Mumbai, Goa &
Southwards
Duration – 11 Days
Destinations: - Mumbai,
Goa,
Bangalore,
Mysore,
Ooty,
Day 01: - Arrive
Mumbai, India
Mumbai: Mumbai or Bombay as it was known earlier, is the
commercial capital of India, a city of entrepreneurs, concrete
towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more. In
1661, Charles II of England received the islands of Bombay
as dowry when he married Princess Catherine of Braganza. The
British Government leased the islands to the East India Company,
who developed it into a thriving trading port.
Today, Mumbai is the country's financial and cultural capital.
It is also home to India’s thriving film industry. It
is seen, to the teeming masses that flock there to live and
work, as a place where opportunities abound. Its inhabitants,
an amalgam of great wealth and abject poverty, are swept into
the endless maelstrom of activity that characterises this
city of dreams.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer
to your hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today,
since most of the International flights arrive into India
close to midnight only. Overnight in Mumbai.
Day 02: - Mumbai
This morning you are collected from your hotel for half-day
tour of Mumbai. This tour includes a visit to the Gateway
of India -- a grand ceremonial arch built to commemorate the
visit of King George IV, Mani Bhavan – where the father
of our Nation resided for 15 years, the Marine drive, the
Prince of Wales museum -- considered as one of the best museums
in the country, the Hanging gardens & Victoria rail station.
Rest of the day at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover
the city or its many restaurants on your own. Overnight in
Mumbai.
Day 03: - Mumbai - Goa
This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted
from your hotel to the Mumbai airport intime to connect with
the flight for Goa.
Goa – Goa, the crown jewel in the treasure trove that
is India, is a masterpiece of nature .Stretches of pristine
white sand wetted by rushes of azure blue water, the sky mirrored
in the sea below, mesmerizing palm trees, white churches resting
against lush green paddy fields and the strumming of guitars
from distant taverns make Goa the perfect hideaway for those
seeking respite from the concrete jungles of civilization.
Other than its golden sand beaches, Goa also has several places
of Historic and cultural importance. The Churches of Old Goa,
and the Old
Portuguese quarters in the city are definitely worth a visit.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the beaches
and enjoy the beer, wine and hospitality of Goa on your own.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: - Goa
Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: - Goa
Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: - Goa
– Bangalore
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, you will be met by our
representative and escorted from your hotel to the Goa airport
intime to connect with the flight for Bangalore.
Bangalore - Bangalore, also called the Silicon Valley of
India, is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial
and industrial centre of the state of Karnataka. Bangalore
enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year.
Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery made it the 'Garden
City' of India. Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing
cities and now reputed for its booming software industry.
Bangalore has seen a major technology boom and is now home
to more than 250 high-tech companies, including homegrown
giants like Wipro and Infosys. Not to say that it has nothing
for the people interested in history. But along with the modern
day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see remnants
of the older Bangalore. All in all, a lovely city to visit.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: - Bangalore
This morning you are collected from your hotel for a half-day
tour of Bangalore.
This tour includes a visit to The Bangalore Fort - The Fort,
built in the late 18th century, is noted for its beautifully
carved Islamic-style arches on the gate walls, and for the
well-preserved Ganesha Temple within its precincts.
The Bull Temple – situated south of Bangalore, is the
Bull Temple, the deity is a massive 15-foot Basava or bull,
which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The cause for wonder about
this Nandi is that it has been carved from a single boulder.
Cubbon Park - planned and laid out in 1864, this beautiful
300-acre park contains the public library and the museum.
Lal Bagh - These 240-acre gardens contain the largest collection
of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants with many awesome
century-old trees. Fountains, terraces, lotus pools, rose
gardens and a deer park surround the magnificent glass house
built in 1840, on the lines of London's Crystal Palace.
Vidhana Soudha - Bangalore’s most majestic looking landmark,
with a total plinth area of over 5, 00,000 sq. ft is built
in a neo-Dravidian style. It houses the Secretariat, the State
legislature and several other Government offices.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the various pubs, restaurants,
discos and markets of Bangalore city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: - Bangalore
- Mysore
This morning you drive to Mysore (140-kms/03 hrs.).
Mysore - Mysore “city of Palaces” is in the hill
country of southwestern India, this region is cooler than
the coastal cities - one of the reasons so many maharajahs
chose to live here and given 17 palaces to this city. It still
retains its old charm and many buildings are adorned with
domes, turrets and impressive archways. . Also know as "Sandalwood
City", it is a major center for the manufacture of incense.
The city is a legacy of the famous warrior king Tipu Sultan,
known for his victories over the Imperial British Armies.
The city is also known for its silk processing and is a major
center for nurturing silkworms. Hence, Mysore is more than
palaces, parks and temples … traditional carvings on
fragrant sandalwood … the rustle of rich silks …
mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat …
It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon you are collected
from your hotel for a half day tour of Mysore.
This tour includes a visit to The Mysore Palace - Built in
1912 in the Indo Saracenic style. , former residence of the
Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind
in India. The Jaganmohan Palace - this is a converted art
gallery that houses paintings that date back to the late 19th
century.
Chamundi Hill - perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple
of Chamundershwari. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of
Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch.
Also close to the temple stands gigantic statues of the demon
Mahishasura.
St. Philomena's Church - this beautiful Cathedral was built
in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country.
It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain
glass windows and lofty towers.
Brindavan Gardens - Adjacent to the dam is the beautiful Brindavan
Garden. With lighting and musical fountains this place transforms
it self into a fairy land in the evenings.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: - Mysore - Ooty
This morning you drive to Ooty (160-kms/05 hrs.).
Ooty: Udhagamandalam, this Queen of hill stations, otherwise
known as Ooty, is in the Nilgiri mountain ranges of Tamilnadu.
At a height of 2,268 meters, Ooty is known for its salubrious
climate and scenic beauty. Ooty is characterized by rolling
meadows, gardens and lakes vaguely reminiscent of England.
It still retains something of the Raj in its cottages and
stone churches.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: - Ooty
Day is at your leisure, to explore this beautiful hill-resort
and its environs on your own. Important places to see include
the Botanical gardens, with 2,000 species of plants of a magnificent
flower show was landscaped and established in 1847 by the
Marquis of Tweepdale. A fossil of a tree trunk is a unique
exhibit here for it is belived to be 20 million years old.
There is also an artificial lake where facilities for boating
are available. Pony rides, minitrains rides, and quiet walks
amidst the forest roads are other temptations. The highest
peak in the Nilgiri range is Doddabetta, 2.623 mts in height
and 10 km from the main town. From here one can have a fine
view of Ooty city, Gundalpet, Coonoor, Wellington and Mysore
on a clear day.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: - Depart Ooty
Met by our
representative and escorted from your hotel to the Coimbatore
airport (100 kms/03 hrs) in time for your flight home.
There are regular flights to Mumbai and Chennai from
Coimbatore.
|
