Cochin to Bangalore Cultural Expedition
Cochin to Bangalore Cultural Expedition
$2049
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey from Cochin to Bangalore, exploring the backwaters of Alleppey, tea estates in Munnar, temples in Madurai, the serene beauty of Ooty, and the majestic palaces of Mysore. Immerse yourself in Cochin's cultural richness, sail through enchanting backwaters, witness wildlife at Periyar Sanctuary, and experience the charm of Ooty's hill station. Discover Munnar's tea heritage, explore ancient temples in Madurai, and marvel at the iconic palaces of Mysore. Finally, visit Bangalore and its vibrant city attractions. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Cochin
Location: Kochi (Cochin)
Upon your arrival at Cochin airport, our representative will be there to greet you and assist you with the transfer to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to freshen up. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour of Cochin, also known as Kochi, a vibrant city with a rich colonial heritage. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), and the Jewish Synagogue in the Jew Town area. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastal city and its blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala, showcasing elaborate costumes, facial expressions, and storytelling through dance and music. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cochin - Alleppey (60kms/ 1.3hrs approx) Backwaters tours sailing boat
Location: Alappuzha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha. Upon arrival, proceed to the Alleppey boat jetty to board your private houseboat. Cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala, surrounded by lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, and small villages. Marvel at the tranquil beauty of the backwaters as you pass through narrow canals and enjoy the traditional lifestyle of the locals. Indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine prepared on board by the houseboat crew. Spend the night on the houseboat, drifting along the peaceful waters.
Day 3 : Alleppey - Thekkady (Wildlife and Cultural Delights) (138kms/ 3.5hrs approx.)
Location: Thekkady
Disembark from the houseboat after breakfast and drive to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax for a while. In the evening, witness a thrilling Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, showcasing ancient combat techniques and acrobatics. Experience the vibrant energy and discipline of this unique martial art form. Afterward, enjoy a captivating Kathakali dance show, where skilled performers depict mythological stories through intricate facial expressions and graceful movements.
Day 4 : Thekkady (Wildlife Safari and Spice Plantation Tour)
Location: Thekkady
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with a boat safari on Periyar Lake, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the wildlife sanctuary. Spot various wildlife species like elephants, bisons, deer, and a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. After the safari, proceed for a spice plantation tour and learn about the cultivation and processing of spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Discover the aromatic treasures of the region and enjoy the refreshing fragrance of the spice gardens. You can also visit the local market to purchase some authentic spices and souvenirs.
Day 5 : Thekkady - Munnar (Scenic Drive and Tea Museum) (90kms/ 3hrs approx.)
Location: Ramakkalmedu, Munnar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to Munnar, a popular hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. En route, stop at Ramakkalmedu, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the rolling hills and valleys. Continue your drive to Munnar and check in at your hotel. In Munnar, visit the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history, cultivation, and processing of tea. Witness the tea-making process and indulge in a tea tasting session to savor the flavors of Munnar's renowned tea estates. Enjoy the serene beauty of the tea plantations and the pleasant weather of this hill station.
Day 6 : Munnar (Nature's Beauty and Cultural Delights)
Location: Munnar
Embark on a full-day city tour of Munnar, starting with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Take a guided trek through the park's lush green hills and spot various flora and fauna. Next, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea production process and the history of Munnar's tea estates. Enjoy a tea tasting session to savor different flavors. Later, visit Pothamedu, known for its panoramic views of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. You can indulge in trekking or leisurely walks in the scenic surroundings. In the evening, visit Devikulam, famous for its picturesque landscapes and Sita Devi Lake, known for its trout fishing and adventure sports facilities. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 7 : Munnar - Madurai (Cultural Exploration) (160kms/ 4.5hrs approx.)
Location: Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and magnificent temples. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax for a while. Later in the day, embark on a city tour of Madurai. Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, renowned for its towering gopurams (gateway towers) and exquisite Dravidian architecture. Explore the temple complex, which includes various shrines, halls, and a sacred pond. Witness the evening prayer ceremony, a vibrant and spiritual experience. Explore the bustling streets of Madurai and indulge in some local delicacies. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Day 8 : Madurai - Coimbatore (Cultural and Spiritual Exploration) (280kms/ 5hrs approx.)
Location: Coimbatore
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Coimbatore, known as the "Manchester of South India" for its textile industry. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax for a while. In the afternoon, visit the Gass Forest Museum, showcasing a vast collection of flora and fauna specimens. Explore the museum and learn about the diverse ecosystems of the region. Later, embark on an excursion to the Adiyogi Shiva Statue, a magnificent sculpture representing Lord Shiva in his meditative form. Visit the renowned Isha Yoga Ashram and yoga center, known for its spiritual ambiance and meditation programs. Immerse yourself in the serene surroundings and participate in yoga sessions if desired. Return to Coimbatore for an overnight stay.
Day 9 : Coimbatore - Ooty (Hill Station Bliss) (85kms/ 3hrs approx.)
Location: Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Ooty, also known as the "Queen of Hill Stations." Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of this charming hill station. Ooty offers a pleasant climate, sprawling tea estates, and panoramic views of the Nilgiri Mountains. Visit the Ooty Lake, a beautiful artificial lake where you can enjoy a boat ride and take in the scenic beauty. Explore the Botanical Gardens, showcasing a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers. Take a memorable ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the valleys and tea plantations. Overnight stay in Ooty.
Day 10 : Ooty - Mysore (Historical Exploration) (155kms/ 4hrs approx.)
Location: Mysuru
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Mysore, a city renowned for its royal heritage and grand architecture. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax for a while. Later, embark on a city tour of Mysore. Visit the majestic Mysore Palace, a magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Explore the palace complex, including the Durbar Hall, royal courtyards, and the beautiful art and artifacts on display. Next, visit the Chamundeshwari Temple, located atop Chamundi Hill, offering panoramic views of the city. In the evening, visit the bustling Devaraja Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of local produce, spices, and handicrafts. Overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 11 : Mysore - Bangalore (Garden City Exploration) (150kms/ 3.5hrs approx.)
Location: Bengaluru
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax for a while. Later, embark on a city tour of Bangalore, also known as the "Garden City." Visit the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden, renowned for its lush greenery, exotic plant species, and the majestic Glass House. Explore Cubbon Park, a sprawling green oasis in the heart of the city, housing several government buildings and historical monuments. Visit Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature, and admire its impressive architecture. Discover the historical Bangalore Palace, a magnificent structure reminiscent of the Tudor architectural style. In the evening, explore the vibrant MG Road, known for its bustling markets, upscale shops, and lively atmosphere. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
Day 12 : Bangalore - Departure
Location: Bengaluru
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploring the city further. Our representative will then transfer you to the Bangalore airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your memorable backwater, tea estate, and temple tour.
What's Included
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Assistance on arrival at airport.
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11 Nights' accommodation in 4-Star hotels.
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Daily breakfast at hotels.
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Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
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English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
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Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
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1-Time Shared boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with naturalist.
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Bottled drinking water in car.
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Government taxes.
What's Not Included
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Any flight tickets.
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Camera charges at monuments if any.
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Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
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Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
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Gratuities and optional activities.
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Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
Accommodation
Hotels used or similar for 11 nights accommodation
4 Star Hotels
Cochin x 1 night: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime
Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC)
Thekkady x 2 nights: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden/ The Elephant Court
Munnar x 2 nights: Elixir Hills Resort/ Tea County Munnar
>Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Coimbatore x 1 night: Lemon Tree Hotel/ The Residency Towers
Ooty x 1 night: Fortune Resort Sullivan Court/ Accord Highland Ooty
Mysore x 1 night: Fortune Park JP Palace/ Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden
Bangalore x 1 night: Lemon Tree Premier/ Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa
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Check out our Q&As
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes. Please check same on your international ticket
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
You have to apply for Indian Visa yourself. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
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What currencies are required for this tour?
INR, USD, EURO, GBP, SGD, JPY, CNY, RMB, CAD,
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
We conduct our business fairly, with honesty, integrity and transparency. We deliver what we promise, and only promise what we can deliver.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Less than 10 person group only driver will be your companion. We use local government licenced tour guide in each cities for sightseeing tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We do not operate tour on sharing
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We are completely flexible in changing the travel dates, until we dont have to bourne any penalty levied by hotels/airline.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
5 Yeas
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Yes, you will support NGO and schooling for kids in villages.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We operate private tour/activity only for your group. Hence if you missed to join and tour departed, we can coordinate and you can join the tour from the nearest point.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Iitnerary and confirmation vouchers
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Face masks provided for travelers. Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff. Gear/equipment sanitized between use. Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized. Regular temperature checks for staff. Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Free Date Changes
Agora Voyages allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Agora Voyages allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform agora voyages, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Agora Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 15 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of agora voyages charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Standard Operating Protocol issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI
Face masks provided for travelers.Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.Regular temperature checks for staff.Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons.Gear/equipment sanitized between use.
Cochin to Bangalore Cultural Expedition
12 Days Starting in Kochi, Kerala, India and ending in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Visiting: Kochi (Cochin), Alappuzha, Thekkady, Ramakkalmedu, Munnar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Mysuru, Bengaluru ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AGORA657
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
0-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain, Halal
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour