Duration : 17 Days / 16 Nights

Destination : Bangalore / Panaji / Bekal / Kannur / Kochi / Alleppey / Kochi / Varkala / Varkala / Palani / Mysore / Bangalore

Day 1: Arrive in Bangalore / Travel to Panaji

Your journey begins in Bangalore (Bengaluru), the bustling capital of Karnataka. Upon arrival, explore the city’s modern atmosphere mixed with historical landmarks like Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, and the lively MG Road. If time permits, you can visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden or Vidhana Soudha. After a brief tour, head towards Panaji (Goa), either by flight (1 hour) or by a long drive (about 7-8 hours). On arrival in Panaji, you will be welcomed by the relaxed and colonial charm of Goa.

Day 2-3: Panaji / Environs of Panaji

• Explore Panaji: Spend these two days soaking in the Goan charm. Panaji is known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, narrow lanes, and colorful buildings. Visit Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter, and admire the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception with its splendid views of the city. A trip to Miramar Beach offers a relaxing day by the coast. Enjoy a sunset at Dona Paula, a famous viewpoint that overlooks the Arabian Sea.
• Day Trips: On your second day, visit Old Goa, about 10 km away from Panaji. Explore historical landmarks like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral. These monuments showcase the rich Portuguese influence in Goa. Don’t forget to visit the Arpora markets, where you can shop for local handicrafts, spices, and jewelry.

Day 4: Panaji / Bekal

• Travel to Bekal: After breakfast, take a road trip to Bekal (around 6 hours), a serene town in Kerala, known for the famous Bekal Fort and picturesque beaches. Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala, offering panoramic views of the sea. Once you reach Bekal, you can unwind by visiting Pallikere Beach, where you can relax or enjoy a peaceful evening by the Arabian Sea.

Day 5: Bekal / Environs of Bekal

• Explore Bekal: Begin your day with a visit to Bekal Fort. The fort is a stunning example of Kerala’s military architecture, with its strategic location overlooking the sea. The fort’s towering walls and scenic surroundings make it one of the most iconic historical sites in the region. Next, visit the nearby Anandashram, a peaceful retreat, before heading to Kappil Beach, another calm spot where you can spend time by the water or take a walk through the scenic surroundings.

Day 6: Bekal Cruise

• Backwater Cruise: Kerala is famous for its backwaters, and Bekal offers a perfect opportunity to experience this. Today, embark on a serene backwater cruise, where you can glide through lush green landscapes and local villages on a traditional Kerala houseboat. The slow pace of the boat ride will let you enjoy the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s waterways, lined with coconut trees and vibrant wildlife.

Day 7: Bekal / Kannur

• Travel to Kannur: After your cruise, take a short 2-hour drive to Kannur, a coastal city in Kerala known for its rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and historical sites. Kannur is famous for its Theyyam performances, a traditional dance form and religious ritual unique to this region.
• Explore Kannur: Visit the St. Angelo Fort, a historic fort built by the Portuguese, and take a stroll along Payyambalam Beach, a beautiful and relatively less crowded beach. Kannur also has several temples, including the Muthappan Temple, where you can experience the local cultural traditions.

Day 8: Kannur / Environs of Kochi

• Travel to Kochi: After breakfast, embark on a 5-hour drive to Kochi (Cochin), a vibrant city with a rich colonial history. Kochi is a melting pot of cultures with influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial eras.
• Explore Kochi: Start your day with a visit to Fort Kochi, where you can see the famous Chinese fishing nets in action. Wander through the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and the St. Francis Church, the final resting place of Vasco da Gama. Explore the bustling Jew Town, filled with antique shops and spice markets. Enjoy the artistic vibe of Kochi by visiting the Kochi-Muziris Biennale exhibitions, if they coincide with your visit.

Day 9: Kochi / Aleppey

• Travel to Aleppey (Alappuzha): Take a 1.5-hour drive to Aleppey, a town known for its beautiful backwaters and serene landscapes. Aleppey is also referred to as the “Venice of the East” for its extensive network of canals.
• Houseboat Cruise: Spend the afternoon on a houseboat cruise through the backwaters. These traditional Kerala houseboats are equipped with comfortable amenities, offering an excellent opportunity to enjoy Kerala’s countryside. The cruise will take you through coconut groves, local villages, and peaceful waters, making for a perfect relaxation experience.

Day 10: Aleppey Cruise

• Full Day on the Houseboat: Spend another day cruising through the tranquil backwaters. The experience includes the opportunity to see local fishermen at work, watch daily life unfold along the waterways, and enjoy the beauty of Kerala’s lush landscapes. Many houseboats have chefs onboard, allowing you to savor traditional Kerala dishes while you float on the calm backwaters.

Day 11: Kochi / Varkala

• Travel to Varkala: After breakfast, embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Varkala, a coastal town known for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea.
• Varkala Beach: Upon arrival, head to Varkala Beach, a peaceful haven for relaxation. The cliffs are dotted with cafes and Ayurvedic centers, making it an ideal place for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty. You can also visit the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center dedicated to the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

Day 12: Varkala / Environs of Varkala

• Explore Varkala: Spend the day exploring Varkala’s surroundings. Visit the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site. For those interested in Ayurveda, there are several centers that offer traditional treatments. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the cliffs and beaches, enjoying the serene environment.

Day 13: Varkala / Palani

• Travel to Palani: After breakfast, head to Palani (about 5 hours). This town in Tamil Nadu is famous for its sacred Palani Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
• Palani Temple: On arrival, take the cable car or climb the 693 steps to reach the hilltop temple, where you can witness the devotion of pilgrims who visit this sacred site. The temple offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and countryside.

Day 14-15: Palani / Environs of Palani

• Explore Palani: Spend two days in Palani to enjoy its spiritual atmosphere and natural beauty. You can visit the Kundalini Hill, a serene location perfect for nature walks, or explore nearby attractions such as Catherine Falls. The surrounding hills provide a peaceful escape, ideal for meditation and reflection.

Day 16: Palani / Mysore

• Travel to Mysore: After breakfast, take a 5-hour drive to Mysore, a city famous for its royal heritage and rich cultural history. Mysore was once the seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, and it is home to grand palaces and historic landmarks.
• Explore Mysore: Visit the stunning Mysore Palace, one of India’s most beautiful royal residences, and explore the nearby Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill. Take a stroll through the Brindavan Gardens, known for their musical fountain, and the Mysore Zoo, one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India.

Day 17: Mysore / Bangalore Airport

• Final Day: On your last day, you can explore more of Mysore, such as St. Philomena’s Church or the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, before heading back to Bangalore (3 hours by road) for your flight home.