Sandalwood, tea and spices all come from
this region. Tea is grown and exported from the blue hills (Nilgiris). Dense
jungle houses many species of wildlife, including elephants and tigers.
State of Karnataka lies on the Deccan plateau and it is a land of charming
contrasts, a pleasing mix of the modern and traditional. Bangalore -the
state capital is famous as the Silicon Valley of India" as well as the
Garden City. Royal city of Mysore has fragrance of sandalwood, musk, jasmine
and rose and is a major manufacturing centre for incense sticks. Witness the
Hoysala architecture at Halebid, Belur and Somnathpur. Hills around Ooty
were captured by the East India Company troops from Tipu Sultan of Mysore in
1799 and were incorporated into the Madras Presidency. By early 19th
century, the Governors of Madras Presidency began patronizing Ooty and it
was later made the summer capital.
Day
1 : Chennai
Arrive Chennai and transfer to Hotel. Full day at leisure on the beach.
Day 2 : Covelong
A day of sightseeing. Visit Mamallapuram group of World Heritage monuments
including Shore temple and Arjuna's Penance. Also visit the golden city of
Kanchipuram -one of the four most sacred places.
Day 3 : Covelong
A day on the beach.
Day 4 : Chennai / Bangalore
Early morning transfer to Chennai Railway station and take train to
Bangalore (5 hrs). Late afternoon take a short city tour of this garden
city.
Day 5 : Bangalore / Hassan via Sravanabelagola
Morning drive to Hassan enroute visiting Sravanabelagola (5 hrs). One has
to climb 600 steps to reach the hilltop dominated by 1000 years old
Gomateshwara statue. The statue is considered to be the tallest monolith (17
m) and most graceful sculptures of the world. Afternoon visit Belur and
Halebid temples. The visual is often described as the 'jewel box' of Hoysala
temple architecture.
Day 6 : Hassan / Coorg
Morning drive to Coorg (3 hrs). Afternoon at leisure to explore the rolling
hills with plantations of coffee, black pepper vines and the celebrated
Coorg orange and cardamom plants.
Day
7 : Coorg / Nagrhole
Morning drive to Nagarhole (4 hrs) and check in at hotel. In the afternoon
take a jeep safari in the park
Day 8 : Nagarhole National Park
Morning and afternoon jungle safaris in the Nagarhole National Park. Rest
of the day at leisure by the river.
Day 9 : Nagarhole National Park / Mysore
Morning Jungle safari by jeep. Late morning drive to Mysore (3 hrs).
Afternoon visit Mysore Royal Palace.
Day 10 : Somnathpur
Morning excursion to Somnathpur (1 hr). Visit Keshava temple built in 1268
AD. Richly adorned with carved friezes and sculptured images. Evening visit
to Brindavan Gardens with its many water features including musical
fountains.
Day 11 : Mysore / Ooty
Morning drive to Ooty (4 hrs) -thc erstwhile summer headquarters of the
British government in southern India and offers a cool retreat.
Day 12 : Ooty
In the morning proceed by Nilgiri Mountain Railway - toy train to Coonoor
across plantations and forest clad hills with breathtaking views. Drive to
Ooty and proceed for sight seeing.
Day 13 : Ooty / Chennai
The Morning is at leisure. Afternoon drive to Mettupalayam and connect the
overnight train for Chennai
Day 14 : Chennai
Morning arrive Chennai railway station. Transfer to airport to connect
flight for onwards destination.
