P a g e | 1

364 Embassy, Koramangala, . Ph: +91 9483958408, 9880388991, [email protected], www.takeabreak.in

BEST OF NATURE, CULTURE & WILDLIFE – Kabini – Bangalore 6 Days / 5 Nights

(Block out Dates: 15th December to 5th January)

MYSORE

KABINI

BANGALORE

P a g e | 2

Overview

Destination Nights Basis RO: Room only I SC: Self Catering I HB: Half Board I B&B: Bed and breakfast I Mysore 1 BB D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast I FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch I Kabini 2 FB FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily I FI: Fully inclusive HB – breakfast & dinner Bangalore 2 BB

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Mysore: , Mysore Palace, St.Philomina Church, local Mysore shopping

Kabini: Forest Safari

Bangalore: Lalbagh, Bangalore Palace, Vidhana Soudha, Walk on MG Road & Brigade road, shopping at Commercial street

Day 1: MYSORE – BANGALORE (150Kms/3hrs drive)

Mysore Mysore, the city of palaces, is a popular travel destination in South India. Also called Mysuru, the city was earlier the capital of the Wodeyar rulers. The Wodeyar rulers were great patrons of art and culture, which you can see in the rich heritage of the city. Besides its numerous palaces and royal buildings, Mysore city is also known for proximity to several other places of interest such as , Krishna Raj Sagra and Sivasamudram falls. In addition to its numerous attractions, the Mysore city is also known for sandalwood products and the Dasara festival (Navaratri) held every year. The is famous far and wide and attracts people from all parts. Located in the tropics, the Mysore has a moderate climate. Travel to Mysore and explore the different facets of the cultural capital of state!

Day Notes  Arrive Bangalore Airport. You will be greeted by our chauffeur and drive to Mysore.  Check-in to the Hotel & freshen-up  In the evening, visit the famous Brindavan Gardens & take a drive around Mysore Palace to view the majestic structure lit up with lights  Return to the hotel by late evening.  Overnight at Mysore

Included BB Below sightseeing points

P a g e | 3

Brindavan Garden The Brindavan Gardens is located next to the (KRS) dam built across river Cauvery. Brindavan is a show garden which has a park, fountains and boat rides beneath the dam. The main attraction of the park is the musical fountain in which bursts of water are synchronised to the music of songs. There is also a lake within the garden with boating facilities available for visitors. The work on laying out this garden was started in the year 1927 and completed in 1932. Visited by close to 2 million tourists per year, the garden is one of the major attractions of Srirangapatna.

Mysore Palace The Palace of Mysore (also known as the Amba Vilas Palace) is a historical palace in the city of Mysore in Karnataka, southern India. It is the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars — the Maharajas of Mysore, the former royal family of Mysore, who ruled the princely state of Mysore from 1350 to 1950. The palace houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting halls of the royal court) and incorporates a mesmerizing and gigantic array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The palace is in the central region of inner Mysore, facing the Chamundi Hills eastward.

Day 2: MYSORE – KABINI (107kms/2.30hrs drive)

Day Notes  After breakfast, check-out from the Hotel and proceed for sightseeing.  Sightseeing of Mysore: St. Philomina Church & local Mysore shopping  Drive to Kabini  Arrive in Kabini and check-in to your Hotel  After lunch, relax. Late noon at 1600hrs get set for a Game drive  Return to the resort by evening. Rest of the evening at leisure  Overnight at Kabini

Included FB Below sightseeing points

P a g e | 4

St. Philomena's Church This Roman Catholic Church was built in AD 1840. It was initially known as St. Joseph Chaver which later assumed the present name. The twin towers of the church stand majestically at 175 feet, the design is gothic and it is said to resemble the St. Patrick’s cathedral at New York and a church at Cologne. The church is located about 1 km from Mysuru Palace on the Bangalore highway. The then king of Mysuru Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV laid the foundation for construction of the church in 1933. It has been designed a French Architect. The stained glass windows, made in France, overlooking the apse, showing the Birth of Christ, Baptism of Christ by St.John the last supper and the crucifixion of Christ are works of art. The altar bears the statue of St.Philomina a 3rd century saint from Greece. This church is considered to be the most beautiful in Karnataka. The church has a celler where there is a statue of St.Philomina was a holy saint during the 3rd ventury in Greece, in a reclining posture. A piece of her bone and clothes are in this church. Visiting hours: 5.00 am to 6.00 pm

Shopping The city of palaces is also renowned for its sandalwood products, silk sarees, and craftwork. When in Mysore it is customary to visit the local shops and purchase a few of these. Few of the best places to drop to shop are Government Silk Weaving Factory, Sandalwood Oil Factory and Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium. The Government Silk Weaving Factory was set up in 1912 and is the best and cheapest place to shop for the exclusive textile. Behind the showroom is the factory, where you can drop by to see how the fabric is made. It’s around 2 Km south of town. Sandalwood Oil Factory is quality-assured place for sandalwood products including incense, soap, cosmetics and the prohibitively expensive pure sandalwood oil (if in stock). Guided tours are available to show you around the factory. Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium is located close to the Mysore palace and is a one stop shop for both sandalwood and silk sarees P a g e | 5

DAY 3: KABINI

Day Notes  After breakfast, you may wish to take up a Jungle Safari or relax and enjoy the resort amenities  Pl Note: if you wish to take up the forest Safari, please inform the reception or our coordinator 24hrs prior to make the needful arrangements  Return to the Hotel by evening  Overnight At Kabini

Included FB

DAY 4: KABINI – BANGALORE (222kms/5.30hrs drive)

Bangalore

Bangalore officially known as Bengaluru, is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. It has a population of about 8.42 million and a metropolitan population of about 8.52 million, making it the third most populous city and fifth most populous urban agglomeration in India. Located in southern India on the , at a height of over 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level, Bangalore is known for its pleasant climate throughout the year. Its elevation is the highest among the major large cities of India.

Day Notes  After breakfast, check-out from the Hotel and drive to Bangalore  Arrive Bangalore and check-in to the Hotel  Rest of the evening at leisure  Overnight at Bangalore

Included BB

DAY 5: BANGALORE

Day Notes  After breakfast, proceed for a brief sightseeing tour of Bangalore  Sightseeing of Bangalore: Lalbagh, Bangalore Palace, drive by Vidhana Soudha; Walk on MG Road & Brigade road  In the evening free for shopping at Commercial street and Brigade road  Optional: Enjoy the night life of Bangalore  Overnight at Bangalore

P a g e | 6

Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points ______

Lalbagh Lalbagh, for its unique achievement in nurturing the concept of horticulture and aiding the development of horticulture, has earned a pride of place among the gardens of the world and it has come to be regarded as one of the best gardens in the East for its layout, maintenance, scientific treasure and scenic beauty. It is the place of legends and beauty, a place of rarity and wonder, a place of paradise and landmarks. It is an important genetic resource centre for introduction, acclimatization and maintenance of plants; it envisages documentation of the variations available in plants of ornamental and economic value. It is an important centre of dissemination of scientific, technical and popular information on plants including offering of regular courses. It aids the development of horticulture in the state. It is a valuable adjunct to botanic study in educational institutions, a vital lung space of Bangalore, a place of beauty that provides healthy recreation to the public and it provides a venue for people to get close to plants and nature.

BangalorePalace Once surrounded by beautiful gardens, the palace has now lost much of its original charm. However, it still succeeds in attracting tourists. Fortified towers, Gothic windows, battlements and turrets lend a great degree of magnificence to the Bangalore Palace of India. Mainly constructed of wood, it boasts of splendid carvings and paintings. Today the palace serves as the venue for various exhibitions, concerts and cultural programs held in the city. The ground floor of the Bangalore Palace comprises of a massive open square.

Vidhan Soudha Vidhana Soudha counts amongst the most impressive as well as the most magnificent buildings in the Bangalore city of India. It is mainly famous for housing the Legislative Chambers of the state government. The three hundred rooms of Vidhan Soudha accommodate approximately twenty-two departments of the state government. The building rises to a height of almost 46 m, making it one of the most imposing structures in the city of Bangalore

DAY 6: Bangalore

Day Notes  After breakfast, checkout from the hotel.  Based on your flight timings You will transferred to airport for your return journey

P a g e | 7

Included BB

PRICE: Starts from USD 525 per person

INCLUSIONS Accommodation on double occupancy in the well rated 3* properties Breakfast Plan in Mysore & Bangalore; FB in Kabini Transportation by PVT chauffer driven vehicle as per itinerary Sightseeing as per the itinerary – (final Itinerary will be shared one week prior to the travel date) Usage of Resort/ Hotel facilities All Govt. Taxes as on date

EXCLUSIONS Airfare / Railway fare Expense of personal nature Meals not specified in the inclusions Additional guest requests, orders and services Additional Activities taken up at the resort Transport for personal use Exigency cost – in case of emergency Travel Insurance Entrance fees at points of interest Gratitude & Portage

Note - The Above cost is calculated based on minimum 2 adults travelling together. Any change in the total no. of guests travelling with result in change of rates. - In case of non-availability of the above properties, similar properties will be considered. - Most of our programs are customised and we work in line with the requirements of our clients and hence the final detailed itinerary is prepared 5 days prior to the travel date based on the weather conditions and feasibility of visiting places during sightseeing.

Add On (At additional cost)

Coorg Welcome to Coorg, which is also known as Kodagu. The misty hills, lush teakwood and sandalwood forests, and acres of tea and coffee plantations of Kodagu are, in a word, stunning. Also known as Coorg and dubbed "The Scotland of India," Kodagu is a postcard-perfect region of scattered villages and hamlets, which are the epitome of old-world charm. Kodagu is ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, angling and white-water rafting, and major festivals like Keil Poldu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest) festival are a huge draw.

P a g e | 8

Day 1: COORG

c

Day Notes  Drive to Coorg. On route visit the famous Tibet Monastery (Golden Temple)  Arrive Coorg and and check-in to the hotel/ resort. Rest of the evening at leisure  Overnight at Coorg

Included BB On-route visit Tibetan Monastery (Golden Temple)

P a g e | 9

Tibetan Monastery The Tibetan Monastery or the Tibet Camp as locally called is located around 6 kms from Kushalnagar town towards Mysore. This Tibetan settlement at Bailkoppa or Baylkuppe is the the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. There are over 7,000 monks and students at the Tibetan monastery. After the Chinese took over Tibet, the refugees were settled at Bylkuppe near Kushalnagar and the Buddhist Monastery was re-established here in 1972. It houses over 7,000 monks and students today. The monastery not only attracts large number of young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education, but also draws huge tourists from all over India and abroad.

Day 2: COORG

Day Notes  After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Coorg  Coorg Sightseeing: Mercara fort & Temple, Dubare Elephant camp, Abby falls & Omkareshwara Temple. You may wish  the regular sightseeing points and take up our famous adventure trail at an additional cost.    Return to the Hotel and rest of the day at leisure   Overnight at Coorg 

Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points

Mercara Fort The strong fort of Mercara explains the tale of bravery and battle. Original fort built by mud was replaced by "The Sword of Mysore", Tippu Sultan. Two life-size Elephants made of mortar attract every visitor entering the fort.

Abby Falls About 8 Kms from Madikeri is the beautiful waterfall and picnic spot, where the Abbey cascades 70 ft down to flow as a small river. A path through coffee and cardamom plantation off the main road adds to the attraction of the perennial waterfall. Enjoy the gushing, roaring beauty but a desire to take a dip in the cool waters may prove to be risky.

Dubare Elephant Camp P a g e | 10

Dubare Elephant Camp is located on the banks of River Cauvery in the district of Kodagu in Karnataka. The Karnataka Forest Department has about 150 Elephants in various camps and Dubare has been historically an important camp. Dubare Elephant Camp beckons wildlife enthusiasts as well as travelers. The greatest charm of this place you can get close to the indisputable King of the jungle. Dubare is the perfect destination for the tourists to get an adventurous stay and a memorable fun trip. Dubare offers to its visitor’s fun, fishing, rafting and trekking in the wild hilly terrains.

ADVENTURE TRAILS @ $ 95 per person (subject to minimum 2 guests)

8 ISLAND TREK WITH LUNCH

Coorg is famous for its trekking spots. One of the highlights that is most popular in Coorg is the fascinating trek to the Eight Islands. The River Cauvery is considered as the most sacred river and provides as a water source for Karnataka & . This holy river is worshipped by plenty and you will feel the magic of this sacred river during your trek. You will be accompanied by our naturalist; along lush green forests, rare bird sanctuaries and beautiful streams which are the major attractions of your journey. The Trek compromises of 2 circuits, one which is a short 2 hour trek which covers 4 pocket island islands of the river Cauvery & the other which is a 3 hour trek which covers 8 island pockets of river Cauvery. P a g e | 11

ATV BIKING & OFFBEAT 4X4 JEEP DRIVE WITH TREK

Start of the day with trying your hands on the quad biking! Get thrilled with an action-packed experience of Quad Biking in the fresh and dewy land of Coorg. Ride on these powerful 250cc machines in a 3000m circuit of off-road tracks that go winding through the forest. The activity can be undertaken anytime between 10am and 4pm. An exhilarating ride is the best way to test your riding skills. Quad Biking in Coorg is pretty simple as the machines are fully automatic. Anyone who knows to ride a scooter can ride these bikes easily. After being briefed on the safety instructions, the terrains and quad bike, prep up with your safety gear and set off on your adventure. Enjoy riding through lush landscapes, tackling low and high dunes. Be flanked by stunning sights on the way. Do not be surprised if you spot wild boar, wild cats, rabbits, monkeys and different species.

Jeep drive to the Kabbe hills promises you with some breath-taking sceneries and an exhilarating adventure experience! Your Jeep drive excursions begins around 30 Km from Madikeri, prep up for a ride over rugged-dusty terrain, make your way past beautiful hamlets of Coorg. Halt in midway at a stunning hidden waterfall. Admire the natural beauty of gushing waters from a distance, as playing at the waterfall is strictly prohibited here. Your jeep drive to Kabbe hills will take you right to the peak. The drive, although, depends totally on weather as driving in monsoons become quite challenging here. Delight in this 4 Hour journey through some picturesque landscapes of . Once you make it to the top, witness beautiful orange sun setting behind splendid mountain ranges. Enjoy marvellous amphitheatre view of the sunset from the top with this splendid jeep drive to Kabbe hills.