SOUTH INDIA TOUR
Coast to Coast in South India
| Destinations covered | : Chennai >> Pondicherry >> Thanjavur >> Chettinad >> Madurai >> Thekkady >> Kumarakom >> Backwaters >> Cochin. |
Tentative Itinerary
| Destination / Route | Hotel / Stay |
|---|---|
| Chennai | The Leela Chennai (2n) |
| Pondicherry | Palaise De Mahe (2n) |
| Thanjavur | Ideal River Resort (1n) |
| Chettinad | Visalam (2n) |
| Madurai | Taj Gateway Pasumalai (2n) |
| Thekkady | Spice Village (2n) |
| Kumarakom | Philip Kuty Farm-stay (1n) |
| Backwaters | House Boat (1n) |
| Cochin | Taj Malabar (1n) |
Coffee & Spice Plantations of Western Ghats
| Destinations covered | :Bangalore >> Mysore >> Wynaad >> Nagarhole >> Coorg >> Neeleshwar >> Mumbai |
The old princely town of Mysore lies about 90 miles away and a city of cultural significance. The Wodeyar princes were great patrons of art & culture, contributing significantly to its development. A walk in the streets of Mysore is very rewarding. Seringapatam was ruled by Tipu Sultan and you shall unravel the brief history of his struggle against Arthur Wellesley, falling eventually to superior power in 1799c.
From Mysore we travel to Sultan Battery, Wynaad, where you shall be staying on a 400 acre private coffee and spice plantation. The best time to visit a coffee, cardamom, pepper & areca nut plantation is from November to March. Enjoy a conducted tour of these plantations or simply enjoy your walks, overnight in a tree house!
Your next destination lies in Kabini, an ideal place to visit the Nagarhole National Park, home to the Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild boar, Wild dogs besides the ever-alert tiger. The high canopy of trees provide home to a multitude of rare birds like the crested hawk-eagle, Malabar pied hornbill etc.
Northern Kerala enjoys the reputation of some fine untouched beaches. The Neeleshwar Hermitage, your hotel of stay, locates on a calm and unspoilt beach on the Arabian sea, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the fresh local seafood.
Tentative Itinerary
| Destination / Route | Hotel / Stay |
|---|---|
| Bangalore | Taj Westend (1n) |
| Mysore | Royal Orchid Metropole (2n) |
| Wynaad | Tranquil Home stay (2n) |
| Nagarhole | Orange County Kabini (2n) |
| Coorg | Orange County Resort (2n) |
| Neeleshwar | Neeleshwar Hermitage (2n) |
| Mumbai | Taj Mahal & Towers (1n) |
Country & Temples of South India
| Destinations covered | :Bangalore>> Mysore >> Wynad >> Cochin >> Kottayam >> Thekkady >> Madurai >> Tanjore >> Pondicherry. |
The tour begins with your arrival in Bangalore. After you have enjoyed the delights of the tours offered in the culturally rich town of Mysore, you shall proceed to Sultans Battery, a former stronghold of the local rajah, located amongst the coffee & spice plantations, known for it’s country and fine climate.
Your next port of call is cochin, by a short flight from Calicut. Cochin is one of the most interesting towns in S. India. A trading port since the Roman empire, it has been on the main route between Europe & China. The mixture of Indo-European culture in unmistakable. Explore the local markets.
At Kottayam you shall catch the House boat for backwaters cruise, enjoying a life-style, which is primitive but thrilling. The boat carries you in the various backwater canals, giving a quietly unique insight into Keralan rural life.
Thekkady has always been appreciated by all of our valued customers. The hotel is set in 15 acres of spice gardens, the cosy huts are thatched with elephant grass, with dense clumps of teak plantations. Indeed a lovely spot to be in for a couple of nights.
Your next destination, Madurai, is known for the Meenakshi Temples , the colourful markets, in short, a hive of activity, with colourful temple elephants, flower sellers & performances by musicians!
Finally, you shall arrive at The Dune, an ideal Eco friendly resort & spa, to explore the surrounding destinations like Pondicherry with the unmistakable French influence, lovely colonial bungalows and restaurants. The Gingee Fort, the “Troy of the East”, lies close west.
It will be a pleasure customizing the itinerary to suit your requirements.
Tentative Itinerary
| Destination / Route | Hotel / Stay |
|---|---|
| Bangalore | Taj Westend (1n) |
| Mysore | Royal Orchid Metropole (2n) |
| Wynaad | Tranquil Home stay (2n) |
| Fly Calicut to Cochin | Old Harbour (2n) |
| Kottayam | Phillip Kutty’s Farmstays (2n) |
| Thekkady | Spice Village (2n) |
| Madurai | Taj Gateway (2n) |
| Tanjore | Ideal River Resort (1n) |
| Pondichery | The Dune (3n) (1n) |
The Golden Triangle & Kerala Backwaters
| Destinations covered | :Delhi > Agra > Jaipur > Cochin > Back waters > Mararikulam. |
The itinerary is designed to give you a peek into the diversity of cultural heritage of both the North & of South India. From the medieval Mughal architecture of Old Delhi, how courtly Urdu became the language of the masses, the bustle of markets, Lutyen’s New Delhi the imperialistic expression of grandeur thereof, through Agra & Jaipur to the beaches of Kerala.
Your travels begin with your arrival in Delhi, a mix of sightseeing of medieval monuments, a Sikh Temple and free kitchen; modern day architecture, visits to the colourful markets and gardens, you will be surprised by the juxtaposition of extremes.
It all began in Agra, the seat of the Mughals and home to such fine monuments as the well preserved Agra Fort on the banks of the river Yamuna and of course the morning visit to the Taj Mahal, when the rising sun gives the monument it’s serene beauty.
Jaipur benefited the most from her proximity to the seat of power at Agra and the Mughal lineage by marriage. The recently refurbished Amber Fort, the City Palace and markets of gold and diamond jewellery makes it a perfect place for you to shop to your hearts content.
Fly to Cochin. A trading port since the Roman empir, it has been on the main route between Europe & China. The mixture of Indo-European culture in unmistakable.
At Kumarakom, your stay for the next day or two, is at the Phillip Kutty’s Farmhouse. Set in a 750 acres estate, on an island, the best way to enjoy your stay is to indulge yourself in cooking of Keralan cuisine.
You shall witness the farm activities related to growing Banana, nutmeg, toddy, cocoa & pepper. The jumbo prawn & the pearl shot are too found in the farm canals. It is an off-beaten destination.
Catch your own private House boat for backwaters cruise, enjoying a life-style, which is primitive but thrilling. The boat carries you in the various backwater canals, giving a quietly unique insight into Keralan rural life.
Your final destination is the Marari Beach. The Marari Beach Resort, right in the heart of the ‘spice coast’ , is the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm trees where life goes on as it did a hundred years ago, with men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch.
This itinerary can be adapted to include a lot more destinations, both in north & south of India. For example, some guests may want to add Udaipur, Tamil Nadu or Karnataka. We can create your own bespoke itinerary to suite your perceptions & interests.
Tentative Itinerary
| Destination / Route | Hotel / Stay |
|---|---|
| Delhi | The Claridges (2n) |
| Agra | The Trident (2n) |
| Jaipur | Samode Haveli (2n) |
| Cochin | Old Harbour (2n) |
| Kumarakam | Phillip Kuttys Farm Stay (1n) |
| House Boat | Premier category AC (1n) |
| Mararikulam | Marari Beach Resort (3n). |