Passage Through Kerala
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Bengaluru and check in for an overnight stay at the Taj MG Road. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour tracing Bengaluru's captivating history. Attend a welcome dinner this evening.
Travel to Mysore for 2 nights at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore (or similar). En route, stop at the island fortress of Srirangapatna, the former capital of south India's most powerful 18th-century rulers. Evening food tour of Mysore's celebrated gastronomical delights including Mysore masala dosa.
Walking tour visiting some of Mysore's architectural wonders. Tour the Maharajah's Palace, which combines Hindu and Saracenic architecture. Afternoon visit to the Keshava temple at Somnathpur. Return to the Maharajah's Palace this evening to see it illuminated by over 100,000 light bulbs.
Travel to Kabini for an overnight stay at The Serai Kabini (or similar). The predator density of Nagarhole Park is one of the highest in Asia and includes tigers, leopards and wild dogs. Afternoon boat safari in search of the park's endemic wildlife.
Early morning canter (open-sided mini bus) safari. Travel to Wayanad for 2 nights at Wayanad Wild. Wayanad is an area of outstanding natural beauty with tropical forests, valleys, waterfalls and sprawling plantations.
Morning at leisure. Enjoy an interactive Keralan cooking class and lunch. Take part in a guided nature walk.
Leisurely drive to the hill station of Coonoor. Enjoy lunch on the terrace of the Taj Savoy. Afternoon tour of Ooty's botanical gardens, filled with more than 1,000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees. Continue to Coonoor for 2 nights at the Gateway Coonoor IHCL SeleQtions.
Drive to Ooty and ride the Blue Mountain Railway to Coonoor. The scenic narrow-gauge railway runs across plains, plantations and the verdant hills of the Nilgiri Mountains. Visit a planter's house for afternoon tea and a walk through the tea plantation.
Travel to Coimbatore and board the train to Ernakulam. Transfer to the Eighth Bastion (or similar) for 2 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the local area.
Visit some of the highlights of this enchanting port, taking in the architectural styles that reveal Arab, Jewish and European influences. View the remarkable, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, explore the 16th-century Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, the Church of St Francis and India's oldest active synagogue in historic Jew Town. Wander through markets and visit the vibrant Dhobi Ghats. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio to see a traditional performance.
Drive to the backwater region of Kerala this morning. En route, take a cruise by shikara boat through picturesque waterways Stay for 2 nights at Coconut Lagoon (or similar). Alternatively, upgrade to a full-day cruise on the backwaters followed by a night aboard a traditional rice barge by speaking to one of our travel specialists.
Day at leisure. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Tour ends in Kumarakom.
Trip Inclusions
- Witness Mysore Palace illuminated by 100,000 lights at night
- Join a culinary tour of Mysore
- Experience afternoon tea at a planter's house
- Ride the scenic Blue Mountain Railway
- Embark on a boat and canter safari in Nagarhole National Park
- Small group size - average 12 people (max 18)
- 4- & 5-star accommodation
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Experienced local tour manager
- 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners
- Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
- Porterage at hotels and train stations
- Included safari & national park fees
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
Cox & Kings groups rarely exceed 18 guests, and ninety percent of journeys have at least one guaranteed departure date, letting you plan with peace of mind.
Cox & Kings tours feature deep, authentic local experiences that reveal hidden truths and cultural secrets about each destination.
Cox & Kings partners with charming hotels that are comfortable and capture the essence of their surroundings, whether it’s a historic, characterful building, or an ideally placed location.
All Cox & Kings tours are guided and supported by experienced locals, who use their knowledge and on-the-ground relationships to improve and deepen the travel experience.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cox & Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
