A two week holiday bringing the best of Kerala and tiger spotting in South India together for a heady mix of culture, wildlife and relaxation.
A two week holiday bringing the best of Kerala and tiger spotting in South India together for a heady mix of culture, wildlife and relaxation.
Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore
Fly in to Bangalore. Transfer to Mysore
Hotel: Mysore
Day 2: Mysore – Kabini
Mysore sightseeing including City Palace. Drive to Kabini
Hotel: Kabini
Day 3: Kabini, Nagarhole National Park
Morning and evening safaris in shared safari vehicles in Kabini, which is a part of the Nagarhole National Park to look for tigers, black panthers and leopards
Hotel: Kabini
Day 4: Kabini- Wayanad
Morning safari in shared safari vehicles in Kabini. After lunch, drive to Vythri in Wayanad
Hotel: Vythri
Day 5: Wayanad
Explore the local walks and enjoy the natural beauty of Wayanad, relax in calming surrounds.
Hotel: Vythri
Day 6: Vythri – Thrissur
After breakfast, drive to the cultural town of Thrissur (5 hrs). Visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple is a Shiva Hindu temple, a classical example of the Keralan architectural style with one monumental tower on each of the four sides. Mural paintings depicting various scenes from the Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple. It is notified as a National Monument by India.
Visit Thrissur District Heritage Museum
Hotel: Thrissur
Day 7: Thrissur
After breakfast, explore Thrissur with a guide. Visit Thrissur Basilica and go up the belfry, the tallest in India for sweeping views of the city and the hills around it. Visit the Chaldean Syrian Church and other old churches nearby to learn about Kerala’s multi-faith society.
Visit Thrissur District Heritage Museum with its collection of Keralan murals. Though many are reproductions of murals found all over the state, the advantage is that the colours are fresh, photography is allowed and you can have a much closer look than at any of the originals.
Drive to Cochin (2hrs)
Hotel: Fort Cochin
Day 8: Fort Cochin
Explore the historical sites of Fort Cochin on a guided tour today. Matancherry Palace, the synagogues of old Jew town, the Portuguese churches and the Chinese fishing nets and other sites.
In the evening, watch a performance of Kathakali, the famous dance form of Kerala.Hotel: Fort Cochin
Day 9: Sailing on Backwaters
Drive to Kumarakom to board your rice boat which will take you on an overnight cruise of the backwaters, watching tranquil green landscapes in comfort. Fresh meals will be served on board.
Hotel: Rice boat
Day 10: Vagamon
Drive to Vagamon – enjoy visits to spice plantations and tea estates, go for a nature walk.
Hotel: Vagamon
Day 11: Vagamon – Periyar National Park
Relaxed morning in Vagaamon. Drive to Periyar (2hrs). Enjoy evening boat safari in Periyar National Park. After dinner, go for a night walk in the jungle with a local naturalist to observe nature in a unique way.
Hotel: Periyar
Day 12: Periyar National Park, Periyar
Half day expedition in Periyar National Park with a naturalist, which includes walking in the park and bamboo rafting.
In the evening, watch an expert performance of Kalaripayattu, the Keralan martial arts which was the inspiration for Kung-Fu.
Hotel: Periyar
Day 13: Periyar – Marari Beach
After a relaxed morning, drive (4hrs) to Marari beach. Check into your resort and relax by the beach for the rest of the day.
Hotel: Marari
Day 14: Marari Beach
Enjoy a whole day at leisure by the beach, or in your resort.
Day 15: Departure
Depending on the time of your flight, you shall be transferred to Cochin International airport to board your return flight.
INCLUSIONS
Travel on a tailor-made itinerary, or join one of our group or expert-led tours.
This is our part of the world. We know it like the back of our hand.
We are lean & keen. We make your holiday deliver excellent value.
100% financial protection. We're here for you, before, during and after your holiday.
Instep Adventures isn’t simply our brand name. It is our motto. Our vision for tourism, done right.
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. (£)