board flight to Bangalore ( 9W 524 , 20.00 / 21.00 hrs ) . Upon arrival in Bangalore straight transfer to the International airport to board flight back to your home country .

Day 14 Bangalore - Europe / USA
Fly in the early morning to your home country .