South India: from Western Ghats to Coast

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Bangalore (Bengaluru).

Day 2 : Bangalore (Bengaluru)

Arriving into Bangalore Airport, meet your Audley representative. You will then be introduced to your driver who will transfer you to your accommodation, a short drive away.

Day 3 : Mysore

Today you leave Bangalore and head onwards to the charismatic city of Mysore which is a three hour drive away. This is one southern city which resembles many aspects of a northern city with lively markets and spiritual influences, as well as a rich empire history. You might like to visit the city palace this evening to see the illuminations, a nightly show with more than 100,000 bulbs. It attracts many Indian holiday makers as well as international visitors, making it a lovely, festival atmosphere.

Day 4 : Mysore

Enjoy a private tour of historic Mysore today with a local guide. See the City Palace and markets before visiting the Forts of Sri Rangapatnam as well as the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

Day 5 : Nagarhole National Park

As you leave the city today you will head into the rural land surrounding Nagarhole National Park, one of Karnataka's best wildlife getaways. After Lunch you will be taken for your afternoon jeep safari.

Day 6 : Nagarhole National Park

Head out early this morning for a morning game drive. You may be fortunate enough to see a Leopard, Elephants or even a Tiger. This afternoon you will have a game drive on board the boat; this gives you a chance to see the animals as they come to drink during the afternoon heat.

Day 7 : Ooty

Leave the parkland today to ascend into the Western Ghats to reach the colonial hill station of Ooty. The drive takes you through rubber, tea, cardamom and coffee plantations accompanied by some spectacular views. Today's drive takes you towards the tea growing country of the Nilgiri Hills and its colonial heritage as a summer retreat during the Raj era.You will be joined by your guide to explore the local area. You may wish to visit Ooty lake, take a walk through the tea plantations or visit one of the stunning botanical gardens.

Day 8 : Mettupalayam

Today travel to the town of Mettupalayam on the Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway. A diesel train will firstly take you to Coonor where you'll connect to a steam engine - it's then a dramatic descent from tea plantations to the subtropical jungle below. You have a guide on hand to make sure your journey runs smoothly. On arrival at your final station, your driver will be there to meet you and drive to your hotel to relax. The train times can vary but the overall journey tends to last about four hours.

Day 9 : Cochin

This morning you have time free to relax at your hotel. You might like to take a cooking lesson or a tour of the hotel's spice garden. This afternoon drive to the station by private transfer to catch the afternoon train to Cochin. The three hour route passes right along the Malabar coast, finishing near Cochin's imposing fort. Meet your driver on arrival at the station before being driven to your hotel.

Day 10 : Cochin

Today explore Cochin on a private tour with a local guide. This is an attractive city which is spead over a number of interlinked islands, making it particularly picturesque. Highlights of Cochin include the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica. Finish your tour by taking a walk to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets and hopefully see some in action. In the evening you may like to see a cultural performance or traditional Keralan Katakali dance.

Day 11 : Backwaters

This morning you will take a short drive of approximately two hours to Alleppey, where you will board a traditional rice barge and cruise along the tranquil Backwater canals overnight. This evening you can enjoy an authentic dinner on-board, cooked by your private chef.

Day 12 : Marari Beach

Disembark your houseboat this morning after breakfast to be met by your driver. Drive the short one hour drive to Marari Beach for a few days' relaxation to end your trip.

Day 13 : Marari Beach

This morning you may like to take an early morning stroll along the beach to see the fisherman returning to the shore with their catch. Today is free to simply relax or enjoy the facilities of your hotel. You might like to take a yoga class or try a traditional Ayurvedic massage in the spa.

Day 14 : International return flight

Today you will be driven by private transfer the three hour drive to Cochin Airport to catch your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day. Your return flight will arrive the same day.