Spices And Sandelwood
Bengaluru-Mysore-Nagarhole-Ooty-Coonoor-Kochi-Munnar-Kumarakom-Thekkady-Madurai-Chennai
Day 1: Bengaluru
Arrive Bangalore by International flight directly or ex Delhi or Bombay. On arrival meeting at the airport and transfer to hotel. Bangalore the capital of Karnataka is often described as Asia's Silicon Valley because of its thriving information technology. Until its high-tech boom began in the late 1980"s, it was known as the Garden City. You will be exploring the city with your local guide in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel.
This morning drive to palace city of Mysore, This three-hour drive is very scenic and on way you will be visiting Tipu Sultan's capital at Srirangapatna. Check in at hotel Lalitha Mahal Palace (New Wing). Rest of the day spend exploring the other places of interest such as Maharaja's Palace - a giant Indo-Saracen wedding cake of a building- the colourful vegetable and flower markets, and Chamundi Hill noted for its Nandi Temple.Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Mysore
After breakfast drive to Nagahole-a perfect getaway for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike; a place rich in forests, little streams, undulating valleys and fascinating waterfalls; a heaven for many wild denizens and one of the last safe asylums for the Asian Elephant. Visiting Nagarahole would undoubtedly be an ethereal experience...a trip to paradise and back.Overnight stay at the resort.
A day to explore Nagarhole, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Profusion of rivers and swampy grasslands keep it green all year. Established in 1983 the park has 645 sq. kms area, full of wildlife. Stay Overnight.
Day 5: Nagarhole
Morning drive to Coonoor via Ooty, a famous hill station in the Nilgiri Hills. Coonoor is just 13 kms from Ooty and offers a relaxing alternative to this bustling town. Exploring the Blue Mountains: visit a tea estate, take in the lovely views from the "Dolphine's Nose", and see the botanical gardens in Ooty and Coonoor. Stay night at the Hotel in Coonoor.
Day 6: Nagarhole
Drive south to the Malabar Coast and to Cochin. Over the centuries the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all influenced this fascinating city. Stay at the hotel overlooking the sea in Fort Cochin.Please note that you may wish to consider breaking your journey from Coonoor to Cochin at KOLONGODE PALACE, in the foothills of the Western Ghats, almost the epicentre of the Palghat Pass that permitted free flow of trade and culture, since time immemorial. In these environs, is the Palace and estate of the Maharaja of Kolongode. Kolongode, ideal place for exploring body and soul to revitalize and renew - be it through the magic of Ayurveda, the salubrious climate throughout the year. The Ayurveda Palace oriented towards personal goals of guests. The Heritage rooms with all it's ancient traditions and customs restored to it's original yet simple grandeur.To fully experience and enjoy Kolongode Palace we would recommend a two-night stay.
Enjoy at hearty meal for an early breakfast and start your day trip to visit the major attractions of Cochin covering <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AH9','COK','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Dutch Palace</a>, <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AJ9','COK','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Jewish Synagogue</a>, <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AN9','COK','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">St. Francis Church</a>, <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AG9','COK','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Chinese Fishing Nets</a>, and other place worth watching at Cochin. Evenings are kept free to go wild on a shopping extravaganza.Overnight stay at hotel.
Leave today for a scenic drive through the hills to Munnar, at 1520 metres above sea level, in the high ranges of Kerala. Munnar is a genuine hill station and center of the Kerala tea industry. It is also close to Anaimudi, at 2695 metres the highest peak in South India. In the town Christ Church with its memorial plaques to past planters is worth visiting. Stay Overnight.
Day 9: Coonoor
Full day exploring Munnar and the surrounding area of <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'ENP','MNN','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Eravikulam National Park</a>. Stay Overnight.
Morning after breakfast drive to Kumarakom( Approx. 3.5 hrs drive).On arrival Check-in at hotel. Visit the famous bird sanctuary at Kumarakom and other attractions. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11: Kochi
Morning leave by road for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar is dominated by two things - the sanctuary and plantation of spices,tea, coffee and Cardamom. Arrive and stay at Hotel. Late afternoon boat ride at lake Periyar to view wildlife. Periyar Sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12: Kochi
Today head to Madurai, a vibrant pilgrimage city centered on the great Meenakshi Temple. In the afternoon visit the bustling temple. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
Leave for Chennai by air. Arrive Chennai. Met upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. After lunch and relaxation, set out to enjoy the seventh century town, this has a vast beach line. On a sightseeing tour, marvel at the one-made sculptures, caves, chariots and temples of the Pallava period.Visit Arjuna's Penance - the largest bas-relief in the world. Come back to your hotel for a refreshing dinner. Overnight at your hotel.
