Images of South India

Day 1- Emirates flight to Bangalore via Dubai.

Leave London Heathrow by an Emirates flight to Dubai (6 hours 50 minutes) connecting with the onwards Emirates flight to Bangalore (3 hours 40 minutes). Regional departures from other UK airport (Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Gatwick & Glasgow) can be arranged for a small supplement.

Day 2- Arrive in Bangalore in the morning. Afternoon at leisure.

Arriving in the morning, your Tour Manager will meet you and take you to the Fortune Select JP Cosmos (standard room) for 1 night. The afternoon is free at leisure.

Day 3- This morning there will be a brief orientation tour of the city before proceeding to Mysore. An afternoon tour of the city’s highlights.

This morning there will be a brief orientation tour of the city before proceeding to Mysore (140 km/approximately 4 hours), for 2 nights at the Windflower Spa & Resort. An afternoon tour of the city’s highlights includes the majestic Maharajah’s Palace and the Nandi Bull. The palace, built at the turn of the 20th century, is undoubtedly Mysore’s premier attraction, blending the diverging styles of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic together in a 3-storied edifice of grandiose opulence. Once the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, it is filled with elegantly carved halls and ornate gilded columns and houses a rich collection of Indian and European sculptures and artefacts. In the evening proceed revisit the Maharajah’s Palace to see the illumination that happens each weekend. Lit by approximately 97,000 light bulbs the palace at night is a beautiful sight.

Day 4- A morning visit to Somnathpur. Afternoon at leisure.

A morning visit to Somnathpur, on the banks of the Kaveri River, takes in one of the last and greatest of the Hoysala monuments, the spectacular 13th century Kesava Temple, built in 1268AD by one of the kings most trusted commanders. A masterpiece of Hoysala craftsmanship, the temple highlights the golden age of a dynasty that ruled this region for nearly 350 years. The tour also includes the island of Srirangapatnam, home to the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan (the Tiger of Mysore), as well as the 15th century fort and prison, and one of the most important Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in southern India. Returning to the hotel in time for lunch (at your own expense), the rest of the afternoon is free.

Day 5- Drive this morning to Nagarhole National Park for an afternoon jeep safari.

Drive this morning to Nagarhole National Park (100 km/approximately 03 hours), for 2 nights at the The Serai. This afternoon proceed for your first jeep safari in the park. Nagarhole covers an area over 247 square-miles and has an astonished abundance of wildlife including larger mammals such as wild elephant, gaur (Indian bison), leopard and tiger. Other species present are dhole (Indian wild dog), chital (spotted deer), muntjac (barking deer), mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild boat, sloth bear, hyena and mongoose. Nagarhole is also home to over 300 species of birds.

Day 6- Enjoy an afternoon boat safari on the Kabini River.

In the morning proceed for a boat safari on Kabini River and in the afternoon proceed for a further jeep safari.

Day 7- This morning drive to Ootacamund.

This morning drive to Ootacamund (frequently abbreviated to Ooty) (158 km/approximately 6 hours), a popular hill station of the British Raj located amidst the forested landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills, where we spend 2 nights at the Savoy Hotel (superior room).

Day 8- After breakfast take a ride on the remarkable Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Return to Ooty in afternoon for sightseeing.

After breakfast take a ride on the remarkable Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a narrow-gauge track that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is without doubt one of the most remarkable rail journeys on earth (approximately 1 hour). On arrival in Coonoor you will visit a tea garden. Return to Ooty in afternoon for sightseeing, taking in the local church, the botanical gardens and the artificial lake.

Day 9- Drive to Cochin.

A long drive today to Cochin (282 km/approximately 9-10 hours including stops) for a 2 night stay at the Vivanta by Taj - Malabar Hotel (superior room, tower wing

Day 10- Explore the delights of Cochin including the Mattancherry Palace.

Cochin has been described as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ and this morning visit some of the highlights of this captivating port, taking in the myriad styles and cultural influences that attest to Arab, Jewish and European tenure. There will be time to explore the 16th century Portuguese built Mattancherry Palace and its exquisite murals, as well as the Church of St Francis, which was briefly the repository for the body of Vasco de Gama, before viewing the remarkable cantilevered Chinese fishing nets en route back to the hotel. This afternoon is free to enjoy more of the town at your leisure. You may wish to explore more of what is actually the oldest European settlement in India, or perhaps visit the former residence of the old Maharajahs of Kochi, the Tripunithura Hill Palace. In the evening there is an optional visit to Kerala Kaleidoscope.

Day 11- Travel to Alleppey for an afternoon cruise through the Keralan backwaters.

Journeying by road this morning towards to Kumarakom (95 km/approximately 2 hours). En route visit the historical Arthunkal Church and a handicrafts centre. Arrive in Alleppey where you will board a traditional houseboat in time for lunch. This afternoon cruise transfer (4 hours) through the backwaters, taking in the rural idylls of village life. Life amongst these backwaters revolves around the channels and waterways and boats are very much an integral part of daily life here, delivering goods, people and even livestock to the remote communities that pepper this captivating landscape. Disembark in the late afternoon for an overnight stay at the Coconut Lagoon Resort (heritage bungalow).

Day 12- Morning at leisure. This afternoon transfer by road to Periyar.

Morning at leisure. This afternoon transfer by road to Periyar (approximately 4 hours) and an overnight stay at the Spice Village (standard villa).

Day 13- This morning there will be a jungle walk. Afternoon visit to a local spice plantation before continuing to Madurai.

This morning there will be a jungle walk to enjoy something of the rich flora in the Periyar Sanctuary, one of the most picturesque in the entire region. Your botanical walk will take you through evergreen and deciduous forest of the national park. There will also be an opportunity to visit a local spice plantation before continuing to Madurai (138 km/approximately 4 hours 30 minutes) after lunch, for a 2 night stay at Heritage Madurai (luxury villa).

Day 14- Tour of Madurai.

A morning tour of Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities, takes in the renowned Meenakshi Temple, and the colourful flower and vegetable market. The focal point of the city, the Meenakshi Temple is central to a city that can trace its history back two and a half millennia, taking in the golden ages of the Chola and Pandya dynasties and earning itself the enviable title of the ‘Athens of the East’. The afternoon is free for further exploration of this colourful town. In the evening there is the option (no additional cost) to return to Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening ‘puja’ (prayers) when the idol is ‘put to bed’ at the temple.

Day 15- Depart Madurai this morning and fly to Chennai.Visit Mamallapuram.

Depart Madurai this morning and fly to Chennai (1 hour 15 minutes). On arrival drive to visit Mamallapuram (approximately 2 hours), located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. A port city that thrived under the auspices of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram dates from the 7th to 9th centuries and its mix of Dravidian architectures, Buddhist styling and Pallava artwork has seen it designated a World Heritage Site. After the visit to Mamallapuram those passengers heading to the beach will split from the main group. Otherwise transfer to Chennai for an overnight at the Trident Hotel.

Day 16- Return to London Heathrow.

Transfer to Chennai airport for the Emirates flight to Dubai (4 hours 20 minutes). Connect to the onwards Emirates flight to London Heathrow (7 hours 45 minutes), arriving later the same evening in the UK.

Fortune Select JP Cosmos

Situated in the heart of Bangalore city, the Fortune Select JP Cosmos is located just 2 km away from the bustling MG Road of Bangalore. All 134 spacious and contemporary rooms are equipped with modern amenities including mini bar, electronic safe, Wi-Fi connectivity, tea/coffee making facilities and hair dryer. The hotel offers a choice of food & beverages outlets including Nakshatra, an Indian interactive fine dining restaurant, and Terrace Grill, a barbecue restaurant adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool.

The Windflower Resort & Spa

The Windflower Resort & Spa is a 39 room property in Balinese style, located a little out of town, adjacent to Mysore race course and not too far from the zoo. Rooms are spacious and the upstairs rooms have a small balcony overlooking a calming body of water whilst downstairs rooms have a small sit out area. The ‘Emerge’ Spa offers rejuvenating and curative treatments from the ancient traditions of Bali, Europe & India. Adjacent there is also a small swimming pool. The outdoor multi cuisine restaurant offers a wide range of cuisine including Indian, Chinese and Thai specialties.

The Serai

Spread over a 20 acres site and overlooking the river, The Serai (formerly known as the Cicada Lodge) is an attractive resort with cottages facing the Kabini river.  All the 20 air-conditioned cottages have modern furnishings, thatched roofs and decks at the front, with hammocks hanging from trees in the gardens making it an ideal place to relax. The facilities include a swimming pool, library and shop.  The lodge is ideally placed for river trips and jungle walks as well as game drives in Nagarhole National Park.<br />

Taj Savoy Hotel

The Taj Savoy Hotel in Ootacamund is located amidst 6 acres of lush green lawns and overlooks the valley and the hills around it. This graceful 150-year old building was once a school for European children. There are 40 centrally air-conditioned cottage rooms, all elegantly appointed and with a cosy fireplace. The hotel features a restaurant, lounge, bar and tennis court.

Vivanta by Taj - Malabar Hotel

Elegant and graceful, the Vivanta by Taj - Malabar Hotel sits on the tip of Willingdon Island, overlooking the magnificent setting of Cochin harbour. Built in the 1930s, the hotel reflects a timeless Victorian styling that blends seamlessly with the comforts of contemporary design. The 96 rooms are all equipped with modern facilities including wireless internet connectivity, international direct dialling, electronic safe, mini bar, hairdryer and satellite television and tea/coffee maker. The choice of restaurants includes Indian, Thai and international cuisine and leisure facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. With a distinctive European elegance, its charming old-world refinement matches perfectly the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and colonial charm of the old town.

Coconut Lagoon Resort

A former coconut plantation, the Coconut Lagoon Resort features traditional wooden bungalows with garden courtyard bathrooms. The hotel features a swimming pool and a restaurant specialising in Keralan food.

Spice Village Hotel

Inspired by traditional jungle construction and blending seamlessly into its forested surroundings, the Spice Village in Thekkady is a tranquil haven located close to the rich wilderness of the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Offering comfortable chalet style accommodation in the heart of a fragrant spice garden that lies deep in the Cardamom Hills, this hotel affords the perfect spot to immerse oneself in a landscape of dappled forest canopies, rubber and tea plantations and the rolling highlands of the Western Ghats. 52 thatched cottages, with verandas overlooking the gardens, create the perfect ambience, and with a range of facilities that include a swimming pool, tennis court and Ayurvedic centre, there is everything to soothe the body and soul. Activities around the village include trips to the nearby wildlife reserve, plantation visits and walks amongst the verdant forest landscapes.

Heritage Madurai

The Heritage Madurai is located 3km from the centre of town amidst 17 acres of garden. The property was once the British Madurai Club in the 1920s and functioned as a residence for senior members. The renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa designed the Club House and one of his followers redesigned the Heritage property. Today the Heritage is a 72 room property including 35 villas. Each of the spacious Luxury Villas has a plunge pool in the garden. Bathrooms have walk-in shower cubicles. The attractive swimming pool is modelled on a traditional step-well. There is also a spa, ayurvedic centre and gym. A multi-cuisine restaurant and 24 hour coffee shop. The 'Swig & Tee' bar hawks back to the days of the British Raj.

The Trident

The Trident Hilton Hotel in Chennai is conveniently located near the airport and close to the new business centres of Sriperumbudur, Maraimalainagar and Guindy Industrial Estate. The hotel is 20 minutes from the city centre. It is situated in 5 acres of tropical gardens with 165 rooms.

Covelong Beach Extension - 3 nights

Extra Days:4Cost:from £ 365

Located just to the south of Chennai in Covelong, on the site of an old Dutch fort, the elegant setting of Vivanta by Taj - Fisherman’s Cove, presents guests with one of the finest beach resorts in the country. It offers 88 luxuriously appointed cottages and rooms, that perfectly combine a full range of modern amenities, along with timeless rustic charm. Each room comes with an impressive array of comforts, whilst the cottages afford spacious privacy and uninterrupted views of the gardens or the ocean. In addition the hotel also boasts a wide choice of restaurants and bars serving a range of Indian and international cuisine, a Taj Spa and fitness centre, a large outdoor freshwater swimming pool and an extensive range of recreational activities.

Emirates - Business Class

Cost: from £ 1655

Emirates has at least six types of business class products currently flying, a result of its rapid expansion, frequent upgrading of quality on old aircraft and better seat designs on new aircraft. The first three (oldest three) types are cradle style seats with slightly different degrees of recline. As each type of seat came out, small improvements were made, most noticeably in the angle of recline. These seats are comfortable, and to make room for the extra recline a row of seats was taken out of some aircraft.Complimentary chauffeur-driven cars are available for First Class and Business Class passengers in many of the cities we serve.