+44 (0)20 8741 7390 With something to offer everyone, South India touches upon many facets of Indian life, from its culture and wildlife to its gastronomic specialities and its leisurely pace of life. Starting in the ancient capital of Mysore you then head south, crossing the Western Ghats to Ooty for a chance to take the toy train to Coonoor. After a stop at the green hill station of Wayanad, where you spend the evening sleeping in a traditional tree house high in the forest canopy, you then head into the lush landscapes of the Nagarhole National Park for a guided safari in search of tigers, leopards and sloth bears. Continuing on to Neeleshwar you then cruise through the beautiful Backwaters of North Kerala before some leisure time on the beaches of the Malabar coast. The journey ends in historic Cochin, the Queen of the Arabian Sea and the site of the oldest European settlement in India, where you will discover a wonderfully vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences. A fitting end to a remarkable journey. HIGHLIGHTS: Visit Cochin s atmospheric harbour and Mysore s stunning palace complex Indulge in a cruise on the backwaters of Malabar Explore Nagarhole N.P. in search of tigers, leopards and other wildlife Journey through the Western Ghats aboard a traditional steam locomotive train Experience the gentle pace of Kerala and enjoy some leisurely time on the beach TOUR INCLUDES: 13 nights traditional hotel accommodation 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners 1 night Keralan Houseboat (deluxe standard) Private driver and vehicle Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private transport to and from all airport *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: BANGALORE - MYSORE On arrival at Bangalore airport you will be met by your driver and transferred directly to Mysore, where you will check-in to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. DAY 2: MYSORE After breakfast enjoy a full day tour of Mysore with your guide. Highlights include the stunning Mysore Palace, the island town of Srirangapathnam, St. Philomena's Church and the towering Sri Chamundeswari Temple, sitting resplendent on the summit of Chamundi Hill. (B) DAY 3: MYSORE - OOTY Today you drive to the popular hill station of Ooty and enjoy an afternoon's guided tour of the city, taking in the Rose Garden and the beautifully maintained blooms of its 19th century Botanical Gardens. (B) DAY 4: OOTY Journey through the Western Ghats, aboard the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor. Built by the British in 1908, it was initially operated by the Madras Railway. Today the Nilgiri Mountain Railway still relies on its fleet of steam locomotives to offer a wonderful glimpse of a quieter and more sedate golden age of travel. Taking two hours from top to bottom, the 'toy train' provides a stunning journey through the hills, with each turn bringing spectacular views of the lush countryside and rolling tea plantations. (B) DAY 5: OOTY - WAYANAD Today you will be driving through the Western Ghats to the green hill station of Wayanad, an area steeped in history and tradition that is also home to a number of nomadic tribes. The journey offers you more opportunities to admire the breathtaking views and experience the rich biodiversity of the region. Once in Wayanad you will have the remainder of the day at leisure, before spending the night sleeping in a traditional tree house high in the rainforest canopy. (B)
DAY 6: WAYANAD - NAGARHOLE A couple of hours drive will take you to Nagarhole, which was established as a NP in 1983. Covering an area of some 643 square kilometres and named after the winding river which runs through it, Nagarhole, or "Cobra River" in the local language, is home to a variety of fauna and flora. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to take a guided safari drive around the park in search of some of the local wildlife. (B) DAY 7: NAGARHOLE Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris, with the opportunity to spot tigers, leopards and sloth bears, as well as over 270 species of birds. (B) DAY 8: NAGARHOLE - LOTUS CRUISE Leave Nagarhole this morning and make your way to Neeleshwar to join your cruise. Enjoy the afternoon onboard your exclusive houseboat, gently cruising through the backwaters of North Kerala in the consummate care of your experienced crew. (B,L,D) DAY 9: LOTUS CRUISE - NEELESHWAR Disembarking the boat today, you will then transfer to your hotel in Neeleshwar and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B) DAY 10: NEELESHWAR Enjoy a day at leisure on the beach. (B,L,D) DAY 11: NEELESHWAR Enjoy a day at leisure on the beach. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: NEELESHWAR - TRAIN - COCHIN After an early breakfast, drive to Neeleshwar train station and board the Ernad Express train for the eight hour journey to Cochin. Following the coast, the train journey takes you through the beautiful Indian countryside, passing through a collection of small towns and villages. On arrival in Cochin transfer to your hotel. (B) DAY 13: COCHIN After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The oldest European settlement in India and home to the oldest church and the oldest synagogue in the country, Cochin is a vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences. This evening enjoy a cookery class and dinner with Mrs Nimmy Paul, who specialises in Keralan cuisine. (B) DAY 14: COCHIN You will be transferred to the airport where your tour ends. (B)
ACCOMMODATION COCHIN BRUNTON BOATYARD HOTEL Located in the centre of Fort Cochin, close to the Chinese fishing nets, this exceptional Heritage property is one of Cochin's premier hotels. Beautifully recapturing something of the city's nautical traditions and its colonial heritage, all 22 of the hotel's rooms and suites overlook the sea, including the lavishly appointed en suite bathrooms. The hotel's high ceilinged lobby is decorated throughout with old maps and antiques, whilst the hotel's exceptional dining facilities encompass a rich profusion of culinary cultures. MYSORE ROYAL ORCHID METROPOLE HOTEL A deluxe four star heritage property that was originally built by the Maharajah of Mysore back in the early 1920s, this centrally located property is steeped in the history and culture of Mysore. Its thirty beautifully appointed suites are divided between its twelve regal Heritage rooms and a choice of well-appointed Royal and Maharajah suites. The ornate restaurant offers an exotic selection of dishes inspired by the tiger reserves from across India whilst the open-air restaurant is known for its barbecued delights. Be transported back to the time of the Maharajahs with a decadent high tea at the lounge. The hotel has a gym and an outdoor pool for peaceful oasis escape in the heart of Mysore. NAGARHOLE THE BISON RESORT The Bison Camp boasts the most idyllic waterside location, on the edge of Nagarhole National Park. With a backdrop of low hills and views over the water and farmland, it is immensely peaceful, private and a world away from the hubbub of the city. The vegetation is lush and green and there s not a road or town to be seen. It is only a short drive to the park entrance but one also has the added advantage of starting off from here by boat, from your very own jetty. The pretty, waterside swimming pool has wonderful views and as you sit, relaxing on your verandah you are likely to see wildlife (including elephants) strolling by. Due to seasonal flooding, most of the camp is slightly raised on wooden stilts and the tents are reached by wooden walkways. They are lovely and spacious with excellent, large bathrooms and the beds are strategically placed to face straight out across the water. The two machan tents are exciting, enormous, raised 20ft off the ground and have views from heaven and masses of private space. Constructed almost entirely of local wood, there is a cosy dining room, along with a sitting room and viewing bar. Late night chats around the camp fire and a private bush dinner here are things you will never forget. NEELESHWAR
NEELESHWAR HERMITAGE HOTEL A beautiful, private boutique beach hotel, the Neeleshwar Hermitage is set in twelve naturally landscaped acres, The Hermitage is built according to the traditional architectural principles of Kerala Vastu. These dictate that a building should be constructed in such a way as to conform to the subtle laws of nature operating in the area, so the whole site is oriented to the east and the rising sun. There are 12 cottages with carved and dressed woodwork lovingly fashioned in traditional style by local craftsmen so skilled that their usual work is building and restoring temples.these craftsmen have also produced the handmade furniture. Each room is decorated with both traditional and contemporary objets d'art. The result is an uplifting sense of elegance. OOTY TAJ SAVOY Situated south of Bandipur National Park in Tamil Nadu, this five star hotel is part of the Taj group, re-known for its excellent service. Set high on a hill and surrounded by lush gardens, the Taj Savoy is a haven of peaceful luxury, comprising of forty colonial style cottages, dating back to the 19th century, of which most have a fireplace of their own. The hotel itself offers a range of activities for children and adults alike with table tennis, yoga, badminton, volleyball board games and cycling. The fitness centre is great for letting off some steam before soothing your tired muscles in the Ayurveda Spa centre. From continental cuisines to local home-styled food to power-packed Active Foods; the hotel has something to delight every palate. WAYANAD VYTHIRI RESORT Spread across either bank of a delightful mountain stream that runs through the 150 acre property, the Vythiri Resort is a delightful jungle hideaway and a naturalist's treasure trove. Stone lined pathways, canopied by majestic trees, lead to brick coloured cottages built in the style native to the region. Built of brick with wooden rafters and furnished in cane, wood and fabrics the cottages are equipped with all modern amenities. A rope bridge across the stream, leads to the restaurant overlooking the swimming pool at one end and a sweeping view of the forest all around. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com