Great Southern Getaway
PRIVATE TOUR: Discover exotic stone carved temples, princely palaces and colonial hill stations. Take a train journey on the scenic Blue Mountain Railway, cruise the backwaters of Kochi and spot elephant from your jungle hide-away at both Mudumalai and Nagarhole National Parks.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Chennai
Day 1 Chennai
Arrive Chennai airport and transfer to the seaside town of Mahabalipuram. Situated on the Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram offers long white sand beaches and some of the best archeological sites to be found in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Day 2 Mahabalipuram
Day 2 Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram - Coonoor. Touring the town’s sites to the rhythm of chisels chipping granite provides evidence of the strong stone carving traditions that have endured since the 8th century - Pallava dynasty. Visiting the beautiful ancient stone carved Shore Temple, presiding over the long, flat beach we discover high wall friezes, intricately carved bas reliefs and shrines dedicated to both Siva and Vishnu. It is also of interest to inspect the east facing alter designed to catch the rising sun and the large stone pillar with mountings to hold a beacon for sailors at night out at sea. Later we return to Chennai in time to board the Nilgari Express bound for Mettupalayam.
Day 3 The scenic blue mountain railway
Day 3 The scenic blue mountain railway
Upon arrival to Mettupalayam we board the narrow gauge Blue Mountain Railway toy train destined for Coonor. Operating since 1899, the Blue Mountain Railway with its blue and cream steam livery has chugged from Mettupalayam to Otty via Coonoor, negotiating 16 tunnels, 31 major bridges and climbing to 2193 metres. The charming 4 hour journey offers sweeping mountain views and breathtaking scenery. Upon arrival to Coonoor, transfer to hotel and afternoon at leisure.
Days 4-5 Mudumalai
Days 4-5 Mudumalai
Coonor - Mudumalai - breakfast. Today we drive to the nearby Mudumalai National Park for a 2 night stay. Wake up each day with a foray of India’s great wildlife right at your doorstep. The 322 sq km predominantly deciduous forest is a sanctuary for Indian bison, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaques (monkeys), peacock, jackel, hyena and a few tigers and leopards. The northern reaches of the park are home to one of the largest population of elephant in all of India. Over the following days enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris and in the evening retire to your jungle lodge equipped with all the mod-cons to make for an enjoyable and relaxing stay.
Days 6-7 Mysore
Days 6-7 Mysore
Mudumalai NP - Mysore. This morning its goodbye to your jungle hideaway and onward travel to Mysore - the former capital of the princely state, ruled by Wodeyars dynasty royalty from 1399 - 1947. The city of former glory and grandeur, enchanted admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. After exploration we continue to Somnathpur, visiting the only complete temple of the Hoysala empire in the region. The small but exquisite Keseva Temple, dates from the 11th century. Day 7 offers a city tour of Mysore and visits to the island of Srirangapatnam and the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
Days 8-9 Nagerhole NP
Days 8-9 Nagerhole NP
Mysore - Nagarhole NP. Today we drive west to Nagarhole National Park, once the Maharaja’s reserve forest turned national park in 1955. The park name, Nagarhole is derived from the Kannada word, naga meaning snake and hole meaning stream. True to its name Nagarhole is criss-crossed with serpentine streams. Covering gentle hills bordering Kerala, the area includes swampland, streams and tributaries, moist deciduous forest, stands of bamboo and valuable teak and rosewood trees. Spot Asian elephant, four horned antelope, flying squirrels and on occasion leopard and tiger. A jeep safari is offered on the afternoon of day 8. Day 9 - morning and afternoon safaris.
Days 10-11 Wayanad
Days 10-11 Wayanad
Nagarhole NP – Wayanad. Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Located at a distance of 76 km from the seashores of Kozhikode, this verdant hill station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife. Wayanad hills are contiguous to Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur in Karnataka, thus forming a vast land mass for the wildlife to move about in their most natural abode.
Enjoy the days at leisure and consider optional activities available within your resort including nature walks and trails.
Day 12 Kozhikode
Day 12 Kozhikode
Wayanad – Kozhikode. Drive from Wayanad to Kozhikode (Approx 90 kms - 4 hours). Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Kozhikode is a coastal city in the south Indian state of Kerala. It was a significant spice trade center and is close to Kappad Beach, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. Consider visiting central Kozhikode Beach, which overlooks and old lighthouse and is a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Days 13-14 Kochi
Days 13-14 Kochi
Kozikode - Kochi. Today we drive to Kochi. Stops are made at Krishna Temple and the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Stables. Krishna Temple is one of the holiest sites in Kerala. The heaving Hindi pilgrimage centre is filled with stalls and thronged with devotees wanting to take darshan - a viewing with the deity. It is said to be one of the wealthiest temples in India, with a waiting list for the auspicious duty of lighting its oil lamps filled up until 2025. Afterwards, we arrive in Kochi and check in to the hotel.
Day 14, offers a guided sightseeing tour with visits to the Parsi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis’ Church and an evening Kathakali dance performance.
Day 15 Kochi
Day 15 Kochi
Kochi - breakfast. Arrangements conclude after breakfast and onward transfer to the airport.
Tour Highlights
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Hotels
The Ideal Beach is a lovely resort set in lush, tropical gardens. The rooms are stylishly furnished with traditional Indian fabrics in rich reds and golds and are a good size. The extravagant dining hall is the perfect place to feast on some sumptuous meals. Cuisine from China, India and Sri Lanka all make regular appearances within these hallowed walls. Prepared with the utmost attention to detail, you won't be disappointed. The resort is on the beach front and close to the Mahabalipuram Orchid Farm.
Begin your trip on the right note by staying Orchid Square Boutique Hotel, where complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. Located conveniently in the Coonoor area of Ooty, the hotel is located within easy reach of attractions and enticing dining choices. Be sure not to miss a visit to the renowned Ooty Lake before you depart. The property offers guests access to massage services, a hot tub, and a fitness center on-site, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Ooty.
Nestled along Mangala village road within the scenic Bandipur reserve area, Windflower offers an immersive natural retreat surrounded by lush trees, occasional sightings of deer, and boars, emphasizing its close connection to nature. With complimentary car parking and easy access to attractions and dining venues, guests can kickstart their trip with ease. The property ensures a high-quality stay with on-site restaurant facilities and an indoor pool for added relaxation, making it the ideal destination for those seeking rejuvenation amidst the wilderness.
Situated in Mysore, the Fortune JP Palace offers panoramic vistas of Chamundi Hills, setting a picturesque backdrop for guests. Boasting a swimming pool, three dining venues, and spacious accommodations adorned with modern decor and parquet flooring, the hotel ensures a luxurious stay. Each room features large windows providing captivating views of the surrounding greenery, along with amenities such as a safety deposit box and tea/coffee maker for added comfort. Guests can use the on-site fitness center, or dine in at the 24-hour Orchid Restaurant.
Nestled on the serene backwaters of Kabini Dam, Red Earth Resort invites guests to take in the breathtaking views from its outdoor pool. Each elegant cottage offers a private hot tub, providing the perfect sanctuary for relaxation. The accommodations feature a sofa seating area, cable TV, and a private patio to soak in the scenic surroundings. The spacious en suite bathrooms boast hot/cold shower facilities for added comfort. Guests can rejuvenate with a selection of spa treatments or stay connected at the business center. Embracing an outdoor dining concept, Poshini Restaurant offers a fusion of Indian and continental cuisine.
Located in Lakkidi, Wayanad Wild offers a unique accommodation experience with rooms nestled amidst the treetops, providing a picturesque view, and a refreshing swimming pool for guests to enjoy. The on-site restaurant serves delectable meals. The fan-cooled rooms are equipped with essential amenities such as a desk, wardrobe, and attached bathrooms featuring showers and complimentary toiletries. Designed with families in mind, Wayanad Wild ensures a memorable and comfortable retreat amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Nestled amidst the serene backwaters and coconut plantations of Calicut, Kerala, The Raviz Resort and Spa, Kadavu sprawls over 9 acres, offering a luxurious retreat. Facing the Chaliyar River, the resort features an outdoor pool, indulgent spa treatments, and a yoga center. Elegantly appointed air-conditioned rooms provide modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and minibars, with some rooms offering picturesque views of the river and coconut groves. Guests can enjoy a range of activities including exercise at the fitness center, relaxation in the sauna, or perusing books in the library.
Casino Hotel is a modern hotel located on Willingdon island, set in tropical gardens it is a beautiful blend of art deco and colonial Indian architectural styles. With a large pool and and spacious comfortable rooms this hotel offers a fantastic experience when in Kochi. Casino Hotel boasts 2 restaurants, a 24-hour health club as well as free wifi in public areas.
Nestled on the tranquil Willingdon Island, The Fern Hotel, formerly known as the Trident Hotel, offers a comfortable stay filled with indulgent amenities. Guests can unwind at the Ayurvedic spa, take a refreshing dip in the inviting outdoor pool, or stay active in the modern fitness center. The elegantly designed, air-conditioned rooms and suites overlook lush gardens or the pool, and each room is equipped with modern conveniences like satellite TV and minibars. Suites add an extra touch of luxury with spacious, separate living areas. With four diverse restaurants, The Fern Hotel invites guests on an exceptional culinary journey.
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