Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg

On arrival, you will meet with Engrossing India’s representative and drive straight to Mysore. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka state, originally founded in 1537 by Kempegowda, a Magadi chieftain, who built a mud fort with four watch-towers marking the city limits, which he called Bengaluru. When Bangalore became a British garrison town in 1809 they built wide avenues, classic bungalows, Gothic churches and museums. It is a veritable melting pot of ious races and cultures and one of the most cosmopolitan and modern cities of India. Known as the Garden City, beautiful parks and gardens, and long avenues of blossoming trees provide a lovely ambience. By embracing new technology it has become India’s “Silicon Valley”, with a worldwide reputation for high quality IT development Drive to Mysore. Enroute visit Srirangapattanam Srirangapattanam: This fortress was the stronghold of Tipu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali. Here Tipu engaged in a last ditch battle against the British in 1799, before surrendering the kingdom. Among the many fort buildings still intact, are Tipu's airy summer-palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat bagh garden. Here also is the celebrated Mysore, “Sandalwood City”, was the political capital of the Wadiyar dynasty of Maharajas from the 14th Century until the British took control in 1799 and installed the four-year old Krisnaraja as Maharaja. Mysore was and is a major producer of sandalwood and manufacture of incense sticks. Aromas of sandalwood, jasmine, rose, musk and frangipani permeate the air in this city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples. It city has retained the charm and character of a long and notable history with, at its centre, the majestic City Palace. Upon arrival check in hotel. Later proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Mysore includes Chamundi Hill, Mysore City Palace. Chamundi Hill: Perched atop Chamundi Hill at 1, 062 Mtr. is the 12th century temple of Sri Chamundershwari. It can be reached by road or the stairway of some 1, 000 steps. Chamundeeswari is the tutelary deity of the Mysore Maharajas and has been held in reverence for centuries. Close to the temple stands a gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. A little below the temple is the gigantic monolith of the Nandi Bull, the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva. Laying in repose it is five metres high and carved from solid rock. Mysore City Palace: Once the residence of the Wadiyar Maharajas, the city palace was constructed in 1912, at a cost of 4. 2 million Rupees, to replace the former palace that was burned down. Built in the Indo Saracenic style, the interior is a riot of stained glass, mirrors, silver, guilt and vibrant colours. It exudes grandeur, opulence and excess. The main attractions are the Golden Royal Elephant Throne, Durbar Hall, Kalyana Mantap and the Gallery. Brindavan Gaden: Built across the Kaveri river, these beautiful gardens were constructed by Krishnaraja Wodeyar. These gardens spread over 60 acres of land and were modelled after the Shalimar gardens of Kashmir. The beauty of these gardens multiplies in the evenings when the fountains light up in ious colours. Started in 1927 and completed in 1932, the Brindavan Gardens is located in the State of Karnataka adjoining the Krishnarajasagara dam which is built across the river Kaveri. The garden sees tourist visit of almost 2 million per year and is one of the major attractions of Srirangapatna. Overnight in Mysore

Breakfast at hotel Arrive Coorg and checkin at hotel In the southwest of Karnataka, bordering Kerala and dubbed the Scotland of India, Coorg Kodagu is the homeland of a colourful, robust, martial race - the Kodavas. Said to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers, the Kodavas are fiercely independent, but famous for is their hospitality. Although there are early references to Kodagu people in the Sangam literature of the Tamils, 2, 000 years ago, the earliest inscriptions in Kodagu date from the 8th century. The Kodagu rajas were Hindus, and seem to have retained some degree of independence from major powers of that time. It is a beautiful mountainous area offering wonderful opportunities for walking, the trails promising visual delights. Upon arrival proceed to visit Bhagamandala, Talacauvery, Abbi Falls, Madikeri fort and Palace, Raja's Seat etc. Overnight in Coorg

Breakfast at hotel Morning visit to Dubare Elephant Camp. Dubare Elephant camp is a project undertaken by forest department. This camp has plenty of elephants which are trained under naturalists who explain the ious aspects of Elephant history, ecology and biology. Later directly drive to Bylekuppe, the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet , complete with a Tibetan monastery with 7, 000 monks, a Golden temple, a Tibetan village and a flea market. Rest of the day at leisure Overnight in Coorg

Breakfast at hotel Later checkout and drive to Bangalore.