Best Of South India!
So far I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the
most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked – Mark Twain, from following the Equator
Best Of South India!!
So far I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked – Mark Twain, from following the Equator
Day 01: Arrival / Cochin
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
Late night arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car. Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
(Though the check in time is 2 pm every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges – subject to availability)
Overnight at Brunton Bortyard, Cochin (Deluxe Sea Facing Suite) (B)
Day 02: Cochin / Kumarakom (43 Kms) (01 ½ Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Kumarakom Lake Resort.
(Though the check in time is 2 pm every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges – subject to availability)
Kumarakom which has rightly carved its place among the top heritage resorts of the world. This wonderful backwater resort is hailed as a “Living” Kerala village re-created with real old Keralan homes, some dating back to 200 years. Rest of the day is at leisure. You can also enjoy the optional Ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the surrounding tribal villages, visit the nearby water bird sanctuary or ride through the narrow backwater channels through back of beyond Kerala.
Overnight at Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom (Presidential Suite) (B)
Day 02: Cochin / Kumarakom (43 Kms) (01 ½ Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Kumarakom Lake Resort. (Though the check in time is 2 pm every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges – subject to availability) Kumarakom which has rightly carved its place among the top heritage resorts of the world. This wonderful backwater resort is hailed as a “Living” Kerala village re-created with real old Keralan homes, some dating back to 200 years. Rest of the day is at leisure. You can also enjoy the optional Ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the surrounding tribal villages, visit the nearby water bird sanctuary or ride through the narrow backwater channels through back of beyond Kerala.
Overnight at Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom (Presidential Suite) (B)
Day 03: Kumarakom / Philip Kutty / Kumarakom
Following breakfast, we will drive to Philip Kutty where we will visit the farm as well as have a cooking demonestration with the locals, and have a delicious South Indian lunch. A short boat cruise brings us to Philip Kutty’s Farm to see an extraordinary way of life, farming and fishing. Here, we learn the intricacies of Keralan food preparations. The type of cooking you will be exposed to, is predominantly with a Christian and backwater influence, ie, plenty of meat and fish preparations as well as other vegetarian dishes and also the little family touches passed down over the generations
Overnight at Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom (Presidential Suite) (B & D)
Day 04: Kumarakom / Arattupuzha (116 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Arattupuzha.
Upon arrival we will make our way to Neelambari, a luxurious resort on the banks of Karuvannur puzha (river). It is constructed in authentic Kerala style and evokes grandeur and tradition. Neelambari is situated in a very serene atmosphere right on the bank of a river, in a quiet, verdant village in central Kerala. There are several natural and historical attractions in the vicinity. The facility offers authentic Ayurveda treatment, Yoga lessons, nature and village tourism, kayak and traditional boat trips in the river as well as traditional cultural performances in its Koothambalam.
In the evening (at leisure) you may choose to book yourself into regular Ayurvedic massages and treatments. The resort has well-appointed Ayurveda center.
Overnight at Neelambari (Pemium Room) (B)
Other species found here in varying abundance include; Chinkara, Chousingha, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac
and Nilgai. Herds of the Asian Bison, or Gaur, formerly Inhabited the Reserve but impressive beast has not
been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998 although a closely monitored programmed for the reintroduction of the
Gaur is planned within couple of years. A hunting pack of wild dogs may also be seen on occasions.
Mammal sightings always require a degree of luck, particularly when the species is essentially nocturnal or
reclusive but each outing in the reserve will at least provide a chance to meet one of the rarer inhabitants
such as Sloth Bear, Indian fox, Jackal, Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin. More
predictable are the sounders of Wild Boar rooting among the vegetation, Indian Hares, the lively little Palm
Squirrels that seem to be constantly in a state of agitation, and several members of the mongoose tribe.
Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques are also plentiful, the former enjoying an elevated view of the
forest as they devour their favorite leaves and often the first creature to bark out a warning at the appearance
of a Tiger below.
We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a reserve.
Overnight at Bandhav Vilas, Bandhavgarh (Cottage) (B, L & D)
Day 05: Arattupuzha
Following breakfast ride out for a tour of Thrissur. There are many travel attractions in Thrissur. It is one of the major cultural centers of Southern India, and is often referred to as the cultural capital of Kerala. The city is adorned with many temples, churches and architectural wonders. Art and culture is woven in the fabric of the society. The three premier institutes like Kerala Sahitya Academy, Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy is engaged in the development of various forms of art like literature, drama, theater, painting, sculpture etc. The rich cultural heritage of the city is reflected through the ancient monuments, art, literature, music of the region. Tourists come here to soak themselves in the culture of the city. The city of Thrissur is also very religious and has several temples and churches. Some of the magnificent temples located in the city are Thiruvambady temple, Vadakkumnatha temple and Paramekkavu temple. The two notable churches of the city are the Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral and the Our Lady of Dolour New Church Basilica, which is the biggest in South Asia. Evening, we will enjoy a Canoe trip to the mangroves. We will go in a traditional pole driven canoe. We will do this around sunset time so that we can see hundreds of birds flocking to the mangroves in the evening.
Overnight at Neelambari (Pemium Room) (B)
Day 06: Arattupuzha / Kozhikode (120 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
Morning, we will drive to Kadavu. Upon arrival check into Raviz Kadavu that celebrates the art and ethnicity of Kerala in its truest and brightest form. This beautiful resort is nestled on the banks of the legendary Chaliyar River, and inspired by the Nallukettu style of architecture. Indeed, the Kadavu resort is ideal for leisure travellers wanting to spend some wonderful time in God’s own country. Also, one can indulge in variety of activities whilst your stay at Kadavu including kayaking and canoeing on the river, nature walks, as well as Ayurveda & Spa sessions. Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities
Overnight at Raviz Kadavu Resort, Kozhikode (Luxury Suite) (B)
Day 07: Kozhikode / Wayanad (100 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Wayanad.
Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Located at a distance of 76 km. from the sea shores of Kozhikode, this verdant hill station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife. Wayanad hills are contiguous to Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandhipur in Karnataka, thus forming a vast land mass for the wild life to move about in their most natural abode. On arrival, check in to hotel Wayanad Wild Rest of the day at leisure for your independent activities
Overnight at Wayanad Wild (Deluxe Room with Jaccuzi) (B & D)
Day 08: Wayanad
After breakfast morning jeep safari to Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary, later visit Edakkal caves, Soochippara waterfall and Banasura Dam.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad, The second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, Muthangaconsists of tropical moist dry deciduous, evergreen forests, bamboo thickets and plantations, and is home to many varieties of birds and animals. The Sanctuary has a large population of pachyderms and has been declared a Project Elephant site.Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted occasionally as well. Various species of deer, monkeys and birds also live here. A drive along the road to Muthanga and further offers chances to watch these roaming animals.
Jeep Safari: The highlighted ecotourism programmer of Wayanad is the two-hour jeep safari conducted by the forest department in the tourist zone of the jungle. With the help of an expert guide and a driver, you can take on the wild. You would not know how time flies as the jeep bumps along the forest trail, revealing stunning spectacles every now and then. Herds of elephants and gaurs are a usual sight in the trail, while the sight of big cats comes as a bonanza. Jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when animal activity in the tourism zone is relatively high. You need to hire jeeps from the entrance for the safari
Timing: 07.00 AM to 10.00 Am (40 Jeeps are allowed) | 03.00 PM to 05.00 PM
Edakkal caves
Edakkal cave is a crevice for about 96 ft in length and 22 ft width. A fissure was created due to a rock splitting due to natural weathering. The depth of the crevice and the fissure is nearly 30 ft which gives an appearance of a cave to any observer. There are human and animal figures carvings on the rock walls depicting pre-historic period and civilized people. The caves can be approached by 1km trekking trail starting from Edakkal.
Soochippara waterfall
Soochippara waterfall is a spectacular waterfall where the water cascades down in three steps from a height of about 200 m in Vellarimala, Wayanad, surrounded by deciduous, wet evergreen and tropical Shola forests. Locally referred to as Soochipara “Sooch” meaning “Needle” and “Para” meaning “Rock” , The 15-20 minute drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls offers scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad.
Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Dam is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The damextends to a wide area with crystal clear waters. Undisturbed and engulfed amidst the hills, Bansura SagarDam is an absolute beauty. It is an ideal place for picnic as it is surrounded by the bounty of nature and the low sound of the clear water gives a feeling of freshness. In fact, when the dam is full, the landscape portrays a picture of upstream formation of the dam and is a mesmerizing sight to visitors. Boating and other water recreational activities are available at the dam.
Overnight at Wayanad Wild (Deluxe Room with Jaccuzi) (B, L & D)
Day 09: Wayanad
After breakfast visit Kuruvadweep and Meenmutty Falls.
Kuruva Dweep
Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river Kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island.
Meenmutty Falls
The most impressive water fall that can be found in the Wayanad district is Meenmutty Falls. Gurgling down from a height of 300 meters, it falls in 3 separate tiers. Reaching the falls involves a 2 km trek, but the view of the falls, makes it worth the effort. During the monsoons, this waterfall can be enjoyed only from a distance, due to the voluminous level of water.
Overnight at Wayanad Wild (Deluxe Room with Jaccuzi) (B, L & D)
Day 10: Wayanad / Nagarhole (99 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast we will drive to Nagarhole Arrive at Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge (Kabini), where you are drawn into the vibrant social tapestry of the local KaduKuruba tribe. While you discover a vernacular dimension to luxury that’s truly liberating, the resort gives you a wildlife experience like no other. Inspired in design by the Hadisor tribal villages, this picturesque resort of sweeping panoramic vistas, is bordered on two sides by the Kabini River.
Late afternoon, jungle excursion in jeep. The park derives its name from the combination of two Kannada words— Nagar, meaning snake, and hole, meaning streams. True to its name, quite a few serpentine streams fork through the rich tropical forests of the park. The original forest was once an exclusive hunting ground for the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore. Nagarhole Park is counted among India’s best wildlife parks. It has a large elephant and bison population besides other game and birds. The topography is undulating with several permanent and seasonal streams and tanks. The forest cover generally consists of a moist deciduous thick jungle with a thirty-meter high top. The rich tropical forests, flourishing green swamps and numerous water resources make Nagarhole National Park an ideal habitat for wildlife. The forest is home to animals like the four-horned antelope, sloth bear, jungle cat, civet, spotted deer, elephant, wild dog, flying fox, tiger, panther, gaur (Indian bison), sambhar, wild boar, black-naped 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 here, 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. Nagarhole is worth visiting at the height of the dry season, when wild animals can be spotted in large numbers near sources of water.
Evening, we have option (not included) of exploring a night trail organize by the resort. r naturalists will skillfully escort you around the areas just outside the resort and by the Kabini’s waterline that harbor a small universe of creatures that do most of their living at night. Recommended for all nature lovers but particularly for the adventurous and the curious. Every alternate evening, the resort organizes a documentary on the wildlife. Here, films on Indian Wildlife by eminent filmmakers will be shown every alternate evening thus enhancing your knowledge on wild life.
Also, every alternate evening, a cultural program will take place a troupe of Kuruba tribal dancers will perform their traditional dance to the accompaniment of two wooden drums and one wind instrument. It is an invocation to the gods to join them and bless the occasion. It is performed by the light of a campfire near the main swimming pool.
Overnight at Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge (Kabini) (Pool Reserve) (B & D)
Day 11: Nagarhole
Morning, we will proceed for jungle excursions in jeeps.
Afternoon is at leisure for independent activities. The resort offers a variety of options (not included) to visitors. We suggest that you indulge and involve yourself in activities depending upon your interests. We could suggest some of the possible activities as below:
Coracle Ride – The Coracle ride is part of the package and they may opt for it at the resort subject to weather conditions. (Timings: 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM)
Bullock Cart Ride –Take a joyride on a bullock cart on the banks of the river Kabini. Experience firsthand the only means of mass transport used by our ancestors, grace and expertise of the carts’ driver Shivalinga, who hails from the village of Beeramballi nearby, sings traditional Kannada folksongs as he
rides his cart. A ride lasts for an hour and can carry up to five persons. (Timings: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM)
Elephant Interaction – This session includes bathing and feeding the Elephant and learning more interesting facts about this magnificent animal from our resort Naturalist. (Timings: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM)
Elephant Ride – An Elephant Ride would be on banks of the River Kabini. (Timings: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM)
Sunset Cruise – Cruise by twilight on the glistening River Kabini, and watch a magnificent sunset. Experience nature first hand: relax and feel the ebb and flow of River Kabini. Watch how a typical day in Kabini draws to a close. (Timing: 05.45 PM – 06.15 PM)
Overnight at Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge (Kabini) (Pool Reserve) (B & D)
Day 12: Nagarhole
Day is at leisure for your independent activities. Car and driver available for local visits
Overnight at Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge (Kabini) (Pool Reserve) (B & D)
Day 13: Nagarhole / Coorg (74 Kms) (02 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to The Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate in Coorg nestled among acres of lush greenery, this luxury eco-friendly resort has been thoughtfully handcrafted over the years. All the rooms of this wonderful resort come with a breathtaking view of the gardens, hills and valleys. Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at The Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg (Lily Pool Villa) (B & D)
Day 14: Coorg
GUIDED PLANTATION TOUR: Take a guided tour of our 300-acre coffee and spice plantation. Learn how coffee and spices are cultivated and the journey from seed to bean.
WORKER’S TRAIL: Experience Plantation Life, first hand. Here’s your chance to get into the shoes of a Plantation Worker, quite literally. Join the plantation workforce in seasonal estate activities.
COFFEEOLOGY: A daily live session on the art and science of gourmet coffee held at the Sidapur Coffee & Culture Museum. At Coffeeology, visitors can observe and experience the making of an assortment of coffee preparations from around the world.
CULTURAL SHOW – Get a feel of local culture through colourful art forms. This performance, held every evening by the local artists, would complete your Coorg experience.
CORACLE RIDE (Forty-five minutes ride) – A coracle ride on the Cauvery 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. (Not included)
PLANTATION 4X4 (Two-hour tour) – A guided tour of the 300-acre coffee & spice plantation in a specially designed jeep. Experience the fabulous Chikkana Halli Estate and learn about the nitty gritty of coffee and spice cultivation. (Not included)
ELECTRIC TRAILS (One hour trail) – Explore the quaint villages adjacent to the resort on an eco- friendly electric cycle accompanied by an experienced Naturalist. One can choose between two different trails curated based on differing levels of difficulty. (Not included)
Overnight at The Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg (Lily Pool Villa) (B & D)
Day 15: Coorg
Early morning, we will proceed for Bird Watching Trails, and discover the unexplored gems of the region. The area is considered as one of the best venue to spot several species of birds – migratory as well as resident. Some of the major birds seen here are Malabar Trogons, Nilgiri Laughing-Thrushes, Great Black Woodpeckers, and Malabar Whistling-Thrushes to just name a few. Rest of the day at Leisure or you can enjoy the spa treatment available at the resort (own arrangements) Later in the Afternoon, we will indulge ourselves in Yoga, and meditation sessions available in the resort. You may choose to take your Yoga practice a step beyond the physical exercise. The resident yoga master is highly experienced in the monastic traditions of yoga. He will take you through the journey of yoga, meditation, and, Pranayama in order to discover the true potential of your body and mind. You can then include these in your daily life. Imbibing the simple philosophies helps make life so much more peaceful.
Overnight at The Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg (Lily Pool Villa) (B & D)
Day 16: Coorg / Bangalore (233 Kms) (04 ½ Hrs Drive) Bangalore / Departure
After breakfast, we will transfer to the Bangalore airport to board your flight back home.
NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)
END OF SERVICES
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and
hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India ‘Please come back soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
*Special Note – Safaris would not happen on the afternoon of Wednesdays in Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench