Multi Active Tour South India: Experience Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Day 3: Bandipur

The wilderness of Bandipur

We will start today’s drive through the outskirts of Mysore city, crossing the Kabani River, settlements, and small temples. Reaching Bandipur, we will drive through the prominent wildlife sanctuary in South India – Bandipur. This scenic and biodiverse section of the Western Ghats is categorized as Nilgiri Biosphere, one of the largest in South India. The national parks here are primarily dedicated to conserving the endangered habitat of the tiger. Here, we go for a jeep safari in the Tiger Reserve. Look out for commonly seen species like the Elephant, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Wild Boar, Malabar Parakeet, and the Grey-headed Bulbul.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Jungle Lodges	B (L) D	Transfer to Bandipur (75 kms, 1.5 hours), Afternoon Wildlife Safari (3 hours) *Safari timings are controlled by Forest Authorities

Day 4: Ooty

The Queen of the Hills

Early morning, we will go for yet another Jeep Safari to watch more wildlife. After breakfast, we start the drive across the Mudumalai Forest, dotted with teak and bamboo forests across the Moyar River. We drive further on the mountain roads along villages with tea and vegetable plantations to reach the hill station Ooty. 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. The land is framed by the lush tea gardens while you drive to Ooty. We will wind down today’s drive at a cozy boutique hotel in the scenic town. In the afternoon, it’s time to explore the vegetable and fruit market or the tribal museum based on your interest.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Accord Highlands	B D	Morning Safari (3 hours) *Safari timings are controlled by Forest Authorities, Drive to Ooty (85 kms, 2.5 hours), Ooty Market visit, Optional visit to Tribal Museum / Botanical Garden (1 hour)

Day 5: Pollachi

The heritage train journey and backcountry village

Morning, we board the heritage train for a remarkable monorail journey through spectacular vistas as we descend to the popular hill station of Coonoor. The railway still relies on its fleet of steam locomotives and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train journey through villages and pine forests offers a mesmerizing view of manicured tea plantations and scenic valleys. Alighting from the train, we drive through backcountry roads to Mettupalayam and further to Pollachi – a small agrarian town located at the foothills of the Nilgiris known for its jaggery, vegetables, and cattle market. We will settle down at a serene plantation resort amidst coconut groves in the quaint agrarian village. In the evening, we can explore the coconut plantation and find out more about its cultivation and uses.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Banyan Tree Farm Stay	B D	Heritage Train Ride to Coonoor (0915 to 1030), Drive to Pollachi (140 kms, 4 hours), Afternoon Coconut Plantation Walk (1 hour)

Day 6: Munnar

The misty Tea Hills of Munnar

Leaving the great windy plains of Tamil Nadu, we drive the next stretch towards the Ghats through the Annamalai Tiger Reserve. We cross the Tamil Nadu state to enter God’s own Country, Kerala. Enroute, we will stop at the Forest Department office, which is the gateway to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. We will go for a trek to Thoovanam Waterfall through the lush green forests and scenic valleys, crisscrossing the Chinnar River in the sanctuary. After the scenic nature trek, we will drive through the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest. Further, we will start seeing the vast stretch of tea plantations perched by small waterfalls. We will be passing through scenic valleys and settlements for tea estate employees. One can also witness the Anamudi peak enroute, which is the protected biosphere for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr endemic to this region. The freshness of the high-altitude (1500m) climate and misty cool breeze will be good enough to energize your mind and soul.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Eastend	B (L) D	Drive to Munnar through Annamalai Tiger Reserve and Marayoor Sandalwood Forest (125 km, 4 hrs), Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Trek enroute (2 hours), Optional Tea Factory Visit / Tea Museum (subject to availability) 30 mins

Day 7: Munnar

Trekking the Scenic Hills, Tea, and Spice Plantations

In the morning, we start off trekking through the Tea Estates of Kannan Devan Hills Plantations, where you can learn about the history and tea cultivation process. We then trek up through the grasslands to a scenic viewpoint offering a 360-degree view of the misty tea hills of Munnar. From here, we trek down through a rocky patch into eucalyptus trees and spice plantations, eventually passing through mountain villages to witness local life. The main spices and cash crops grown here include cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, and cocoa. Our guide will introduce you to the local flora and fauna. The entire trek is approximately 18 kilometers, featuring varied terrain with lots of ups and downs and village trails. You will have the option to take a break after half a day’s trekking, depending on how much you want to walk. If you choose to stop, a jeep will be available to take you back to the hotel.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Eastend	B (L) D	Trekking through scenic viewpoints, Tea and spice plantations, and mountain village trails (18 to 20 kms, 6 to 8 hours)

Day 8: Thattekkad

Cycling to the Birding Hotspot

Leaving the high-altitude tea-growing hills of Munnar, we drive to the Kallarkutty Dam area. From here we start pedaling to the lowland forests of Thattekkad. The terrain will be hilly and undulating with downhill roads. We will cycle through the village roads of Adimali and Neriyamangalam with the refreshing view of the Periyar River, lush rainforest, cardamom plantations, small waterfalls, rivulets, chirruping birds, and lurking bonnet macaques watching your way. We will settle down at an eco-lodge situated right on the banks of the Periyar River facing the Bird Sanctuary. In the afternoon, it’s time to visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a prime habitat for several species of birds, including many water birds. We can also stroll the countryside to witness the local farming of rubber, pineapple, and spices and meet the local cultivators here.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Birds Murmur Camp	B (L) D	Transfer to Kallarkutty (40 kms, 1.5 hours), Cycling to Thattekkad (50 kms, 4 hours), Afternoon Bird Watching (2 hours)

Day 9: Fort Kochi

Cycling along the canal road to Fort Kochi

Today, we start our ride initially through the Bird Sanctuary. We ride on mostly flat backroads along the irrigation canals through the village. This long network of manmade canals is the prime source of water for irrigation and livelihood for the region. You can see women washing their clothes, men fishing, and kids bathing in the water if we have a good water level. You can see local cultivations of rubber, pepper, nutmeg, banana, and pineapple plantations along the route. We will end today’s ride just before entering the busy city. We drive an hour to Fort Kochi – rightly called the Queen of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, you can stroll the heritage streets of Fort Kochi to find interesting shops and cafes.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Fort Bungalow	B D	Cycling to Kochi along the Canal roads (50 kms, 4 hours), Transfer to Fort Kochi (1.20 hours)

Day 10: Fort Kochi

Explore the colonial heritage of Fort Kochi

The next day morning after breakfast, we will go out for the History tour of Fort Kochi to learn more about its colonial heritage. Once a major port and trade center, it evolved as a settlement hotspot for numerous merchants from across the world. The gradual intermingling of their cultures for centuries has made Fort Kochi a unique heritage city to visit. We will visit the St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dhobi Ghat, and the Dutch Palace. We will walk through the Jew Street, flea market, watch the creaking Chinese fishing nets, and the sunset. You can also check out the local restaurants during midday. Later, a traditional Kathakali dance performance will be showcased.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Fort Bungalow	B D	Fort Kochi Sightseeing (3 hours), Evening Kathakali Dance Performance (1 hour)

Day 11: Alleppey

Drive to the Backwaters of Alleppey

In the morning, we drive to the quaint backwater village of Nedumudy across many rivers and paddy fields. After the drive, you will be greeted by a friendly host at the heritage homestay situated right on the banks of the river. After lunch, we will go around for a short village walk to see the nearby temple, houses along the river, local tea shop, and meet the delighted villagers.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Emerald Isle	B D	Drive to Alleppey (80 kms, 2.5 hours), Evening Village Walk (1 hour)

Day 12: Alleppey

Explore the backwater villages on Kayaks

We paddle lazily across the small islands and wetlands to see up close how the village life wakes up to life with the golden lights of the sun. You can see toddy tappers climbing up the high coconut trees, the local fishermen harvesting clamshells and pearl spot fish on their canoes, women washing clothes, and children walking to school, while flocks of ducks paddle across the narrow canals, and patient kingfishers, egrets, and cormorants keep a watchful eye on their next catch. After paddling, you will be served a local lunch with a variety of flavors using grated coconut, vegetables, and seafood.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Emerald Isle	B (L) D	Backwater Village Kayaking through rivers and canals (4 to 5 hours)

Day 13 to 15: Marari

Leisure at the Fishermen Beach of Marari

After breakfast, we will start the drive from the backwaters towards the pristine beach of Marari. Here we are staying at a serene beach resort (subject to availability) for the next 3 nights. You can spend the days relaxing on the beach, swimming, or simply basking in the sun or relaxing in the comfy cottages amidst the palm groves. There is a well-kept vegetable garden, butterfly garden, and a small animal farm in the serene resort. In the evening, we can go for a walk in the nearby fishermen’s village and get to know more about the humble life of these brave sea warriors. You can also experience traditional Ayurveda rejuvenation treatments or do mindful yoga practice with an expert yoga trainer at the resort (supplementary cost). You will wind up the day watching the beautiful sunset at the beach.

Property	Meal	Activities for the day
Turtle Beach Resort	B D	Drive to Marari (35 kms, 1 hour), Leisure at the beach resort

Day 16: Cochin Airport

Departure Day

We will drop you at Cochin International Airport as per your flight schedule. It’s time to say Adieu, with fond memories of the journey through the biodiverse and culture-rich region of South India.

Packing List

• 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 (approx. 25l volume if possible with integrated rain cover) for food and drinks on the go
• For the hikes/trekking we recommend: ankle-high hiking boots with profile and well run-in; breathable sportswear (e.g. functional shirt/quick-drying; light long hiking trousers) and 2-3 pairs of hiking socks
• light clothes covering shoulders and knees
• light sneakers or sandals (for aerating the feet)
• Drinking bottle or field bottle (minimum 1 liter)
•  Wind and rain protection (e.g. breathable rain jacket)
• Long trousers and sweater/jacket (for the evening and/or rooms with air conditioning)
• Towel
• Handkerchiefs (possibly also wet handkerchiefs for body hygiene)
• 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