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South Indian Sojourn - Incredible Experiences,...
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Kerala—God’s Own Country is a unique and extraordinarily beautiful part of India. Experience the diversity of Kerala - the Backwaters, beaches, tea, coffee and spice plantations and wildlife reserves. Watch fishermen in Cochin pull in the nets as they have done for centuries. Experience life along traffic- free islands of the backwaters. Trek through a wildlife park and maybe catch a glimpse of wild elephants, deer, giant squirrels or wild boar. We also visit Bangalore and Mysore, modern and ancient capitals of Karnataka and the Wodeyar Dynasty. See the Mysore palace lights and experience the bustling city of Bangalore—India’s Silicon Valley.
Starting in Bangalore and finishing in Cochin, this fabulous tour takes you to some of South India's most picturesque and historic locations as well as undiscovered gems where you have the opportunity to meet real people and experience authentic Indian hospitality and life. Price includes all local transportation, accommodation and included sightseeing, tour escort and local guides, all breakfasts and some other meals.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Bangalore Day 2 Mysore Day 3 Mysore Day 4 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Day 5 Kannur (Cannanore) Day 6 Kannur Day 7 Cochin Day 8 Cochin Day 9 Munnar Day 10 Munnar Day 11 Periyar Tiger Reserve Day 12 Alleppey Day 14 Chennamkary Day 15 Cochin Day 16 Departure Day
Arrival Day. We have a meeting to discuss the trip before heading out to one of Bangalore’s cosmopolitan restaurants for dinner.
A 2 hour train ride brings us to Mysore, ancient capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty. We enjoy lunch with a local family before visiting the splendid Mysore Palace. Tonight we return to the palace to witness the incredible evening illuminations.
Today we visit the amazing temples at Somnathpur, on the way checking out silk farms, jaggery factories and the opportunity to see some of the most idyllic rural Karnataka scenes. We also visit Chaumundi temple and the colourful Devaraja Market.
We drive for 3 hours today to Tholpetty, the gateway to the little-known Wayanad Wildllife Sanctuary. A leisurely afternoon before we head into the park in jeeps for the chance to spot wild elephants, bison and deer.
We revisit the park early this morning before a 4 hour drive to Kannur. Here we stay in small houses near the beautiful, secluded beach. Tonight, enjoy the traditional Theyyam folk dance which is performed most nights of the year somewhere around Kannur.
A free day today to relax on the beach or perhaps visit the St Angelo Fort in Kannur town.
We have a 6 1/2 hour train journey today which gets us to Cochin in time for a late lunch. We spend the afternoon visiting Fort Cochin and soaking up the ambience in this wonderfully laid back town.
We visit Jew Town, Mattancherry palace and the quaint Jewish synagogue before taking a local ferry to Willingdon Island and Ernakulam—the bustling commercial capital of Kerala. Kerala is famous for Kathakali, an intricate and stylised form of dance. We have the opportunity to see a short performance as well as watch the intricate makeup application beforehand.
We drive this morning up into the hills of the Western Ghats to Munnar. Famous for its gloriously picturesque tea plantations, Munnar is a favourite holiday spot for locals. Weather permitting this afternoon we take a trip to Top Station, with great views over the western ghats (hills) to Tamil Nadu.
We have a full day walk today around the rolling verdant hills of manicured tea plantations and estates dotted amongst picturesque hamlets. A chance to enjoy the crisp fresh air and stunning scenery surrounding some the worlds largest and highest tea estates.
Enjoy a spectacular four hour drive today through the Cardamom hills - lined with tea, cocoa, tapioca, bamboo, coconut, banana and spice plantations. We take a boat ride this afternoon on the scenic Periyar Lake hoping to catch sight of some of the animals who call Periyar home.
Day 12 Periyar Tiger Reserve
We take an early morning guided walk through the jungle - the best way to experience the park and possibly see animals up close. We also visit a spice plantation today before a free afternoon to relax or shop or perhaps have an ayurvedic massage.
You will have the opportunity to visit the park again by boat or guided walk before a beautiful 4 hour drive today through rubber, tea, coffee and pineapple plantations take us to Alleppey where we board our traditional Kettuvallam (rice barge) Houseboat. We spend the next 24 hours slowly drifting past idyllic tropical rural scenes in the lush palm fringed backwaters, on the way visiting villages to see local industries such as coir-making, toddy-tapping and boat building.
Our houseboat drops us off today at our Keralan Family Homestay. Our welcoming hosts will show us around the village which is situated on an vehicle-free island within the backwaters. We have the opportunity to ride cycles to neighbouring villages, row canoes around the island or just chill in a hammock.
A free morning to wander the island, chill out in a hammock or take a canoe trip around the canals before we leave for our 3 hour drive back to Cochin, where we spend our final night enjoying the quaint township of Fort Cochin with its fascinating cultural mix, history and spice.
There are no organised activities today. You may leave at any time.
NOTE: If you need more information before booking use the "ask the guide" link
There are no questions about this tour
