Botanical Hilly Mystery

Arrive at Banglore Airport, meet the assistance and  proceed to Mysore, Enroute visit 

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace : Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, also known as Dariya Daulat Bagh, meaning “wealth of the sea” has been captivating visitors since long. This palace, which used to be the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, was often called as the ‘Abode of Happiness’ and ‘Envy of Heaven’ by the constructor himself. Built on a raised stone platform, with pillars of teak and artistic interiors, this palace is one of the most interesting places to see on a Mysore tour.It was Hyder Ali Khan who started constructing this palace in the year of 1778. However, the construction was completed by his son Tipu Sultan in the year of 1784 AD.

Timings : 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on all the weekdays, on Sundays 08:30 am – 5:30 pm

Entry fees : INR 15 per person for Indian Nationals, INR 200 for Foreign Nationals. Check into to the hotel. Freshen up and by 5.00 pm drive to Brindavan gardens to enjoy the sound and light show.

Brindavan Gardens : Brindavan Gardens of Mysore is undeniably one of the best terrace gardens in the world. It is located about 12km towards the north west of the Mysore city. Brindavan gardens with its illuminated fountains, botanical park, extensive varieties of plants. It was the idea of Sir Mirza Ismail, the then diwan of Mysore state to beautify the area around the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS Dam) which is located in situated in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district. This dam, named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, has been built over Cauvery River, which is one of the prominent rivers of South India. Brindavan Gardens have been designed by seeking inspiration from Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir, which have been created in the ancient Mughal style. Hence, it also radiates grandeur and beauty, comprising of a wide array of fountains, terraces, water channels, parterres, lawns and flowerbeds, etc.

Timings : Weekdays : 6:00 am – 8:00 pm & Weekend : 6:00 am – 9:00 pm

Illumination Timings : 

From Jan to Sept : Weekdays – 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm & Weekends – 7:00 pm – 8:55 pm

From Oct to Dec : Weekdays - 7:00 pm – 8:55 pm & Weekends - 7:00 pm – 08.25 pm

Entry fees : INR 20 per person

Return to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Mysore.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )

Today Morning after breakfast proceed to visit various places in Mysore. 

Chamunda Hills : Beautiful view point and Situated on the top of Chamundi Hills, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple is another gem in Mysore’s crown. The way the temple is built and how it impeccably shows the fierce form of Goddess Durga is awe-inspiring.

Timings: 7:30 am -  9:00 pm all days 

Entry Fees: NA

Mysore Zoo : From bears to jaguars, there is every animal you can spot at the famous Mysore Zoo. Visiting this place and exploring it to the fullest with your loved ones is undoubtedly amongst the top things to do in Mysore in a day. It’s right here, you can taste a little thrill in the city and calm the wildlife enthusiast in you. It is one of the best things to do in Mysore India.

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day except Tuesday

Entry Fees: INR 50 for adults and INR 20 for kids on weekdays, and INR 60 and INR 30 on weekends 

Explore Rail Museum : Being the second of its kind, this rail museum is a place worth visiting. Be it the vintage locomotives exhibited outside, the photographs and paintings of the history of the railway, or the fun toy train ride, everything here would surely add more joy to your holiday experience.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fees: INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for kids, INR 10 for toy train ride, INR 20 for still camera, and INR 30 for video camera

Government Silk Weaving Factory : Apart from sandalwood and sweets, if there’s anything that a Shopaholic must take back home from Mysore, it is the finest silk sarees. While there are a lot of stores you can visit, the Government Silk Weaving Factory is the best place to buy every type of silk saree, that too at very reasonable prices.

Timings: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Location: Mananthody Road, Ashokapuram, Mysore, Karnataka

Mysore Palace : The present building of Mysore Palace was completed in 1912. Mysore Palace mesmerizes everyone with its magnificent architecture. Known as Indo-Saracenic, a beautiful blend of Hindu, Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic architectural style which the palace represents has been alluring watchers since time immemorial. Surrounded with an aesthetically designed vast garden, the palace is three storied building, built with stone and marble domes. It also has five-storied tower with a height of 145 feet. The most striking feature of the palace, its deep pink marble domes on top of grey granite three stories building, was designed by Henry Irwin. Its portico is designed with seven vast arches while the central arch is bordered by two smaller arches, surrounded by tall beautiful pillars.

Timings : 10:00 am – 5:30 pm

Sound & light show Timings : 

07.00 pm - 07.40 pm on weekdays (Monday to Saturday) except Sundays, National Holidays and State Festivals.

Illumination Timings : 

07.00 pm - 07.45 pm on Sundays, National Holidays and State Festivals.

07.40 pm - 07.45 pm on Weekdays (Monday to Saturday) after the sound and light show.

Entry fees : INR 40 per person for Indian Nationals & INR 200 per perso for Foreign Nationals

Note: Entry from Varaha gate of the Mysore Palace

Facilities available at Mysore palace :

Free Wheel Chair Facility

Free Camera Custody Counter

Free Stand for Footwears

Drinking Water

Clean Toilets

Govt Approved Guides

Another attractive feature of the Mysore Maharaja Palace is the list of the special events that are organized here. The world famous and Mysore Dussera Festival is held at the Mysore Palace. During this extravagant festival of Mysore Dasara, stages are being set up in the palace ground where many famous artists perform. One the 10th day, when the festival of Dashami is celebrated, a parade with is highly ornamented elephants is conducted from the palace grounds. The festive fervor during this time at the palace and in Mysore is something that every traveler must experience at least once. It mostly occurs during the month of November or October.

During this festival, the Palace is lit with more than 96,000 lights for two months, which add an incomparable charm to the grand palace of Mysore.

Return to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Mysore.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )

Today morning after breakfast start early and  drive to Ooty. Enroute either visit Bandipur national park or Pykara water falls & Mudumalai national park. 

Bandipur National park : Bandipur National Park is located in Karnataka, South India. This park is famous for its wildlife riches. The park covers 874 square km, which covers many endangered species of animals and flora. Bandipur National Park along with Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad National Park and Nagarhole National Park forms the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. This reserve is the largest protected area in South India and the region with highest number of wild elephants in South Asia.

The park is located on the Mysore – Ooty highways. This keeps the park on the route that is covered by numerous tourists, every year. The park has considerable amount of tigers and elephants. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu control this park together. The Tamil Nadu side of the park is called as Mudhumalai reserve. Bandipur national park is recommended for the recognition as a heritage site.

Bus Safari : 6:30 am and 9:00 am & 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Approx INR 100 per person + entry fee INR 250 per person

Elephant safari : 10 am and 11 am.

Jeep safari : 6:00 am to 9:00am & from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Approx. INR 3000 per jeep (min. 6 pax ) + entry fee INR 250 per person

(The safari timings and duration changes with season, weather conditions, crowd and availability of vehicles.)

Pykara lake: Pykara is a village and is known for the Pykara Waterfall and the Pykara lake. One can enjoy the speedboat rides available at the lake, take a walk amid the pine trees, have a picnic with family, among the best things to do in Ooty in June! It is situated about 21 kms from Ooty, on the Ooty-Mysore Road. The tourist attraction are well protected fenced sholas,Toda settlements, undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat.The Pykara Dam,Pykara falls and the reservoir attracts many tourists.There is a forest Rest House at Pykara. a boat House with Restaurant is available.

Famous For: Speedboat rides

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Average cost: INR 100 per person

OR Mudumalai National Park (vehicle cost extra) : The Mudumalai National Park, one of the first forest ranges to be declared as a National Park is located in the Nilgiri district in the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The park is located in the Ooty-Mysore route and can be entered from both Ooty and Mysore. The National park was recently declared a Tiger Reserve with a population of about 50 tigers.

Jungle Safari : for 01 hour ride

Bus safari : 7 AM and 10 AM and evening 3 PM to 6 PM. Cost INR 350 p.p.

Jeep safari : INR 4200 per trip for 4 people

(The tickets can be purchased from the reception at Theppakadu.)

Elephant safari : for 30 mins ride(7 AM to 8 AM and from 4 PM to 5 PM. )

Cost : INR 1200 per person

(The booking is made at the reception )

On arrival in Ooty check into the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Ooty. 

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )

Today Morning after breakfast start early as its going to be a hectic day, proceed to visit sightseeing places like

Dodabetta Peak : Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiris at an altitude of 8606 feet. The Doddabetta peak offers a beautiful panoramic view of the region and has a Telescope House to let travelers catch fascinating views of the surrounding Nilgiri area. (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM), if time permits visit honey and bee museum.

Botanical garden : The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty is a massive garden spread across 55 hectares and the various flowers here are a delight to the eyes. It has over 650 species of flowers and trees.

Thread Garden & Rose Garden : Artificial garden featuring flowers, plants & lawns crafted from thread, canvas & wire.

In the evening visit Ooty lake to enjoy boating, horse riding, cycling, mini train ride etc. (activities at additional cost). 

Evening return to the hotel. Dinner &  Overnight stay at Ooty.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )

Today Morning after breakfast start early check out and proceed to Kodaikanal. Its going to be a long hill drive. You are going to drive down one hill and climb up the other hill. Kodaikanal is a hill town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s set in an area of granite cliffs, forested valleys, lakes, waterfalls and grassy hills. At 2,000 meters above sea level, the town centers around man-made, star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, bordered by evergreen forest.  (ideal time to visit the place is from March to early June ) 

Enroute photo stop at the famous Pine Forest. 

Pine Forest : It’s the most beautiful and scenic spot in Kodaikanal. It also happens to be an essential heritage site in the town that came into existence owing to the tireless efforts of Mr. Bryant who had put the pine plantations in the first place in the year 1906. Hiking, Horse riding, nature walks are the activities done here. (at additional cost). 

Arriving at Kodaikanal,  check into the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Kodai.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )

Today Morning after breakfast start early for a full day sightseeing tour of kodaikanal. 

Guna caves (optional) : The Guna Caves in Kodaikanal have an engrossing history; it is believed that the Pandavas used to cook their meals in these caves, and hence it was initially called The Devil’s Kitchen. The name was later changed in the ’90s when the film Guna was shot here.

The caves are hugged by three gigantic rock pillars and are sheltered by the Shola trees. It is a place that some find risky, and some find rousing due to its altitude, steep drops, and cliffs. You cannot visit the caves anymore since they are now jailed for people’s safety, but it is still worthy of your time to even set your eye on it from a distance as you walk through the pine forest. (9:00 am to 4:30 pm. All days.)

Later Visit Pillar rocks view point : These rocks narrate a yarn of a love story that still touches many hearts. Protruding from within the tall mountains, these pillars reach up to a height of 400 feet thus offering the paramount contour of the hills.

Timings : (09.00AM to 04.00PM)

Entry Fee: INR 10 per person and INR 20 for camera

Green valley view point : Green Valley View is amongst the very few places to visit in Kodaikanal that offers a bird’s eye view of the Vaigai Dam. Apart from that, it is a one-stop-shop to get a wholesome view of the enthralling greenery, the cloud-bound valley.

It is also amongst the dangerous viewpoints since the route up is tricky, and is on a great height which makes standing there also unsafe. The mist takes over the crowd post late afternoon, and that might disrupt the spectacle from there unless you are there for the haze.

India’s first Wax Museum : It is a small museum which displays the Crib, the Last Supper, and some internationally known personalities. In Addition to these, there are some highlights which include Indian saints and personalities such as Adi Shankara, Sai Baba, Gandhiji, Lord Krishna with Gopikas, Indian musicians and Veerappan, the sandalwood smuggler. 

Timings: 10:00 am to 05:30 pm

Entry Fees: 30 INR

Vattankal Waterfalls : Right in the middle of a peaceful forest, Vattakanal Falls is among the most amazing places to see in Kodaikanal. During monsoon season, the waterfall is in full swing making it look grand and gorgeous. Vattakanal Falls is one of those waterfalls in Kodaikanal that are absolutely safe to be around, but you’re still suggested to wear footwear that aren’t slippery. You can sit by Vattakanal Falls and relish some hot lip-smacking delicacies sold by localities while the falls amaze you with all its glamour. Hiking up the route of the falls is also an option.

Evening return to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Kodai. 

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )

Today Morning after breakfast leave around 9 am to 

Visit Coaker’s walk : Driving through the mountains is one experience, but walking an entire kilometre on that path while you look at the lush green mountains on the other end is something else.

City people use this path for morning and evening walks. The telescope House escalates the view of the valley, even though chargeable, it is grandeur! The weather is pleasant throughout the year, but it is frigid and foggy during the winter due to its height.

Timings: 07.00AM to 07.00PM

Entry Fees: INR 10 per person, INR 30 for camera and INR 20 to visit Telescope House

Bryant Park : The park is hoarded with variant types of species of plants and shrubs that leaves one astounded for long. Horticulture and gardening fanatics visit this place in plenty. The Annual Horticulture Show conducted in May keeps people waiting from around the world!

You must visit Byrant Park and its 325 species & religious Bodhi Tree.

Timings: 09.00AM to 06.00PM

Entry Fees: INR 30 per person, INR 50 for camera and INR 100 for video camera

Lutheran Church : Built in 1932, Lutheran Church of Kodaikanal is an impressive Gothic style structure. The church is adorned with stained glass window, modern paintings, and murals depicting the life of Jesus Christ. Anyone interested in a beautiful piece of architecture must pay a visit to this shrine.

Timings: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. 

Kodai chocolate factory : Started in 1999, Kodai Chocolate Factory is a leading manufacturer and suppliers of chocolates, aromatic oils, coffees etc. They specialize in making delicious homemade chocolates and their products are 100% vegetarian. If you are a die-hard chocolate fan, it is among the must-visit places to see in Kodaikanal for you. Do pay a visit to Pot Luck, Cloud Street, Chocolate Factory and SG Cottage Industries to buy and try different varieties of chocolates.

Anna Salai Market : It is a loaded market where you can hop from shop to shop and buy one thing for everyone in your family.  You can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of homemade chocolates, craftworks, shawls, Jewellery, bone and walnut items and other products made of leather and brass.

As there is an abundance of flowers, you can buy great-smelling, medicinal or any type of oils and balms at throwaway prices. They also sell a lot of organic groceries starting from jams, pickles, creams, incense bread and other baked items.

Chettiar Park : You will find a wide range of fascinating flowering in the garden giving this whole garden a Colourful view which are worth capturing in your frame.. Kurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years also have a special place in the garden and the last they bloomed in 2004. Whenever they bloom, they create a unique purple haze everywhere which is worthy for the wait of 12 years.

Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Entry Fees:  INR 10 per person  25 INR per Still Camera

Upper lake view point : You will be amazed at the fact how beautiful the star-shaped lake looks amidst the greenery which was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge. Tourists say that the contrast they find between the lake and lush greens is just appealing to the eyes.

It makes this place very much close to perfect for a good photography session and the famous Kodai Lake. Other activities you can expect in the lake are boating, cycling and horse riding on the top of the hill.

(The itinerary changes as per your time, schedule and the hotel area which you stay in)

(Entry fees & activity cost to be paid directly wherever applicable )

Today morning After breakfast depart to Coimbatore Airport/Railway station to have your connecting flight/train for your home town with the wonderful memories of Karnataka.