The Tusker Trail

Day 01 Arrive Bangalore

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.
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 embark 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 By Road ( Approx 220 Kms/05 Hours)

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 embark 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 In Nagarhole
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Nagarhole National Park. Overnight in Nagarhole.

Day 04 Nagarhole – Bandipur By Road ( Approx 170 Kms /04 Hours )
Early morning game safari at Nagarhole National Park. Return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast and later drive to Bandipur.
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 embark 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 In Bandipur
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Bandipur National Park. Overnight in Bandipur.

Day 06 Bandipur – Mysore By Road ( Approx 85 Kms / 02 Hours )
Early morning game safari at Bandipur National Park. Return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast and later drive to Mysore
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 In Mysore

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast you embark 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 By Road ( Approx 150 Kms / 03 Hours )

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast this morning drive to Bangalore
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 Bangalore – Overseas ( Flight )
Met by our representative and escorted from hotel to the Bangalore airport in time for your flight home