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Garden Tour of India

Garden Tour of India

Destinations

Bangalore - Mysore - Ooty - Cochin - Alleppey - Thekkady - Munnar - Cochin

Duration

13 Nights / 14 Days

Customize This Tour

This Itinerary Is Customizable According To Your Need

Hotels

Meals

Sightseeing

Tea

Monuments

Transfers

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Bangalore

Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to Hotel. Bangalore located 1,000m above sea level is one of the most 'happening' places in India. Bangalore, which literally means the 'town of baked beans', was founded by Kempe Gowda, a chieftain of the Vijayanagar Empire, around the 16th century. He built four towers in four directions to specify its boundaries. However, Bangalore has far exceeded these limits since. The multifaceted capital city of Karnataka, dotted with modern marvels, lush boulevards, historical monuments & bustling shopping plazas, Bangalore, aptly called the Silicon Valley of India, is every tourist's dream travel destination. Bangalore, the fifth largest city in India, is the perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made marvels of architecture and technology. Blessed with a salubrious climate and dotted with beautiful parks, its tree-lined avenues, its trendy, yuppie downtown, and the software flood, Bangalore truly offers one a picture of striking contrasts.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 : In Bangalore

Breakfast at the hotel. Later full day sightseeing tour of Bangalore visiting the Lal Bagh which has a variety of old Trees, Fountains, Lotus Pools, Terraces and an assortment of tropical herbs and sub tropical herbs. Also see the Govt. buildings, the Maharajas Palace and Cubbon Park. Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens The rich and beautiful Lal Bagh Garden is a pleasant 240 acres park in the southern suburbs of Bangalore. One of the many gardens in the city, Lal Bagh is the most famous garden in Bangalore. It derives its name from the profusion of Red roses, which bloom here. Rulers of Mysore laid this garden. Haider Ali started building this garden in 1760 but his son Tipu Sultan completed it. The Lal Bagh rock is one of the oldest rock formations in India and is believed to be 3000 million years old. The garden contains artistically laid out expansive lawns, flowerbeds, fountains and a rare and valuable collection of tropical plants that attract the visitors. The garden is spread in a sprawling area of and houses for some of the exotic species of tropical and sub-tropical plants and flowers. Some of the flora and fauna have been brought from Italy, Persia and other European countries, many of which are only found in the garden and no where else. Cubbon Park, located in front of Vidhana Soudha, stretching over an area of about 300 acres. The garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864 AD, has beautifully laid out lawns, grassy expanse and flowering trees. The monotony of city life is broken with presence of such a large park in the centre of the city. Cubbon Park is a joggers' & walkers' delight. This well laid garden is also a major attraction for nature lovers. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 : Bangalore - Mysore

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Mysore en route visiting Srirangapatnam, once the capital of Hyder Ali and his sonTipu Sultan. The temple of Lord Srirangapatnam is, said to have been, built by the Chieftain Thirumalaiah in 894 AD. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mysore City The Palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The Palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and saracenic style of architecture with archways, dome turrets, colonnades and sculptures, which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery, drive up to Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back, see the Nandi Bull. Evening visit the Vrindavan Gardens, the world famous Vrindavan gardens on the terrace of the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, near the Mysore City, across the river Cauvery is a meticulously planned garden. It was built in 1932 during the rule of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, who was a great lover of gardens and parks. The then Dewan or Prime Minister of the Maharaja, Sir Mirza Ismail, designed the enchanting garden. The Krishna Raja Sagar dam is one of the earliest dams built in the country in 1932 AD by the renowned engineer statesman, Sir M. Visvesharaya during the reign of Krishna Raja Wodeyar. Just below the dam, the beautiful gardens are laid on either side of big artificial lakes named the South-North yards. The musical fountain is of special interest that presents a spectacular harmony of water, colours and music. There are varieties of fountains illuminated at night by colourful lights. Every evening the gardens come alive in a burst of dazzling colours and illumination when twirling and dancing fountains lend an atmosphere of enchantment to this fairyland. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 : Mysore - Ooty

After breakfast, depart by surface to Ooty and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. ootyIt is believed that the name Nila, has been in use for over 800 years since, the King of the Hoysalas Vishnu Vardhana, who ruled from 1104 to 1141 AD seized the Nilgiris Plateau. His general Ponisia recorded this fact in 1117 AD with mention of Todas. The name Nilgiri was due to the blue haze, which envelops the range with most distant hills of considerable size. This Nilgiri territory came into possession of the East India Company as part of the ceded lands, held by Tipu Sultan, by the treaty of Srirangapatnam in 1799. Rev. Jacome Forico, a priest was the first European who visited Nilgiris in 1603 and released his notes about the place and people of Nilgiris. In 1812 surveyor William Keys and Macmohan visited the top of the plateau. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 : In Ooty

Visit the Botanical Gardens, one of the most popular hill stations of India. They sprawl over 50-acres and lie on the lower slopes of Dodabetta peak, which is the highest point in Ooty. Marquis of Tweed dale established these ootygardens in the year 1848. The gardens are formally laid out with lily ponds, and there are clipped bushes in the form of elephants, with raised trunks. One can find a thousand different species of plants including some thirty types of eucalyptus in these gardens. There is also a fossilized tree trunk, which is said to be 20 million years old. Towards the eastern part of the garden there is a wooden house made of logs known as "Toda Mund", which provides an excellent view. A summer festival is held each year during the month of May in the Botanical Garden, which is an added attraction for tourists. The Flower Show is the pride of the festival. Cultural programmes are organised for those interested in traditional classical arts. Adventure sports like trekking also form a part of the festival. The gardens include many mature species as well as Italian and Japanese sections. The "Todas", regrettably, live in abject conditions. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 : In Ooty

Visit the Rose Garden & Mini Gardens. Rose Garden situated about 3 to 4-km away from Charring Cross. They are spread over an area of 10 acres of land with 2,000 varieties of roses. Rose Gardens lie on the way to the boathouse. Mini garden is also situated on the way to the boathouse where the children amusement park is housed. A snack bar is also available. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited maintains these gardens. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 : In Ooty

After breakfast, proceed for a visit to the Tea Gardens of Ooty. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers. Visit Ooty during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world converge. An occasion not to be missed! Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Ooty - Cochin

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Cochin and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Kochi, the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, has one of the finest natural harbours inCochin the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city. One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub. Kerala's prime tourist destination, it spreads across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. Its main sections: modern Ernakulam in the east and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west are linked by a complex system of ferries Evening witness a hour long performance of Kathakali Dance Drama.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 : Cochin

Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin city visiting the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Chinese Nets, the Church of St Francis and the Tomb of Vasco da Gama. Afternoon take a harbour cruise on the Cochin Harbour.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 : Cochin - Alleppey - Thekkady

Morning after breakfast depart by surface to Alleppey and take a backwater cruise on the Vembanad lake passing through the small canals and witnessing the backwater beauty and village life of Kerala. Disembark at the Kottayam and drive to Thekkady. Thekkady, located in central Kerala, is a popular hill station and a wildlife centre. This town, which is an important plantation centre, conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the Periyar Forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves of India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold immense opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a fairly good chance of seeing the great Indian tiger in its natural habitat. Rest of the day at leisure.Overnight at the resort.

Day 11 : In Thekkady

Morning take a game viewing boat ride on the Lake Periyar. Later after breakfast, full day excursion to Kumli , Murikkady and Pandikuzhi. Kumily: This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping centre and spice trade center. Murikkady: Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations. Pandikuzhi: This picturesque place is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.Overnight at the hotel

Day 12 : Thekkady - Munnar

Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Munnar (3 hrs approximate drive) Munnarand upon arrival, check in at Resort. Munnar, is the nature-lover's paradise. Snuggling in the green and serene Kannan Devan Hills, lies the quite and restful resort of Munnar. Panoramic views of low-flying clouds and mist filled valleys make it a pretty little heaven with a cool bracing climate. It was opened up out of virgin forests a century ago by pioneering planters. Within its remote and elderly churches - gracious, stone-structures with ancient chandeliers and rosewood pews. A little beyond lies Anaimudi, South India's highest peak. In the vicinity is the Eravikulam National Park, the home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr that roams on a stretch of grassland or is seen climbing the pinnacles of the undulating hills. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 : In Munnar

Morning vsit the Pothamedu (6 kms) offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 : Munnar - Cochin

In time departure transfer to the Cochin airport to board your flight back home. END OF THE TOUR