Bangalore, a real cool place on Planet Earth is the capital of Karnataka, a major state in the southern part of India.Mysuru District is an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests.Coorg was under the rule of many dynasties of South India such as Changalvas, Cholas, Gangas, Hoysalas, Kadambas and Pandyas.Ooty, this gem among southern hill resorts is covered in eucalyptus and pine trees and coffee and tea plantations.
Here is how you will spend your time
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival In Bangalore
Upon your arrival at Bangalore Airport/Railway Station, meet our representative who shall assist you with transfers. Check in to your hotel and get comfortable. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
Day 2
Day 2: Transfer From Bangalore To Mysore - Srirangapatna & Mysore Sightseeing
After breakfast today, check out from your hotel and get ready for your transfer to Mysore by road (150 kms/3.5 hrs), popularly known as 'The City of Palaces'. En route visit Srirangapatna (18Kms from Mysore) - the capital of Tipu Sultan.
Srirangapatna is a small island formed by the river Cauvery and its tributaries. It was once the capital of the Mysore state under the legendary king Tipu Sultan and since then famous for its religious, cultural and historic importance. Prime attractions are Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Daria Daulat (Palace of Tipu Sultan) and Gumbaz (Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan).
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple: A mesmerizing example of Hoysala and Vijayanagar architectural style, this temple was first built in 894 AD. It is one of the most important Vaishnavite shrines in South India.This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This idol is supposed to be the biggest statue of Vishnu in the reclining form (Adidesha) in Karnataka.
Tipu's Summer Palace: Also known as Daria Daulat Bagh. The palace is built in the Indo-Sarcenic style and in mostly made of teakwood. Its surrounded by a lush gardens on the southern bank of the river. The Daria Daulat Bagh palace is now converted in a museum and houses sketches, drawings, paintings along with block prints and Tipu's clothes.
Srirangapatna Fort: Known for its historical significance and architectural brilliance, this fort was originally built in 1454 AD. This Fort has four main entrances and has a double wall defence system, which is what makes it one of the toughest forts.
Gumbuz: Gumbaz is the Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, his father Hider Ali and mother Fakr-Un-Nisa. Built in Persian style of architecture, Surrounded by beautiful garden named as Lalbagh, the imposing structure of Gumbaz is seen in the middle on an elevated platform.
Upon arrival check into the hotel. Post lunch proceed for local sightseeing at Mysore covering Mysore Zoo, Mysore Palace & Brindavan Gardens.
Mysore Zoo (closed on Tuesdays) - This 157-acre zoo is the one of the most popular attractions in the city. It houses a wide range of animals and is one of the oldest zoos of the country. The beauty of Chamundi hills beside it is an added bonus. Mysore Zoo also had record number of housing various avian species - more than 40 other countries in the world. It is known for breeding of rare animals which is a feature present in very few other zoos in the world. Mysore Zoo is the only zoo in India to have a gorilla. The zoo also houses chimpanzees and orangutans. Other exotic animals found in Mysore zoo are giraffes, zebras, White Deer, African Elephants, Bears, Porcupines, Rhinoceros, Tapir, Otters etc.
Mysore Palace (or Maharaja's Palace) - one of the most visited monuments in India. This historical, royal place of residence of the Wadiyars is a splendid architectural feat and houses some of the best artifacts from historic times. The Palace is set in carefully laid out gardens. It is a beautiful three storied stone building of fine grey granite and rich pink marble domes. Overlooking this structure is a five-storied 145 foot tower whose domes are gilded in gold.
In the evening visit Krishna Raja Sagara Dam built over the River Cauvery near the conjunction of three rivers, namely, Cauvery, Hemavathi & Lakshmana Thirtha. Get mesmerised by colorful & stunning Brindavan Gardens known for its symmetric design and illuminated terrace gardens. The main attraction at Brindavan Gardens is the beautiful array of musical fountains. Coupled with laser lights, these fountains are synchronized to music and go live at the time the garden is lit up.
Mysore is also an ideal shopping destination. Explore shopping at the local market. Take home Mysore silk saris, Mysore sandalwood artefacts & handicrafts, incense sticks, coffee, wooden toys and traditional Mysore paintings called Ganjifa paintings. Return to your hotel after sightseeing tour. Overnight stay in Mysore.
Travel from Bangalore to Mysore
Train
2hrs 40min
Bus
2hrs 57min
Taxi
3hrs 45min
Day 3
Day 3: Transfer From Mysore To Coorg Via Dubare Elephant Reserve
After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Coorg (120Kms/3Hrs). Enroute visit Dubare Elephant Camp.
Dubare Elephant Camp - Located 30Kms from Madikeri, this camp has plenty of Asiatic Black Elephants which are trained under naturalists. Tourists can participate in various activities like feeding the elephants with ragi, jaggery, sugarcane, banana and coconuts & bathing the elephants in the river at a nominal cost. Enjoy elephant ride, jungle safari, and bird watching at Dubare Elephant Camp. Indulge in adventure sports like river rafting & coracle rides. Elephant Rides are arranged between 10 am to 12 pm and between 4 pm to 5 pm only.
Later proceed to the hotel. Overnight stay at Coorg.
Dubare Elephant Camp Timings - 9:00 am – 11:00 am & 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
Travel from Mysore to Coorg
Bus
3hrs
Taxi
3hrs
Day 4
Day 4: Coorg Full Day Sightseeing Tour With Nisargadham
Misty hills, lush forest, tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views make Coorg a popular holiday destination. Post breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing of Coorg.
Visit Bylakuppe - largest Tibetan settlement in South India famous for the Golden Temple (or Namdroling Monastery) it holds some excellent examples of Tibetan architecture and artwork with elaborately decorated temple tower and ornate outer walls, intricately adorned with beautiful murals. The red doors have giant golden knockers. Inside, one has the privilege of witnessing the enormous 40 feet high golden statues of Guru Padmasambhava, Buddha Sakyamuni and Amityaus, surrounded by lovely paintings of various aspects of Tibetan Buddhist mythology.
Cauvery Nisargadhama - This is an ecological park which is a popular holiday destination for all nature lovers and is sure to give you a much-needed break from the busy city life. It is equipped with a deer park, a lake for boating, provisions for elephant rides and a small snack shack. You need to pass a small bridge over the joyfully flowing River Kaveri to enter this island, and it can be best enjoyed just post monsoon; when the entire island is brimming with lush greens.
Post lunch visit Abbey Falls - Located 8kms from Madikeri town. Abbey Falls is situated in the middle of coffee plantations and spice estates. It is one of the best waterfalls in Coorg region. Abbey Falls cascades down the rocky slopes from a height of 70 feet into a pool. A hanging bridge has been built across the gorge here, from where the visitors can get a beautiful view of the falls. A Kali Mata temple on the other side of the bridge is also not to be missed. The path leading to the waterfalls is filled with thick vegetation and offers wonderful experience.
Madikeri Fort (closed on Mondays) - Still preserving its old charm, Madikeri Fort is one of the most famous historical landmark located in Coorg. An excellent example of spectacular architectural designs and styles of construction, the fort also houses Madikeri Fort Museum & the Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple. The elevated structures of the fort also provide panoramic views of the town, which is undoubtedly breathtaking and beautiful.
Sri Omkareshwar Temple - The Omkareshwara Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in the town of Madikeri. The speciality of the temple is that its construction reflects a mix of Gothic and Islamic styles.
Raja's seat - The Raja’s Seat, which means the “Seat of Kings”, is a brick and mortar structure with four pillars. It is a popular viewpoint inside a splendid garden of seasonal flowers and musical fountains. The best time to visit Raja's Seat is during the early morning and evening hours to witness breathtaking views of Sunrise & Sunset. There is also an attraction of the Toy Train for children to enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains.
Later proceed to hotel and relax. Overnight stay at Coorg hotel .
Day 5
Day 5: Transfer From Coorg To Ooty
After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Ooty (224km/6hr). On arrival check in to the hotel and relax. Ooty has been rightly titled as "The Queen of Hills" in South India and is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level,the Nilgiri Mountain Railway that connects Ooty with Mettupalayam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay at Ooty hotel.
Travel from Coorg to Ooty
Taxi
4hrs 44min
Bus
16hrs 33min
Day 6
Day 6: Full Day Sightseeing Of Ooty & Coonoor
Post breakfast enjoy a full day tour to Ooty & Coonoor, the jewels of fascinating Nilgiri Hills. These two hill stations are located merely 20km from each other and can be visited in the same day.
Morning visit Sim's Park - Located at a height of 1780 meters, Sim’s Park is a botanical garden which was established in 1874. It has more than 1000 species of flora including Queensland Karry Pine, Rudraksha (the bead tree) and Ornamental tree making it a place worth visiting. Enjoy long peaceful walks through the lush greenery and colourful, vibrant flowers, boating & photography.
Lamb's Rock - Located on the way to Dolphin’s Nose in Ooty, Lamb’s Rock is laos called as Echo Rock. A popular picnic spot, it offers an admirable view of Coimbatore Plains and surrounding lush greenery. Route to this place offers trekking opportunities too.
Dolphin’s Nose - Located 10 km at a distance from Coonoor, Dolphin’s Nose is a peak offering enchanting view of the Nilgiri Hills and the Catherine Falls. The peak of the hills resembles a nose of a dolphin hence the name.
Botanical Garden - a vast expanse of lawn like a golf course, going steeply uphill with variety of trees and shrubs as well as some conservatories with exotic ferns and flowering plants. Highlight of this park is the fossilized tree belonging to the pre-historic era, kept as natural exhibit. According to carbon dating findings, it is about 20 million-year-old.
Rose Garden- the largest rose garden in India which displays more than 20,000 varieties of roses collected from different parts of the world. Unusual colors of black and green roses are also found. Get a spectacular view of the entire Ooty from Rose Garden.
In the evening proceed to Ooty Lake - an artificial Lake & one of the famous tourist spots in Ooty.
Enjoy boating, cycling, photography, mini toy train ride etc (on direct payment basis). Indulge in shopping around Ooty lake for chocolates, shawls, eucalyptus oil etc.Later proceed to hotel and relax . Overnight stay at Ooty hotel.
Day 7
Day 7: Transfer From Ooty To Bangalore & Departure From Bangalore
Morning, after breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Bangalore Airport / Railway station for your onward journey. Tour ends with lifetime memories.
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