South India Beyond the Swamps

Upon arrival, we head to Mysore, famous for its charming palaces. Late evening arrival in Mysore, we go directly to the hotel.

We then return to Mysore and visit the Maharaja's Palace, an incredible architecture blending Hindu and Saracenic styles with a plethora of arcades, domes, turrets, colonnades and magnificent sculptures. We also visit Chaumundi hill with its temple dedicated to Durga.

On the road leading to the temple stands a gigantic monolithic Nandi bull, carved from a single piece of granite in 1659. Known for its sandalwood, Mysore is also famous for its printed silks, and its furniture inlaid with ivory and beautiful sculptures.

This morning we set out on a safari in the Nagarhole jungle. The park, famous for its black-striped big cat: the elusive Bengal Tiger, was established in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary, and then designated a National Park twenty years later. The park is fed by a perennial water reservoir, formed in 1974 following the construction of a dam on the Kabini river. It is home to all the wildlife of the Nilgiri hills: Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Indian bison, leopard, Asian elephant, wild boar, deer, wild dog and porcupine, not to mention tigers.

Free afternoon.

After breakfast, we head to the Nagarhole National Park. Along the way, we make a stop at the Tashi Lhumpo monastery. The park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. Declared the thirty-seventh Project Tiger Reserve in 1999 and notably part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The UNESCO committee notably considers inscribing it as a World Heritage site. This park covered in dense forest, is full of small streams, hills, valleys and waterfalls: the ideal habitat for large numbers of tigers, Indian bisons and elephants.

After breakfast, we head towards Bandipur.

Check-in at our hotel upon arrival .

Afternoon in the park. The Bandipur National Park is one of many reserves located in the forest area between the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Mountains. It is located in the southern state of Karnataka and covers a forest area of 865 square kilometers. It was declared a national park in 1974 and subsequently became one of nine tiger conservation projects under the "Tiger Project".

In the morning, we enjoy a journey aboard the famous "Toy Train". In the afternoon, we set out to explore Ootacamund (Ooty). We visit the Ootacamund Botanical Garden built in 1847 and located at 2,400 meters altitude, occupying an area of 22 hectares of land with around 650 species of plants and trees. We also visit Doddabetta Peak which stands at 2,623 meters altitude and just 10 kms from Ooty. It is the highest point in the district, making it the best viewing point of the town.

Today, we travel to Ooty (Ootacamund). Upon our arrival, we bask in the beauty of this hill station. Ootacamund is also known as Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations, and is located in the heart of the Nilgiri Hills. An added attraction for tourists is the mountain train journey that winds its way through numerous curves and terrifying tunnels, and progresses along verdant ravines dominated by lush vegetation, streams and tea gardens.

Today, we visit the Eravikulam National Park which was created to preserve the Nilgiri Tahr, a Nilgiri wild goat, currently facing extinction. This park is home to the world's largest population of Tahr. It is also a refuge for Atlas mites, elephants, sambhars, gaurs, langurs, tigers and leopards. It comprises rolling grasslands and fields of breathtaking exotic flowers. Anamudi, the highest peak south of the Himalayas, dominates the sanctuary.

After breakfast, we head to Munnar, a hill station located at the confluence of the mountain streams of Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala. The town is surrounded by wild jungle often humid and cold for most of the season. During British rule in India, it was developed to cultivate tea. Sometimes called the "Switzerland" of India for its natural environment and Old-World architecture. A town of scenic views, winding streets, trekking opportunities and holiday facilities make Munnar the perfect destination for a unique experience.

Hotel check-in upon arrival and the rest of the day is free to relax.

In the morning, we travel through a beautiful and lush countryside to reach the hilltop at Thekkady, a small town near the Periyar National Park, the most fascinating wildlife sanctuary in India.

Thekkady is the birthplace of spice culture. After lunch, we stroll around these spice gardens where we can discover the different varieties of the region. We will have time to explore the bazaar and its many shops selling cardamom, vanilla, pepper, chili peppers, turmeric and many other spices.

After breakfast, we head to Alleppey. Also known as Alappuzha, the town is the starting point for houseboat cruises in Kerala. We board one of the pleasure boats and begin our cruise along Kerala's backwaters, one of the highlights of the trip. These enchanting boats have been decorated and transformed into comfortable cruise vessels. We wind along waterways lined with lush tropical vegetation, observing stunning tropical birds and passing through idyllic villages.

Our night on board is set in the heart of the famous Vembanad Lake

Today, we visit the Fort of Kochi. This edifice was founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and is surely the first European colony to have settled in India. Our visit will take place amid the aromas of tea and spices, discovering colourful warehouses, aged bicycles and hand-painted trucks filled with merchandise, as well as food stalls present in every corner.

In the afternoon, we visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi. A visit to the 16th century Jewish synagogue is also on the agenda, as well as a detour to the Church of Saint Francis - the resting place of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. We explore the city of Kochi, its bazaars and the old port area. In the evening, an optional visit to see a Kathakali exhibition, a form of classical dance unique to Kerala concludes the day.

Today, we have breakfast on board as navigation continues to our destination.
On shore, we resume the journey to Cochin. After checking into the hotel, the day is free.