overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the diverse landscapes of Western and Central India, where you'll explore renowned national parks and wildlife reserves teeming with extraordinary wildlife. Witness the majestic Bengal tiger, elusive leopards, sloth bears, and striped hyenas prowling through the forests of Nagarhole and Periyar. Experience the breathtaking sight of large herds of Asiatic elephants along the banks of the Kabini River, while sambar deer, chital, and barking deer roam freely. The region's vibrant ecosystem also hosts a variety of bird species, marsh crocodiles, and smooth-coated otters, making every safari a thrilling encounter with nature.
accommodation amidst action
Your journey is complemented by stays at some of the finest accommodations, offering comfort and an immersive connection with nature. Experience the grandeur of Radisson Blu Plaza in Mysore, a city of palaces and rich heritage. Enjoy the serene luxury of Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge in Kabini, blending seamlessly with the wilderness. In Ooty, unwind at Fortune Resort Sullivan Court, nestled in the heart of the Nilgiri Hills. Discover tranquility in Munnar at Fragrant Nature, surrounded by lush tea plantations, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty at Spice Village in Thekkady. Each stay is carefully selected to enhance your wildlife and cultural exploration.
itinerary
2024 – 2025Upon arrival at Kempagowda international airport, proceed to the immigration. Later collect your bags and walk toward the arrival exit gate where you will be met and transfer you to your hotel in Mysore. Mysore is a city of palaces and gardens and is famous for its silk, sandalwood and jasmine. On arrival, check-in to hotel for 02 nights. Evening takes a walk around the colourful Devaraja market.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Radisson Blu Plaza Mysore
Mysore Palace - Mysore Palace is a historical palace and a royal residence at Mysore and this infrastructure is one of the largest of its kind in India, built in Indo Saracenic style in 1912. The architectural style of domes of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, with blends of the Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic styles. It is a three-story stone structure with marble domes, and has a 145-foot five-story tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden
Jaganmohan Palace - Jaganmohan Palace is a palace in the city of Mysore, India. Its construction was completed in 1861 and was initially used by the Wodeyars, kings of Mysore as their home. It is now used as an art gallery and a function hall.The palace is one of the seven palaces of the royal city of Mysore.
Brindhavan Gardens - Spread across an area of 60 acres, Brindavan Gardens is at the bottom of the Krishnaraja Sagara Dam (KRS), across the river Cauvery. Modelled on the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir, the garden entices visitors with its lush green lawns, terraces, flower beds, topiary and multihued fountains. Today, the Brindavan Gardens is world-famous for its ethereal beauty and grandeur. An endless expanse of green, dotted with colourful blooms, the terraced gardens are well laid and admired for their symmetrical design. The highlight for visitors, however, is the famed musical fountain which is a water ballet of sorts, with lights and music and is played every evening for the tourists.
Srirangapatinam - A heritage destination which was once the capital of Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna town, has many historical places that are worth exploring and admiring. Srirangapatna Fort is one of the popular sightseeing places here. It was once considered to the strongest fort in India, with double walls and four majestic gates. Also known as Tipu Fort, Srirangapatna Fort is one of the most popular forts in Karnataka, presenting captivating architecture and has high historical significance.
Mysore
Post breakfast enjoya tour of Mysore. Visit the Maharajah's Palace which artistically blends Indo-Saracenic style with foreign elements such as Scottish steel and Victorian-Edwardian era furniture. Every Sunday, visitors gather to to see the palace brightly lit up. Drive up to the Chamundi Hills to be blessed alongside hundreds of jubilant pilgrims at the Chamundeshwari Temple. On your way back, visit Sri Nandi Temple to be blessed by Hindu God Lord Shiva's faithful gatekeeper Nandi, the decorated bull.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Radisson Blu Plaza Mysore
Morning Breakfast and drive of 1.5 Hrs to Kabini home to Nagarhole national park. The park is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park is declared as thirty seventh Tiger Reserve in India and also considered as World Heritage site by UNESCO. Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena are the predators that can be spotted in the park.Herbivores like Elephants, Chital, Sambar Deer, and Barking Deer is also spotted around the national park. This park in Karnataka is a good place to see elephants in the luxuriant forests and bamboo thickets which they most enjoy. On arival check-in to the resort for 03 nights. PM Boat Safari at Kabini.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge
Boat Safari - On the Boat Safari, you will be taken upstream from the resort on the Kabini River to where the river itself separates the Nagarhole National Park from the Bandipur National Park. Today, on the banks of the Kabini, one can witness the largest congregation of Asiatic elephants, peacefully feeding and getting on with their lives. In addition to diverse wildlife sighted on the extensive river banks, the boat safari offers an opportunity to observe the Marsh Crocodile, Smoothcoated Otter and myriad water birds. (Schedule 6:30AM - 9:15AM & 3:30PM - 6:15PM).
Safari in Kabini
morning & evening Safari at Nagarhole National Park
Hotel - Overnight stay at Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge
Jeep Safari- Enjoy a Safari to Nagarhole Sanctuary to see the Wildlife in close quarters. The Nagarhole ecosystem supports the highest density of herbivores anywhere in Asia with around 108 animals per sq km. In addition to large herbivores such as the Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Asian Elephant and more, Nagarhole also boasts a large number of predators including the Tiger, Leopard and Wild dog. A highlight of the park is the largest congregation of Asian Elephants in the world, which occur during the summer months. (8-Seater Vehicle, Schedule – 5:45AM - 10AM & 3PM - 7PM)
KABINI to OOTY (Approx 4 – 5 Hrs)
Today drive to Udhagamandalam, popularly called as Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations located in the Western Ghats zone at an altitude of 2240 mtrs. Coffee and Tea Plantations and trees like Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pine and Wattle dot the hill side in Udhagamandalam and its environs. On arrival check-in to your hotel for 02 nights. Remainder of the day free at leisure.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Fortune Resort Sullivan Court.
Ooty Coonoor
Morning transfer to Ooty Railway station to board toy train to Coonoor. On arrival join your car and proceed for sightseeing of Coonoor covering - Sims Park, Toda Village, Coronation Gateway between Upper Coonoor on top of the hill and lower Coonoor. Post lunch (Direct Payment basis) drive to Ooty. On arrival visit - Rock Cut Mueeshwara temple, St. Thomas Church (Cross shaped Church) & Tomb Stone. Charring Cross Fountain, Government Arts College, Nilgiri Museum show casing the tribal culture of Nilgiris's. Botanical Garden - Curated by William Graham Mclvor from the famous Kew Gardens in UK. St. Stephen's Church - The oldest church of Ooty with historic tombs of John Sullivan wife Henrietta Cecillia Harington, his younger daughter Harriet, James Wilkinson Breeks the first commissioner of Nilgiris' and William Graham Mclvor, the first Gardner of Botanical Gardner. You will also see many Historic buildings / Summer Palaces of Indian Kings converted to Schools and government institutions.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Fortune Resort Sullivan Court
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway - The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is a 1,000 mm (3 ft 338 in) metre gauge the only rack railway in India., built by the British in 1908. The railway relies on its fleet of steam locomotives. NMR switched to diesel locomotives on the section between Coonoor and Udhagamandalam. Local people and visitors led a campaign to return to steam locomotives in this section.In July 2005, UNESCO added the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as an extension to the World Heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The site then became known as Mountain Railways of India.
Ooty – Munnar (Approx 7 Hrs)
Today you will embark on a leisurley drive through the winding roads to Munnar, a paradise at an altitude of nearly 6000 ft. On the journey you will pass Mettupalayam the gateway to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, tranquil countryside, Palladom textile town, green fields, sandalwood forests and ancient Dolmens. Late afternoon checks in at your hotel upon arrival. Remainder of the day free at leisure.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Fragrant Nature Munnar.
At Munnar
After breakfast drive through the meticulously groomed tea plantations situated in this wonderful mountain region to Lockhart Gap Tea Estate. Here explores the estate on your own. Watch the tea pickers collecting the tea before being taken for processing, later you wil be given a tour of fully fucntional tea factory to show you the process of tea. If you are fond of tea, finish the tour with a tea tasting session.
Lockhart Gap Tea Factory Visit - Explore the Lockhart Tea Estate & Museum situated at Devikulam. Drive along meticulously cut tea plantations to reach the expansive Lockhart Estate established in the late 1800s as one of High Range's earliest tea plantations. You will be greeted by a Estate staff and take you for walk along the plantation, watch the labours picking tea, click your camera to et some fantastic pictures of hills and smiling faces. You will end the walk at a working tea factory where you will be shown and told how tea is processed, from leaf to the drink. Wind your day with a tea tasting session.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Fragrant Nature Munnar
Munnar Sightseeing
After breakfast proceed for a visit to Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai).
Eravikulam National Park - This park is famous for its collection of Nilgiri Tahr and also some rare animals and endangered species of butterfies can be spotted here.
Hotel Overnight stay at Fragrant Nature Munnar.
Munnar – Thekkady (Approx 4 Hrs)
Morning drive to Periyar / Thekkady through the delightful Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. On arrival at Periyar, check-in to your hotel for 03 nights. PM free to enjoy the resort facilities.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Spice Village.
In Thekkady - Morning proceed to Periyar Tiger Reserve for a dawn to dusk trekking and Bamboo Rafting Activity with Forest Naturalist. Often it is possible to see wild Elephants, Bison, Antelopes, Sambar, Wild Boar, Monkeys and many varieties of birds and possibly a Tiger. Periyar was declared a tiger reserve in 1978.
Hotel- Overnight stay at Spice Village
Bamboo Rafting Full Day - This is a dawn to dusk range hiking and rafting programme through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8 am from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets 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 three 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. Snacks and packed food will be served enroute. (Schedule 8AM- 5PM)
Periyar Tiger Reserve - Periyar National Park is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the south Western Ghats. The protected area was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. The park is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna. There are over 1965 flowering plants 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids, more than 60 species of mammals, over 265 species of birds and a large number of reptiles and amphibiens and fishlife are found here. There are many activities available to explore the national park such as game viewing boating, rafting cum trekking programmes, camping etc.
Day at Periyar - Morning Boat ride in Periyar Tiger Reserve to spot wildlife. PM
Spice plantation tour with naturalist to know more about the Spices of Kerala. Later in the evening join the interactive cooking session offered by the resort.
Boat Ride in Periyar - This is a cruise, which we can see the animals such as elephants, gaurs and bisons along the serene lake, in close quarters on the safety of the boat, if possible, make the trip closer to sunrise and sunset for better chances of spotting wildlife. A camera (Extra Fee Applicable) and a pair of binoculars (Extra Fee Applicable) are highly recommended accessories.
Periyar Tiger Reserve - Periyar National Park is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the south Western Ghats. The protected area was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. The park is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna. There are over 1965 flowering plants 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids, more than 60 species of mammals, over 265 species of birds and a large number of reptiles and amphibiens and fishlife are found here. There are many activities available to explore the national park such as game viewing boating,rafting cum trekking programmes, camping etc.
Spice Plantation Tour - As you take a walk along the streets of Kumily or the winding pathways among the plantations, the thing that strikes you first is the lingering aroma in the air. The scent may be of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon or cardamom and sometimes a fragrance that combines the scents of two or more spices. The geographical and climatic peculiarities of Kumily such as the cool climate and its elevation from the sea level make it ideal for spice cultivation. One of the major spices produced in the area is cardamom. The variety, Cardamom Small, botanically known as Elettaria Cardamom, is the one that is mostly grown here.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Spice Village
Thekkady – Kumarakom (Approx 3-4 Hrs)
Post breakfast, transfer to the backwaters, a labyrinth of backwaters with shimmering water, the brilliant green of mangrove forests, coconut palms lining the embankments, blue skies, flocks of migratory birds skimming the water - that is Kumarakom, a veritable dreamland!
With the huge lake on one side and a network of calm canals running through it, Kumarakom, a masterpiece created by man and Nature together, has been described by National Geographic Magazine as one of the must-see places in a lifetime.
On arrival, check-in to the resort on the banks of the magnificent Lake Vembanad for 2 relaxing nights.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Coconut Lagoon.
Day at Backwaters
Post breakfast, day free to enjoy resort facilities & activities. (Ayurveda available on direct payment basis)
Optional Activity - Day Cruise on non-A/c Deluxe Houseboat in Alleppey with Lunch, Evening Tea / Coffee & Snacks - INR. 8200 Per Person (Applicable Over & Above Quoted Price)
Hotel - Overnight stay at Coconut Lagoon.
Kumarakom – Cochin (Approx 1.5 Hrs)
Post breakfast, check-out and transfer to Cochin, a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world. It became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
On arrival, check-in to a hotel overlooking the Arabian Sea.
PM, go for a tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry.
Evening, watch Kathakali, the dance drama at a local theatre.
The Paradesi Synagogue - Constructed in 1568, it is one of seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people, the Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin. The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Mattancherry.
When the Jews moved to Kochi in the 14th century, they built a new synagogue there. Paradesi is a word used in several Indian languages, meaning "foreigners", applied to the synagogue because it was built by Sephardic or Portuguese-speaking Jews, some from families exiled in Aleppo, Safed, and other West Asian localities. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue.
The Dutch Palace - The Mattancherry Palace, known as the Dutch Palace after major repairs by the Dutch, was originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 and presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. One of the finest examples of Kerala-style architecture mixed with colonial influences, the palace features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.
Dhobi Khana - Dhobi Khana, the only community laundry space in Kerala, is worth a visit. It was organized under the Madras Presidency in 1920 with Vannars from Tamil Nadu to wash clothes. Upon arrival, you will see an array of men and women ironing clothes, with loud music from the radio in the background.
The 3-acre compound consists of 40 pens and water tanks lined up in a row. At present, about 40 families in the community inherit a wash pen and water tank. While men wash clothes, the women help dry and press them.
Kathakali Dance Show - The Indian traditional dance form Kathakali originated in Hindu courts and theatres and is a Kerala-based dance drama. Like other classical Indian dance forms, Kathakali artists use outstanding footwork, facial expressions, and hand gestures to tell a story, all accompanied by beautiful music and vocal performances.
What sets Kathakali apart is the dancers' elaborate and colorful make-up, unique face masks, and costumes, along with their mannerisms, which pay homage to Kerala’s long-standing traditions in martial arts and athletics. Visitors can also witness artists from the initial stage of make-up to the presentation of an elaborate folk tale.
Hotel - Overnight stay at Brunton Boatyard.
Cochin – Cochin International Airport (Approx 1.5 Hrs)
Today, timely transfer to Cochin International Airport to connect your flight back home.
Expedition on a map
Gallery
- Accommodation on Twin sharing basis
- Daily Breakfast
- Half Board at Kabini
- All transfers and surface tours by Air-Conditioned Toyota Crysta - with reasonable English-Speaking Driver as per itinerary
- Jeep Safari at Kabini on shared basis (Subject To - Availability)
- Courtesy Activities at Evolve Back Kabini on Shared basis
- Courtesy activities at Spice Village Thekkady on shared basis
- Courtesy activities at Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom on Shared basis
- First Class Train ticket from Ooty to Coonoor (Subject To Availability)
- Tea Factory Visit & Tea Tasting in Munnar (Without Guide)
- Tickets for Full day Bamboo Rafting (Shared basis) with Forest - - Naturalist at Periyar Tiger Reserve (Subject To Availability)
- Tickets for Boat Ride (Shared basis) at Periyar Tiger Reserve (Subject To Availability)
- Spice Plantation tour in Thekkady with Naturalist
- Tickets for Kathakali Show (Shared basis) at Cultural Centre
- 01-time Entry fee to Monuments / Sites as per itinerary
- Local English-Speaking Guide in Mysore, Ooty, Munnar, and Cochin as per itinerary
- Packaged drinking water during long drive and surface tours
- All toll, parking, inter-state permit, and other expenses related to vehicle
- Goods & Service Tax @ 5%.
- Visa fee
- Any Air Fare, unless specifically included
- Lunch/Dinner, unless specifically included
- Travel Insurance
- Early Check-in & Late Check-out
- Tips, Porterage, Soft / Hard Drinks, Camera / Video fees or any - other expenses of personal nature
- Bank Charges
1. Ensure you have your camera with lenses ready for wildlife photography.
2. Carry binoculars for bird watching.
3. Dress in neutral colors for better integration into the natural environment.
4. Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
5. Guest must carry original ID cards at all time for every game drive that given during time of booking