Luxury South India Safari

South India’s Kerala and Karnataka Revealed

Sophisticated sojourners are guaranteed to be swept away by the romance of South India on this tailor-made culture and wildlife safari through Kerala and Karnataka. Join Ker & Downey as we devote two weeks to the splendors of South India: its ancient temples, bygone traditions, legendary coffee plantations, wondrous wildlife, and humble backwaters.

Suggested Itinerary-at-a-glance:

• Day 1:

  Arrive Mumbai / Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Mumbai

• Day 2:

  Mumbai / Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Mumbai (B)

• Day 3:

  Bangalore / The Leela Palace Bangalore (B)

• Day 4:

  Bangalore / The Leela Palace Bangalore (B)

• Day 5:

  Mysore / Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore (B)

• Day 6:

  Coorg / Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg (B,D)

• Day 7:

  Coorg / Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg (B,L,D)

• Day 8:

  Kabini / Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini (B,L,D)

• Day 9:

  Kabini / Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini (B,L,D)

• Day 10:

  Kabini / Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini (B,L,D)

• Day 11:

  Cochin / Brunton Boatyard Hotel (B)

• Day 12:

  Cochin / Brunton Boatyard Hotel (B)

• Day 13:

  Kerala Backwaters / Injourni (B,L,D)

• Day 14:

  Departure (B)

Itinerary Description:

Ker & Downey's Luxury South India Safari begins within full view of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, as seen from the sprawling splendor of Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Mumbai. You will have an entire day to take in the Elephanta Caves and exotic character of Mumbai before flying to the vibrant cosmopolitan center of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. Here, you have the rare opportunity of staying in one of the most sought-after luxury hotels in the city, The Leela Palace Bangalore, which serves as a graceful base from which to explore this beautiful "Garden City".

Your South India travels then take you to Mysore, a destination known for its glittering UNESCO-listed royal heritage and thriving silk and sandalwood exports. The new Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore borrows from the heritage architecture of its setting and places you in the center of the city's charms. After a visit to the Maharaja's Palace and Chamundi Hill, you will be driven to Coorg, the veritable "Coffee Cup of India". Immerse yourself in the luxurious plantation paradise of Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, exploring the working Arabica and Robusta fields, bicycling to nearby Kodagu villages, and exploring the nearby Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement, the second largest in India.

The highlight of your wanderings in Karnataka will undoubtedly be in Kabini, one of the finest wildlife destinations in South India. Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg's sister property, Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini, draws you into the social tapestry of the local Kadu Kuruba tribes while delivering intimate expressions of luxury in nature. Over three days, embark on twice daily safaris by boat and game drive vehicle through Nagarhole National Park, an ecosystem that supports the highest density of Asian Elephants in the world, as well as a large number of tiger, leopard, and wild dog.

Your South India Safari then takes you to the state of Kerala for a couple of days in Cochin, home to the finest natural harbor in the world. A great city to explore on foot, the nautical splendor of the Brunton Boatyard and quaint alleys of Cochin are sure to transport you back in time. After enjoying a traditional Kathakali dance performance, bring your journeys in South India to a close with an unforgettable houseboat cruise along Kerala's backwaters. Your vessel of choice is a Kettuvallam rice barge turned elegant floating home, which will lead you into the very soul of Kerala by following the languid rhythm of the river and interacting with heartfelt people along its banks.

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