The Tusker Trail
Duration – 9 Days
Destinations: - Bangalore,
Nagarhole,
Bandipur,
Mysore
Day 01: -
Arrive Bangalore, India
Arrive at Bangalore International Airport.
Bangalore - – As a part of your South India travel
you will first visit Bangalore, which is also called the Silicon
Valley of India. It 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 clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation for your South India travel and
arrange for your transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Afternoon 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.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: -
Bangalore – Nagarhole National Park
This morning you drive to Nagarhole National Park (220-kms/05
hrs.).
Nagarhole National Park - recently renamed as Rajiv Gandhi
National Park after the late Prime Minister of India, this
enchanting 641 sq km park in Karnataka has an amazing profusion
of wildlife. It is the best park for viewing wild elephants,
often in their family groups. It houses a variety of animals
including large mammals such as tiger, leopard, wild elephant,
dhole (Indian wild dog and gaur (Indian bison) along with
approximately 250 species of birds more common ospreys, herons
and ducks. The landscape is one of gentle slopes and shallow
valleys. There are grassy swamps where the soil is clayey,
perennially moist, and which support a luxuriant growth of
green grass all year. The change in terrain throughout the
park in refreshing and the river system provides a unique
wildlife viewing experience. Overall, it has an astonishing
abundance of wildlife along with excellent facilities for
viewing them.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon you are collected
from your hotel for game safari at Nagarhole National Park.
Safaris in Nagarhole are organized in jeeps and also on elephant
back. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance
the experience. Overnight in Nagarhole.
Day 03: - Nagarhole
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Nagarhole
National Park. Overnight in Nagarhole.
Day 04: - Nagarhole
- Bandipur
Early morning game safari at Nagarhole National Park. Return
to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast and later drive to
Bandipur (167-kms/04 hrs.).
Bandipur National Park - Endowed with a moderate climate
and diverse geographical features, the park supports a remarkable
variety of flora and fauna, making it a veritable paradise
for wildlife. Apart from being home to the Asiatic elephant,
Bandipur also has a sizable number of tigers. Other natural
inhabitants of this lovely forest are elephants, gaur, sambhar,
chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, jackal,
sloth bear, panther, Malabar squirrel, porcupines and the
black-knapped hare. Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon
are also found here. The park is one of the 15 sanctuaries
selected across India for Project Tiger; a scheme launched
in 1973, by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature in conjunction
with the Indian Government.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon you are collected
from your hotel for game safari at Bandipur National Park.
Safaris in Bandipur are organized in jeeps and also on elephant
back. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance
the experience. Overnight in Bandipur.
Day 05: - Bandipur
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Bandipur
National Park. Overnight in Bandipur.
Day 06: - Bandipur
- Mysore
Early morning game safari at Bandipur National Park. Return
to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast and later drive to
Mysore (80-kms/02 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. Rest of the day at leisure
to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: - Mysore
This morning 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.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: - Mysore - Bangalore
This morning you drive to Bangalore (140-kms/03 hrs.).
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
to either relax, or explore the city on your own, or perhaps
indulge in some last minute shopping. Overnight in Bangalore.
Day 09: - Depart Bangalore
Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to
the Bangalore airport in time for your flight home
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