INDIA AGRICULTURAL & FOOD DISTRIBUTION STUDIES

After immigration, our Student’s Fare representative will meet and welcome you to India before your transfer to the hotel for a 4-night stay.

Bengaluru (Bangalore), the Capital of Karnataka, has become the most prosperous and educated in the state. In a few decades, it’s transformed into the Silicon Valley of India. With a salubrious climate throughout the year, beautiful gardens, historical monuments, and an overwhelming number of pubs, the city is a thriving center for both cultures. Bengaluru is a perfect starting point to explore the Gems of Karnataka.

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll embark on an agricultural adventure like no other.

The driver will take you to visit two of the world’s leading food packing and distribution companies. Here, leadership will engage with our group, sharing information about the processes, challenges, and successes of their global operations.

After the excursion, you’ll make a brief stop for lunch. Proceeding towards the University of Agriculture, your group will participate in a private tour.

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, the group will gain insights into the thriving startup ecosystem of Bangalore, often referred to as the startup capital of the world’s fastest-growing economy. As the co-founder of Uber famously stated, the future is being built in three key locations: The Bay Area (USA), Beijing, and Bangalore.

Immerse yourself in the dynamic culture as you meet and engage with incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs. Explore co-working spaces and visit technology-driven startups to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Bangalore’s entrepreneurial landscape. Be amazed at the ingenious ideas that flourish here and delve into the minds of the visionary individuals driving these companies, unraveling the secrets of their success.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore the city, beginning with the Lal Bagh. This 240-acre garden has one of the largest collections of rare and exotic Indian tropical and sub-tropical plants with over 1000 different species of flora. Some trees in the garden are over 100 years old, and India’s first lawn clock can be seen amongst the greenery. The Glass House in the center of the park was modeled on the Victorian Crystal Palace in London and is used for special exhibits. We’ll also visit Bangalore Palace, a magnificent castle surrounded by beautiful gardens. Constructed in Tudor-style architecture, it resembles the medieval castles of Normandy and England.

The tour will continue and bring your group to Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore’s most impressive modern building. It was constructed in 1956 with five stories housing the state legislature and Secretariat.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a visit to Amrut Distilleries Private Ltd. Amrut started distilling in 1948 when India gained its independence, and Mr. Radhakrishna Jagdale was a pioneer in the distilling industry.

From a small blending and bottling unit, he developed into a major producer of malt whiskies, grain whiskies, grape brandies, gin, vodka, and rum. The first Amrut Single Malt was launched in Glasgow in August 2004. Since then, Amrut Single Malts have gained worldwide publicity and recognition. We’ll join a tour of the impressive facility and enjoy a special tasting of their best products.

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll depart Bangalore for Mysore – referred to as the “Cultural Capital of Karnataka.” The palaces and temples around the city speak volumes about the heritage and architecture of medieval times, as well as the patronage the city received from its rulers.

After checking in to the hotel for a 2-night stay, we’ll explore this princely town starting with the famous Palace of Mysore. Constructed in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace has an unmatched grandeur. The beautiful building was once the residence of Wodeyar kings and one of the largest of its kind in India.

The next stop on the route is a brief visit to the Jaganmohan Palace. The building houses the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, which boasts a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. Afterward, your group will be driven to Chamundi Hill Temple – a 2,000-year-old temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundi. Measuring 1062 m (3,500 ft) tall and complimented by a seven-story, 40m (130 ft) high, tower, this site provides an incredible view of the entire city.

Later, we’ll explore the renowned Devaraja Market for a genuine glimpse into the daily lives of the local people. This market has a rich history spanning over 100 years and holds a significant place in Mysore’s heritage. It exemplifies the vibrant and lively atmosphere of a traditional Indian marketplace, characterized by its colorful surroundings, bustling noise, and a charming touch of chaos.

As we wander through the market, you’ll notice that the northern section is predominantly occupied by stalls offering various fruits – prominently featuring bananas. The southern part is where you’ll find vegetable vendors showcasing an array of fresh produce. In the middle section, rows of shops are dedicated to selling local flowers. Walking through this section is an absolute delight, as the air is filled with a wonderful mix of fragrances emanating from the beautiful blooms.

Start the morning strong by enjoying an energizing breakfast at the hotel. You’ll later board the coach and get transported to the Sandalwood Oil Factory. There is a reason why this place is so special, it produces the only soap in the world made from 100% pure sandalwood oil – Mysore Sandal soap.

On an exhilarating tour, we’ll witness how the oil undergoes an important process called Saponification. During this process, they’ll share valuable information about acids and bases, organic chemistry, hydrolysis, commercial/cash crops, and fermentation. We’ll also see the procedure of extracting oil from wood. This involves cutting, chipping, disintegrating wood, distilling the precious oil, filtering, and re-filtering.

Following breakfast, we’ll depart for Ooty, famous for its scenic beauty and colonial charm. This is a delightful journey that combines natural beauty, scenic vistas, and a touch of adventure as we ascend into the hills. Appreciate the captivating landscapes of this region and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Nilgiri Hills. Along the route, we’ll pass quaint villages and small towns, offering glimpses of local life and culture.

Nestled in the lush environs of the Nilgiris, Ooty is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. Dotted with colonial-era bungalows, plantations, gardens, and parks, the place offers a charming getaway for nature lovers. Anthropology enthusiasts can also look forward to learning about the Toda tribes, the original inhabitants of this part who still reside in the hills above the city.

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of this journey is visiting the Ooty Tea Factory. Nestled amidst the scenic blue hills of Nilgiris at an elevation of 1839 meters, it’s enveloped by lush green tea plants. The spot offers an opportunity to witness the entire tea processing method, starting from the freshly plucked green leaves to the final packaging stage. The factory also houses a Tea Museum where you’ll delve into the origins of various tea leaves used worldwide, as well as the history of tea in India and its evolution in the Nilgiris. At the factory, you’ll also enjoy the captivating views of the surrounding valley and majestic mountain peaks, such as Doddabetta.

Afterward, we’ll embark on a captivating tour of Ooty’s prominent landmarks, which encompass a rich blend of history, nature, and serenity. The first stop is exploring the 19th-century St. Stephen’s Church, an architectural gem that also houses a cemetery where many British residents from colonial Ooty are laid to rest. You’ll marvel at the captivating beauty of the Government Botanical Gardens, known for its diverse collection of plant species. The last stop is Ooty Lake, a picturesque artificial body of water gleaming under the sunlight. The enchanting spot serves as a beloved picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.

After the tour concludes, you’ll be taken to the hotel and check-in for one night.

This morning, we’ll board the coach and drive to Coimbatore. The ride offers a blend of natural beauty and urban landscapes, allowing us to experience the transition from the tranquil hills of Ooty to the vibrant city of Coimbatore. Situated at the foot of the Nilgiri Hills, it’s often referred to as the “Manchester of South India” due to the textile and engineering industries.

Upon arrival, you’ll immediately see a rich cultural heritage, with temples, museums, and bustling markets to explore. Proceed to the first stop, which is a visit to the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University where you’ll explore the turmeric farm and processing facility. Next, we’ll stop to tour the Gedee Car Museum – the only classic car museum of its kind in south India. The museum proudly showcases an extensive collection of over 100 vintage cars, each with its own captivating story and showcasing unique technological advancements.  

Once the exciting day comes to an end, you’ll transfer to the hotel for a 1-night stay.

Begin your morning with breakfast before we drive west towards Kochi through the beautiful landscapes of Kerala. Kochi is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port which became the principal harbor for Malabar Coast’s spice trade. Cochin, as the British used to call it, was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built communities and places of worship.

In the evening, travel to a local theatre where you’ll have the lucky experience of watching a Kathakali performance. Kathakali, meaning “story dance,” is a pantomimic dance drama with an inseparable blend of dancing and acting. The combination of facial expressions and body movements brings out the thoughts and emotions of the character.

After the show, we’ll transfer to the hotel and check in for a 4-night stay.

Today, after breakfast, embark on a short drive to Alleppey where we’ll board a traditional houseboat (Kettuvallam), and cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

The name Kettuvallam, meaning “boat with knots,” derives from its construction of entirely coir knots – not a single nail was used. Made from planks of jackwood skillfully joined together with coir, the boat was coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With meticulous upkeep, a Kettuvallam can endure for generations.

While most boats are maneuvered by local oarsmen, some are equipped with a 40 HP engine for propulsion. The Backwaters encompass a network of canals, lakes, lagoons, and estuaries that span farther than the eye can see. Amidst this vast expanse, palm-fringed narrow canals meander through lush paddy fields. As we gently drift along, take pleasure in the picturesque hamlets dotting the banks, the abundant presence of migratory birds, vibrant water lilies, and the serene ambiance of coconut groves. While onboard enjoying the stunning scenery, the boat crew will serve lunch.

Around 4 pm, you’ll disembark and return to the hotel Cochin.

Begin your day with breakfast before proceeding on a guided walking tour of the city, immersing yourself in the vibrant harbor area and charming streets of Kochi. This captivating journey will unveil the city’s rich and diverse past, showcasing the captivating blend of Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Jewish influences that have shaped its unique character.

As we explore, we’ll meander through the historic quarter of Fort Kochi, traversing its quaint streets on foot. A stroll along the picturesque seaside promenade and gain insight into the daily rhythm of life in the city. Well-preserved Portuguese and Chinese pagoda-style tiled houses span the area, and nearby is the oldest church with a history dating back 500 years.

As we venture through the Jewish town, you’ll encounter fascinating antique shops and a treasure trove of unique wares. Nearby is an ancient Jewish synagogue that traces its origins to 1568 AD and has a storied past of destruction and reconstruction. Overlooking the synagogue stands the majestic Mattancherry Palace, once the residence of the Verma kings and now a remarkable museum.

After exploring the city, we’ll visit a local spice processing plant. Here, we will be introduced to their entire procedure and get an up-close tour of the process.

After breakfast, get ready for an adventure like no other. Today, you’ll experience Pokkali farming – a unique community-based initiative to preserve and conserve a one-of-a-kind, saline-tolerant strain of rice, threatened by extinction. In a stunning backwater setting, this tour gives us an opportunity to understand one of the oldest known crops cultivated through a symbiotic farming tradition involving rice and prawn culture. Pokkali is known for its tolerance to salinity and hence positioned as a climate change-resistant food.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll transfer to the airport for your onward journey.