Golden Chariot Glimpses of Karnataka with Kerala Cruise
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Duration15 Days
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Region
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Category
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Best Time
- October - March
Introduction
A very exciting and relaxing rail with river two centre combination of chugging through the beautiful hills and plains of Karnataka in the comfort of the luxurious Golden Chariot train. Visit a tiger reserve national park which is also home to elephants, bison and deer. Explore the amazing palaces and temples of Mysore, a city where an erstwhile Maharaja still resides. Come to one of the most beautiful ancient ruins of South India at Hampi which was earlier called Vijaynagra, which was one of the most powerful empires of South India before the colonial period. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was recently featured in the New York Times and has been called the grandest of all destinations of South India. This three nights and four days on rail is a beautiful home taking us to beautiful destinations of great monuments.
From Karnataka fly to Kerala and board a seven nights Kerala Backwaters Canal Cruise on the MV Vaikundam, which is a comfortable 9 cabin wooden canal cruise boat. Kerala which was described by National Geographic as being one of three most beautiful destinations of the world a while back and was recently also called as one of the fifty most beautiful destinations by the Times. The Kerala Backwaters have been called the Emerald Waterways and the Green Venice of the East. It is a system of lakes and lagoons, rivers and canals. Sailing through narrow canals where the homes on the side of the waterways brush past the boat gives a very intimate experience into the life of the people. The cruise takes you to visit temples and churches, fishing and artisan villages, dance schools teaching traditional dance forms to ayurvedic medicines, traditional wooden boat building yards to metal workers making traditional brasswares, temple bells and metal mirrors. In many places sailing is in canals some twenty feet above the paddy fields held together with dykes and in some places close to the sea separated by beach.
The journey starts from the modern cosmopolitan technology city of Bangalore now called Bengaluru and ends in the harbour city of Cochin now called Kochi, which is beautifully squeezed between the backwaters and the Arabian Sea. Kochi is also a very historical city with its medieval palaces, colonial buildings and the initial burial place for the early European explorer Vasco Da Gama. The journey on wheels and voyage on waters is an amazing combination that is really unique, relaxing and very deep dive into the nature and cultures of South India!
Destinations Covered
Bangalore
The Garden CityBangalore city is rightly called as the Garden City with a wide array of parks and gardens which are spread all over the city increasing the beauty of the city. Not just this, the city has been adorned with many interesting yet suitable names. Pub City, Shopper's Hot Spot, Silicon Valley, Shopper's Paradise, Pub Hopper's Paradise, Gourmet's Delight, Air-conditioned City, etc. are a few other names.
Nanjangud
Nanjangud, officially known as Nanjanagudu, is a town in the Mysuru district of Indian state of Karnataka. Nanjangud lies on the banks of the river Kapila (also called Kabini), 23 km from the city of Mysore. Nanjangud is famous for the Srikanteshwara Temple located here. Nanjangud is also called Dakshina Kashi (southern Kashi). This town is also famous for a type of banana grown in the region called the Nanjanagoodu rasabale.
Mysore
City of PalacesAlso known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant with its rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. The charm of this city leaves no one untouched. Situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, Mysore has played a significant role in the history of South India.
Hampi
A fantasy world of Rocks and RuinsHampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury buildings and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a delight. Hampi is an open museum and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.
Kochi
Queen of the Arabian SeaKochi (formerly Cochin) is a cosmopolitan city in the state of Kerala with a bustling commercial port. Kochi is the financial capital of Kerala and, with a population of more than 2 million, the biggest urban agglomeration in the state. It is one of the major tourist destinations in India.
Alappuzha
Venice of the EastAlappuzha is the hub of Kerala's backwaters, home to a vast network of waterways, over a thousand houseboats and an important coir industry. Head out towards the backwaters and Alleppey becomes graceful and greenery-fringed, disappearing into a watery world of villages, punted canoes, toddy shops and, of course, houseboats.
Changankari
Changankari is a part of Kuttanad region, being home to lush green rice fields spread extensively, divided by dykes. Travelling through this secluded alcove of nature will give you a feel of traditional countryside life of Kerala. A special peculiarity of this place is its geography. It lies around 2 meters below the main sea level, making it the lowest altitude place in the country.
Mankombu
Moncombu is a charming little hamlet located in Alappuzha and surrounded by paddy fields. The housing styles are Nallukettu style mostly and there are many houses which are even hundreds of years older. Moncombu is also the location of the famous Moncombu Bhagavathy Temple. A temple that attracts thousands of people every year. An annual 7 days festival begins on 14 April every year. This is followed by the Pathamudayam festival on 23 April every year.
Kavalam
A Green HavenKavalam is a village in Kuttanadu, Kerala state, Alappuzha District. India. It is located on the borders of Alapuzha and Kottayam districts, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The Pampa river flows through the village to merge into the famed Vembanad Lake. Its natural scenic beauty is legendary and has been used by many filmmakers. Relatively untouched by modernity, Kavalam is a green haven.
Kumarakom
The Enchanting BackwatersThe village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region in Kerala. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teals, Waterfowls, Cuckoo, Wild Duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and fascinate all visitors.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many leisure options.
Vaikom
Vaikom town is situated at the northwestern end of Kottayam district, close to Ernakulam district border. Its western border is the Lake Vembanad, and is crossed by various estuaries of the River Muvattupuzha. Vaikom is the oldest township in Kottayam district, and among the oldest in South India.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Bangalore
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Day 2
Bangalore
Bangalore
Today morning after early breakfast, we will proceed for a walking tour of Colonial Bengaluru at 0900 hrs (Two Hour Walk).
In this tour, we will be tracing Bengaluru’s colonial connections and getting to know how the events that have taken place in our backyard have had far-reaching consequences, on shaping Bengaluru today.
Learn about the Sahibs (Sir) and the Memsaabs (Ma’am) of the British Raj, by exploring the still traceable remnants of The Raj way of life. Get enthralled by stories of interesting characters that resided in Bangalore, like Winston Churchill and Ronald Ross to name a few.
Explore all of these through the Churches, the Bungalows, and the Pubs, that make Colonial Bengaluru.
Later, we explore one of the old neighborhoods of Bengaluru, the age old intellectual centre of the city and spend time where the city’s rich and the famous used to hang out. Get an eyeful of century old structures that still stand beautiful and hear stories of the people who once called it home.
Taste food meant for the Gods – The true essence of south Indian food, eaten the way old school Bengaluruans still do! Of course, staying true to ‘luru style/Bengaluru style, there has to be options with some interesting twists on old classics as well. A great way to spend your Saturday evening, like a true South Bangalorean!
Return to the hotel & relax for the evening.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
- Day 3 Board Golden Chariot Train (Bengaluru to Nanjangud)
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Day 4
Mysore
Mysore
After breakfast on-board, proceed to visit the Mysore Palace.
Return to the train for lunch.
Visit Srirangapatnam as an Optional excursion.
Proceed for dinner at a city hotel with cultural activities.
Return to the train as it proceeds to Hampi.
Overnight on the Golden Chariot (B, L, D)
- Day 5 Hampi
- Day 6 Deboard from the Train & Fly Bengaluru to Kochi
- Day 7 Kochi – Punnamada Village, Alleppey (Approx. 41 Miles / 65 Kms. / 2 hours’ drive) & board the Cruise
- Day 8 Kanjippadom – Karumadi – Thottappalli
- Day 9 Thottappalli – Changankari
- Day 10 Changankari – Champakkulam – Mankompu
- Day 11 Mankompu – Kainakari – Kavalam
- Day 12 Kavalam – Kumarakom
- Day 13 Kumarakom – Chenganda – Vaikom
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Day 14
Vaikom – Pallippuram – Kochi (Approx. 34 Miles / 54 Kms. / 1 ½ hours’ drive)
Kochi
The filial church of St. Thomas – 2nd AD
We disembark at the ancient village ‘Pallippuram’, at the border of Kochi City.
The 7 Nights’ cruise concludes after watching the traditional Martial art (Kalarippayattu) at the nearby village. By road we visit a Kalari – the traditional training centre for authentic Martial art (Kalarippayattu). Kalarippayattu in Kerala has its origin from the ancient Indian scripture, Dhanur Veda. This training helps to understand the 107 energy points in human body, learn the practices to maintain the normal flow of the energy and to heal ailments by Marma therapy.
These exercises help to gain stamina, flexibility, calibrated functioning of body and mind, and quick reflexes required for self-protection. The south-west corner of a Kalari houses the guardian deity of the Kalari. The seven tiers symbolise the seven abilities that each person must possess: Strength, Patience, Power to command, the posture, the expression and the Sound. Flowers, incense and water are offered to the deity every day. Before starting the day’s practice, it is the norm for practitioners to pray to the deity. There is also a Guruthara inside all Kalari, where a lamp is kept burning in reverence to all the gurus (masters) of the Kalari.
After watching the performance, you will be transferred to the hotel in the Kochi.
Arrive Kochi and check-in to the hotel. Thereafter, enjoy a guided tour of Fort Kochi.
Explore the Fort Kochi, where the Portuguese flag was first hoisted, which is believed to be the oldest settlement in India. At each and every nook of this island steeped in history, there is something amusing awaiting you. It is a world of its own, retaining the specimens of a bygone era and still proud of those days.
Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.
Pay a visit to the picturesque Chinese fishing nets unique to Kochi. These iconic land-based nets combine elegance and ingenuity with their massive frames balanced by counterweights manipulated by teams of up to six men. Long believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century or possibly travellers from Kublai Khan’s court, these nets actually trace their origin to Portuguese settlers from Macau.
Proceed to visit the Jewish Synagogue. It was built in 1568 and was considerably embellished in the mid-18th century by Ezekiel Rahabi, who built a clock tower and paved the floor of the synagogue with hand- painted tiles brought all the way from Canton in China. It is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is the oldest synagogue in all the Commonwealth of Nations. (Closed to non-Jews Friday afternoon and Saturday and Jewish Holidays).
Later visit the Jew town of Mattancherry, the epicenter of the spice trade for centuries and the bustling part of Old Fort Kochi. It remains a densely populated place housing people from different ethnic groups and faiths in very close quarters. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast. Our touring today reveals Kochi’s multi-layered past, a rich brew of Arab, Portuguese, British, and Dutch influences.
Explore The Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), originally built by the Portuguese and modified by the Dutch in 17th centuary and mpresented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi was held here. The palace has a fine collection of mythological mural painting and has traditional Keralite flooring. (Closed on Friday).
In evening, watch Kathakali, the traditional art form, at local cultural centre.
Overnight at hotel (B)
- Day 15 Fly Kochi & Departure
