Itinerary

Day 1

Bangalore - MysoreThis module begins in Bangalore. Hopefully, you've already explored Bangalore, as today you'll set off for Mysore. The trip will take about 3½ hours and along the way you'll enjoy beautiful views of the tropical landscape and the typical Indian hustle and bustle.Mysore is renowned for its high-quality silk, but incense and sandalwood are also made here, and the air will be thick with exotic, musky scents. The rich Maharajas invested heavily in Mysore, commissioning brilliantly ornate palaces and temples. In the evening, you'll visit the palaces and the Chamumdi Hill Temple, which stands at a staggering height of 1062metres and provides sweeping views over the city. You'll stay in an elegant little palace (authentic accommodation) with impressive gardens, built for the princes of Mysore.

Day 2

Mysore - Mudumalai National ParkAfter breakfast, you'll head for Mudumalai National Park, a 3-hour drive from Mysore. The park is home to the largest population of elephants in India and you might also come across deer, monkeys, honey bears, giant squirrels and even tigers. Otters and crocodiles inhabit the Moyar River that runs through the park. Mudumalai Park lies at the foot of the Nilgiris mountain range and borders the Bandipur, Nagarahole and Wayanad reserves. These National Parks lie across three states - Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala - and together they form a 'Biosphere Reserve'. The super- reserve covers a staggering surface area of almost 3000km², so there is plenty to explore.When you arrive in Mudumalai, you'll be taken directly to your hotel for some rest and relaxation. You'll stay in comfortable huts (authentic accommodation) nestling in lush green surroundings. Almost every hut has a view of the massive Nilgiri mountain range. The owner used to work on coffee and tea plantations and will be more than happy to fill you in on some local knowledge.At the end of the afternoon, a jeep will arrive to take you on an evening safari. This will give you a chance to come eye-to-eye with an elephant in the wild. With a bit of luck you might even see a tiger, but don't get your hopes up too much – sightings are few and far between. You'll set out on the game drive in an open top jeep to spot as many animals as possible while the sun goes down. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and your camera, and keep those eyes peeled. After the safari, you'll be taken back to the hotel with animal magic fresh in your mind and on your memory card.

Day 3

Mudumalai National Park - CalicutThis morning, you can gather your thoughts during a peaceful breakfast amidst tropical greenery and prepare for the day ahead. You'll be taken by chauffeur-driven car to the coastal city of Calicut, which will take about 4 hours.Set in the extensions of the backwaters, in a network of small rivers and lagoons, Calicut has a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Due to the long distances covered in this module, you'll have some well-deserved time to relax when you first arrive. Why not treat yourself to a typical Indian Ayurvedic massage to loosen up any muscles stiff from the car journey. Your fantastic resort (authentic accommodation) is hidden amongst lush vegetation on the bank of a small river. From the restaurant, you can look down over the water and watch the local boats pass by while you eat delicious Keralan specialities. You can relax completely with a book by the swimming pool or, if you do want to explore the area, you can visit the old trading town with its historic temples and mosques.

Day 4

Calicut - Cochin (KochiToday, you'll drive south along the coast to Cochin. Cochin (the new name is Kochi), is a quaint seaside city with heavy Portuguese and Dutch influences. From 1503 until 1663, Cochin was ruled by the Portuguese, when it was subsequently colonized by the Dutch. Then, in 1814, it swapped into British hands. Everywhere you look there is something to remind you of the fascinating and chequered history of the town. Cochin is the largest city in Kerala and an important seaport for trade in gold, textiles and fish. Down by the water, you can see the legendary Chinese fishing nets in action – incredible wooden structures that are used to catch fish even to this day. Cochin also used to have a lively trade in spices, and the spice market here is still one of the best in Kerala.You'll stay in a charming colonial hotel in the picturesque Fort Cochin district. The rooms are decorated in Portuguese colonial style and overlook a courtyard that houses the excellent restaurant.In the evening, you can visit a traditional Keralan Kathakali dance show. Kathakali literally means ‘played story' and is characterised by exaggerated make-up, clothing and music. It is non-verbal, so dance and facial expressions (the eye movements are especially vivid) are used to tell the story.

Day 5

Cochin tourAfter breakfast, your personal driver will be ready to show you Cochin. You'll visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of the Jewish district, and the Saint Francis Church (the oldest European church in India). You'll also take a look at the Chinese fishing nets that arrived in Cochin with the Chinese traders many centuries ago.In the afternoon, you'll leave the hotel (probably with a suitcase full of silk) to travel on to your next destination. You can explore more of Kerala with the Backwaters and Sandy Beaches module or perhaps take a flight to Chennai for the Living Temples of the South module.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Accommodation, breakfast,transport & excursions.

Exclusions -

Entry fees, meals other than breakfast, tips, camera fees, flights.

Extras -

A private tour based on 2 sharing (No groups)Authentic accommodation with local style and personality is provided.We can also look at upgrading to heritage style accommodation for those looking for something special.