South India Tour with Theyyam Festival

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Day 01: Arrive Bangalore

Arrive in Bangalore. On arrival, you will be met and greeted by your guide and will be transferred to the hotel close to the airport.  

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Day 02: Bangalore-Hubli (By flight)

Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a modern, cosmopolitan IT hub blending youth culture with colonial history. Known as the Garden City for its parks, it also preserves India’s traditional arts. After breakfast, visit Lal Bagh, ISKON Temple, and Vidhan Sabha before flying to Hubli.

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Day 03: Hubli-Badami (By surface approx. 120 Kms/03 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Badami and check in. Visit Aihole to explore the 7th-8th century Durga Temple, a blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles. Then, visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO site with temples from the 6th-7th centuries. Return to Badami for the night. 

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Day 04: Badami-Hampi (By surface approx. 150 Kms/04 Hrs)

After breakfast, visit Badami Caves, carved from sandstone in the 6th-7th centuries. The temples, dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, and Jain deities, feature distinct verandas and shrines. Later, drive to Hampi, a UNESCO site known for its captivating ruins and temples. Check-in on arrival.

Day 05: Hampi

Vijayanagar, near Hampi, is a captivating UNESCO site with stunning ruins amidst a boulder-strewn landscape. After breakfast, visit the Vithala Temple with its musical pillars, the King's Balance for royal weighings, and the elegant Lotus Mahal, blending Hindu and Muslim architecture.

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Day 06: Hampi-Chitradurga-Hassan (By surface approx. 290 Kms/06 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Hassan, stopping at Chitradurga Fort. Built between the 10th-18th centuries, it features seven fortification walls, temples, a masjid, and water reservoirs. The Hidimbeshwara temple is the oldest. Continue to Hassan and check in on arrival.

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Day 07: Hassan-Belur-Halebid-Sravanabelagola-Mysore (By surface approx. 200 Kms/05 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mysore, visiting Belur, Halebid, and Sravanabelagola. Explore Halebid's Hoysaleswara temple, Belur's Chennakesava temple, and Sravanabelagola’s Gomateswara statue. Continue to Mysore and check in.

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Day 08: Mysore

Known for its royal palaces and silk, Mysore offers a mix of old-world charm and modern hustle. After breakfast, hike or drive to Chamunda Devi hill for panoramic views. Visit the Maharaja’s Palace, followed by Somnathpur’s Hoysala temple. In the evening, explore Rangaraja market.

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Day 09: Mysore-Bylakuppe-Kannur (By surface approx. 220 Kms/06 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Kannur, stopping at Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, the second largest Tibetan diaspora settlement in India. Continue to Kannur, check in at the hotel. Depending on event timing, attend the Theyyam dance, which may last all night.

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Day 10: Kannur

Theyyam, or Theyyaattam, is a ritual folk dance of North Kerala, symbolizing hero worship. Performed by a person called 'Kolam' (meaning figure or shape), it’s a dance of the gods. In the morning, relax or explore nearby villages, then attend the dance at the temple.

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Day 11: Kannur-Cheruthuruthy (By surface approx. 200 Kms/06 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Cheruthuruthy and check in at the retreat. In the afternoon, visit Aruvai Cheravarambathu Bhagavathi temple for the 30 Elephant festival. Experience Kerala’s vibrant festivals with decorated elephants, drummers, and a grand celebration at the ancient temple.

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Day 12: Cheruthuruthy-Kalamandalam-Cochin (By surface approx. 120 Kms/03 Hrs) 

After breakfast, visit the Kalamandalam dance school, founded in 1930 by Vallathol Narayana Menon. This residential center preserves India’s traditional performing arts. Take a guided tour of its classes. After lunch, drive to Cochin, check in, and explore Fort Cochin’s streets in the evening.

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Day 13: Cochin

After breakfast, visit Mattanchery Dutch Palace, Jew Street, old churches, Bastion Bungalow, Dutch Cemetery, Spice Market, beach walkway, and Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, explore Fort Cochin's galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Later, watch a private Kathakali performance. 

Day 14: Cochin Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the Cochin International airport to board the flight for onward journey.

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