Combining both modern and medieval India, this 2-week trip showcases our country’s rich cultural heritage and glorious past, its diverse natural wilderness surrounded by fertile countryside and stunning, uncrowded beaches. You will be awestruck by some magnificent temple and palace architecture, greatly influenced by the Indo-Gothic style.
Starting in cosmopolitan Bangalore, discover a fascinating cultural mix, where local traditions vie with fast-changing modernization. Next, visit Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, to see its palatial buildings rich in history and culture as well as many gorgeous temples. In Nagarhole National Park enjoy thrilling close encounters with wild animals including Asiatic Elephants, Tigers and with luck,the elusive Black Panther! Then spend time in the hills of Coorg and hear stories from the local Kodava people, renowned throughout India’s history as warriors as well as learn about coffee growing when visiting a plantation and enjoying a cup of the local brew. Before experiencing the trip’s grand finale in exhilarating Mumbai, spend few relaxing days on a beach in North Kerala’s Kasargod district.
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 LalBagh Gardens, Bull temple, Tipu Palace plus a drive passed the iconic VidhanSoudha, 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 ofbirds 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 RanganathaSwamy 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 KabiniRiver 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 – 3 nights
Days 5&6
Over the next two days, 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 7
Today, we head west to Medikeri, the coffee capital of India and en route visiting Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement in South India.
As we continue towards Coorg, we briefly stop at Dubare Elephant Camp, where wild elephants are trained by expert mahouts with the help of other domesticated elephants.
Upon arrival at Coorg, check into your hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Day 8
The day is at leisure with an optional guided tour of a nearby coffee plantationtolearn about different types of coffee plants and their processing. Spend time watching rice being sowed in paddy fields or visit nearby Abbey Waterfalls.
Day 9
Today, we drive up North to Kasargod, the northernmost district of Kerala, where on arrival, you 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 have 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 10&11
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 12
Driving this morning to Mangalore airport we take a flight to Mumbai. Lying on the west coast of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra State as well as being the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will be transferred to your hotel, where the balance of the days is at leisure.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Day 13
This morning we will take a ferryboat to visit the Elephanta Caves, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. These caves have exceptional examples of Hindu and Buddhist cut-stone sculptures.
This afternoon, our tour of Mumbai city includes visits to the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Dhobi Ghat (an open air “Laundromat”) and Crawford market.
Day 14
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.
