Toby and Annabel

DAY 1    TUESDAY          ARRIVE BANGALORE

Upon arrival in Bangalore you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your tour Leader (or Local guide) and the rest of the group for welcome drinks and a tour briefing. Please note, it is common for international flights to arrive in Bangalore late at night, so your tour briefing may take place over breakfast tomorrow.

ACCOMMODATION – 1 NIGHT

MONARCH LUXUR

Executive Room

68 Infantry Road

Bangalore

Tel:       +91 80 253 28253

Fax:       +91 802532 7199

 

DAY 2   WEDNESDAY    BANGALORE TO MYSORE

Bangalore is a relatively recent creation by India’s historic standards, but before departing this morning we take a brief tour of some of its main sights. Visit the beautiful Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, inspired by French and Mogul influences. You will also see the Parliament buildings and the Bull Temple, which houses a massive Nandi bull, an important symbol in Hinduism. Leaving Bangalore, we travel to the river island of Srirangapatnam. The fort has been a site of Hindu pilgrimage for centuries but is chiefly known as being the fort of Tipu Sultan, an 18th century ruler with renowned military cunning whose nickname was “The Tiger of Mysore”. He was eventually defeated by the future Duke of Wellington, who himself had been held prisoner at the fort. Visit the dungeon where he and other British soldiers were kept, as well as Tipu Sultan’s summer palace and the family’s mausoleum. Then see the famed Hindu temple before arriving in Mysore itself. Celebrated as the Sandalwood City, the aromas of incense and essential oils fill the air in many parts of this charming city. (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION – 2 NIGHTS

METROPOLE HOTEL

Royal Standard room

5 Jhansi Lakshmiba Road

Mysore

Tel:       91-821-525-5566

Fax:       91-821-525-5555

 

DAY 3   THURSDAY       MYSORE

This morning you will depart Mysore by road and visit the temple complex at Somnathpur. The complex dates back to the 13th century and is the finest example of the unique Hoysala style of temple building. The main temple is built on a star shape but the complex is above all renowned for the detailed and well-preserved carvings which decorate the temple walls. After lunch, you can set out to explore the town of Mysore with its wide streets and attractive, relaxed feel. Begin with Mysore’s most famous site, the Maharajah’s Palace. Built in the early 20th century, the decor is a blend of European and Indian styles and the palace is famed for its celebration of India’s colourful Dussehra festival. Later you will visit Chamundi Hill with its hilltop temple. Views of the surrounding Mysore plains are lovely and the temple also boasts an impressive Nandi statue. Finish your exploration with a trip to the colourful Devaraja market, one of India’s liveliest and with a fantastic range of produce. The fresh flower, oils and dye powder sections are particularly popular with photographers and also offer fantastic bargains in local oils like jasmine and sandalwood. (Breakfast included)

 

DAY 4   FRIDAY             MYSORE TO NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

From Mysore we continue southwest to the jungles of Nagarhole National Park. This is one of India’s least known national parks, but a wildlife watcher’s paradise. its main attraction is the fantastic herds of Indian Elephant which are normally seen grazing along the shores of Kabini Reservoir, which we will visit this afternoon on a boat cruise. Other wildlife seen from the cruise may include huge Marsh Mugger crocodiles, herds of Chital (Spotted Deer), and flocks of waterfowl including storks, tree ducks and others. Our home at Nagarhole is on the park fringes, and overlooks the vast reservoir. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

ACCOMMODATION – 2 NIGHTS

CICADA KABINI

Survey No. – 60/1, Nishana, Karapura Village

Antarasante Hobti, H D Kote Taluk

Nagarhole

 

DAY 5   SATURDAY       NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

Today we further explore the jungles of Nagarhole, this time by jeep in dawn and late afternoon safaris. In addition to the elephants, boar, Gaur (bison) and deer, we will also try for a view of India’s most prized jungle dweller, the Tiger. Leopard may also seen at times in the forests here, but as everywhere the big cats require a lot of luck. Between jeep safaris, relax back at the lodge, soaking up the water views or using the swimming pool. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

 

DAY 6   SUNDAY           NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK TO OOTY

Depart Nagarhole and pass through more of Southern India’s wild scenery en route to the town of Ooty. The drive passes through two more national parks – Mudumalai and Bandipur – and wildLife is often seen on the drive through this huge protected area. We cLimb the Nilgiri Hills and arrive in Ooty (officially known as UdhagamandaLam), a former British hilL station and still a centre for tea production and education. We begin our exploration by visiting the beautifully preserved Botanical Gardens, quaint St Stephen’s Church and Ooty’s famous pleasure Lake. The aLpine terrain and rolling hills, cool climate, cottage gardens and coLonial stone architecture, give a distinctly British flavour to this popular town. You will spend the night in one of the region’s most atmospheric and famous coLonial hotels. (Breakfast included)

ACCOMMODATION – 1 NIGHT

SAVOY HOTEL

Superior room

77 Sylks Road

Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

Tel:       91- 423-244-4142

 

DAY 7   MONDAY          OOTY TO PALAKKAD

Take a ride on the Nilgiris’ toy train, an engineering marvel still oozing Raj-era atmosphere and providing some memorable views of the unique local scenery. This line was recently granted World Heritage status and a ride here is truly a step back into the Nilgiris’ colonial past. From Coonoor we continue on to the lowlands and enter Kerala, arriving in Palakkad by road, where you will be welcomed at a unique homestay. Arriving in time for a late lunch, we enjoy some traditional Keralan food. This afternoon take a little time to explore Palakkad itself. This village is typically Keralan and provides a great opportunity to observe the daily life of local people in rural areas, including a nearby traditional basket weaving community and traditional farming scenes. After your exploration, return through the rice fields to your comfortable homestay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

ACCOMMODATION – 1 NIGHT

KANDATH THARAVAD

Homestay guest room

Thenkurussi

Palakkad

Tel:       91- 4922 284 124

Fax:       Not available

 

DAY 8   TUESDAY          PALAKKAD TO MUNNAR

After breakfast today, drive to Munnar – a journey which will take in verdant tropical mountain scenery. En route, you will stop at a family owned plantation, to learn something about the crops which characterise the region, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch. Keralan cuisine makes great use of the vast diversity of unique fruits, vegetables and spices of the region, renowned as one of the world’s great spice centres. You will arrive in Munnar around sunset and check into your accommodation, perched on the slopes of the region’s spectacular tea plantations dating back to the days of the British Raj. (Breakfast and lunch included)

ACCOMMODATION – 2 NIGHTS

AMBADY ESTATE

Munnar

Tel:       91 -4865-

Tel:       91-4865-

 

DAY 9   WEDNESDAY    EXPLORING MUNNAR

Munnar is a pleasant hill station, set amongst dramatic hills with a patchwork of tea plantations, precariously perched on the side of steep embankments. The prevalence of the surrounding tea industry and the quality of the tea make Munnar one of the most important commercial centres for the tea trade. This morning, spend time exploring some of these plantations. You will learn about how the different types of tea are cultivated and also about the livelihood of the people who are working on these plantations. After Lunch, head to the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, which is home to a unique and rare species of mountain goat, the Nilgiri Tahr. You can take a walk on the park’s hillside trails, taking in picturesque scenery and keeping watch for more of the unique and colourful wildlife of southern India. (Breakfast included)

 

DAY 10 THURSDAY       MUNNAR TO KUMARAKOM

This morning after breakfast we depart for the Lowlands of Kerala. Stop en route at Johnny’s Plantation, a family-run plantation which grows pineapples and rubber. Following a walk around the plantation, the family will invite you into their home, a sprawling plantation house which was built by their ancestors over one hundred years ago. After a delicious Keralan lunch, we continue on, reaching the peaceful and picturesque village of Kumarakom. Here we board a small boat on the meandering canals which is the only way to access your wonderful accommodation for the next two nights, set in palm-shaded gardens on the edge of Vembanad Lake. Relax for the remainder of the afternoon and enjoy the resort with its simple but stylish facilities, natural Keralan feel, and glorious Lake views. (Breakfast and lunch included)

ACCOMMODATION – 2 NIGHTS

COCONUT LAGOON

Bungalow

Kumarakom

Kerala

Tel:       91-481-2524491

Fax:       91-484-2668001

 

DAY 11   FRIDAY             KUMARAKOM

This morning, enjoy some free time to savour this beautiful setting. Late morning we depart by boat along tropical canals to Philip Kutty’s farm, a typical backwaters garden estate where we are welcomed for a lunchtime cooking demonstration and feast. See the family’s wonderful food garden and the typically Keralan lifestyle here. The afternoon relax and enjoy the facilities and excursions on offer at the Coconut Lagoon, including ayurvedic massage, yoga classes and traditional dance and music. (Breakfast and lunch included)

 

DAY 12 SATURDAY       BACKWATERS CRUISING TO COCHIN

Today we board a kettuvalayam, one of Kerala’s iconic converted rice barges, for a cruise along the backwaters. You will be served a delicious lunch on board, cooked by your friendly crew, while you enjoy the lush, tropical scenery from on board the boat, as you sail through the network of waterways, canals and lakes. You will be able to observe the water-based life of the local people who will always greet you with a friendly smile and wave. Absorb the atmosphere in this unique region, often called “God’s own country”. We disembark mid afternoon and drive the short distance on to Cochin, where we stay in the heart of historic Fort Cochin. Cochin is one of India’s most attractive, unusual and pleasant cities. Built on a series of islands and surrounded by water, it is a port town with a complicated mix of influences and history. Many cultures including Portuguese, Syrian, Chinese, Islamic and Jewish have had a huge impact on the city. It is home to some beautiful colonial architecture, the distinctive Large Chinese fishing nets which are suspended from the quayside and the charismatic Jew Town. With most of the main attractions based on Fort Cochin island, this is a great place for exploring, shopping for souvenirs and antiques and also for delicious culinary experiences (Breakfast and lunch included)

ACCOMMODATION – 2 NIGHTS

ARCHES HOTEL

Deluxe room

1/341 Rose Street

Fort Cochin

Tel:       91-484-2215050

Fax:       91-484-2215704

 

DAY 13 SUNDAY           EXPLORE COCHIN

Enjoy a heritage walk through the leafy streets of Fort Cochin, taking in the historic architecture and quaint street scenes including a visit to historic St Francis Church, reputed to be India’s oldest European built church and begun in the early 16th century by the Portuguese. Visit to the Dutch Palace Museum, an interesting old building containing detailed murals, costumes worn by the rajas and maps from centuries past. Then, explore the charismatic Jew Town, home to the Pardesi Synagogue, originally built in the mid 16th century and rebuilt around 100 years later. It contains some beautiful glass crystal and an unusual floor containing Chinese porcelain tiles. Although there were once many Jewish families living in the area, there are now thought to only be around twelve families left. Please note: A dress code does apply at the Pardesi Synagogue and requires men to wear long sleeved shirt and women to cover legs to below the knee. The area surrounding the synagogue is home to several spice shops, antiques shops and textile merchants and is wonderful for shopping and exploring. Also visit a cultural centre which displays many unique aspects of Keralan culture, including the spectacular Kathakali dance theatre. This evening enjoy a short cruise on Cochin Harbour with its iconic Chinese fishing nets and traditional traffic. In the evening, we visit a local restaurant for a farewell dinner on the final night of this remarkable journey. (Breakfast included)

 

DAY 14 MONDAY          DEPART COCHIN

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Please note, late check-out is not included but can be arranged at extra cost, according to availability. You may wish to extend your tour with a stay on one of India’s beautiful beaches. (Breakfast included)