Day 1: Arrival Bengaluru

A warm welcome awaits you when you arrive at Bengaluru National Airport. Transfer to your chosen hotel.

Day 2: Bengaluru Heritage Walk

Depart with your guide for a heritage walk of Malleswaram. Start at Kadu Malleshwara temple at 8.30 am. Walk through the fruit and vegetable market. Visit some of the old houses of Malleswaram - reach there around 9.30 am. After the walk take a coffee break at the Shir Sagar (CTR ) restaurant for a cup of filter coffee & Masala dosa.

CTR is a Malleswaram institution. It's an unassuming little eatery, which has kept the same look for many decades now. The furniture is purely functional and you'll be rubbing elbows with your neighbour while you tackle your Bonda. And if it's still buzzing with people - the young, the old, the traditional, and the trendy - it's because of the fantastic Masala Dosa they offer. Thick, golden, rich with ghee, stuffed with potato masala.

The next visit would be the Crafts Council of Karnataka at about 11.15 am - they also have a small outlet 'Kamalini' attached to their offices.
We also see one of the oldest institutions called the MES college, We then walk past Sir C V Raman's house and close the walk there at 11.30 am.

Day 3: Chikmagalur's hill stations

After an early breakfast, we will leave for Chikmagalur, the birthplace of the Hoysala Dynasty and the Indian Coffee! Chikmagalur’s hill stations, rivers, waterfalls, ancient temples and wildlife sanctuaries are truly worth a visit. Your hotel lies at one of the most beautiful coffee estates of this town. Each cottage is an eclectic combination of classic and contemporary design and the private pool is very refreshing. Enjoy lunch at your resort. In the afternoon take a plantation walk with your guide.

Distance and journey times: 240 km, 4.30 hrs

Day 4: Boat safari on the Kabini River

After breakfast drive to Kabini, a wildlife haven in the Kadu Kuruba Tribe Heartland. Bordered on two sides by the Kabini River, Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge Kabini is a unique resort built in a traditional tribal village style with palm-thatched lodges. Providing wildlife and jungle adventures, an Ayurvedic Spa, an infinity pool and the resort’s stunning position close to Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks translates into outstanding wildlife experiences. After arrival, enjoy lunch at Honey Comb, The Restaurant. Go on a Boat Safari on the Kabini River. The boat reaches the area where the river itself separates the Nagarhole National Park from the Bandipur National Park. You will also visit a Tribal Village where you can have a cup of tea with the villagers and learn about their unique culture and lifestyle. Before dinner, a ‘Meet & Greet’ will be arranged with the Resort's resident elephant, Meenakshi!

Day 5: Jeep safari at Nagarhole National Park

Wake up early for a Jeep Safari into The Nagarhole National Park, where you have a chance to see Muntjak, Chital, Sambar, Four-horned Antelope, Gaur, Wild Pig, the Asian Elephant, Common Langur and the Bonnet Macaque. Nagarhole also has a large number of Tigers, Wild Dogs and Leopards and around 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area. The Resort provides jobs to the people who live in the area of the park which converts them to become partners to protect the park. A good example of Responsible Tourism! Breakfast is served after the Safari.

Then check out for your transfer to Bengaluru.

Distance and journey times: 222 km, 5 hrs.

Day 6: Fly to Cochin

Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Cochin. After arrival transfer to The Brunton Boatyard, a boutique hotel with a lot of history and an impressive Art collection.

Overnight in Cochin.

Day 7: Cochin sightseeing

Proceed for a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese and the Dutch Palace. Later in the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance.

Overnight in Cochin.

Day 8: Overnight on a Houseboat through the backwaters

Transfer to Kumarakom where you board your own houseboat. Originally these boats were created to transport rice and spices from one village to another and finally to the port from which the precious cargo was shipped to the Arab countries and Europe. At night, once your houseboat is anchored in the waters, dine under a starlit sky with the sound of crickets in the background.

Distance and journey times: 46 km, 1 hr.

Day 9: Head to Kovalam Beach

After breakfast, transfer to Kovalam, a beach village close to Trivandrum. In Kovalam, you stay at The Club at The Leela Kovalam.

Enjoy sun, sea and sand in Kovalam. Take a walk along the beach, finally finish your book, enjoy the pool, book a Spa treatment…or just do nothing at all! It is the perfect place to unwind. But if you can’t get enough of exploring India, we do have some nice suggestions (optional).

One of them is a Temple Tour to Kanyakumari, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean converge. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views and the Devi Temple. En route, you visit the Sri Sthanumalaya Temple as well, which is a popular Pilgrim Centre. Or visit Trivandrum for some shopping combined with a good lunch. Start at the colourful Connemara Market and visit Sankers Coffee and Tea for some fresh Nilgiri Tea, coffee and nuts to bring home. For a simple but authentic lunch, we recommend Kalavara Family Restaurant with good and fresh Keralan fish on the menu.

Distance and journey times: 176 km, 4 hrs.

Day 13: Departure

You will be collected for a transfer to the airport.

Distance and journey times: 12 km, 30 mins.

Not quite right? This itinerary is just to give you an idea of what is possible. Need some more inspiration? Please get in touch at 01473 214305 or email sales@eastravel.co.uk We welcome your questions. We're here to help!