South India is full of history, rich cultural experiences and exotic wildlife, all set in areas of scenic natural beauty; from the lush Western Ghats Mountains to idyllic beaches, and this 2-week adventure will give you a wonderful opportunity to experience some of its highlights. After visiting two of the region’s iconic cities, Bangalore and Mysore which will give you a taste of both India’s modern and historic landmarks, the focus of the journey centres on the wonders of its wildlife reserves that Asian Elephants, Tigers, Leopards and the rare Black Panther call home. Each of the 4 reserves you will spend time in offer a wide array of wildlife as well as stunning bird life and diverse settings. Plus, while in the area you’ll also have the opportunity to choose several optional excursions such as visiting a coffee plantation.
Then it is off for some well-earned relaxation at a choice of some of the Arabian Sea’s beautiful beaches and on the way, spend the night in Kozhikode where Vasco da Gama established one of his seaports centuries ago. After enjoying a few days of sand and surf, fly on to Mumbai for the end of this exciting adventure.
Day 1
Arriving at Bangalore’s International Airport you are greeted by our staff who will transfer you to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax.
Overnight at your selected hotel
Day 2
Following breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Bangalore City, the IT hub of India visiting Lal Bagh Gardens, Bull temple, Tipu Palace plus a drive passed the iconic Vidhan Soudha, the state’s legislative assembly building.
We then head for Mysore, better known as the cultural capital of Karnataka and once a princely state ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty. On arrival, check in to the hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Day 3
Our day starts with a visit to Rangnathittoo Bird Sanctuary where you will take a boat ride, getting close enough to see the over 150 species of birds perched on the trees that grow along the Cauvery River. Besides its local and migratory waterfowl, the sanctuary is home to Mongoose and Macaque monkeys as well as large numbers of crocodiles. Following our boat trip, we then visit Sri Rangapatnam, the summer capital of Tipu Sultan and the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple.
In the afternoon we visit Mysore Palace, Nandi Hills and the Chamundeshwari temple.
Day 4
This morning, it is off to Nagarhole National Park, part of the greater Nilgiri biosphere consisting of 4 separate parks. The local climate supports a varied range of wildlife, especially the Asiatic Elephant as well as a healthy population of Tigers, Leopards, Sloth bear, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Indian Bison, Wild Dogs (Dhole), Wild Boar and the rare Black Panther!.
After checking in, enjoy an afternoon boat safari on the Kabini River which runs through this park, and where there will be opportunity to see herds of elephant, deer and other species of mammals and birds.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Day 5
Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris in the Park either by 4×4 jeep or by Canter (an open bus that seats up to 20 passengers) or you could enjoy another boat safari on Kabini River.
Day 6
Today we leave for Bandipur National Park, one of India’s first Tiger reserves. On arrival and after checking in, enjoy an afternoon jeep safari exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the Park which will inspire you with its awesome beauty.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Day 7
Enjoy early morning and afternoon safaris in the Park either by 4×4 jeep or by Canter.
Day 8
Following breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Wayanad. Situated in the southern part of Deccan plateau. Arguably the greenest part Kerala, the region is known for growing coffee, vanilla, pepper, cardamom, and other spices.
On arrival, check into a beautiful tree house or a resort in Wayanad’s Sultan Bathery, Vythiri or Kalpetta, where the balance of the day is free to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the resort.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Day 9
Wayanad is home to two major wildlife reserves: Muthanga and Tholpetty. Together, these two sanctuaries are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. As part of the Western Ghats, they constitute an important swathe of the last surviving tracts of a unique ecosystem.
The day is at leisure with an optional guided tour to a nearby coffee plantation where you can learn about different types of coffee plants, processing etc. Other options include hiking on the nearby hills, visiting the Edakkal caves or going bird watching.
Day 10
Today, we set off to Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut and serves as one of the most important sea ports of the region where Vasco da Gama had first landed in 1498.
On arrival, check in to the hotel.
This afternoon, enjoy a short tour of the city visiting some Portuguese Churches, temples, Kappad Beach and the market to get a sense of the local culture. Alternatively you could spend time exploring the boat building yard at Beypore.
Overnight at your selected hotel
Day 11
We drive today to Kasargod, the northernmost district of Kerala, where on arrival, you will check in to your selected resort at one of the several beaches stretched along the Arabian Sea.
The famous dance form Theyyam is said to be originated from the region and is still performed in many temples of the area.
The balance of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 3 nights
Days 12&13
Two full days are at leisure on your own to unwind and enjoy the delicious seafood of the region. You can have optional Aruvedic therapy offered by the resort, participate in Yoga sessions, take culinary classes learning about Kerala cuisine or have a trip to some of the temples or the nearby impressive Bekal Fort.
Day 14
Today we leave for Mangalore airport for a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will be taken to your hotel for a final night’s stay.
Overnight at your selected hotel
Day 15
Today we will transfer you to the airport for a flight home or, you may extend your stay, visiting more of India.
Explore your TRAVEL DESTINATION like never before.
