Jungle Trail and Backwaters

Day 1 - Welcome to Bengaluru! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall of the Bengaluru Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. In the evening you have the option of taking a stroll at the 300-acre Cubbon Park. Overnight stay in Bengaluru.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today we go sightseeing in Bengaluru and start with a visit to Tipu Sultan’s Palace. The layout of the palace demonstrates the ethnic Mughal lifestyle; the fort and its remains reflect the history of the era in which it was built. We also visit the ISKCON Temple - harmonious blend of the Dravidian and modern architecture. Later we drive to Mysore, capital city of Wodeyar’s kingdom. En-route we visit the Srirangapatna, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan - known for his struggle against British rule. His summer palace is set in beautiful surroundings on an island formed by two branches of the Kaveri river, with various monuments dispersed around it. After the stop we continue to Mysore. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Mysore.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - In the morning we visit Maharaja's (Emperor's) Palace also known Amba Vilas Palace, which was designed by British architect Henry Irwin and was completed in 1912. The Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a harmonious blend of Hindu and Saracenic architectural styles, as well as a plethora of ornamental archways, domes, turrets, colonnades, and sculptures. Next, we drive up to the Chamundi Hill, which is topped with a 12th Century temple of Durga (Chamundeshwari temple) and has a magnificent 5 metre tall statue of Nandi (the bull), carved from a single piece of granite. This marvel is one of the largest in India. In the afternoon we drive to Nagarhole National Park which is officially known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park and is home to the Royal Bengal tiger. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - Early in the morning we leave for a game drive into the Park. The Park is famous for the tawny, black-striped Royal Bengal Tiger, elusive and stealthy, noble and regal. The park is centred on a permanent water reservoir constructed after the Kabini river was dammed in 1974. The park boasts of diverse fauna including Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, bison, leopard, Asian elephant, wild boar, deer, wild dog, and porcupine, in addition to tigers. It is also home to several varieties of birds and the critically endangered oriental white-backed vulture is a key attraction. Lesser adjutant, Nilgiri wood-pigeon, greater spotted eagle, Indian peafowl, yellow legged green pigeon, painted bush quail are some of the other bird species that can be seen in the park. After finishing the safari, we return to hotel. In the afternoon you may choose to go for a nature walk or just relax at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - After breakfast we drive to Bandipur and upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. Post lunch we leave for our first game drive into the Bandipur National Park. The Park is famous for elephant and tigers spotting. Other inhabitants of this wonderful forest include gaur (a species of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild dogs, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare. Over 200 species of birds and a diversity of flora add to its attraction. The forest region also supports a wide range of timber trees including teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian-laurel, Indian Kino tree, giant clumping bamboo. In the evening we return to hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - After a leisurely breakfast we head towards Ooty, the most famous and picturesque hill station of South India. Upon arrival we visit the Ootacamund Botanical Gardens, established in 1847, it stands at an elevation of 2,400 metres and is spread over 22 hectares with 650 species of plants and trees. An explicit collection of flowering trees, beautiful shrubs, and rare coloured lilies can be seen in this exquisitely crafted garden. Next we head to the Doddabetta Peak, a popular trekking destination that stands at an altitude of 2,623 metres. Merely 10 km from Ooty, Doddabetta Peak is the highest point in the district making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. Later we return to hotel for check-in. Overnights stay in Ooty.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - In the morning we board the Mountain Railways (Toy Train) to Coonoor. This 75 minute journey on the toy train will take us through the tunnels and steep slopes offering views of beautiful landscapes. On arrival at Coonoor train station, pick up and return to Ooty. Next we visit the Rose Garden which is laid out over 10 acres of land with 300 varieties of roses, the largest collection of roses in the country. The garden was splendidly arranged on terraces with rose tunnels, pergolas and bowers with pink creepers. Later, we visit the Ooty lake, an artificial lake formed by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty in 1823-25. It is one of the most refreshing and breath-taking places to visit in town. The evening is free for independent activities. Overnight stay in Ooty.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - After breakfast we drive to Munnar, a quaint hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations. Formerly known as the High Range of Travancore, it flourished as a tea-producing region from 1880 onwards. Today, it serves as the commercial hub for some of the world's highest tea-growing estates. With its contoured hills, sparkling waterfalls, vast tea plantations and picture-postcard hamlets, the area is perfect for some leisurely hiking. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel and spend the day at leisure enjoying the ambiance of the town.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - After an early breakfast we drive through the old town of Munnar and arrive at a tiny village of Nagarmudi. From here, accompanied by a local guide, we start our trek. The trail commences with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into the Seven Malai hills. As we reach the top, we are rewarded with the spectacular views of the Annamudi Peak, Changulam Lake, Chittrapuram Dam, Munnar town and some local villages. After enjoying the view and taking photographs we descend down through the same route and head back to the hotel. In the evening we explore the colourful market of Munnar. Optional Visit of tea museum if time allows. Duration of Hiking: 3/4hrs.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - Today we drive to Thekkady. The drive is spectacular as the road meanders through the Western Ghats with fantastic views and a chance to makes brief stops at some local markets and grape plantations along the way. We arrive at the small bustling village of Thekkady and check-in at the hotel. The entire region is a spice growing centre. In the afternoon we head for a guided short walk through spice gardens and plantations. During the tour we learn about the history, growth and development of wonder spices like, cardamom and pepper. Other crops of the region include tea, coffee and vanilla. We also learn how these spices are used in local cuisine and their medicinal properties. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Thekkady. Walk Duration: - 1-2 Hours

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - Early in the morning we leave for jungle trek in the Periyar National Park to catch a glimpse of its abundant birdlife such as kingfishers, storks and hornbill. The trek leads us to the banks of the Periyar Lake. After a breakfast break, we head back to hotel. We then leave for the calm coastal town of Kumarakom. Kumarakom is the first place to implement responsible tourism practices. Upon arrival we check-in and relax at the resort. Later, we embark on a walking tour which that gives us an authentic taste of village life and we also get to see community-based tourism products and services. Next we go through the narrow canals on a country boat operated by the local villagers. As we meander leisurely through the canals on the boat, we observe the daily life on the banks - people working in rice fields, children swimming in the lake, fisherman working and women weaving coconut palm leaves.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - After leisurely breakfast, the morning is free to unwind at the resort or visit the local village before we drive to Alleppey (Board the houseboat at 2 pm). Also known as Alappuzha, the town is the principal centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. We get to experience Kerala's backwaters onboard a traditional thatched roof houseboat. These beautiful boats have been renovated and converted into pleasant cruise ships. We meander along the waterways flanked by lush tropical vegetation, catching glimpses of dazzling tropical birds and watching idyllic villages. Our overnight stay is on a boat in the middle of the famous Vembanad lake.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 13 - After breakfast we drive to Kochi. Upon arrival we leave for a guided tour of the Fort Kochi area, founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and believed to be the earliest European settlement in India. The true character of the town is found in the old Fort Cochin area of the town. We begin our sightseeing tour with the Mattancherry and Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi. Next, we visit the Jewish synagogue dating back to 1568. We then head to the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India, built in 1503 and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), established by the Dutch in 1720 for washing army uniforms. We also visit the Chinese fishing nets that line the entrance to the harbour introduced by the Chinese in the late 14th Century. We end the day by watching Kathakali dance performance, a classical dance form unique to Kerala. Return to hotel for overnight stay in Kochi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 14 - Our Jungle Trails and Backwaters tour comes to an end it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. After breakfast we check out from the hotel and get a transfer to the Kochi Airport for onward travel.

Tour Ends