Southern India
Discover the backwaters, tea plantations, spice markets, incredible temples, and the wildlife in the National Parks in search of tigers, elephants, and more in this amazing trip, get yourself ready as you experience the highlights of Southern India. Our expedition is designed to let you experience it all, the diverse wildlife and the unique local culture.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP EXTRAORDINARY
- Arrive in modern Bangalore.
- Visit the outstanding royal residence of Mysore Palace.
- Lookup for elephants and Indian tigers in the Nagarhole National Park.
- Explore one of the most important tiger reserves in India: Bandipur National Park
- Enjoy Wayanad’s landscapes and get in touch with local villages and farms.
- Experience the Kathakali Dance in Cochin.
- Sail on a houseboat along Kerala’s backwaters and witness amazing wildlife.
Travel far enough, you meet yourself.
– David Mitchell
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
Itinerary in Brief
DAY 1
Arrive in Bangalore
Upon your arrival at Bangalore airport, our tour representative will welcome you at the airport arrival lounge & transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight at Gold Finch (Meals Aloft)
Day 2
Bangalore – Mysore
After breakfast drive to Mysore (3 hrs.)
Mysore is the third-largest city in the state of Karnataka, India, and it served as the capital city of the Mysore Princely Kingdom (Kingdom of Mysore) for nearly six centuries, from 1399 until 1947. Mysore is noted for its palaces, including Mysore Palace, and for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city is host to large numbers of visitors.
The city also lends its name to the Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, the Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban), and the garment known as the Mysore silk sari.
Late afternoon visit to Mysore Palace, which is one of the finest Royal Palaces in India. Mysore Palace is a magnificent and beautiful building. It is especially impressive when its façade is illuminated on Sundays and festive occasions. The interior of the Palace is equally extraordinary with its spacious halls, called Mantaps, paintings, and overall architectural beauty.
Mysore Palace is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture; the domes and the outside construction show
Muslim influence, but the interior of the Palace is a fine example of Hindu architecture. Together, it is a delightful aesthetic blend of Hindu and Muslim artistic styles.
Although the present palace is only a little over a century old, there is clear evidence showing that a royal structure existed at the present location even before the two Yadu dynasty princes, Yaduraya and Krishnaraya, came to Mysore in 1399 A.D.
Overnight at Royal Orchid Metropole (B, L, D)
Day 3
Mysore – Kabini (Nagarhole)
Early morning excursion to Ranganathithu bird sanctuary. Ranganathittu covers an area of fewer than 1 sq. km, but has a very high density of bird populations, making this a premium viewing site. The most common birds in the sanctuary are painted storks, spoonbills, white ibises, egrets, herons, and partridges. Most of the birds stay on tiny islands within the river and can be approached by boat.
The Kaven River, which runs through the sanctuary, is also home to a few crocodiles.
Later drive to Nagarhole National Park (2 hrs.)
Nagarhole is the perfect getaway for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike; a place rich in forests, little streams, undulating valleys, and fascinating waterfalls. Nagarhole is a haven for many wild animals and is one of the last safe asylums for Asian elephants. Visiting Nagarhole would undoubtedly be an ethereal experience – a trip to paradise and back, and one never to be forgotten.
The misty Brahmagiri Mountains form a perfect backdrop to the natural sounds of the jungle and the murmuring of the streams and rivers. The snake-like river that winds through the forests is the source of the name of the reserve; ‘Naga’ signifying snake and ‘Hole’ meaning river, it is derived from the Kannada language of the region. Nagarhole is a place of never-ending enchantment, due to the extensive number of species found there including four-horned antelope, panther, warblers, hornbills, spotted deer, mouse deer, pangolin, gaur, and giant flying squirrel among many others.
Overnight at The Serai (B, L, D)
Day 4
Nagarhole
Morning Jungle Safari in the park via shared jeep or canter. Later enjoy a short coracle ride on the Kabini River. A coracle is a small, maneuverable country boat that is ideal for game viewing in this park.
Night Trails: As night descends upon the Kabini landscape, a whole world of nocturnal life emerges. Those of you not lured by after-dinner television can explore nature around the resort at night, armed only with flashlights and a spirit of adventure. Naturalists will escort you around the areas just outside the resort, and close to the Kabini’s shoreline. This is where you will encounter the fascinating nocturnal world of beetles, spiders, owls, moths, lizards, and even plants as you partake in this unusual nighttime expedition.
Overnight at The Serai (B, L, D)
Day 5
Nagarhole
Morning Nature Walk: A guided Nature Walk is one of the best ways to explore the treasures of nature. A naturalist will unravel the beauty of birds, insects, trees, and wildflowers on this expedition. The walk would take you along the banks of the Kabini river, and then through the scrub and fields along the nearby village roads.
During the afternoon, you will cruise through the serene backwaters of the Kabini River on a motorboat, viewing sleepy crocodiles and chirpy birds, busy with their morning catch. You will have the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife, including elephants, coming to the river for a bath or a drink.
Overnight at The Serai (B, L, D)
Day 6
Kabini – Bandipur National Park
After your leisurely breakfast, we will drive to Bandipur National Park (2 hrs.)
Serai-Bandipur, unlike any other resort in the region, is situated very close to the Bandipur National Park. Because Serai- Bandipur rubs shoulders with the Bandipur National Park, it provides an experience quite unlike anything you’ve ever
experienced. It isn’t uncommon to hear the calls of wild animals and the trumpeting of elephants as they pass by the resort.
Among other things, the Serai -Bandipur offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the magnificent Nilgiris Mountains. Look out of your bedroom window, and you’ll be presented with a perpetually changing view of the Nilgiris. Bandipur National Park teems with wildlife and provides a safe haven to a wide variety of animals, including the four-horned antelope, gaur, Asiatic elephant, leopard, sloth bear, black napped hare, black leopard, and a host of bird species like the barbet, babbler, warbler, and the Indian peafowl.
Upon arrival in Bandipur, check in to the hotel. Overnight at The Serai (B, L, D)
Day 7
Bandipur National Park
Morning and afternoon shared jeep/canter in search of the wildlife in this beautiful park. You will have the option to hire a bicycle from the resort to go on cycle trails around the resort and enjoy bird watching. For those who enjoy staying up a bit later, there is stargazing in the evening under the clear skies.
Overnight at The Serai (B, L, D)
Day 8
Bandipur – Wayanad
After an early morning Safari and a delicious breakfast, drive to Wayanad (2 hrs.)
The Tranquil Resort comprises 400 acres of private coffee and spice plantation nestled in the lush forest of Wayanad; this is an exotic location in Kerala. The name says it all, the Tranquil Resort is a small private estate that offers a luxurious homelike experience surrounded by an environment of exquisite ecological beauty and unending relaxation.
The elegant suites & tree villas enjoy a panoramic overview of the coffee plantation. This resort offers you your own personal and private sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life. In addition to simply relaxing, you can also enjoy leisurely walks and bird watching in and around the plantation. The main cropping season for coffee and areca nut is between mid-January – mid-March, and at this time, the plantation buzzes with activity.
In addition to a pool and Ayurvedic massages, the Tranquil Resort also offers nature walks. You can choose from 12 different routes ranging from “Braveheart” to “Teaser” walks. Guests are provided with walk maps and the routes are well marked out with signboards.
Overnight at Tranquil Resort (B, L, D)
Day 9
Wayanad
Full day free to enjoy activities in and around Wayanad.
Afternoon activities include a coffee plantation visit. Wayanad has a successful spice cultivation program, and visiting those who grow spices in the area is now a part of the district’s development plan. The idea of the spice tour was conceived as an alternative source of income for small scale farmers and planters in Wayanad. Spice tours are also arranged to provide an introduction to the spice growers’ lifestyle to travelers.
Cooking class followed by dinner.
Overnight at Tranquil Resort (B, L, D)
Day 10
Wayanad – Cochin
After breakfast drive to Kochi (7 hrs.)
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, hailed as ‘God’s Own Country’. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
In the evening visit Kathakali Dance theatre for a live performance of the famous Kathakali dance show. Kathakali is a traditional dance form of Kerala, and the impressive facial expressions, hand gestures, and dance moves that will leave one spellbound.
Overnight at Eighth Bastion (B, L, D)
Day 11
Cochin
Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin city visiting Bolghatty Palace, St Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue (remains closed on Friday & Saturday), Dutch Palace (Mattancherry) (remains closed on Friday).
You will also get to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, Cheenavala, that is unique to this city. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, not in China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood using these massive nets, with a whole stretch of the coast along with Fort Kochi and Vypeen being dotted with them.
Your tour concludes with a visit to Fort Cochin – a small community in itself. Since it is a natural harbor and one of the most important trade centers in the south of India, Kochi Fort of Kerala is one of the most significant towns in the state. One can see a unique blend of Dutch and Portuguese influences in Fort Cochin, due to the colonial occupation of Cochin for many years
Cooking class followed by dinner.
Overnight at Eighth Bastion (B, L, D)
Day 12
Cochin – Houseboat
After breakfast drive to Alleppey (1 hr.) to board Houseboat, on arrival check-in at Houseboat.
Sail along with the meandering network of Kerala backwaters, witness the exceptional water world, and experience its countless gems. Just before sunset, the Houseboat ties up for the night & dinner is served onboard.
Overnight onboard Houseboat (B, L, D)
Day 13
Houseboat – Kumarakom
Following breakfast on board, drive to Kumarakom (1 1⁄2 hrs.). On arrival in Kumarakom, check-in at the hotel, Kumarakom Lake Resort.
Overnight at Kumarakom Lake Resort (B, L, D)
Day 14
Kumarakom & fly home
After breakfast on time transfer to Cochin airport to connect flight for onward destination.
(B)
Lodgings
Taj Bunguluru – Bangalore
The Taj Bangalore, a 5-star luxury hotel near Bangalore Airport, has 154 rooms and unrivaled urban hospitality. Bengaluru is known as «India’s Silicon Valley,» and the hotel’s contemporary, sleek design and architectural treatment reflect the city’s modern and progressive spirit. The lovely outdoor seating created around the hotel allows guests to take full advantage of the year-round magnificent and delightful weather. The Taj Bangalore’s excellent location makes it ideal for travelers and luxury connoisseurs alike. Taj Bangalore is roughly 30 kilometers from the busy city center, another plus for the site. It’s perfect for individuals who don’t want to be bothered by the city’s hustle and bustle but want to be close to all that Bangalore is.
Royal Orchid Metropole – Mysore
Royal Orchid Metropole offers modern amenities in a heritage building, featuring 4-star accommodations in a former Maharajah’s residence. It features an outdoor pool and fitness center. Spacious rooms at Metropole feature wooden four-poster beds and private balconies with views of tropical greenery. Rooms have dining and seating areas. Metropole Royal Orchid has a well-equipped business center and a tour desk that helps with travel arrangements. Shikari serves a range of barbecued dishes and local specialties, accompanied by views of the hotel’s tropical gardens. Room service is available.
The Serai – Kabini
This 4-star resort sits on the banks of the Kabini River. It features an outdoor pool and a hot tub and is well-located for wildlife watching. The Serai Kabini offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms and villas which feature views of the Kabini River from either private or shared patios. The private bathrooms all include a hairdryer and free toiletries. A free breakfast is served each day at the Wild Grass restaurant, which also serves Indian, Western, and Chinese cuisine. Room service is also available. Guests can use the free weights or cardio equipment at the fitness center or relax at the resort’s spa with a massage treatment. The staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide dry cleaning and laundry facilities.
Tranquil Resort – Wayanad
Located in Ambalavayal, Tranquil Resort provides accommodations with a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a shared lounge. This 4-star resort features free WiFi and a garden. The resort features family rooms. Guest rooms at the resort are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and an electric teapot. Tranquil Resort offers a buffet or American breakfast.
Eighth Bastion – Kochi
Located in Ambalavayal, Tranquil Resort provides accommodations with a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a shared lounge. This 4-star resort features free WiFi and a garden. The resort features family rooms. Guest rooms at the resort are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and an electric tea pot. Tranquil Resort offers a buffet or American breakfast.
When to go
The best time to visit most of India is during the cool, dry season, between November and March. Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are ideal at this time of year, and temperatures in Goa and central India remain comfortable.
The heat of the south is never less than intense but it becomes stifling in May and June. Aim to be in Tamil Nadu and Kerala between January and March.
However, from March onwards, the Himalayas grow more accessible for hikers. The trekking season reaches its peak in August and September while the rest of the Subcontinent is being soaked by the rains.
By September, the monsoon has largely receded from the north, but it takes another couple of months before the clouds disappear altogether from the far south. The east coast of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and the south of Kerala, get a second drenching between October and December, when the “northwest” or “retreating” monsoon sweeps in from the Bay of Bengal. By December, however, most of the Subcontinent enjoys clear skies and relatively cool temperatures.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!
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