Day - 1 » Mumbai - Mysore
Morning
flight to Bangalore. On arrival join your driver and proceed to the palace
city of mysore. sTay three nights at the lalitha mahal palace hotel (new
wing).
Day - 2 & 3 » Mysore
Over the next two days explore Mysore and the surrounding area. Places of
interest include the Maharaja’s places of interest include the 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.
Outside Mysore visit the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s capital at
Srirangapatna, and somnathpur, whose star-shaped kesava teple is considered
to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.
Day - 4 » Mysore - Nagarhole National park
90 kms southwest of Mysore lies Nagarhole National park, which claims
populations of tiger, leopard and elephant as well as over 250 species of
birds. Visit thepark by jeep, on elephant back and in a coracle. Stay two
nights at the Kabini river Lodge or at water Woods a small six bedroom
bungalow, beautifully appointed, and situated ont hebanks of the Kabini
river.
As an alternative to Nagarhole National Park, anglers may wish to consider
staying at the Cauvery fishing camp on the banks of the Cauvery River at
Bheemeshwari which is noted for its mahseer fishing (best season November to
June). The mahseer is considered to be one of the finest game fish in the
world. Accommodation is in spacious, well furnished “ethnic loghuts.”
The Cauvery fishing Camp is situated 100 kms from Bangalore and 85 kms from
Mysore.
Day - 5 » Nagarhole
A day to explore Nagarhole, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife
viewing.
Day - 6 » Nagarhole - Coonoor
Morning drive to Ooty, a famous hill station in the Nilgiri Hills. Coonoor
is just 13 kms from Ooty and offers a relaxing alternative to this butling
town. Stay two nights at the Taj Garden retreat Hotel in Coonoor.
Day - 7 » Coonoor
Exploring the blue mountains: visit a tea estate, take in the lovely views
from the “Dolphin’s Nose”, and see the botanical gardens in
Ooty and Coonoor. From Coonoor it is possible to ride the scenic narrow
gauge Nilgiri Blue Mountain train down to Mettupalayam. To do this we
suggest spending the morning of Day 7 in Coonoor, and in the afternoon
taking the train down to Mettupalayam, with an overnight stay at the hotel
heritage Inn nearby Coimbatore. On Day 8 continue by car from Coimbatore to
Cochin
Day - 8 » Coonoor - Cochin
Drive south to the Malabar Coast and to Cochin. Over the centuries the
Postuguese, Dutch and British have all influenced this fascinating city.
Stay at the Brunton Boatyard Hotel overlooking the sea in Fort Cochin.
Please note that you may wish to consider breaking your journey from Conoor
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, and 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. Further details on request.
Day - 9 » Cochin
This morning visit the synagogue, dutch Palace, St Francis’ Church and
the spice market. In the afternoon take a harbour cruise to see some of the
nearby islands and the legendary chinese fishing nets.
Day - 10 » Cochin - Periyar
After breakfast drive along the coast to Alleppey and cruise by motor boat
across Vembanad Lake to Changancherry. Continue on by car to lake periyar
wildlife sanctuary in the cardamom hills. Stay at spice village or taj
garden retreat.
Alternatively, you may decide to take a two night rice barge cruise on the
backwaters, before continuing to periyar or return from Cochin to Mumbai by
air.
Day - 11 » Periyar
Early morning and afternoon wildlife viewing by boat; alternatively, take a
trek through the forest with a local guide.
Day - 12 » Periyar - Madurai
Leave for Chenai by air or train. Alternatively continue by car to Chennai.
Day - 13 » Madurai - Karaikadi
Leave this morning for the region of chettinad, just 90 kms east of
Madurai, and home to the Nattukottai Chettiars, a properous banking
community, who ventured overseas to Ceylon, Burma and Indo-China in the 19th
and 20th centuries and amassed great fortunes. Stay for two nights at The
Bangala a charming 75 year old Chettinad Bungalow belonging to the Meyyappa
Chettiar family that has been sensitively restored into a delightful
heritage guesthouse.
Day - 14 » Karaikudi
Explore the area of Chettinad visiting some of the grand mansions that are
an architectural delight. The Chettiars are renowned for their warmth and
hospitality and they celebrate many local festivals throughout the year, but
the days following the Pongal festival (after the 13th January) when cattle
are adorned with garlands and their horns painted in bright colours is a
very special time to visit Chettinad.
Day - 15 » Karaikudi - Tanjore
Leave
this morning for Tanjore noted for the great Brihadisvara temple, considered
to be one of the most magnificent Chola temples in India. Stay for two
nights at the Ideal river View Resort, which is situated just outside the
town and overlooks the Cauvery river.
Day - 16 » Tanjore
Today visit Trichy which is dominated by the Rock Fort temple.the temple
can be reached bya steep flight of steps cut into a tunnel through the rock.
Also visit Srirangam; this superb temple complex is spread over an island in
the Cauvery River.
Day - 17 » Tanjore - Podicherry
Drive via the temple towns of Kumbakonam and Chidambaramto Pondicherry,a
former french colony: the town reveals a lingering continental influence in
its architecture and layout. Stay overnight at the hotel De L’Orient.
Day - 18 » Pondicherry - Fisherman’s Cover
This morning visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by a Bengal philosopher in
the early 20thcentury, and continue to Mahabalipuram to explore the stunning
temples and giant rock carvings, created by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman
in the 7th century. 14 cave temples have been hewn into the cliff face, but
even more remarkable are the nine monolithic “Chariot” shrines,
each carved from a single boulder, which stand on the seashore. Stay for two
nights at the nearby Fisherman’s cove Hotel (luxury sea facing
cottage).
Day - 19 » Fisherman’s Cove - Chennai
Conclude your journey with a visit to Kanchipuram to se the 7th century
Kailasanatha and Vaikuntaperumal temples, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu
respectively. Kanchipuram is also noted for its cotton dyeing and silk
weaving. This afternoon end your journey at Chennai.
