Wildlife and Backwaters of Kerela

Bangalore – Mysore – Kabini – Bandipur – Waynnad – Guruvayur – Munnar – Periyar – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Cochin

15 days trip starting from $2054 per person

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HIGHLIGHTS

Journey starts from Bangalore, widely regarded as the "Silicon Valley of India" (or "IT capital of India") because of its role as the nation's leading information technology (IT) exporter. Indian technological organisations are headquartered in the city.
Visit the famous Maharaja’s Palace of Mysore.
Witnessing morning and evening jeep safari or even a boat ride down the River Kabini rewards you with sightings of herds of elephants, crocodiles sunning themselves and many-hued birds flitting in and out of the forest’s green canopy. For a touch of rustic, opt for the traditional coracle, made from bamboo and buffalo hide or go for the regular motorboat. Unwind with a wildlife movie in the audio-visual hall and then bring the day to a grand close with barbecue by a campfire
Explore the wildlife in Bandipore National Park, once the private hunting ground of Maharaja of Mysore. The Park is one of the richest wildlife areas in India, being particularly noted for its intact assemblage of seven large angulate species (muntjac, chital, sambar, chousingha, gaur, wild pig and elephant) and three large predatory carnivores & dash, tiger, leopard and dholes.
Enjoy the nature at its best in Wayanad & Guruvayur.
Explore Wayanad forested highlands in Kerala on the Nilgiri hills, 2600 ft above sea level. This lush green and damp forest captures two monsoons in a year.
Enjoy the boat ride and see wildlife in Periyar.
Embark on an idyllic cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat.
Enjoy the Kathakali dance show.
Savour Karnataka and Malabar cuisine in the state of Karnataka and Kerala.
Walk into the heart of nature while enjoying the unique sights and sounds. Marvel at the carefully lined coconut and banana plantation that make way for a sea of green in the form of green paddy fields.
Enjoy Kayaking or bamboo raft at Lake Vembanad lake.
Soak up the colonial charm of the colourful Port city of Kochi, Queen of the Arabian sea.

WILDLIFE AND BACKWATERS OF KERELA

The princely capitals of the Maharaja's with their magnificent remains of once powerful Hindu Kingdoms, contrast dramatically with the wildlife all these and more told from the sight of the forts, welcome to Karnataka. Once the golden cities of the south, that was ruled by the mighty Tipu and known as Deccan. After relinquishing in the history of Karnataka, go on to live and explore the spice villages and the tranquil backwaters of Kerala!
The scenic backwaters of Kerala comprise serene stretches of lakes, canals and lagoons located parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea. The backwater regions of Kerala are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The tranquil backwater cruises are a once in a lifetime experience. Alappuzha, known as the 'Venice of the East', is especially popular for its houseboat cruises where you can soak in nature at its finest form.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is among the most popular bird watching spots in the country. Spread out over 14 hectares, one comes across numerous rare avian species in these parts. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in Kottayam, One gets to see a variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, ranging from places like THE HIMALAYAS TO SIBERIA in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 01: Bangalore

Day 02: Bangalore – Mysore (150 Kms – 3½ Hrs)

Day 03: Mysore

Day 04: Mysore – Kabini (72 Kms – 2 Hrs)

Day 05: Kabini – Bandipur (105 Kms – 2½ Hrs)

Day 06: Bandipur – Wayanad (105 Kms – 2½ Hrs)

Day 07: Wayanad

Day 08: Wayanad – Guruvayur (185 Kms – 5½ Hrs)

Day 09: Guruvayur – Munnar (185 Kms – 5½ Hrs)

Day 10: Munnar – Periyar (90 Kms – 3 Hrs)

Day 11: Periyar – Alleppey (145 Kms – 4 Hrs)

Day 12: Alleppey – Kumarakom (15 Kms – ½ Hr)

Day 13: Kumarakom

Day 14: Kumarakom – Cochin (40 Kms – 01 Hr)

Day 15: Cochin

Day 01: Bangalore

Arrive at Bangalore International airport & meet our representative. Transfer to hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Bangalore – Mysore (150 Kms – 3½ Hrs)

After breakfast, half day city tour visiting Vidhan Soudha a four storeyed spacious granite structure in the Neo Dravidian style. Housing the legislative chambers of the State Government, this 46 mtrs. high seat of the Government is Bangalore's best-known landmark. Visit the Lal Bagh – the garden spread over 240 acres and one of the best botanical gardens in the country, a paradise with rare trees brought from Persia, Afghanistan and France. Late afternoon, leave for Mysore by surface. Arrive at Mysore and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: Mysore

After breakfast, visit Maharaja's Palace and Museum - built in the Indo-Saracenic style. It’s an imposing structure standing the heart of the city and is one of the largest of its kind in India. It was formerly the residence of Wodeyar family. The Palace is a breath-taking sight particularly on Sundays & public holidays when it is illuminated. Visit the capital of warrior – King Hyder Ali & his son Tipu Sultan, has magnificent monuments that are well worth a visit. Also visit Golden royal Elephant and Durbar Hall. Visit Chamundi Hills – Right on the top of the hill is the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari – family deity Mysore royal family and then visit Brindavan Gardens – Witness the exuberant beauty of Brindavan Gardens. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Mysore – Kabini (72 Kms – 2 Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Kabini by surface. Arrive at Kabini and check in at the Jungle hotel. A jungle safari through the Kabini region of the Nagarhole National Park will bring you to the heart of the dense foliage where some of the most majestic mammals of Asia live. You can spot herds of elephants, spotted deer, Indian Gaur, wild boar, sambar deer, tigers and even black leopards on a safari through Kabini. Visit Kabini Dam and also enjoy boat ride in river Kabini. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05: Kabini – Bandipur (105 Kms – 2½ Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Bandipur (Bandipur National Park) by surface. Arrive at Bandipur and check in at the hotel. Bandipur is a gem of wildlife reserve that a country can treasure. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Western Ghats, this national park covers an area of about 874.2 sq km and it creates an essential part of the ‘Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’. The national park is a home to a sizable number of Tigers, Elephants, Gaur (a type of bull), Sambhar, Chital, Mouse deer, Four-horned Antelope, Wild Dogs, Wild Boar, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Panther, Malabar Squirrel, Porcupines and the Black-knapped Hare. The Park is also an ideal site for bird watching. What makes Bandipur even more popular is its strategic location. The national park is situated to some of the most scenic destinations and historically significant places in South India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Bandipur – Wayanad (105 Kms – 2½ Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Bandipur (Bandipur National Park) by surface. Arrive at Bandipur and check in at the Hotel Vythiri Resort. Elegant, exclusive and in its essence a state of mind, the Vythiri Resort is an exquisite jungle getaway located in Wayanad, a largely mountainous district in northern Kerala. Situated beneath an enormous canopy of a lush tropical rainforest, journey into nature's wonderland - in the company of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, flowering plants and butterflies that inhabit the dense Vythiri rainforest. You will be seduced by the promise of discovery, bliss and exaltation - body, mind and soul. Savour Malabar cuisine at its best at Vythiri Resort. The Vythiri resort is located in the forested highlands of Kerala on the Nilgiri hills in South India. 2600 ft above sea level. This lush green and damp forest captures two monsoons in a year. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07: Wayanad

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy and explore the nature. Miles away from the dust, grime and din. A magical, romantic getaway tucked away in a lush tropical rain forest. Break into a song with tunes set by a chorus of chirping, multihued birds. Let a rainbow of butterflies and dragonflies play hide-and-seek with you. Vythiri Resort is parked bang amidst a 150-acre coffee and cardamom plantation. Replete with traditional planter's cottages that transport you back to a laid-back era. Is that a thunderous roar of a stream crashing down a ravine that you hear? Vythiri Resort. For the incurably romantic, the terribly adventurous or the complete workaholic who needs to recharge his batteries with ayurvedic rejuvenation. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 08: Wayanad – Guruvayur (185 Kms – 5½ Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Guruvayur by surface. Arrive at Guruvayur and check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Sri Krishna Temple (Guruvayurappan Temple). Also visit the elephant camp at Punnathur Kotta where elephants are groomed / trained. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 09: Guruvayur – Munnar (185 Kms – 5½ Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Munnar by surface. Enroute visit Kalmandalam dance school training in Kathakali dance drama and other indigenous performing arts of Kerala like Mohiniyattam and Thullal. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in at the hotel. Visit to Tea/ Spice Plantation. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the NeelaKurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2030 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Munnar – Periyar (90 Kms – 3 Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave by surface for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) by surface. Periya is dominated by two things – the sanctuary and plantations of spices, tea, coffee and Cardamom. Arrive at Periyar and check in at the hotel. Afternoon, boat ride at lake Periyar to view wildlife. Periyar Sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11: Periyar – Alleppey (145 Kms – 4 Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Alleppey by surface. Arrive at Alleppey and board the houseboat. This houseboat is known as 'Kettuvallam', the traditional rice barge, with its sturdy build and stately carriage, feature single and two-bedroom houseboats, complete with kitchens, bathrooms and your own personal cooks-cum-attendants-cum-boatmen. The boat hulls are made from seasoned 'Anjili' (Jackfruit) logs, that have a natural gentle curvature. Keels are flat, because the rivers here can get mighty shallow at times, and also to allow the boat to be easily punted. Your boat moves towards the mouth of the Kavanar river. Hmmm. It is difficult not to shut your eyes with the soft breeze soothing you and the gentle swinging speed of 6 miles an hour of the Kettuvallam, off the Vembanad lake. It carries the cries of distant darter birds, surprisingly loud over the waters. Overnight stay at the houseboat.

Day 12: Alleppey – Kumarakom (15 Kms – ½ Hr)

Morning disembarks from the houseboat at Alleppey and drive to Kumarakom by surface. Kumarakom- a small village recognised as a backwater paradise on The Vembanad Lake. Arrive at Kumarakom and check-in at the hotel. Participate in water sports or visit to a local village or spend the day relaxing in a peaceful and quite environment of the place or enjoy the Ayurveda Therapy at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13: Kumarakom

Full day at leisure at Kumarakom, laced with canals, where houseboats ply the waters. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to many species including cuckoos and Siberian storks. Nearby, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum displays wooden sculptures. In the lake, Pathiramanal Island is a haven for rare migratory birds. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14: Kumarakom – Cochin (40 Kms – 01 Hr)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Cochin by surface. Arrive at Cochin and check-in at the hotel. Cochin city tour visiting the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 AD and decorated with copper plates bearing the Hebrew script and hand painted Chinese tiles. The Ancient Catholic Church at Malayathur is dedicated to ST. Thomas. Visit St. Francis Church in Fort cochin, built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco-da-Gama was originally buried here but forty years later his mortal remains were taken to Portugal. Also, visit the Mattan-Cherry Palace also called the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the King of Cochin in 1555 AD. The Chinese fishing nets at the entrance of the harbour along the backwaters are a fascinating sight. These nets that line the sea front exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish, introduced by Chinese traders to the coast of Malabar. Evening, witness the Kathakali Dance Programme. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15: Cochin

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure. Late check out from hotel and in evening, transfer to Cochin International airport to fly back home \ onward destination.

YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotels hand selected by Luxe India for an unmatched experience.

JW Marriott Hotel, Bengaluru

Royal Orchid Metropole, Mysore

The Fern Residency, Vijayapura

Vythiri, Wayanad

HOTEL DEVARAGAM, Guruvayur

Chandys Windy Woods, Munnar

Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden, Thekkady

Punnamada Resort, Alappuzha

Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Kochi

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Inclusions

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