Best of South India & Neeleshwar

DURATION
15 days
FROM
£3225 pp
Your holiday is 100% tailored for you. Price is based on two persons travelling together. Price varies according to season, accommodation and activities.

Set off for a memorable exploration across the scenic states of Kerala and Karnataka in South India! Your adventure begins with a peaceful cruise along the calm backwaters of Kerala, where you get to witness the local life on the waterways under the setting golden sun. Then, you disembark to wander the historic city of Cochin. As you cycle through the city’s quaint streets and absorb the sights, you might even pick up traditional cooking techniques. From there, your journey leads you to Karnataka, starting with the UNESCO-heritage city of Mysore. Here, you uncover the magnificence of Mysore Palace and visit the holy grounds of Srirangapatna. Brace yourself for a thrilling wildlife encounter at the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, where you’ll embark on game drives to track majestic tigers and other wildlife. Your adventure doesn’t stop there, as you immerse yourself in the green coffee plantations of Coorg, hike through the dense landscape, interact with locals, and taste the local brew. Spend the final days of your holiday unwinding on the magnificent Keralan coastline in Neeleshwar, focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation before saying goodbye to this captivating land.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Fly to Cochin

Board your flight to Cochin. We will work out the most effective routing for you.

DAY 2: Arrive Cochin

On your arrival at Cochin airport, our authorised representative will assist you in transfer to your waterfront resort. After a long journey, the tranquil atmosphere of the lake is a delightful reprieve. Here, you can take it slow and enjoy much needed rest and renewal, or indulge in the exciting activities that the lake has to offer. Overnight stay at the resort. 

DAY 3: On board Houseboat

This morning a short drive to the local dock to board your private houseboat. A cruise on the backwaters is a magical experience with all your meals served onboard. As you make your way through the backwaters of Kerala, you will get a chance to witness the vibrant lifestyle along the banks of these water canals. Relax in the tranquil atmosphere as the sun sets, watching local life go by and setting the mood for a romantic evening ahead. The boat will anchor at a scenic spot overnight, allowing you to rest in comfort and privacy. 

 

DAY 4: To Cochin

This morning after breakfast onboard, you will disembark at the local dock from where you will be driven to your hotel in Cochin. You have the afternoon to explore Cochin at your leisure. 

DAY 5: Explore Cochin

Spend the day exploring Cochin, one of the oldest cities in India. Opt for a bike tour of the city or choose to go on a guided walking tour with your private guide. Visit the famous Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch palace, the Jewish syangogue and  and take a stroll through the vibrant Spice Market. This is all bound to work up an appetite for lunch and we can recommend best places for a delicious meal. Rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure either to take up optional activities or to simply pamper yourself at your hotel with ayurvedic massages. 

DAY 6: To Karnataka

An early start today to take a short flight to Bangalore and then drive to Mysore. The drive from Bangalore to Mysore is around three and a half hours. Once you at your hotel in Mysore, you have the rest of the day to relax and unwind.

DAY 7: Explore Mysore

Today take a private guided day trip around Mysore and nearby Srirangapatna. Visit the beautiful city of Mysore and explore its regal heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage palace. Discover the city’s bazaars and spice traders’ stalls. Head to Srirangapatna, the riverine island town with its famous temple, a pilgrimage site for centuries, and the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the British colonial era. Return to your hotel in time for a leisurely evening.

DAY 8: To Nagarhole National Park

Leave the city today and head to rural landscapes surrounding Nagarhole national park, Karnataka’s best wildlife getaways. A two hour drive takes you to your resort just in time for lunch. After lunch, go on a jeep safari through the the jungles and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. You are bound to see see elephants, wildboar and deer and ‘may the force be with you’; you will see tigers and leopards too.

DAY 9: Safaris in the park

Early morning safari in the park to spot more wildlife. Return to the camp for late breakfast and time free till lunch. Your second safari will be post lunch will be a boat safari along the Kabini river. This gives you a chance to see the animals as they come to drink during the afternoon heat.

DAY 10: To Coorg

Another morning safari in the park for your last chance to get the sightings to you have missed so far. After breakfast, you drive to Coorg, home to lush green hills covered with spice and coffee plantations. A three hour drive will take you to your hotel just in time for lunch. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the hotel grounds and local area. First of two nights here.

DAY 11: Explore Coorg

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a half day walking trip through the local coffee and spice plantations where you will learn about what’s growing where and the efforts of the local communities that rely on such plantations for their livelihood. Take a guided trek through the Mandalpatti hills and have a picnic lunch in the wilderness. In the evening, visit a local village and experience their traditional culture, cuisine and hospitality

DAY 12: To Neeleshwar

Leave behind the tranquility of the rolling plantations for few restful days aloneg the North Keralan coast. Once you arrive Neeleshwar, days are all about yoga, ayurveda and meditation. And there is plenty of other activities to do in the area. First of three nights here.

Stay: Neeleshwar Hermitage

DAY 13: At Neeleshwar

Day at leisure or take up local activities. 

DAY 14: At Neeleshwar

Day at leisure or take up local activities.

DAY 15: Fly back home

Your private car and driver will transfer you to Mangalore airport for your flight to Mumbai. In Mumbai. transfer to a  nearby hotel for easy transfer back to the airport in time for your international flight.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

What's included

  • Accomodation in double room
  • Daily breakfast at all hotels
  • All intercity transfer in private chauffeur driven car
  • Sightseeing with experienced English speaking private guides
  • Entrances to places of visit
  • Safaris in the park
  • Internal economy flights as per itinerary
  • 24hrx7 destination support

What's excluded

  • International flights as these are quoted separately
  • Expenses of personal nature, visa, travel & medical insurance, gratuities and tips, single room supplement

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