South India Karnataka and Kerala Adventure - India

Day 1: Arrive in Bangalore

Upon arrival in Bangalore, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Bangalore - Mysore

After breakfast, explore the bustling city of Bangalore - visit Tipu's Palace, Bull Temple, Lalbagh Garden & Vidhana Sabha. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Mysore (140 km/3 hrs). Mysore was the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, which declared their independence in the 16th century and ruled Mysore until India’s independence, barring three decades when Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan wrested power from them. The evening is free to explore Mysore.

Accommodations: Orchid Metropole

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Mysore

In the early morning, travel to Srirangapatna and Rangnathithu Bird Sanctuary. Located on an island in the Cauvery River, the town of Srirangapatna is of great religious, cultural and historic importance as it was once the fortress capital of the region controlled by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary covers an area of less than 1 sq km, but the bird population density is very high including painted storks, spoon bills, white ibises, egrets, herons and partridges. The river is also home to a few crocodiles.

After lunch, visit Mysore Palace, one of the finest Royal Palaces in India. It is a sight not to be missed especially when it is illuminated on Sundays and festive occasions. The interior of the palace is worth a visit for its spacious halls called Mantaps, paintings and architectural beauty. The palace is an impressive combination of Indo-Saracenic architecture: The domes and the outside construction are of Muslim architecture, but the interior is a fine example of Hindu architecture.

Accommodations: Orchid Metropole

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Mysore - Nagarhole National Park

After breakfast, drive to Nagarhole National Park (3 hrs). The misty Brahmagiri Mountains form an impressive backdrop to Nagarhole, rich in forests, undulating valleys and beautiful waterfalls. It’s a haven for many wild animals and one of the last safe refuges for the Asian elephant. The park derives its name, ‘Naga’ signifying Snake and ‘Hole’ meaning River, from the snake-like river that winds through the forests. Nagarhole is an enchanting place due to its abundance of wildlife- four horned antelope, panther, warblers, hornbills spotted deer, mouse deer, pangolin, gaur, giant flying squirrel are some of them. After a hearty lunch proceed for jungle safari in Nagarhole National Park by boat, jeep or canter.

Accommodations: Serai Kabini

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Nagarhole National Park

Wake early for a morning jungle safari. In the afternoon cruise through the serene backwaters of the Kabini River on a motor boat searching for crocodiles, elephants and other mammals coming to the river to drink, and abundant bird populations. In the evening enjoy a presentation on wildlife and the national park. Nagarhole is also home to indigenous tribes who've been sheltered from modern life, living in harmony with nature and the wildlife in the region. Originally hunter gatherers, Kurubas collect minor forest products, weave baskets and work as small farmers around the forests.

Accommodations: Serai Kabini

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Nagarhole National Park - Wayanad

After an early morning safari, drive to the Wayanad region (5 -6 hrs) through beautiful hills, plantations and native villages. Upon arrival, check into Tranquil Resort, a 400 acre private coffee and spice plantation nestled in the lush forests of Wayanad. This small family-run private estate offers a home stay experience within a relaxing environment. The suites and tree villas stand elegantly in the canopy with a panoramic view of the plantations offering you a private nature sanctuary amongst the treetops. You can enjoy many activities including walks, cave explorations and bird watching in and around the plantation. The main harvest season for coffee and areca nut is from mid-January to mid-March during which time the plantation buzzes with activity. Guided plantation visits are offered between December and March.

Accommodations: Tranquil Plantation Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Wayanad

This is your day to choose among a variety of activities on the plantation and in the surrounding countryside. Or relax by the pool after Ayurvedic massages (optional). You can choose from 12 different walks and hiking routes ranging in distance and difficulty. Guests are provided with maps and the self-guided routes are well marked. Enjoy a spice tour in the late afternoon. The original idea of offering spice tours on this working plantation was conceived as an alternative source of income for small scale farmers and planters in Wayanad. Spice tours introduce you to local farmers and the planters’ life style in this region of Kerala.

Accommodations: Tranquil Plantation Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Wayanad - Kochi (Cochin)

After breakfast begin the all day drive to Kochi (8 hrs) stopping to enjoy the scenic countryside and local villages en route. Take lunch at Kadavu Resort in Kozhikode. Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by its location on the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala, one of the most prosperous, politically progressive and culturally rich states of India.

Accommodations: Vivanta Taj Malabar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Kochi

A local resident guide leads a morning half-day sightseeing excursion of Cochin city visiting Bolghatty Palace, St Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace (Mattencherry) and any other sights or activities of interest to you. The afternoon is free. In the evening visit the Kathikali Dance theatre studio for a makeup demo followed by a performance of the famous Kathikali, a traditional dance form of Kerala with impressive facial expressions, hand gestures and dance moves that leave one spellbound.

Accommodations: Vivanta Taj Malabar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Kumarakom Backwaters Houseboat

Drive to Allepey where you embark on your private overnight houseboat (2-4 persons). Cruising the backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to Kerala. From your boat you can see the daily life of those who live on the vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) and extend the entire length of Central Kerala. These backwaters represent a unique geographical formation and are the basis of a distinct life style to be explored by water.

Accommodations: CGH Earth Houseboat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Backwaters Cruise - Kumarakom

Enjoy breakfast on board as you cruise past lush forest and local villages. Disembark at Kumarakom, one of the most enchanting villages of Kerala, situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. This pleasant hamlet, set in the heart of soothing backwaters, thick mangrove forests, green paddy fields and ripe coconut groves is enveloped in a quaint charm all its own. Afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the resort’s amenities. In the evening, enjoy the beauty on a sunset cruise on Lake Wembnad.

Accommodations: CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12: Kumarakom - Kochi - Mumbai for departure

Morning is at leisure in Kumarakom before you are driven to Kochi. Enjoy free time there before transferring to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival you will transfer to a day-use room at a convenient hotel for wash and change. Return transfer to the airport 3 hours before your international departure flight.

Accommodations: Trident Bandra Kurla

Meals Included: Breakfast