Elephanta caves are situated on the famous Elephanta Island. They are dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. These ancient Shiva cavesback to 5th century BC. It's a 2 hour ferry ride through the Arabian Sea (two and fro) from the gateway of India. It would be an enchanting and a divine experience to see and understand the different forms of Lord Shiva!
Embrace both pedal and paddle on this Kochi bike tour that cruises down to the beautiful backwaters of India, stops at a local’s house for lunch, and glides through the picturesque rivers of Ezhupunna. Not to mention the beaches, fisherman’s farms, and villages we’ll check out on the way. We couldn’t fit more into this tour even if we wanted to!
What could be more perfect than spending the day breezing through rural India on a bike, taking in the sights and sounds, stopping along the way for some authentic local food? We know, sounds pretty great to us too. This Kochi tour is just that and more - let’s ride! We’ll kick off this Kochi bike tour in Fort Kochi, a port town filled with fascinating sights such as the Santa Cruz Basilica and Vasco da Gama church. We’ll breeze past these spots at the beginning of the tour, and your local guide will stop along the way to give you the lowdown on Kochi and what makes it tick. We’ll also pay a visit to the fishermen who use traditional nets for their craft, and take a break at the beaches most popular with the locals.
We’ll continue to tour Kochi and head towards Ezhupunna backwaters. En route we’ll stop by sea shore fish auction centres, and onwards to prawn peeling centres. These places are the backbone of the fishing industry in Kochi, making them the perfect place for you to get a real feel for the people who live and work here. We’ll cruise down coconut tree-lined streets, and if we have enough time we may even stop at a local toddy bar for a drink.
Upon reaching the backwaters, it’ll be time to take a break and have some lunch. But not just any lunch! You’ll be treated to a traditional fisherman’s lunch with a local family, which will consist of fresh fried fish and tasty curry dishes. During this time in the villages you’ll have the unique chance to interact with locals and experience Kerala village life, an opportunity you’re sure to remember for a long time.
In the afternoon, we’ll give the bikes a break for a couple of hours and hop on a canoe or shikara boat ride through the narrow canals. This relaxing part of the tour will get you right up close to the beautiful waters, the veins that run through this part of India, making it so naturally stunning.
After your scenic boat ride, we’ll hop back on our bikes and return to Kochi, stopping off along the way to check out some prawn culturing farms and Kumbalanghi model tourism village. We’ll also have plenty of opportunity to stop and take pictures, and once you see this gorgeous scenery, you’ll definitely want to - trust us!
The total distance covered on this Kochi tour is around 34km, and we’ll be riding at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops. This tour is suited to cyclists of all levels, so don’t worry if you’re not a pro! We won’t be taking on any devilish hills – the terrain is fairly easy and gentle.
Bannerghatta National Park is situated at a distance of approximately 21 km from the Bangalore the national park is well renowned for its lion and tiger safari. The other attractions of Bannerghatta National Park include its crocodile and snake farm. Established in the year 1971 it spreads over an area of 104 sq. km. Also admired as one of the famous picnic spots near Bangalore, Bannerghatta National Park houses bisons, lions, elephants, panthers, etc. The flora of the conservatory includes plants and shrubs that attract butterflies. Also visit the museum displaying numerous diorama.
Bishnoi Village Safari is the organization started by Rajas and Maharaja's of Jodhpur to show the Indian and foreign guest a glimpse of rich cultural life around their state of Marwar, A True Rajasthan. Bishnoi is not only a caste but is a simple art of living. A person who follows 29 rules laid by their Guru Jambheshvar Ji is a Bishnoi.
These rules are simple and most of rules are either to protect environment or for personal hygiene. Bishnoi people have their self-sustained economy by farming and animal husbandry. Most of normal life essentials are their own produced like food grains, milk, butter, cooking oil, masalas, cotton, wool.
Nestled at the foot of Agasthya hills, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to amazing varieties of flora and fauna. Begin the trail with a smoothing boat cruise through the untouched Neyyar wildlife sanctuary reservoir. Later visit Crocodile breeding center, Deer park and the Lion Safari Park.
On the way back, visit handloom weaving centre at Balaramapuram, famous for the production of traditional varieties of handloom textiles meant for the contemporary cloth wearing style of Kerala. Its unique craftsmanship makes it an ideal heirloom. Time spent with the elephants & visit to Handloom weaving centre .
Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.The Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and thousands of BAPS volunteers. Heralded by the Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple, the complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.
Depart from your hotel in the morning to Goa’s ornate and magical Hindu Temples their distinctive, structural design, spaciousness and tranquil environment reflects its uniqueness from other Indian Temples. Here you can visit the two most famous temples namely Shantadurga Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati & Lord Naguesh and the Ramnathi temple dedicated to Lord Rama, The temple is believed to have been installed by Lord Rama while his return journey to Ayodhya after the killing of Ravana.
Later proceed to Old Goa which is the ancient capital of Goa, lying 10 kilometers east of the present capital of Goa, Panjim. Old Goa is best known for its Churches – the only reminder of its former glory once rivaled that of Rome. Visit the two most famous churches i.e. The Basilica of Bom Jesus which is the most well recognized church in Goa. “Bom Jesus” means “Infant Jesus” to whom the church is dedicated. Completed in the year 1605, it houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, who came to Goa in the year 1542 and is now the patron saint of the state’s Christian community. A silver casket placed on a tall platform contains his incorrupt body. Situated across the road from the Basilica, lies the Se Cathedral. The construction of the Se Cathedral began in the year 1562 and went on upto the year 1652. The Se Cathedral is supposed to be the largest church in Asia. On top of its facade hangs the Golden Bell – also Asia’s largest – whose mellow sound reputedly could be heard all over Goa. Inside the Cathedral are eight chapels and six side altars, apart from the main altar that is dedicated to Saint Catherine.
After the tour of Old Goa proceed to the capital city "Panaji" for a tour of the city and shopping. Panaji, the capital city of Goa, built on the banks of the river Mandovi, where one can walk through the small squares and back lanes of the towns old quarters where the Portuguese influence is most evident. Later you can spend some time for shopping. After shopping, arrive at the Goa Marriott Resort for a buffet lunch. After lunch drive back to the hotel.
Guru Nanak Deo Ji, the Sikh guru, was the first Sikh to visit Bengaluru. On his way back from Sri Lanka he halted at Bangalore. It is first Sikh Gurudwara and the largest in Bangalore built in an elegant and white structure opened to all on April 13, 1946.
It has been renovated recently with marble floors. The large prayer hall accommodates about 500 devotees at a time. Special prayers are offered every Sunday. The temple wears a colorful look as special prayers are offered and more than a thousand people from all religions come here to worship. The Sri Guru Singh Sabha which manages the Gurudwara also runs a school and a medical centre.
The famous Ulsoor Lake is a pretty picnic spot is on the northeastern fringe of the city centre. It is a major tourist attraction with a boat club where you can hire out cruises with stops at some of the tiny islands that dot the lake. Attached to the lake is a park with a lot of shade and greenery, frequented by localites and some tourists as well.
Full day excursion to Pondicherry which traces its origin to Saint Gasthya, the revered sage of the South. Excavations near Pondicherry reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2000 years ago. It was also the theatre of many a battles between the British and the French and was the capital of French India before it attained its independence. Visit Auroville, an 'Ashram' for peace and harmonious living, founded by saint-philosopher Sir Aurobindo.
Kathakali is the most well-known dance drama from the south Indian state of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means ''Story-Play''. It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes and the hand gestures are used to convey the story. These hand gestures, known as mudra, are common throughout much of classical Indian dance. During this visit, you will also get a chance to see the artisans applying make-up as well.