7 Days Post Ayurveda Retreat South India Tour

Day 3: Coonoor

The historic caves of Wayanad and drive to the enchanting Blue Mountains

Morning, we leave the resort and head towards the pre-historic Edakkal Caves. The natural caves are formed by two huge rocks leaning towards each other. You will have to trek the Ambukuthi hill to reach the cave mouth and also a small temple inside. The rare carvings on rocks are believed to date back to the stone age. After the cave visit, we drive through the winding roads, rustic villages and towns, further through thick vegetation and Eucalyptus forests of Gudalur. We can stop over by a countryside vendor to savor tender palm fruit on the way. You will drive past Udhagamandalam or Ooty situated approx. 2000m above sea level. The little colonial town is known for its English-styled cottages that have unique teak floors, tiled roofs, and chimneys, resemble a movie scene from another era. After 5 hours (approx.) of drive, you will reach Coonoor with its stunning landscape framed by the lush tea gardens and misty hills. We stay at a heritage hotel with a beautiful view of the Nilgiris and interiors with old-world charm. 

Day 4: Masinagudi

Ooty Sightseeing and drive to the Wilderness destination

We enjoy a walk through the tea plantations. Then we board the Heritage train for a remarkable monorail journey with spectacular views as we ascend to the popular Ooty hill station. The railway still relies on its fleet of steam locomotives and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train ride through villages and pine forests offers fascinating views of well-tended tea plantations and picturesque valleys. We disembark from the train and visit a tea factory to learn more about the history of tea cultivation and its modern processing. We then drive through the hairpin bend and village roads to the National Park and the village of Masinagudi. Here we stay overnight in a quiet eco-resort near the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

Day 5: Mysore

Wildlife Safari in National Park and drive to the palace city

We enjoy the morning at the resort and can join a small nature walk until lunch. After lunch we go for a jeep safari in the tiger reserve. Watch out for the common species like elephant, gaur, mouse deer, sambar, spotted deer, Malabar giant squirrel, wild boar, Malabar parakeet and grey-headed bulbul. After the safari we will drive through villages, crossing the Kabani River and small temples towards the palace town of Mysore. Here we will settle in a city hotel in Mysore.

Day 6: Mysore

Sightseeing of the historic city – Mysore

Mysore is an ancient city with more than 600 glorious years of legacy. Known for its glittering royal heritage, bustling markets, magnificent monuments, cosmopolitan culture, and a friendly populace. The city is also a thriving center for the production of premium silk, sandalwood, and incense. The historic island town of Sreerangapatna formed by the Kaveri river is also located north of Mysore. Today, we set out for the sightseeing tour of Mysore city. We visit the famous Mysore Palace with its Durbar Hall and the Golden Royal Elephant Throne. We will further visit Chamundi Hill to have a panoramic view of Mysore city. Further, we will visit the ancient Chamundeshwari temple and the Nandi temple with its giant stone sculpture of a sitting bull dedicated to God Nandi. We will wind up the sightseeing tour with an afternoon walk through the old-time Devaraja Market packed with its flowers, fruits, and vegetable stalls. Further, you can utilize time for city shopping if you wish to.

Day 7: Drive to Bangalore Airport

Tour Ends

It’s the time to say Adieu, with fond memories of North Kerala to Mysore Leisure Tour through the heartland of South India. We will be happy to drop you at the Bangalore International Airport. En route, we can go for a small wine tasting tour if you choose to.

Arrival

The tour starts directly from the Greens Ayurveda Centre as an add on tour after your Ayurveda Retreat or Training. Alternatevly this tour can also start from Kannur-Airport.

The Tour ends in Bangalore with an airport drop on day 7 in the evening. Of course we can arrange also a hotel in Bangalore for you.

Frequently asked Questions

Do I need an adapter in India?

Yes, an adapter is necessary, as in India most of the plugs are used. More information here.

What is the climate in Southern India?

The climate is subtropical. In July/August is monsoon season, which manifests itself in short showers. The best time to travel is October to March.

In the south of the country, the sun’s irradiation is particularly intense due to its proximity to the equator. In order to avoid unpleasant and long-term dangerous sunburns, care must be taken to ensure good sun protection and adequate fluid absorption.
Dangerous currents continue to lead to bathing accidents on the coasts. Warnings on the beaches are essential.

What language is spoken in India?

The official national languages are English and Hindi. In Kerala, however, Malayalam is spoken. In addition, there are numerous regional national languages, all of which differ in word and writing, and there are also over a hundred dialects.

Is there a time difference?

Yes, there are:  (CET) + 4.5 hours, during European daylight saving time it is + 3.5 hours.

Notes on money/currency:

The local currency rupee may not be entered or exported. Travellers wishing to import more than 5000 cash or traveller’s cheques must indicate this on the currency declaration form you receive upon your entry. We recommend taking euros with you. It is easily possible to exchange money in hotels or banks and bureaux de change, with the exchange rate being uniform. It is recommended to keep the receipt to ensure a return at the airport. International credit cards are accepted by most hotels in major cities and tourist centres.

Notes on additional costs and tipping:

For meals, drinks and snacks not included in the price of the trip, you should calculate approx. 15,- (Euro) per day.

Tips are a voluntary service, which everyone should decide for themselves. Please note, however, that tipping is common in many cultures and is an important part of income due to the relatively low wage level. As a rule of thumb, 5-10% of the invoice amount is appropriate. India is a travel country where a tip is expected for each service. Be it the luggage carrier, the service staff in the restaurant and hotel, for the toilet or the rickshaw ride.

Here is a detailed orientation. Menus often include a surcharge indicated as a service batch. However, the waiters usually see little of this. An additional tip of 5-10% is appropriate. Porters, drivers and guides also expect tipping. For racks 20-30 Rs per bag is attached, for maids 20-30 Rs per day. Your tour guide will be happy to advise you.

Tip: Talk to your fellow travellers. It has often been proven that one of the group gives a reasonable tip on behalf of the whole group (e.g. for the tour guide and driver). Experience has shown that each traveller will receive a tip of around 60 € for the entire trip. But: Tips are voluntary and please communicate with the group on site how you want to deal with it.

Notes on vaccination:

There are no vaccination regulations for direct entry from Germany. The Foreign Office recommends checking the standard vaccinations when travelling to India. These include vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, mumps, measles, rubella and influenza, as well as pneumococci.

Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid, long-term stays or special hazards are also recommended for travel vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal meningitis ACWY and Japanese encephalitis.

Please keep in mind that vaccination regulations may change in the short term. In addition to the family doctor, individual information is also provided by the health offices or tropical institutes.

What equipment you should think of?

• Passport
• Printing of the electronic tourist visa (e-TV)
• Cash/EC card/credit card
• Photocopies of the most important documents (keep separate from originals). Send a copy via PDF to your own email in advance.
• Travel documents
• Day backpack
• comfortable shoes and clothes for smaller walks and activities
• light sneakers or sandals (for aerating the feet)
• Long trousers and sweater/jacket (for the evening and/or rooms with air conditioning)
• Photo equipment
• bathing suits, bath towel
• Sun protection and headgear (cap, hat or headscarf, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Travel pharmacy, first aid kit, possibly personal medications, insect repellent
• Due to different socket types, we recommend taking an international adapter set with you.