Undiscovered Karnataka and Kerala

14 days from £3620 per person

Route: Bangalore – Mysore – Sultan's Battery – Madikeri – Neeleshwar – Mumbai

Despite the region's popularity, certain parts of both Karnataka and Kerala remain relatively underexplored. This South India journey combines culture, scenery and relaxation to highlight the best of southern Karnataka and northern Kerala. Starting in Mysore visit the city, nearby Somnathpur and Srirangapatnam before continuing to the charming plantation retreat of Tranquil. Leaving Tranquil drive to the hill station of Madikeri, heart of the beautiful Coorg region, then travel to the north Keralan coast where the holiday ends with a stay at the luxurious Neeleshwar Hermitage hotel.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Bangalore. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Bangalore / Bangalore to Mysore – 150kms

Arrive into Bangalore where you will be met and driven to pretty Mysore for a three night stay. In the afternoon take a two hour specialist heritage walk in the city which starts at the Town Hall, visits the Devaraja Market and finishes at the Jagan Mohan Palace. You will also get the chance to taste ‘Mysore Pak’, the city's famous sweet. (B)
Accommodation in Mysore: Gitanjali Homestay (or similar)
Upgrade option: Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel (or similar)

Days 3 & 4 Mysore

Over the next two days explore Mysore. Visit Chamundi Hill, site of the Chamundeswari Temple and Nandi Bull as well as the vast City Palace which was re-built by Henry Irwin during 1897 in an Indo-Saracenic style. The palace contains extraordinary wall paintings, stained glass work and inlaid doors. Also leave the city to visit the temple complex at Somnathpur and the exquisite Keshava Vishnu temple, one of the finest in India, as well as Srirangapatnam where Tipu Sultan was killed in battle against an East India Company army including Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington. (B)
Accommodation in Mysore: Gitanjali Homestay (or similar)
Upgrade option: Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Mysore to Sultan’s Battery – 125kms

After breakfast leave Mysore and drive to Sultan's Battery, a small town in the Western Ghats and the centre of a region which produces some of India's finest coffee, cardamom and vanilla. Stay for two nights at charming Amaryllis - a delightful homestay with spectacular views. Alternatively upgrade to Tranquil, a secluded 70 year old plantation bungalow on the Kuppamudi Coffee Estate. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Sultan’s Battery: Amaryllis Homestay
Alternative accommodation: Tranquil Resort

Day 6 Sultan's Battery

Today enjoy Amaryllis and the surrounding local area. Swim in the beautiful pool or relax with a good book. The bird watching at Amaryllis is excellent and, for the more energetic, there are walking trails. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Sultan’s Battery: Amaryllis Homestay
Alternative accommodation: Tranquil Resort

Day 7 Sultan's Battery to Madikeri – 140kms

This morning leave Sultan's Battery and drive to the hill station of Madikeri, principle town of the Coorg region. The area around Madikeri is mostly home to the Kodavas, however, several smaller local tribes also inhabit this predominantly rural region. (B)
Accommodation in Madikeri: School Estate
Upgrade option: Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri

Day 8 Madikeri

Explore Coorg with your driver. There are many charming little pastoral villages to visit in and around Madikeri including Najarayapatna and the interesting Tibetan Buddhist settlement of Bylakuppe. In Madikeri itself, it is also worth visiting the imposing fort and Nalkanad Palace. A land of rugged mountains interspersed with cardamom and coffee plantations, paddy fields and jungle, this is one of south India's most beautiful regions. (B)
Accommodation in Madikeri: School Estate
Upgrade option: Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri

Day 9 Madikeri to Neeleshwar – 120kms

This morning drive towards the coast and the Neeleshwar Hermitage for a four night stay. This heavenly hideaway is set in a palm grove, set slightly back from an unspoiled beach. The traditional, thatched buildings house sixteen cottages and are large and airy, wonderfully inviting, comfortable and spacious. Each has its own veranda and most look straight out to sea. There is also an excellent spa and pool. (B)
Accommodation in Neeleshwar: Neeleshwar Hermitage (or similar)

Days 10 to 12 Neeleshwar

At leisure. Aside from the swimming pool, spa and comprehensive Ayurvedic centre, it is also possible to take a backwater cruise and visit nearby temples and some neighbouring villages. During the stay, there will be frequent evening talks on local culture and way of life and an opportunity to undertake cookery classes. (B)
Accommodation in Neeleshwar: Neeleshwar Hermitage (or similar)

Day 13 Neeleshwar to Mangalore – 95kms / Mangalore to Mumbai – by air

After breakfast transfer to Mangalore Airport in good time to catch the morning flight to Mumbai where you will stay overnight at the Hilton Airport Hotel, located close to the international airport. One of the world's great cities, Mumbai has grown from a small group of islands to India's economic powerhouse and gateway to the world. Still growing fast, Mumbai is a combination of old and new, the chaotic and the peaceful, which draws visitors back time again to what is a most vibrant, bustling and human of cities. (B)
Accommodation in Mumbai: Hilton Airport Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Santa Cruz

Day 14 Mumbai to the UK

Today transfer back to Mumbai Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Undiscovered Karnataka and Kerala

14 days from £3620 per person

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Itinerary: Undiscovered Karnataka and Kerala

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