Itinerary
Silver, Gold , Black and Pink Mahseer, Pearl Spot, Climbing Perch, Sardine, Pomfret, Tuna, Seer and Mackerel Among many other.
Best time: October till March
The romance of the Kerala. Fondly referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.
Karnataka is an ancient land with a history of over 1,500 years. Here, you can delve into centuries old architectural marvels, walk through famed monuments, get mesmerized by imposing world heritage structures, explore ancient rock-cut caves, experience breathtaking natural beauty, listen to spiritual chants, wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee with wildlife surrounding you or feel the tranquillity of endless beaches. Enjoy the diversity and rich heritage of Karnataka.
Everything in this itinerary is an intense experience.
DAY 1 – Arrive Bangalore, meet & Transfer to hotel The Oberoi.
DAY 2 – Bangalore – Bheemeshwari (110 km) / Fishing Camp
Morning brief overview of Bangalore and continue drive to Bheemeshwari. Bheemeshwari is a small town that lies between the Shivanasamudra falls and Mekedatu falls, on the Cauvery river. It is a great spot for eco-tourism and is a natural habitat for the Mahseer Fish found in the waters of the Cauvery. Mahseer is considered as one of the finest game fish in the world. The surrounding lush forest cover is home to many animas like elephants, wild boars, monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, otters and leopards; as well as a variety of water birds like herons, ibis, cormorants and kingfisher. The river Cauvery has made Bheemeshwari a major fishing hub. Hoards of enthusiastic anglers throng here every year to try their luck at fishing. A number of fishing camps have sprouted here for catching the Mahseer – the finest game fish in India. These camps provide comfortable tents equipped with all basic facilities like cots, mosquito nets, shower and toilet. Food is usually served in the open air common dinning room.
Bhimeshwari is nestled amidst the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, It is also known as the ‘Angler’s paradise’, because of the Mahseer fishes found here. Both professional angling and amateur fishing is encouraged in these nature camps. Though most professional anglers would carry their equipment, freshers get a chance to hire equipment from the camp itself at an additional cost. The bait usually used would be ragi paste made from millet flour.
The mahseer is an exceptionally omnivorous creature and is known to take in even frogs, live or dead fish, crabs and fruit. Smaller fish rise to the fly as well as other natural insect baits such as grasshoppers and worms. Two species of Mahseer are common among the catch. They are tor Khudree and tor Mussullah.
These waters are full of dangerous crocodiles and anglers should take precaution and try not to venture onto the banks completely alone.
DAY 3 – Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp
Full day fishing in Cauvery river.
DAY 4 – Today transfer to Galibore Fishing Camp.
The Galibore Fishing and Nature Camp is tucked away literally far from the maddening crowd, deep in the deciduous forests about 10 km from Sangam, on the banks of the River Cauvery. The Camp is covered with trees lining both sides of the river. This is indeed a rough country. Ideal for those who want total privacy like the Mahseer.
DAY 5 – Galibore Fishing Camp
Full day fishing in Cauvery river.
DAY 6 – Galibore – Mysore (85 km) / Lalitha Mahal Palace
Drive to Mysore. Enroute we visit Srirangapatnam (16 km/ 10 miles from Mysore), an island fortress in the Cauvery River. It is from here that Tipu Sultan charged at the British soldiers with his legendry sword. An obelisk in the Fort marks the place where he fell – betrayed by his own men. Within the Fort are a Mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Vishnu Temple) is a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagar style of architecture. Images of Vishnu can be seen on pillars, ceilings and domes represented by the 7-headed serpent behind whom the island and oldest structure are named. Time permitting, we will also visit Tipu Sultan’s summer palace, (Daria Daulat Bagh ), built in 1784, which is now a museum.
DAY 7 – Mysore
Mysore is a magnificent Royal city and site of the Goddess Chamundeswari Temple and the Sacred Chamundi Hill with its Palaces built by Tipu Sultan. A tour of Lalitha Mahal Palace (our hotel) will be offered at some time during our stay. This is a fabulous location and a wonderful story!
Morning excursion to Chamudi Hill to visit Sri Chamundeswari Temple, huge in structure with a seven story Gopuram 40 meters (131 feet) high. On the way up to the hill we see the famous Nandi (Shiva`s Bull) carved from solid rock, 5 meters (16.5 feet) high, perhaps the largest. Afterwards, we visit Mysore Palace. This beautiful Indo-Saracenic Palace dominates the city’s skyline. It was built in 1911-12 at a cost of 4.2 million rupees to replace the former Palace that was burned down.
In the afternoon, an excursion to the village of Somnathapur (33 km) to visit the intricately carved star shaped Prasanna Channakeshara Temple built in 1268 AD during the Hoysala Dynasty.
DAY 8 – Drive Mysore-Hassan (170 kms. 4hrs drive) / Hoysala Village
Drive to Hassan enroute visit Shravanabelagola, one of the oldest and most important Jain pilgrimage centres in India, is the site of the huge 17m naked statue of Bahubali (Gomateshvara), said to be the world’s largest monolith statue. One must climb 620 steps up hill to the statue. It overlooks the country town of Shravanabelagola from top of a rocky hill. Its simplicity is in complete contrast to the complexity of the sculptural work at the temples of Belur and Halebid.
DAY 9 – Hassan – Bangalore (194 km) – Cochin / Brunton Boatyard
Morning visit Belur and Halebid temple complexes (12th-14th century). Built by the Hoysala kings, the temples at Belur and Halebid are the cream of what remains of one of the most artistically exuberant periods of Hindu Cultural development. The wealth of sculptural details found on the exterior and interior of these temples makes them the most outstanding example of Hoysala sculptural art.
Afternoon drive to Bangalore airport for flight 9W2307 dep. 1740 / arr. 1840 to Kochi. The influence of medieval Portugal, Holland and England can still be seen in this fast growing coastal city. It is also known as the spice city of India. Most of the worldwide spice export originated here.
DAY 10 – Kochi
Morning tour will include the Jewish Synagogue, constructed 1568 AD, with hand-painted willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid-18th century by a Rabbi who had trading interests there.
In the afternoon visit St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone still stands there. The church was built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or “Dutch Palace” built in 1557 AD. The central hall on the 1st floor was the coronation hall of the rajas of Cochin. Other rooms depict scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic Legends connected with Hindu gods. Next we’ll see the Chinese Fishing Nets along Vypeen Island (set up between 1350 – 1450 AD). These cantilevered fishing nets were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan. We culminate the day with a Kathkali dance performance at the Cochin Cultural Centre, arriving by 5 pm to watch the artists do their make-up.
DAY 11 – Kochi – Kumarakom (80 km) / Rice Boat.
Drive to Kumarakom. Afternoon fishing on Vembanad Lake. Following is the wealth of fish found in the Kerala Backwaters.
Fish name – (Common Name – Malayalam)
Orange Chromid – Pallathi
Yellow Catfish – Manjakoori
Snake Head – Varaal (Murrells)
Barbs – Paral
Gobid – Pulaken
Halt beak – Moraesh
Full beak – Kolaa
Stinging Catfish – Kaari
Climbing Perch – Chempalli
Killi fish – Punjaan
Indian panadise fish – Karingannachi
Glass fish – Aringil
Green fuffer – Val Macri
Sole Fish – Nankku
Peacock eel – Araken
Pearl Spot – Karimmen
Scampy – Konchu
Prawns – Chemmen
Freshwater shark – Vaala
Day 12 & 13: – The Backwaters of Kerala” / Fishing
After breakfast, board a private, deluxe Kettuvallom (traditional riceboat) for an overnight tour of the backwaters. A series of canals thread their way through the state to the sea, allowing you a glimpse into local life in Kerala that would be impossible to get from road transport. Along the way you will pass rice fields, tiny villages, boats transporting children to school and farmers transporting their produce to the market, and women completing household tasks such as laundry and washing utensils. You will disembark from the boat to wander in the villages and meet some locals. The rice boats are made completely of natural material. Each houseboat has furnished bedrooms with attached showers and toilets. At night the boat will anchor midstream and your meals will be specially prepared by the crew from freshly bought produce.
DAY 14 – Embark & drive to Mararikulam / Kovalam.
Full day relax on the beach.
DAY 15 – Mararikulam/Kovalam / Fishing in the high seas.
Full day fishing on boat.
Hardcore fishing fans take the boat for deep sea fishing. The waters here abound with sport fish like Tuna, Kingfish, Barracuda, Shark, Snappers, Bonefish, Stonefish, to name a few. It is ideally situated on the migratory routes for large game fish
DAY 16 – Afternoon transfer to Kochi airport for flight to home.
Cost PP in CA$:
Min 6 – 15 Pax: $5502 (Travelling in A/C Coach)
Min 2 Pax/ 1 Car: $5479
Min 3 Pax/ 1 Car: $5073
Min 4 Pax/ 1 Tempo Traveller/Mini Van: $5036
Single Room Supp $1980
It Includes:
Accommodation on Twin Sharing basis with all meals.
1 night Bangalore at The Oberoi
2 nights Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp
2 night Galibore Fishing Camp
2 night Mysore at Lalitha Mahal Palace
1 night Hassan at Hoysala Village
2 nights Cochin at Brunton Boatyard
2 night Kumarakom at Coconut Lagoon
1 nights Backwaters on House Boat
2 nights Mararikulam at Marari Beach Resort
All airport transfers and Land transport in A/C Coach Traveler as per itinerary
Professional Local English Speaking Guide during sightseeing in Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan & Cochin
Accompanying Escort throughout with a minimum group size of 6 persons.
Monument entrance fees,
Entrance ticket to Kathakali performance
Fishing boat with GPS and locator
Fishing permits and guides
India Gov. Service Tax 2.58%
Airfare extra PP: (exact price TBD when booked)
Banaglore – Cochin min $90 max $225
Does not include: International Air Fare, Insurance, Fishing Equipments, Camera Fees, Tips, Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc.
