India – Secrets of the South
The youthful and enterprising city of Bangalore is where your journey of the south begins, where just a short stroll through its tree lined streets will show you why it is known both as ‘The Garden City’ and ‘The Silicon Valley of India’. A city of contrasts if there ever was one, Bangalore’s lush parks and botanical gardens, as well as its dynamic entrepreneurial and economic core, are just waiting to be explored. The luxurious Taj West End Hotel will be your home for the duration of your stay, and there will also be the chance to explore the magnificent Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan.
Leaving the urban jungle of Bangalore, it’s time to take a drive into the heart of the Western Ghats mountain range, to the spiritual city of Mysore. Renowned for its magnificent royal residences, Mysore is often called the City of Palaces and its traditional marketplaces brimming with sandalwood, incense sticks and the eponymous Mysore silk saris are perfect for an afternoon’s retail therapy. After a busy day of sightseeing there’s nowhere better to hide away than the palatial The Windflower Spa Resort, hidden in amongst coconut trees with the most spectacular views of the Chamundi Hills. Unwind in the hotel’s award-winning spa before retreating to the comfort of your palatial four-poster.
On the journey westwards from Mysore towards Coorg, you’ll be able to stop off en-route and explore both the thriving Bulakippe Tibeten Settlement (home to a sangha community of over five thousand Buddhists monks and nuns) as well as the Elephant Camp. Here visitors can observe these majestic animals and get informed about elephant ecology, history and conservation, and then get right up close and personal with an elephant ride out into the Dubare reserve forest.
After the magnificent drive through fields of verdant green and aromatic coffee and cardamom plantations, you will come to Coorg. This secluded rainforest town, which is shrouded by an ethereal low-lying mist, enjoys its very own microclimate, which means the whole area is bathed in a cool, refreshing atmosphere. The opulent Vivanta by Taj Madikeri is the ideal choice of accommodation for your time in Coorg. Sitting at an altitude of 40,000 ft, this hilltop hotel sits right up in the clouds and is set within 180 acres of living rainforest which, as well as being a haven for hiking, is full of endless bird watching opportunities. Complete your stay in Coorg with a tour of the many coffee plantations and soak in the incredible panoramic views from the comfort of your own private suite.
Just a morning’s drive north and the tour will bring you to the unspoilt and undeveloped North Keralan coast, home to the luxurious Neelshwar Hermitage – a beach retreat truly like no other. Walk through the gardens filled with banana trees and frangipani, surround yourself in the coconut groves or simply stretch out by the infinity pool. See the endangered sea turtles hatching on the pristine beach, and don’t forget to indulge in the sumptuous Ayurvedic spa treatments. Local excursions include a morning visit to the Bekal Fort, one of Kerala’s largest forts, and sightseeing trips out to the Palakunnu Bhagavathi Temple, Kappil Mosque, Palikera Church and the peaceful Anandashram … otherwise known as “the abode of bliss”.
After rest and relaxation in Northern Kerala, passing through the port city of Mangalore, it’s off to the Mogul city of Hyderabad for a stay at the opulent and infinitely regal Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel, the former residence of the Zizam of Hyderabad. Known for its rich culture and history and its wealth of palaces, forts and mosques, Hyderabad is home to one of the largest mosques in India, the Mecca Masjid, which can hold 10,000 people at any one time, and, as the last stop, is a fitting finale to a tour that so vividly displays the combination of East and West in South India.
KERALA from Vincent JACQ – Music Composer on Vimeo.
DAY 1: ARRIVE BENGALURU
Day flight from London to Bengaluru with British Airways.
DAY 2: BENGALURU
On arrival transfer to Taj West End Hotel for 2 nights. Later sightseeing visit to the Garden City, including Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and the Botanical Gardens.
DAY 3: BENGALURU – MYSORE
Day drive to Mysore for a 3 night stay at The Windflower Spa Resort.
DAY 4: MYSORE
Morning sightseeing tour of Mysore.
DAY 5: MYSORE
Morning walking tour of Mysore with “Royal Mysore Walks” visiting local markets and old city. Rest of day at leisure.
DAY 6: MYSORE – COORG
Morning drive to Coorg en-route visiting Bylekuppe Tibetan settlement and Dubare Elephant camp. 2 nights at Vivanta by Taj Madikeri Hotel.
DAY 7: COORG
Day at leisure to enjoy various activities such as Plantation Tour, bird watching, and local garden walks.
DAY 8: COORG – NEELESHWAR
Morning drive to Neeleshwar. 3 night stay at Neeleshwar Hermitage. Rest of day free
for ayurvedic spa treatments.
DAY 9: NEELESHWAR
Morning visit The Bekal Fort. Rest of day at leisure.
DAY 10: NEELESHWAR
Morning sightseeing of Palakunnu Bhagavathi Temple, Anandashram, Kappil Mosque and Pallikera Church.
DAY 11: NEELESHWAR – MANGALORE – HYDERABAD
Morning drive to Mangalore. Spice jet flight to Hyderabad. 2 nights Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel.
DAY 12: HYDERABAD
Morning sightseeing tour of Hyderabad city. Afternoon visit to Qutub Shahi Tombs.
DAY 13: HYDERABAD – LONDON
Early morning flight to London with British Airways.
Price from £2,699 this is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels and dates of travel. Price includes international flights on British Airways travelling in World Traveller (economy), accommodation in a double/ twin room, breakfast, sightseeing, transfers, domestic flights, private guides and chauffeur driven cars.
For more details and how to book visit Greaves India or telephone 020 7487 9111
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