Spices and Sandalwood Tour

Duration : 13 Nights / 14 Days

Destinations Covered: Bangalore - Mysore - Nagarhole - Coonoor - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Madurai - Chennai - London

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01: BANGALORE
Our agent, on your arrival at Bangalore Airport would greet you quite graciously. Subsequently you shall be transferred to a comfortable hotel. Otherwise called the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka state, famous for its thriving Information Technology Industry; its blissful development in the field of technology has been balanced with the innumerable gardens, forts and palaces etc. After witnessing the city's grandeur you shall have to stay at the hotel for the entire night.

DAY 02: BANGALORE - MYSORE
We will be visiting Mysore today; the three hour drive is accompanied with a visit to Srirangapatna Tipu's capital. Following this is the enrollment at hotel Lalitha Mahal Palace (New Wing). A delightful blend of Indo-Saracenic style is observed at Maharaja's Palace, the ever-busy and richly hued vegetable and flower markets; Nandi Temple at Chamundi Hill etc concludes your tour.

DAY 03: MYSORE - NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK
The Nagarhole National Park lying 90 kilometers to the southern summit of Mysore, with a reserve of leopard, tiger, elephant and over 250 species of birds. Afterwards your stay at Kabini River Lodge or Water Woods would be a rejuvenating experience. After two nights stay at any of these lodges located just beside the Kabini River, you shall have to get ready for the next trip.

(There is an alternative for Wildlife tour; this is a visit to Cauvery Fishing Camp, located 100 kilometers Bangalore and just 85 kilometers from Mysore; for the anglers this is a life time experience. Reputed for Mahseer Fishing, which is best done between November to June, a contest is held here every year. Mahseer is considered as the best game fish in the world .

DAY 04: NAGARHOLE PARK
Actually conceptualized in 1983, the Nagarhole National Park mainly consists of moist grassland; sprawled across 645 square kilometers it provides ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.

DAY 05: NAGARHOLE - COONOOR
We shall be driving down to Coonoor; on your way you can admire the exquisite hill station of Ooty, a landform sketched with wonderful precision and utmost concern. Offering a serene relief from the din of city life, Coonoor is just 13 kilometers from Ooty Hill Station. You can also see the Dolphin's Nose while exploring the Blue Mountains; tea gardens that carpets the base of the hill and offers a placid sight. Here a night's stay would rejuvenate you.

DAY 06: COONOOR TO COCHIN
This day is followed by a drive to Malabar Coast and then to Cochin. The fascinating sight of the Portuguese, Dutch and British influence still reminds us of the bygone days. You can also stay at Kolongode Palace that lies at the foothills of Western Ghats; it is the central point of Palaghat Pass. Ideal for revitalizing the mind, purifying the soul and revamping the body, Ayurvedic Massage treatments available here amidst a salubrious environ is the bliss of Mother Nature.

Here you can enjoy every bit of the surrounding for two consecutive days; so a two night stay at Kolongode Palace is bound to a memorable experience.

DAY 07: COCHIN
Next morning as you get up, the Jewish Synagogue, unique of its kind awaits your arrival. Also watch the splendid Dutch Palace, the towering Saint Francis Church and in the evening cruise down the backwaters to explore the nearby islets and observe some real and fascinating Chinese Fishing nets.

DAY 08: COCHIN - MUNNAR
Munnar is one of the most frequented hill station in the south. Located 1520 meters above the sea level, it is also famous for Tea Plantation. Situated close to Anaimudi Hill Station, 2695 meters from the sea level, it is the highest peak in South India. The commemorative tablets at Christ Church here are worth a glance. Overnight stay in Munnar.

DAY 09: MUNNAR
You will be exploring the hill station of Munnar today along with the forest reserve of Ernakulum.

DAY 10: COCHIN TO PERIYAR
Driving along Aleppey's coastline, with a cruise motor boat, across Vembanad Lake to Changancherry brings you to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; it is a breathtaking experience. You will be staying on the foothills of Cardamom Hills at Spice Village or Taj Garden Retreat.

DAY 11: PERIYAR
Perhaps the most thrilling part of your itinerary tour is a cruise down the waters to view the wild life at Periyar. You can also trek through the scenic forest Here you shall have an overnight halt.

DAY 12: PERIYAR TO MADURAI
This day you shall be visiting Madurai best known for its Meenakshi Temple. The temple takes you past ages and unfolds the historical perspective of South India. Here too, you shall have to stop over for the night.

DAY 13: MADURAI TO CHENNAI (Madras)
Time for saying adieu, this day you would reach the Chennai Airport thru air and have a short relaxation accompanied by a drive down the Marina Beach, some sightseeing, like Arjuna's Penance, some typical Pallava Architecture, cave, chariots etc. After this you shall come back to your hotel and have some refreshing dinner. An overnight halt at the hotel perhaps would make you nostalgic.

DAY 14: CHENNAI - LONDON
In the evening our affable agent would make sure that you do not have the slightest trouble while boarding your flight as you head off homewards.