Rotary Goodwill Ride - 5

Arrival at Kochi Airport: Upon arrival at Kochi airport, you will be picked up from the airport and check in to the hotel at Kumarakom (40 kms drive). You need to take enough rest before we start the ride. IFMR India members will meet you in the evening for tour briefing followed by dinner.

Today local sightseeing of Kumarakom and check in to a houseboat which sails overnight from Kumarakom to Alappuzha (Alleppey). Houseboats offer luxury sailing on Kerala's tranquil backwaters.

After you dis embark from the house boat get to know your Motorcycles, Get accustomed to your new machine by doing a comfortable ride from Alappuzha (Alleppey) to Kochi. Distance of about 60 kms over 2 hours of riding. This evening you will do Kochi sightseeing and retire for the day over relaxing dinner.

Thekkady is a place you should visit to experience the sight of majestic elephants, spice plantations, and beautiful hills. The Periyar forest, a national treasure, contains the most vivid range of flora and fauna.

Thanjavur also known as Tanjore, is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage are located in and around Thanjavur.

Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja |, is located in the centre of the city. Brihadishvara Temple, Built between 1003 and 1010 CE,. Thanjavur temple height is 212 ft towering Shiva temple, which is home to one of the largest Shiva Lingas of the country.

After an early breakfast we will start our ride to Mysuru. Mysuru (or Mysore), a city in India's southwestern Karnataka state, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947.

After breakfast we will start our sightseeing tour of the Royal City of Mysuru.One of South India's most enchanting cities, famed for its glittering royal heritage and magnificent monuments and buildings.

We start our ride to Hampi which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. It was a fortified city. Chronicles left by Persian and European travellers, particularly the Portuguese, say that Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River with numerous temples, farms and trading markets.

Today we will visit the temple town of Belur which is near Hassan City. Belur, situated on the banks of river Yagachi, 38 km from Hassan, is a world famous tourist destination. Belur was the erstwhile capital of the Hoysalas and referred to as Velapur, Velur and Belahur at different points in history. The town is renowned for its Chennakeshava temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship. The temple was consecrated by the famous Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana to mark his victories in 1116 AD against the Cholas and called the Vijaya Narayana. The temple stands on a platform or Jagati and looks like a huge casket. The fine workmanship and skill visible in this masterpiece is truly breathtaking.

Today, we will ride to Hampi, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. It was a fortified city. Chronicles left by Persian and European travellers, particularly the Portuguese, say that Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River, with numerous temples, farms and trading markets. By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world's second-largest city, after Beijing, and probably India's richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal.

Today, we will do sightseeing. Hampi's ruins are spread over 4,100 hectares (16 sq mi) and it has been described by UNESCO as an "austere, grandiose site" of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India that includes "forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures and others".

Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) is the capital of India's southern Karnataka state. The center of India's high-tech industry, Bengaluru is one of the fastest growing cities in India and is often referred to as the silicon valley of India. The city is also known for its parks and nightlife.

Today is day of Sightseeing and Rotary activity. You will be recognised and felicitated at ROTASIA 2024 where more than 1200 Rotarians and Rotaractors from all over Asia will participate. We will visit Vidhana Soudha a Neo-Dravidian legislative building. Former royal residences include 19th-century Bangalore Palace, modelled after England’s Windsor Castle, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an 18th-century teak structure. And, later rest in the evening.

Today we say Good Bye to all our new friend as we head home we carry with us the memories of the ride. You will check out after breakfast and will be transferred to airport.