This is a tour that spotlights the physical wellbeing of the traveller, introducing you to the age old Indian traditions of health improvement and vitalisation. You travel from Bangalore, the modern IT capital of India; through the princely city of Mysore; the ancient kingdom of Hassan, Halebid and Belur; the coffee estates of Coorg; to finally arrive at the hidden hilltop resort of Neelambari, located in the unspoilt Western Ghats of north Kerala, close to the golden beaches of Neeleshwar washed by the Arabian sea, with a spectacular old fort at Bekal. The last leg of the journey follows the famous Calicut port of Vasco Da Gama, where we behold an elephant temple and observe ship-building activities. We conclude this blissful trip in Cochin - the cultural capital of Kerala - savouring its Jewish heritage and Chinese fishing nets. The houseboat cruise through the backwaters is an icing on cake that never fails to delight the visitor.

Best time: Mid October to Mid April
Duration: 14 days


OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01, Arrive Bangalore:
Arrive early morning; garland welcome, assistance and transfer to pre-booked hotel. Morning free to relax; in the afternoon we make a short visit to this bustling capital city of Karnataka. Visit Vidhan Soudha, a magnificent building housing the State Legislature and Secretariat. Evening stroll around the avenues. O/n hotel.

Day 02, Bangalore - Mysore:
After breakfast drive to Mysore (about 140km/3hrs); check into hotel. Afternoon visit Mysore Palace: once the residence of Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is truly unmatched. Proceed to St. Philomena's Church: created in Gothic style, it is one of the largest churches in the country and has exquisite stained-glass windows. Evening we make a short drive to Chamundi Hills towering over the city; these hills are 13km away from Mysore. Halfway up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8 m monolith. Right on top is the 2000 year old Chamundeswari Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n hotel.

Day 03, Mysore - Hassan:
Following breakfast we drive to Hassan (about 135km/4hrs); check into hotel. Visit the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, its exterior adorned with exquisite friezes. A line of 650 elephants surrounds the base, with of rows of figures and foliage above; and details of 38 female figures is flawless. Later on proceed to Halebid to visit the Hoysalesvara temple: the temple set in verdant lawns, has two shrines dedicated to Shiva. The largest of the Hoysala temples, it was started in 1121 but remained unfinished for 86 years, also visit the Jain bastics. O/n hotel.

Day 04, Hassan - Chully (Neelambari):
Post breakfast we drive to the hidden hilltop resort of Neelambari (about 220 km/6hrs) in the Western Ghats in North Kerala. The Resort offers accommodation in 16 traditional Kerala-style cottages. All rooms are well furnished with tiled roofs and wood, equipped with modern facilities. The final 40km are a steep hilly drive through dense jungle and once at the top we are greeted with miles of breathtaking vistas of green rolling hills. Arrive and check into resort. O/n resort.

Neelambari Resort & Spa:
Nestling in the tranquil estates surrounded by spice hills, Neelambari is set in 110 acres with spectacular views of surrounding natural forests, mountains and valleys. It is the ideal getaway to explore North Kerala, with its close proximity to wind-kissed warm beaches and gently rippling cool backwaters, whilst being tucked away in lush hills of the Western Ghats!

Ayurveda at Neelambari:
Ayurveda, the ancient system of Indian Medicine, is a unique system of medicine handed down the centuries by ancient physicians, holding out a promise of a healthy, long life. Ayurveda is practiced with absolute dedication in Kerala where the serene shores help achieve harmony of body, mind and soul. It is a completely herbal-based medical treatment using only the purest of elements. As such, there are no side effects whatsoever. Kerala's natural wealth of herbs and the cool monsoon season is best suited for its curative and restorative packages.

Nirvana: The Neelambari Ayurveda centre offers a holistic health evaluation and a personalised treatment programme, administered by experienced therapists, ranging from wellness packages like rejuvenation and revitalization, stress relief programmes, different kinds of massages and beauty therapies.

Day 05, Chully (Neelambari):
Morning yoga and stretching session in green and tranquil atmosphere.

A free day to relax or time for a short trek to Ranipuram Hill-station: located 10km from Neelambari Resort, this is a beautiful area well-known for trekking, and is widely known as Madathumala. It is located 750m above sea level in the Kasaragode district of Western Ghats. Covered with evergreen 'shola' woodlands; rain forests and grasslands; this beautiful land is ideal for hiking. Elephants can be seen wandering around here. O/n resort.

Day 06, Chully (Neelambari):
Today, after breakfast, day excursion to Talakaveri - the source of sacred Kaveri River in Karnataka. Kaveri is considered a 'river of divinity, peace and tranquillity'; it is also known as the Ganges of the South. From Talakaveri, steps lead up to the Brahmagiri peak, where 'saptarishi' (seven great sages) had performed a special 'yagya' (religious ceremony). You will enjoy splendid views of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills. Later drive back to resort. Evening session and interaction with astrologer and palmist. O/n Resort.

Day 07, Chully (Neelambari):
After breakfast, drive about 50km/2hrs to visit Bekal Fort; Pallikere and Neeleshwar beaches; and Chandragiri Fort. Also visit one of the 'beedi' (country cigarette) making factories near Neeleshwar. Evening, back to Resort. O/n resort.

Beedi is a mixture of blended tobacco, wrapped in beedi leaves, cut to size, tied up with a thread, roasted in an oven to remove moisture, and to give that inimitable flavour that brings indefinable joy to smokers. The tobacco is blended in desirable proportions and the beedi leaves are selected and cut to uniform size. The secret of a good beedi lies in the blending of tobacco and it is as such treated as classified information. After this, by sheer dint of experience, the skilled worker with his deft fingers just rolls the beedi at one stroke, flat at the smoking end and round at the lighting end, in the shape of an elongated cone. It is tied at the flat end with a cotton thread of a particular colour chosen to identify the manufacturer.

Bekal Fort: The 350 year old fort is situated 10km north of Kanhangad and is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. This imposing circular structure of laterite rises 130ft above sea level, and stands on a 35acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty is said to have built the fort around 1645-1660AD. But some historians are of the opinion that the fort was built by the then north Kerala rulers, the Kolathiri Rajas.

Pallikere & Neeleshwar Beach: This beautiful expanse of shallow waters and beach offers a spectacular view of the Bekal fort. The beach has ample space for recreation and relaxation. With international-standard facilities to be developed here, Pallikere will rank among the best beaches in the country, and the nearby Neeleshwar beach is the most unspoilt beach area in India with friendly fishing villages nearby. A session of meditation at sunset can be a divine experience at Neeleshwar.

Chandragiri Fort: Situated on the Chandragiri river, south east of Kasaragode town, this town is known for its arresting 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers a grand view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

Day 08, Chully (Neelambari):
A full day to experience Ayurveda and Yoga. Begin your day with Yoga by the poolside, followed by breakfast. Afterwards, pamper yourself in the health centre to rejuvenate your body and mind. Rest of the day enjoy by the pool, or discover the exotic spices of this region from pepper to vanilla. Evening time for a traditional cultural show and bonfire farewell dinner. O/n Resort.

Day 09, Chully - Calicut:
Today after breakfast, we say good bye to this resort and drive to the plains of Calicut (about 196km/5hrs); en route visiting Muzhuppilangad beach as well as Kappad Beach, where Vasco Da Gama first landed in 1498; check into hotel. Calicut was one of the great ports on the west coast and is a port of call for cargo steamers even today. A big centre of timber industry, Calicut has busy boat-building yards. Late afternoon visit to Beypore (11km), a small coastal town that for centuries has been a ship building centre and still famous for its country crafts called 'Uru' built by the traditional shipbuilders known as 'Khalasis'. Beypore is still a favourite destination among Arabs shopping for large boats. Evening stroll around the Halwa Bazaar. O/n hotel.

Day 10, Calicut - Cochin (Kochi):
We drive to Cochin today after breakfast (about 215km/6hrs); Cochin long been eulogised in tourist literature as the 'Queen of Arabian Sea', is the commercial capital of Kerala; the most cosmopolitan of the state's cities, it has a fascinating blend of cultures. En route visit Punnathur Kotta - an elephant camp at Guruvayoor. Arrive and check into hotel. In the evening witness the famous Kathakali dance in a theatre. O/n hotel.

Day 11, Cochin:
Cochin is one of the most interesting towns in South India. A trading port since Roman times, it was on the main trade route between Europe and China. Fort Cochin occupies the southern promontory on the seaward side of the Bay. After breakfast guided tour of Cochin.

Fort Kochi: A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by cultural influences of the Dutch and later by the British. The result of these cultural influences is seen in the many examples of Indo-European architecture that still exist here.

Chinese fishing nets: These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place, to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and the catch being brought in, is the Vasco Da Gama Square - a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.

St. Francis Church: Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European Church. This was initially built of timber but later reconstructed in stone. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch and converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795. Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524, before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and some of the 'puranic' Hindu legends. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins, and the coronation robes of former maharajas of Kochi.

Synagogue: Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Destroyed in shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch.

Day 12, Cochin - Alleppey:
After breakfast drive to Alleppey (about 60km/2hrs); here we embark our houseboat and drift quietly, across gently undulating backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. The boat passes through pleasant stretches of the backwaters, allowing glimpses of picture-perfect countryside and pastoral lifestyles unique to this region. O/n houseboat.

Day 13, Alleppey - Cochin - Bangalore:
Morning after breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and have lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon time to stroll around Jew Street and Broadway market. Evening transfer to International airport to board flight to Bangalore (9W 524; 2000/2100hrs). Upon arrival in Bangalore, straightaway transfer to the International airport to board flight back to home country.

Day 14, Bangalore - Europe / USA:
Fly early morning to your home country.