Passage through Kerala

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bengalaru (Bangalore) with Emirates, via Dubai.

On arrival, check in for an overnight stay at The Park Bangalore. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour tracing Bangalore’s captivating history. A welcome dinner will be held this evening.

Travel to Mysore for 2 nights at the Radisson. En route, stop at the island fortress of Srirangapatna, the former capital of south India’s most powerful 18th-century rulers. Evening food tour of Mysore’s celebrated gastronomical delights including Mysore masala dosa.

Walking tour visiting some of Mysore’s architectural wonders. Tour the Maharajah’s Palace, which combines Hindu and Saracenic architecture. Afternoon visit to the Keshava temple at Somnathpur. Return to the Maharajah’s Palace this evening to see it illuminated by over 100,000 light bulbs.

Travel to Kabini for an overnight stay at the Serai Kabini (waterfront verandah room). The predator density of Nagarhole park is one of the highest in Asia and includes tigers, leopards and wild dogs. Afternoon boat safari in search of the park’s endemic wildlife.

Early morning canter (open-sided mini bus) safari. Travel to Wayanad for 2 nights at Wayanad Wild. Wayanad is an area of outstanding natural beauty with tropical forests, valleys, waterfalls and sprawling plantations.

Morning at leisure. Enjoy an interactive Keralan cooking class and lunch. Take part in a guided nature walk.

Leisurely drive to the hill station of Coonoor. Enjoy lunch on the terrace of the Taj Savoy. Afternoon tour of the botanical gardens in Ooty, filled with more than 1,000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees. Continue to Coonoor for 2 nights at the Gateway Coonoor IHCL SeleQtions.

Drive to Ooty and ride the Blue Mountain Railway to Coonoor. The scenic narrow-gauge railway runs across plains, plantations and the verdant hills of the Nilgiri Mountains. Visit a planter’s house and walk through the plantation before a tea tasting.

Travel to Coimbatore and board the train to Ernakulam. Transfer to the Eighth Bastion, located in the heart of Fort Kochi for 2 nights. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the local area.

Visit some of the highlights of this enchanting port, taking in the architectural styles that reveal Arab, Jewish and European influences. View the remarkable, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, explore the 16th-century Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, the Church of St Francis and the world’s oldest active Jewish synagogue in historic Jew Town. Wander through markets and visit the vibrant Dhobi Ghats. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio to see a traditional performance.

Drive to the backwater region of Kerala this morning. En route, enjoy a backwater cruise by shikara boat through narrow canals. This cruise explores the picturesque waterways, revealing boats carrying loads of coir, copra and cashews and, along the water’s edge, numerous churches and markets. Stay for 2 nights at Coconut Lagoon. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day at leisure. Optional visit to a local church.

Morning transfer to the airport and fly to London, via Dubai, with Emirates.