This two week holiday begins with tiger spotting in one of the best national parks in central India (Tadoba), and the best national park in south India (Nagarhole). This is followed by the mellow cultural vibes of Kerala, one of India’s most popular destinations, offering history, arts, cuisine and stunning landscapes to relax in.
Day 0
Fly out from the UK
The tour begins in Nagpur, early morning on Day 1.
We recommend that you fly to Nagpur on the following flights, from London Heathrow.
London Heathrow to Doha (QR 006 0900 hrs / 1745 hrs)
Doha to Nagpur (QR 590 2005 hrs / 0250 hrs)
Hotel: Tadoba
Day 1
Arrive in Nagpur from UK via Doha (Qatar Air) in the early hours of the morning, on QR 590, arriving 0250 hrs.
You will be met by our local representative at Nagpur Airport. After some tea/coffee at the airport, transfer to Tadoba National Park. (3-3.5 hours). Arrive Tadoba and check in at your hotel and relax. After lunch, prepare for your first encounter with the majestic tigers of central India, as we embark on an afternoon jeep safari to Tadoba National Park.
Hotel: Tadoba
Day 2
Enjoy morning and evening safaris in Tadoba National Park in our quest for the perfect tiger sightings.
The morning safari begins around 0530-0600 and lasts up to 1030-1100. (Exact timings to be confirmed near the date). During the morning safari, guests enjoy a picnic breakfast provided by the lodge at the designated rest spot within the reserve.
Returning to our lodge after the morning safari, there is time to enjoy the pool, relax under a shady tree or do a spot of birdwatching in the lodge grounds before you take lunch at your convenience.
The afternoon safari begins around 1430-1500, and lasts up to dusk (approx. 1730)
Hotel: Tadoba
Day 3
Final morning safari in Tadoba to seek the tigers.
Drive back to Nagpur airport and catch your flight to Bangalore (Indigo 6E 6896, 1900-2040). Check in to your hotel near airport.
Hotel: Bangalore Airport
Day 4
After breakfast, drive to Mysore (3.5 hrs). Visit the Mysore City Palace and some other city sights as per your interest. Continue your journey south (2hrs) and check into your ecolodge at Kabini, part of Nagarhole National Park. Relax for the rest of the evening.
Hotel: Kabini
Day 5
Morning and evening safaris in Kabini, famed for black panthers, leopards, tigers and elephants
Hotel: Kabini
Day 6
After breakfast, drive to Vythiri (3 hrs) in the Wayanad hills to check into your lodge. Enjoy the rest of the day in pristine lush surrounds. Relax or go for local walks
Hotel: Vythiri
Day 7
After a relaxed morning exploring Vythri, drive to Thrissur (5hrs)
Hotel: Thrissur
Day 8
Explore the historic city of Thrissur – visit the old churches, take the lift to the belfry for a sweeping view. Visit the museum and the temple at the heart of the city. Wlak around the markets and experience life in a small yet busy Keralan town off the beaten track
Hotel: Thrissur
Day 9
After breakfast, drive (2hrs) to Cochin and check in to your hotel situated in Fort Cochin area.
After lunch, explore Fort Cochin’s many delights, small museums, Chinese fishing nets and old churches.
Hotel: Cochin
Day 10
Head to Mattancherry and visit the Jewish Synagogue and other sites in the old Jew Town, and the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century. Browse at the many antique shops in the area.
This evening we go to watch the famous classical Indian dance-drama Kathakali in dance centre to enjoy the dance show followed by dinner.
Hotel: Cochin
Day 11
A short-day trip to Vaikom village (45 minutes from Cochin). A reception will be arranged in a traditional house, and you can enjoy watching the village life on a backwater cruise through narrow canals for 3 hours with a local guide.
Enroute visit coconut farms, coir villages, spice and herbal farms, bird watching and other village activities. The main occupation of the villagers is making ropes with coconut fibre, mat weaving with leaves of wild pineapple, pottery, traditional coconut processing, collecting sand from river-bed, fishing, farming etc.
The cruise will be through narrow canals. 4 feet deep and the boat passes under the coconut palm canopy, providing a cool atmosphere. We conclude this excursion by enjoying a ‘Sadya’ -solemn lunch served during Kerala’s Onam festival and Hindu marriage functions.
This evening we watch a performance of the Keralan martial arts Kalarippayattu, the inspiration for Kung-Fu
Hotel: Cochin
Day 12
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel. Check out and drive to the beach at Marari
Hotel: Marari
Day 13
Full day at leisure at your beach resort
Hotel: Marari
Day 14
Enjoy the last morning of the holiday on the beach, before transferring to Cochin airport to catch your return flight home.
INCLUSIONS:
Travel on a tailor-made itinerary, or join one of our group or expert-led tours.
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Our responsible travel charter helps us create adventures that are a force for good, enlightening you while benefitting the lives and places we touch.
Through careful choices and considered partnerships, our holidays help protect what matters: communities; wildlife and habitats; the planet.
Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)
Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)
Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)
Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)
Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)
