A Scintillating Southern India Odyssey
Tour Introduction
This adventurous road journey reveals a wide range of the special wildlife, sights, scenery and experiences to be enjoyed in the south of India. With its heady mix of historic cities, verdant national parks, cool hill stations, colonial train rides, waterway cruises and sunny seaside sojourns, this remarkable tour certainly has all one could wish for. You should return home replete with fond memories and clear impressions of the warm peoples and multiple attractions to be found in India’s southern states. You should also see a good amount of wildlife, especially in Nagarhole, the most rewarding reserve in the south, where you have ample time for viewing. Variety is the spice of life: a tried and tested adage that clearly holds true here.
Full Itinerary
Met on arrival in Bangalore and transfer by your private driver to the hotel. Rest of the day to relax.
Staying at 37th Crescent Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to Mysore, and check in to your hotel. Afternoon guided city tour.
Staying at Mysore Southern Star Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to Nagarhole and check in to your lodge. Afternoon shared safari through the park. Nagarhole is southern India's most rewarding wildlife park: you might even see a tiger.
Staying at Kabini River Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day of morning and afternoon shared activities within the park, which might take the form of game drives, coracle boat rides and elephant safaris.
Staying at Kabini River Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day of morning and afternoon shared activities within the park, which might take the form of game drives, coracle boat rides and elephant safaris.
Staying at Kabini River Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Drive to Ooty, the “queen of hill stations” situated in the Nilgiri mountain range of Tamil Nadu at a fresh altitude of 2268m. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the area.
Staying at Taj Savoy Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Visit a tea plantation and later walk through the Government Botanical Gardens, laid out in 1848.
Staying at Taj Savoy Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Drop off at Ooty railway station and board the Blue Mountain Railway for the 4.5 – 5 hour journey to Mettupalayam. After the scenic train ride, meet your driver and continue to Coimbatore.
Staying at The Residency Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to Munnar. After check in, go for an afternoon walk in Eravikulam National Park.
Staying at Windermere Estate. Includes All Meals.
Morning walk in Eravikulam. Afternoon walk part of Top Station valley trail.
Staying at Windermere Estate. Includes All Meals.
Drive to the coastal town of Cochin (Kochi), historic capital of Kerala state.
Staying at Brunton Boatyard. Includes Breakfast.
Half day tour of Cochin, including Jew Town, Dutch museum, Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon Kathakali dance performance.
Staying at Brunton Boatyard. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to embarkation point at Alleppey and board a luxury converted rice barge to cruise the fabled inland waterways of Kerala.
Staying at Spice Routes Premium Houseboat. Includes All Meals.
Disembark in the morning and transfer to the coast and your beach hotel. Rest of day at leisure.
Staying at Marari Beach Resort. Includes All Meals.
Day at leisure to relax by the pool or beach.
Staying at Marari Beach Resort. Includes All Meals.
Day at leisure to relax by the pool or beach. Perhaps book a therapeutic treatment in the hotel's Ayurvedic spa.
Staying at Marari Beach Resort. Includes Breakfast.
Morning transfer to Cochin airport. Connect with your international flights home.
Includes In-flight Meals.
Tour Accommodation
Hotel 37th Crescent
Overview
A comfortable, modern hotel well located in central Bangalore, close to the racecourse and with easy access to the airport and stations. The hotel’s 60 stylish, well-equipped rooms are categorised as deluxe, deluxe double, semi suites and suites.
The hotel has two restaurants: 37 China Town, offering oriental dishes; and Aromas of the South, serving southern Indian cuisine. There is also The Spoon coffee shop and the Strawberry Moon lounge and jazz bar.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Rooms are equipped with French windows, well-stocked minibars, tea and coffee facilities, Wi-Fi, and safety deposit boxes.
The hotel provides 24 hour room service, on call doctor, travel desk, laundry service, fitness centre and conference facilities. There are also two restaurant, a bar and a coffee shop.
Optional Activities
Explore Bangalore city, including cultural and religious attractions or shopping centres. The hotel is particularly well located for the race course, Bangalore golf course or the Vidhana Soudha.
Hotel Southern Star Mysore
Overview
Set within four acres of lovely gardens in the heart of Mysore (now called Mysuru), the Southern Star Hotel is a comfortable modern option in the area. Located just 800 metres from the railway station it is a convenient stopover hotel en route to the exciting sights of the south.
The hotel’s 107 rooms come in three categories: entry level superior rooms; larger and more decorated club rooms; and beautifully furnished executive suites offering even more space. There are two restaurants for guests to choose from: the main La Gardenia Restaurant serving international dishes all day; and the open air poolside Is’Fahan Restaurant offering authentic local cuisine. The lounge bar and pastry shop are also available throughout the day.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
The hotel has a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, business centre, travel desk, three large banquet/meeting halls, indoor and outdoor restaurants, lounge bar and a pastry shop. Rooms are equipped with free WiFi, television, tea and coffee facilities, mini bar and bottled mineral water.
Optional Activities
From the well-located hotel, guests can explore the attractions of the Mysore area. These may include: Mysuru Palace; Brindavan Gardens; Ranganthittu bird sanctuary; Jaganmohan Palace or Mysuru Zoo.
Kabini River Lodge
Overview
Nestled within the southern fringes of the Nagarhole National Park, the lodge was rated by Tatler as one of the world’s top five wildlife resorts. Kabini was founded by the legendary Col John Wakefield (known as Papa), an Indian-born Englishman resident at the resort who, until his death in 2011 at the age of 95, was hugely passionate about the region’s wildlife (and India in general) and did much to conserve it.
Accommodation is split between fourteen spacious double rooms, six twin-bed cottages, and five tented cottages. All the accommodation has modern amenities and attached private bathrooms.
The beautiful, colonial-style main building houses a good restaurant, bar and spacious conference room for presentations. The restaurant includes a fresh hot buffet of local tandoori, Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine.
Wildlife viewing in Nagarhole National Park can be undertaken by open-sided safari vehicle and also by boat which is a great way of getting closer to elephants, gaur, herds of deer and waterbirds along the sides of the river.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
14 colonial-style double rooms, six twin-bedded cottages, five tented cabins. Private bathrooms with hot water, restaurant, bar, lounge, conference room and laundry service.
Local Wildlife
A real gem, the 247 square-mile park of dry deciduous forest, grassy swamp and riverine habitat supports an astonishing array of wildlife, including 250 bird species, tiger, leopard, elephant, wild dog (dhole) and gaur. It is among the best of India’s wildlife reserves.
Optional Activities
Game drives and boat safaris in the National Park.
Taj Savoy Hotel
Overview
The Taj Savoy Hotel, one of the prestigious Taj hotels group, is blissfully situated on a hill amidst the sprawling Niilgiri mountain range. Built between 1834 and 1865, the quaint cottage-style building is redolent of the British colonial era. Set in six acres of lush floral gardens, the hotel is a great place to relax and unwind, and take in the natural beauty of the Ooty region.
The hotel’s Dining Hall restaurant serves authentic home-style Indian delicacies, whilst the Active Studio offers healthy, nutritionally balanced meals, and the Quick Fills menu guarantees food is ready in 15 minutes or under – perfect for those with busy itineraries.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Internet access, laptops and printers for hire, Ayurvedic spa centre, nature trails, snooker table, car hire, horse riding, call-out doctor, fitness centre, board games, badminton, table tennis, cycling, trampoline, cricket, volleyball, basketball, yoga and karaoke.
Optional Activities
Take a boat trip on Ooty Lake, drive or climb up Doddabetta Peak – the highest point of the Nilgiris, visit the award winning rose garden or Government Botanical Gardens, look around the Tribal Research Centre Museum or St. Stephen’s Church. There are also many great shopping destinations in town, including lovely chocolate shops, tea shops and local craft markets.
The Residency Towers Coimbatore
Overview
The Residency Towers Coimbatore is a large, modern hotel – one of the landmarks of Coimbatore with an easy access to the airport and the railway station. The hotel has been extensively refurbished and continues to be the city’s epitome of elegance and luxury.
There are many wining and dining options available: The Pavilion multi cuisine restaurant; the Bike and Barrell Pub; the poolside Afghan Grill; Chin Chin serving oriental cuisine; the Library Bar; Club Lounge and Baker’s Corner serving desserts and baked goods. There are also four categories of rooms: Executive Deluxe, Club Premium, Suite and the Presidential Suite. Whilst size, layout and some services differ, all enjoy the same basic facilities and amenities, offering a comfortable and simple accommodation option in Coimbatore.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
All rooms include 24-hour check-in and check-out, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary buffet breakfast, complimentary bottled water, minibar, tea/Coffee maker, in-room Safe, hair dryer, newspaper, 40-inch LED TV, private access floors, health Club & swimming pool access, laundry services, foreign exchange, Doctor on call and 24/7 Travel desk.
Optional Activities
The Residency is well located to explore the attractions of Coimbatore, such as temples; shopping attractions; parks or wildlife sanctuaries.
Windermere Estate
Overview
Set at 1,600m amongst vivid tea plantations and misty mountains, Windermere Estate is a delightful nature retreat in the Tata tea district. The estate was bought by a Dr Simon in the 1990s who decided to open it to tourists, originally offering four rooms. He aimed for a relaxed, homely feel rather than that of a hotel – an ethos which has been maintained as the estate has grown. Dr. Simon and his wife still live on site, and love to welcome and talk to their guests.
There are eight ground floor Garden Rooms (entry level) with verandahs overlooking the garden and valley. The eight upstairs Estate Rooms are larger, and have balconies or seating areas. There are also two Planter’s Villa Suites, complete with bedroom, sitting and dining room, and a private courtyard. These are situated within the villa originally inhabited by the owner, and can also be rented together for larger groups.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the Barn restaurant, whilst lunch is available upon request throughout the day and can be enjoyed in the restaurant or al fresco. There is also a barbeque space, at which freshly cooked lunches are sometimes served.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Rooms have internet access, phone, radio, TV and DVD player, as well as standard modern amenities. There is an outdoor pool, restaurant and thatched ‘tea hut’.
Optional Activities
There is a complimentary 4km guided walk through the estate every day, or a longer early morning trek is available to explore fields of tea and reach a spectacular view looking down on Munnar. There are many tea museums and factories in the Tata tea country, or the local bird sanctuary could be visited. Opportunities are available for other activities such as yoga, further bird watching, speedboat outings, trekking and cultural experiences.
Brunton Boatyard
Overview
The Brunton Boatyard Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel, set in a colonial mansion on the site of the Victorian boatyard of Geo Brunton and Sons. Echoing its history, the hotel’s interiors are an eclectic blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influence. In the town of Fort Cochin – which is in fact the oldest European settlement in India – there is plenty to explore and see from the hotel.
The Brunton Boatyard has 22 rooms, all with en-suite bathroom, each of which face towards the sea to give excellent views. Guests can dine at History Café, a multi cuisine restaurant echoing the hotel’s diverse influences, the Terrace Grill (closed in Monsoon season) serving fresh local seafood, or pick up a light snack and a cocktail and the Armoury Bar. As well as on site dining options, guests can find authentic local culinary delights within the town.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, grill, and coffee shop/bar. Business centre, gym, yoga centre, bicycles, swimming pool; and wifi. All rooms have a safe, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, drinking water and toiletries.
Optional Activities
The main attractions of this establishment is the harbour cruise, touring the historic Fort Cochin, visiting the Spice Market and walking to the Chinese fishing nets.
Spice Routes Premium Houseboat
Overview
The Spice Routes Premium houseboats are beautifully furnished traditional vessels which were once used as rice barges but now operate as comfortable cruise boats plying the famous inland waterways of Kerala.
The boats are large with modern amenities and a cosy ambience and decorated with resplendent furnishings and traditional Keralan decor.
The glass-paneled rooms offer guests unobstructed views of the countryside. Each room has a private bathroom with modern facilities and quality toiletries. There is a kitchen on board where the chef freshly prepares all the delicious meals.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathroom, dining room, on board kitchen, air-conditioning
Marari Beach Resort
Overview
With the aim of offering total relaxation to guests, Marari Beach Resort is designed to mimic the traditional lifestyle of Indian seaside villages. The reception building is large and airy, featuring exquisite local craftsmanship in the thatched roof. The activities on offer are curated especially to encourage cultural education, as well as relaxation and separation from daily life.
Rooms are simply designed and decorated using locally made furnishings and crafts, yet still featuring modern amenities to make your stay comfortable. Harking back to traditional village life, showers are open air allowing you to wash under the sun or stars. The villas either have their own private plunge pool or garden views.
A particular highlight of a stay at Marari Beach is the nightly visit from the ‘Chaiwallah’, a villager who has been serving tea for over 50 years. Guests have the opportunity to observe his special pouring style, and to taste the wonderful Chai tea which he makes.
The cuisine on offer predominantly features traditional Keralan recipes, although international options are also available should they be desired. Its seaside location makes this the ideal place to try beautiful fresh fish, and a local seafood favourite on offer is the Fisherman’s curry – served traditionally in a clay pot with a leaf spoon.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Huge swimming pool, yoga centre and ayurvedic treatments, bicycles, badminton, tennis and beach volleyball facilities and library.
Rooms include dental and shaving kits, tea and coffee maker, hair dryer, bottled drinking water, electric iron and safety deposit box.
Optional Activities
Martial arts, nature walks, organic cookery and traditional dance demonstrations
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
No flights included.
Best Visited:
September to May
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
Add a few more nights at the beach resort for extended relaxation.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
This was a special holiday to celebrate our retirement and it lived up to our hopes and expectations. Given that we booked this holiday as we hadn’t seen Tigers in Ranthambore, having 5 Tiger sightings on this holiday was brilliant. Loved the Sloth Bears in Taduba and Satpura and a Leopard at Satpura at the eleventh hour. Also saw some unusual species like Giant Squirrels and the Wild Spotted cat. We saw a huge variety of birds but mammals are particularly special for us.
