+44 (0)20 8741 7390 The focus of Dravidian culture for centuries and home to some 25% of the country s total population of tigers, South India presents visitors with a stunning diversity of cultural and natural highlights. This spectacular journey into the rich landscapes of the Western Ghats provides a seemingly endless array of temples and national parks, as you travel from the palaces of Mysore to the breathless majesty of Periyar National Park, finally reaching the backwaters of Kerala. The adventure begins amongst the elegant reminders of the once princely state of Mysore, where you ll have a chance to visit the city s stunning palace and the towering Sri Chamundeswari Temple, before continuing on to the Nagarhole National Park. A chance for game drives in the Project Tiger reserves of Nagarhole and Bandipur is then followed by a ride through the beautiful plantations of the Western Ghats aboard the famed Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Moving on through Coimbatore, you then reach Munnar for some tea tasting and fantastic trekking through the spice and tea plantations of the Western Ghats. Next stop is Thekkady, home to the famous wildlife rich lands of the Periyar National Park. Here you will enjoy a guided bamboo rafting safari with knowledgeable ex-poachers who have turned their expertise to the protection of the animals that they once hunted. The adventure continues to Alleppey for a private cruise exploring the Keralan Backwaters before finally concluding in Cochin, the oldest settlement in India. HIGHLIGHTS: Discover the temples and palaces of Mysore Explore the spectacular Tiger Reserves of South India Ride the famous Toy Train through the Western Ghats Bamboo raft through the natural beauty of Periyar National Park Trek through the tea trials of Letchmi hills Embark on a private cruise through the world-renowned Kerelan Backwaters TOUR INCLUDES: 7 nights at a luxury hotel, 3 nights four star hotel and 2 night three star 1 night Kerala cruise boat 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees
Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown above are per person based on two persons sharing a twin or double room.
ITINERARY DAY 1: BANGALORE - MYSORE On arrival in Bangalore today, you will be met at the airport by your driver guide and driven on to Mysore, travelling via the culturally and historically important town of Srirangapatnam. DAY 2: MYSORE A day in the cultural capital of Karnataka provides an opportunity to enjoy the city that once lay at the heart of the Mysore Princely Kingdom. Long renowned for its festivals and palaces, Mysore is home to a stunning array of highlights including the sumptuous majesty of the Mysore Palace. Later you will pay a visit to the towering Sri Chamundeswari Temple, sitting resplendently on the summit of Chamundi Hill, before driving on to Somnathpur, to visit the Hoysala temple of Chennakesava. (B) DAY 3: MYSORE - KABINI After being collected from your hotel this morning, you'll then be driven on towards the beautiful landscapes of Nagarhole, renowned for its scenic splendour and national parks. The area is home to one of India's famous 'Project Tiger' reserves and the three hour journey on to Kabini will get you to the hotel in time to join an afternoon boat safari along the river. (B,L,D) DAY 4: NAGARHOLE Lying amongst the lush foothills of the Western Ghats, Nagarhole National Park provides a haven for a host of wildlife species including Indian bison, elephants, sloth bears, leopards and tigers. There are a number of activities on offer during your stay here including morning canter safaris, afternoon boat trips on the Kabini River, bird watching tours and bullock cart rides. (B,L,D) DAY 5: NAGARHOLE - BANDIPUR Bandipur National Park is one of India's best known reserves and another of the country's important Project Tiger reserves. Situated in the Chamarajangar district of southern Karnataka, the park stretches across some 874 square kilometres and provides shelter for a number of India's most endangered species including gaurs, sloth bears, tigers and four-horned antelope. After a chance to check in and freshen up, this afternoon you will enjoy your first safari in the park. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: BANDIPUR As well as its game, Bandipur National Park is also home to over 200 species of birds including honey buzzards, Indian vultures, bee-eaters, crested serpent eagles and a whole array of kingfishers. Morning and afternoon game drives today present a chance to search out some of this abundant wildlife. (B,L,D) DAY 7: BANDIPUR - OOTY After a morning's nature walk in search of some of the park's plentiful bird-life, later you will drive on to the town of Ooty, a once popular hill station set amongst the Nilgiri Hills. Located in the heart of lofty mountains and dense forest, the town used to be a popular getaway for the British of the colonial Raj and still retains some reminders of its genteel past. (B) DAY 8: OOTY - COONOOR - COIMBATORE The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the oldest mountain railways in India. Running through the Western Ghats between Ooty and Coonoor, the railroad was built by the British in 1908 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Still operated by a fleet of steam locomotives, it offers a wonderful glimpse of a golden era of travel, as you spend the day enjoying a sedate and spectacular journey through the lush hills and tea plantations aboard the famous 'Toy Train'. Upon arrival at Coonoor railway station, transfer to Tranquil Tea to experience the tea tasting programme with an accompanying lunch. Then continue via road to Coimbatore and arrive at your hotel for the night. (B,L) DAY 9: COIMBATORE - MUNNAR Sapphire green tea plantations adorn the rolling hills of Munnar, within the Western Ghats mountain range. The clouds often hug the hills, creating a mystical atmosphere, ideal for hiking and long drives. Nestled within the veils of mist is the town of Munnar, a former resort for the British Raj elite. DAY 10: MUNNAR Today after breakfast drive to Letchmi hills to your trek start point. You will start through the tea plantations then through grasslands, before reaching the Anaimudi highest peak in South India and the water reservoir of Idukki Dam, which is listed as the highest arch dams in Asia and third tallest dam in India. We will have a picnic lunch during the trek, see if you can spot some endemic birds of this part of Western Ghats. Your driver will pick you up to bring you back to Munnar. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
DAY 11: MUNNAR - THEKKADY Transfer to Thekkady, before checking into the hotel to visit the spice plantation. The spice village was designed with local artisans and farmers to ensure the village is in harmony with the surrounding environment. In the evening proceed for boating at Thekkady, exploring the unique ecosystem of Periyar Lake. (B) DAY 12: THEKKADY Today after breakfast proceed to enjoy a dawn to midday rafting programme through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8am from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before you get into rafts made of bamboos. The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals like giant squirrel and Nilgiri langur. The rafting is for about two hours and one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B) DAY 13: THEKKADY - ALLEPPEY Heading back onto the alluvial plains that lie between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, this morning you will journey by road to the town of Alleppey. Here you will join your private cruise for an exploration of the remarkable Keralan Backwaters, the ideal way to observe life amongst the channels and waterways of the west coast. (B,L,D) DAY 14: ALLEPPEY - FORT KOCHI After breakfast, checkout and drive to Fort Kochi, the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The oldest European settlement in India, Cochin is a vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences and home to the oldest church and the oldest synagogue in the country. This evening you will have the option to enjoy a remarkable performance of Kerala's famous Kathakali dancing. (B) DAY 15: FORTKOCHI - COCHIN After breakfast you will be driven on to Cochin, where your tour ends. (B)
ACCOMMODATION BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK THE SERAI, BANDIPUR Inspired by the jungle and villages in the vicinity, The Serai Bandipur is nestled within the Niligiri Mountain Range for an intimate stay making you feel at one with nature. Only here can you watch the clouds dance over the Nilgiri mountains in the day and hear the sounds of silence in the evenings before the distinct sound of an elephant call in the distance fills you with wonder. Your room is built seamlessly into the forests around opening up your stay with your natural neighbours so don t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a deer peering through your window. The Mountain View courtyard hosts a number of rooms designed with natural materials with a little garden at the front as well as a verandah with a view at the back. Rustic log huts are raised on stilts, ideal for bird watching from your private verandah surrounded by the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. Sophisticated wall are to wall glass windows of the bar keep nature in sight and are ideal for a sunset cocktail.the restaurant is raised and has indoor air-conditioned dining as well as the option to eat out on the deck. Local cuisine is the speciality here but there are a few national dishes on the menu for a taste of home. If the calming powers of nature are not enough than the Spa can massage away the tension and rejuvenate the spirit through the western and eastern holistic techniques. COCHIN OLD HARBOUR HOTEL Carefully built inside a restored 300 year-old building in the historic heart of Kerela, this boutique hotel contains thirteen unique rooms, each named after the surrounding streets. Crafted with Portuguese and Dutch influences, the high ceilings, four poster beds and art on the walls make this an exquisite place to stay. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, gardens and Ayurvedic spa who's products are purely organic, as are the soap and shampoos in the bathroom and delicacies in the restaurant. COIMBATORE VIVANTA BY TAJ SURYA The newest addition to the Vivanta by Taj five star hotels, the Surya lies in the heart of Coimbatore business district, a convenient twenty minute drive from the airport and a mere five minute drive from the train and bus station. From the onyx walls that emanate an inviting glow to the sunrays incorporated seamlessly around the elliptical water body in the lobby, everything lends itself to creating a stimulating ambience that s unmistakably Vivanta. Built in a contemporary style, each room is well-appointed and has majestic views of the cityscape, gardens or pool. Latitude is an all-day diner largely focused on authentic Kongu Nadu cuisine with a large terrace for alfresco dining. The Red Pearl restaurant offers the best in contemporary Chinese cuisine in a modern lay out. The dishes are served along a dimsun trolley that travels from table to table. For relaxation, there is also a spa, a gym and a swimming pool. KABINI
EVOLVE BACK KABINI On the banks of the Kabini River and in the heartland of the Kadu Kuruba tribe is the beautiful Evolve Back (previously Orange County), a luxurious eco-friendly lodge in the Nagarhole National Park. The comfortable yet rustic huts have been built to reflect the local tribal villages and surrounding nature without compromising on the comforts of the west on the inside. The thirty thatched roof bungalow huts have either private pools or Jacuzzis and all have access to the riverside infinity pool. Guests can enjoy a meal whilst watching the sunset from either of the two restaurants which serve local and international dishes, and grill platters. There is also an Ayurvedic spa, ideal for resting your muscles after a long day on safari in the nearby Bandipur and Nagerhole National Parks. MUNNAR WINDERMERE HOTEL Located just outside Munnar, on a 60 acre coffee and cardamon plantation set along the slopes of the Western Ghats, the Windemere Hotel is a traditional property with 18 comfortable rooms and cottages that overlook the mountains and the lush hills of the Chithirapuram Valley. All the rooms come with balconies and large panoramic windows, whilst the hotel's restaurant offers local Keralan cuisine, family inspired recipes and a western style breakfast. Please note the restaurant does not sell alcohol. Guided trekking options around the estate and the surrounding plantations are also available. 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. 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. THEKKADY
SPICE VILLAGE Spice village is set in fourteen acres of forest covered hills on the border of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Influenced by the native people of the region who have lived in harmony with their surroundings for generations, the roof of the forty seven cottages are thatched using elephant grass, in the unique way of Mannan tribes of Periyar. Surrounded by fruit trees and spice plantations, the Eco village has comfortable clean rooms with en suite bathrooms and a veranda outside, where you can sit and relax in the evening before sampling local cuisine in the Wood House Bar and Restaurant. The outdoor 50 mile restaurant only resource its ingredients within 50 miles of the resort to reduce the carbon footprint. For a more intimate outdoor dining experience, a romantic candle-lit dinner can be arranged in the middle of the wilderness. Hidden within the spice garden is a basketball, badminton and tennis court for the more active guests whilst the Tiger Club exhibition is a haven for any wildlife enthusiast. The swimming pool is found at the front of the building surrounded by swaying palms providing a sense of tranquillity and calm, especially when paired with the Ayurveda massage centre. Venture outside the village into the tiger reserve on a nature walk, cycle through the hills of Thekkady, take part in a paper making workshop using paper waste from the village or discover the many spices used in the art form that is Keralan cooking in a culinary workshop. The Spice village is dedicated to protecting the environment and is a chemical free zone. The village has its own vermicomposting plant where the majority of daily waste is recycled. Also, almost all of their energy needs are met by solar power and the village has won Wild Asia s Responsible Tourism award. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com