Make your way to Heathrow on time for you flight to Bangalore Via Doha
Bangalore - Mysore (150 kms / 4 hours)
On arrival in Bangalore you will be met to start your road journey through Karnataka and Kerala.
Drive to Mysore enroute visit Srirangapatnam
Srirangapatnam is an island between two branches of the Cauvery River and was the capital of the Mysore Rajas from 1610 to 1799. Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were its most famous denizens. Visit the ruins of Tipu’s fort, the summer pleasure palace and the Gumbaz, his mausoleum. The inside of the Palace is handsomely carved with ornate arches and ceilings, liberally gilded wall panels and charming frescoes. The cream-colored Gumbaz standing on its black marble pillars in the centre of a garden is an unforgettable sight. The interior is lacquered with Tipu’s tiger stripe emblem and the doors are of ebony inlaid with ivory.
On arrival in Mysore check-in at the Hotel for 1 night.
Srirangapatnam
Private Driver
DRIVE FROM MYSORE TO KABINI (60 KMS/ 01 ½ HOURS DRIVE)
Today sightseeing of Mysore – Devraja is a riotous, old enclosed fruit, vegetable, and flower market where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and smells of Karnataka's bounteous produce. Piles of fresh flowers – Jasmine, Marigold, Rose petals; local vegetables, fruits, and stacks of glittering glass bangles and mounds of brightly colored powders used for Hindu worship make this a must-see in Mysore city. This is a unique & fascinating photo-opportunity to see the vibrant life of local people going about their daily purchases of flowers and powders for decoration and worship, fruits and vegetables for their homes or for other local markets.
Later proceed up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and have a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces form the top of the hill. On the way down see the Nandi Bull, one of the largest in India. After temple visit, proceed for Mysore Palace. The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars.
Afterwards proceed to Kabini for 2 nights
Private tour with guide
Morning shared safari within Nagarhole National Park - By shared boat
Afternoon shared safari within Nagarhole National Park - By canter
Nagarhole National Park derived its name from two Kannada words--'Nagar,' which stands for snake, and 'Hole,' which means streams. It was once the hunting ground for the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore. The National Park is today home to variety of animal species along with approximately 250 species of birds. On its northern confines is the Kabini River and on its southern periphery is the Bandipur National Park. A dam on the Kabini River and its pictorial reservoir demarcates the two national parks. The animals which can be seen in Nagarhole National Park are four-horned antelope, sloth bear, and jungle cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox, tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), Sāmbhar, wild boar, black-napped hare, bonnet macaque, and pangolin. Cobras, crocodiles, kraits, pythons, vipers, and several species of lizards are also found here. Among the 250-bird species found in this jungle, the prominent ones are the common babbler, bee-eater, bulbul, dove, crested serpent, hornbill, Malabar pied, alexandrine, peacock, woodpecker, warbler, great Indian reed, eagle, crested hawk, golden-back parakeet, and the southern tree pie. The Park however is most famous for herd of Wild Elephants, which can be seen here in good number.
Shared Safari
Kabini - Coorg - (150 kms - 3 hours)
After breakfast drive to Coorg.
Upon arrival check-in at the hotel for 3 nights on Full Board Basis.
A trip to Coorg (Kodagu) and it’ll haunt you for the rest of your life. You might leave Coorg, but Coorg will never leave you. That’s Coorg for you- incomparable scenic beauty, lush green valleys, coffee plantations, teak wood forests & majestic mountain ranges. Add to that a strong, brave martial race of Coorgs (Kodavas) that reveres tradition, has a distinct culture and lives life to its fullest. Coorg is situated on the Western Ghats of Karnataka in South India. For the adventurous at heart, it is an absolute treat. There are trekking, golfing and angling (Mahaseer too!) there are many activites
Coracles are local fishing crafts that are circular and ideal for navigating these waters. The coracle ride on the river not only helps you to gauge the myriad moods of the river, but also gives you a fish-eye view of the surrounding forest and the habitation, and allows you to be a small part of the ebb and flow of riverine life
shared activities at the Lodge
Today after breakfast sightseeing Plantation & Spice Tour: Take a guided tour of the 300 – Acre working coffee and spice plantation. Learn how coffee and spices are cultivated it can be a rewarding experience. The refreshing aroma of spices and fresh coffee fills Coorg.
Trekking: Coorg presents the perfect weather and opportunity to discover the naturalist in you. Go trekking in the adjoining Dubare reserve forest with a guide. Enrich yourself with information on the flora and fauna of this region
The environs surrounding the resort in Coorg hold some hidden natural delights and social experiences waiting to be uncovered. Join Ganesh or Murthy, either of the Pradeeps, Gopal, Mahesh or Naveen early any morning on a cycle trail or for a walk to discover these salient spots that lie just outside the resort. You can take this local tour on a bicycle from the resort if you are so inclined, which will take you on a slightly longer trip. Or you can choose a leisurely stroll along a shorter path through coffee and rubber gardens to the heart of the Karadigodu village. The eventual destination in both cases is the quaint riverside tea shop where you can catch your breath and observe the rhythms of local life as you sit on the bank of the Cauvery sipping Muhammad Ali’s special teas. If you take a cycle ride, your path will lead out of the resort’s main entrance past the staff quarters and shops at its perimeter. It will continue up the small gradient, winding its way through coffee gardens on either side leading up to the Karadigodu school. At this time of the year (early April) the coffee plants are in full bloom, smothering you with their freshness and rich fragrance. If it’s not a holiday (and not too early in the day) you will see local children trooping into the school. This government school has been adopted by the resort, which provides its students with books, play materials, uniforms, food supplements, computers and part-time teachers. These efforts are meant to help the flowering of young minds and reduce the dropout rates, which are rather high in this region of mostly migrant workers. Turn right from here and head off on your cycle towards Karadigodu village less than a kilometre away. You will pass the houses of locals, most of whom are engaged in agriculture or related activities. Their homes reveal a mingling of architectural influences (from Kerala and coastal Karnataka) that betray a cultural diversity that is unique to this region. You will soon arrive at a sharp turning in the road to the right. It leads down a tree-lined avenue of a long row of simple dwellings running parallel to the Cauvery flowing sluggishly just behind them. These are the simple homes of plantation workers and others engaged in small trades and businesses locally. Many of these are the homes of people working at the resort – taking care of its gardens and premises - or in adjoining plantations. A few of these households have members who have been associated with the company’s founding family for almost half a century. The houses, as we pass them, exude a sense of domestic felicity with an appealing cacophony of TV news, radio songs, babies crying, children giggling and tens of mobile phones going off in between all this. The street itself is alive with morning sounds and activities in preparation for another day.
Rest of the day enjoy the in house activities in resort
DRIVE FROM COORG TO WAYANAD (135 KMS/ 03 ½ HOURS DRIVE)
Today morning after breakfast drive to Wayanad and check in at resort
Wayanad is a rural district in Kerala state, southwest India. In the east, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush, forested region with areas of high altitude, home to animals including Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards and egrets. In the Ambukuthi Hills to the south, Edakkal Caves contain ancient petroglyphs, some dating back to the Neolithic age.
Activities provided by CGH in a resort (few of them are chargeable and few are complimentary)
Explore The Wild
Take a guided tour of our property with our naturalist to learn about local flora and fauna. Or be adventurous and trek out in the wilderness to experience the wild first hand. Do some bird-watching at the canopy or meander along with the streams. If you are a photography enthusiast, remember there’s a treasure trove of natural beauty here waiting to be captured.
Zip on down and walk back up
For the adrenaline driven we recommend a rapid transit via zip-line through a tea plantation. You can wander back up leisurely from the landing point, walking slowly through tea bushes.
Forest treks and Bamboo rafting
For those who still remain hungry for more activities, forest treks and a glide through the crystal clear waters of Anoothupuzha on a bamboo raft await.
Biking in the hills
The beckoning green slopes of the Wayanad hills offer beautiful opportunities for cycling enthusiasts. Be energised by the fresh mountain air and captivating vistas as you cycle around verdant hill slopes and lush tea plantations.
DRIVE FROM WAYANAD TO CALICUT AND TRAIN TO COCHIN (90 KMS/ 02 ½ HOURS DRIVE)
Today morning after breakfast drive to Calicut to board train to Cochin
Calicut/ Cochin 12075 Jan Shtabdi 1345/1720 hours AC Chair Car
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hotel on Fort Kochi for 2 nights.
This morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Kochi, visit the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), the Jewish Synagogue - (which remains closed on Fridays & Saturdays) St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica, While driving along the coastline, at the Harbour's mouth, one can also view the unique and still-in-use "Chinese Fishing Nets" which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved.
Evening enjoy sunset cruise (45 minutes) organized by the hotel for all in-house guest. Come 6.30 (or thereabouts, depending on the season), the Brunton Boatyard's trusty craft departs from our private jetty, for a fascinating cruise around Cochin Harbour. Spectacular sunsets, glorious sea air and probably a dolphin or two!
DRIVE FROM COCHIN TO ALLEPPEY (55 KMS/ 01 ½ HOURS DRIVE)
Today morning after breakfast drive to Alleppey to board overnight houseboat
The houseboat cruise takes you through the intricate maze of backwaters, mesmerizing and surprising you at every turn with its serene beauty & simple charm. Enjoy the countryside of Kerala at its best. Soak your eyes & soul with array of coconut trees & endless paddy fields. You will also get chance to take a small stroll through the villages & interact with the locals.
Private Houseboat
DRIVE FROM ALLEPPEY TO KUMARAKOM (35 KMS/ 01 HOURS DRIVE)
Today morning disembark houseboat and drive to Kumarakom
take a boat to enter Coconut Lagoon where you will stay for 2 nights.
Rest of the day on leisure, enjoy own activities
Kumarakom is a small village 14 km. west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad, which is a ' wonder land ', lying below sea level, comprising of a number of islands, in the backwaters. Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, this small water world has plenty of traditional country boats, crafts and canoes, which will take you in to the heart of scenic Kerala.
AYURVEDA MASSAGE (direct payment)
When was the last time you took the time off to pamper yourself? Don’t remember? Well, blame the hectic lives we live. But if you are in Kerala and want to unwind yourself, one of the best ways to do so would be by treating yourself to an aromatic and rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage. Ayurveda is an ancient science that has been preserved and practiced in Kerala for well over the centuries. And Ayurvedic massages that form an integral part of this science, is a sublime art that combines the magic of herbal oils, music and skillful bodywork techniques to give you a holistic healing experience of the mind, body and soul. As the saying goes, a sound body houses a sound mind. Indulging in a 60-90 minutes Ayurvedic massage means experiencing the deeper realms of relaxation while your body is nourished with a combination of herb-infused oils that suit your needs. And if your expert physician recommends you the Shirodhara therapy, you are in for a liberating experience. This technique involves gentle pouring of essential liquids on the forehead, which helps cure a variety of conditions. A special bath is also arranged for you at the end of the session, which will leave you with a renewed positivity. So let yourself loose, hand yourself over to your massage therapist and let them work the wonder of India’s best-kept secret on you.
BIRD WATCHING (Free of cost)
The Vembanad lake area abounds in many species of birds, quite a few of which are seen at our property over various seasons. Of these the Darter is the most visible as conservation efforts are slowly increasing their numbers.
(Free of cost)
CANOE RIDE (GBP 35 per person)
Cruise along the multiple canals of Kumarakom to experience the life on the backwaters. Go beyond the backwaters & houseboats right in the heart of village to experience the life of locals. See their modest homes, plantations & fish farms. You can see coir making units or broom making or karimeen (pearl spot) processing, toddy shops & toddy tapping
Butterfly Garden
The butterfly garden is an experiment we tried many years ago. We found a space with natural moisture, sunlight and a profusion of wild flowers. Butterflies seemed to love the space, and we noticed varieties migrating in from miles away. All that remained was to add some flowing water, a few well-chosen plants and within weeks we had a garden alive with flashing wings. Coconut Lagoon also has some 54 species of dragonflies and damselflies, all evidence of a thriving ecosystem.
Floating Tea Shop
The life around backwaters is so dependant on being able to float from one place to the other. Our floating tea shop represents one of the aspects of this way of living. This also is a chance to meet our own Tea Lady from the village near the resort.
Sunset Cruise
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is to take our sunset cruise, an hour-long idyll with flute accompaniment. Water lovers might also enjoy taking an oar or punt-boat out on to the lake with one of the local fishermen, both for company and a steadying hand on the tiller. Within minutes, you're in a watery universe, so quiet, you can hear your own blood pumping around your head.
Ottanthullal
Coconut Lagoon plays host to some of the finest dancers, musicians and performers of traditional Keralan art forms. OttanThullal is a poetic performance art form from Kerala since 18th century.
DRIVE FROM KUMARAKOM TO MARARIKULAM (28 KMS/ 40 MINUTES DRIVE)
Today morning after breakfast drive to Mararikulam and check in at resort
Rest of the day on leisure (no transport envisaged)
Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf. It is an authentic experience of the world of Kerala's traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar Coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea. Marari Beach Resort is a celebration of Kerala's coastal fishing villages. The resort sprawls across 55 acres of lawns, far-flung lotus ponds and whispering coconut groves, all threaded through with stone- flagged pathways. A windbreak of palms runs the length of the property, a protective cover that reduces even the gustiest sea winds to mere caresses. And beyond is a milk-and-azure ocean, fringed by a beach more ochre than yellow, a sand-meets-sea combination you're not likely to find anywhere else.
Days at leisure
Today enjoy the various activities provided by Marari Beach Resort
Ayurveda
The Ayurvedic centre has qualified doctors you can consult, and they'll be happy to introduce you to this ancient form of no-side-effects medicine. What's more, therer's a full range of treatments and traditional Kerala massages on offer. A great way to start your Marari day (or for that matter, finish it).
Organic farm Kitchen
The Marari Beach resort has an organic garden spread over four acres where a variety of vegetables and fruits are grown. Here guests can enjoy the experience of plucking the vegetables from the garden and cooking the same with the help of the in house chef.
Naturalist led walks
Marari is a nature lover's paradise and a morning stroll with one of our naturalists in tow is a fine way to introduce yourself to the Malabar coasts unique ecosystem and explore its myriad charms. Just to give you a taste, you can expect to find 97 species of butterflies, more than 350 species of endemic plants, 3 varieties of turtles, and even 10 kinds of frogs. As for the birds, there are too many to even name.
Days at leisure
Day at leisure
Transfer to Cochin for your last night in the airport hotel
Transfer to the airport for your morning flight back to London via Doha
