Spices and Sandalwood Tour

A classic journey through the warm scented hinterland of South India. The excitement of Mysore and Nagarhole gives way to the fading glory of 'snooty' Ooty. The South is a cross roads for the varied cultures that have left their many churches, palaces, forts and temples to enrich this cosmopolitan community. From Cochin it is possible to extend to the nearby beach resorts of Kovalam or Varkala or further afield to the Andman Island, Lakshadweep Islands, Goa or Sri Lanka.

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Day 01 : Arrive Mumbai
Meet our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02 : Mumbai - Bangalore
Morning city sightseeing visiting, Gate Way of India, Princes of Wales Museum, Hanging Garden, Tower of Silence, Dhobi Garh & Mani Bhawan. Evening transfer to airport to connect flight for Bangalore. You will be transferred to the pre booked hotel for overnight stay.

Day 03 : Bangalore - Mysore
Full day city tour of Bangalore visiting the Bull Temple, and Tipu's Summer Palace, drive past numerous parks, the Vidhan Soudha and down town commercial centre. Later drive to Mysore, which is 140 kms / 3 hrs.

Day 04 : Mysore
Palaces of interest include the Maharaja's Palace, the colourful vegetable and flower markets and Chamundi Hill noted for its Nandi temple. Outside of Mysore visit Srirangapatanam to see the ruins of Tipu Sultan's capital and Somnathpur where the small Kesava temple is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. For bird watchers the Ranganathittoo Bird Sanctuary (best season December to February) is well worth a visit.

Day 05 : Mysore - Nagarhole National Park
Just 90 kms south-west of Mysore lies Nagarhole National Park an excellent sanctuary for viewing elephants and a rich variety of bird life. View by jeep and on elephant back . Stay at hotel.

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Day 06 : Nagarhole - Ooty - Coonoor
Morning drive to Ooty (90 kms/3hrs) the famous hill station in the Nilgiri hills. Coonoor is just 13 kms from Ooty and offers a relaxing alternative. Afternoon free for leisure.

Day 07 : Coonoor
Today leave for a visit to the tea plantations, The Botanical Gardens, and Sima Park in Coonoor. In Coonoor also see the views from Lady Canning's Seat and Dolphins Nose.

Day 08 : Coonoor to Cochin
Drive south to the Malabar Coast to Cochin(280 kms/7 hrs). Over the centuries the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all influenced this fascinating city.

Day 09 : Cochin
This morning visit the synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church and the spice market. In the afternoon take a harbour cruise to see some of the nearby island and Chinese fishing nets.

Day 10 : Cochin to Periyar
After breakfast drive along the coast to Alleppey (70 kms) and take a backwater cruise for 2½ hours through some of the most picturesque backwaters in Kerala to Changancherry. Continue on by car to Lake Periyar wildlife sanctuary in the heart of the Cardamon hills. Evening viewing by an exclusive boat ride on Lake Periyar. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 : Periyar to Kodaikanal
Drive this morning upto the Palani hills to Kodaikanal (160 kms/4 hrs) a peaceful backwater hill station noted for its beautiful scenery and lake. Stay at the hotel.

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Day 12 : Kodaikanal to Madurai
This morning drive down to Madurai (90 kms/4 hrs) where life in the bustling pilgrimage city is centred around the great Meenakshi temple. In the afternoon visit this living temple returning in the evening to witness the temple music. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 : Madurai to Chennai
Return by air or train to Chennai. Alternatively, continue by car to Chennai visiting the great temple.

Tour ends.