Designed for nature lovers, this tour heads southwest from Bangalore
into the sandalwood city – Mysore, followed to the part
of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole. Spread over
643 sq. km of wilderness against the backdrop of the Brahmagiri
Mountains, it is one of the best wildlife experiences in India
and further our route continue to the charming resort, nestled
in the Western Ghats, perched at 800 meters above sea level and
set amidst 300 acres of coffee and spice plantations.
In addition to the wealth of wildlife and spices, the journey
also offers the opportunity to stay longer at the end of the tour
to relax at an 'eco-friendly beach spa', beside the gorgeous Arabian
Sea.
Best Time: November to February.
Route: Bangalore ~ Mysore ~ Nagarhole ~ Coorg ~ Neeleshwar
~ Mangalore
DAY 01 BANGALORE TO MYSORE TO NAGARHOLE
Morning drive to Mysore (about 140km/03-04hrs), enjoy a half day
city sightseeing of this Sandalwood City where thanks to royal
patronage, artists, writers and craftsmen have flourished, making
it the cultural epicentre of Karnataka.
It is a major centre for the manufacture of incense, and its flowers-spice-vegetable
market amongst the finest in India. Also Mysore silk is well known
for its quality and everlasting luster.
Our half days’ sightseeing highlights include: The Markets,
The palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12 that is a harmonious
synthesis of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture and
the St. Philomena’s Church the largest neo- Gothic churches
in India. Late afternoon you will drive to Nagarhole (about 90km/03-04hrs),
check into the hotel, situated in the heart land of the Kadukuruba
tribe of Nagarhole forest and surrounded on three sides by the
Kabini river. All the cottages are built in authentic Kuruba village
style. O/n Hotel.
DAY
02 NAGARHOLE.
Once an exclusive hunting ground for the rulers of My sore, Nagarhole
acquired the status of a national park in 1975. Spread over 643
sq. km of wilderness against the backdrop of the Brahmagiri Mountains,
it is one of the best wildlife experiences in India. Recently,
the park has been renamed Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Flanked
by Bandipur National Park to the southeast and Kerala's Wynad
Sanctuary to the southwest, Nagarhole is part of the larger Nilgiri
Biosphere Reserve.
Nagarhole derives its name from the Kannada word, naga that means
snake, and hole meaning streams. True to its name, the park is
criss-crossed by serpentine rivers and streams. A perennial water
reservoir is at the centre of the park, while a series of slopes
and shallow valleys spread outwards, covered with bamboo, teak,
and cassia forests, as well as marshy swamps. This varied habitat
makes Nagarhole home to a diverse wildlife population.
Nagarhole is one of the remaining habitats of the Asian elephant,
which you can see in large herds here. Other animals to be seen
are tiger, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, bison, leopard, wild
boar, deer, dhole (wild dog), sloth bear, jungle cat, civet, bonnet
macaque, and pangolin, among others.
Nagarhole National Park is also home to over 250 bird species
including the Malabar pied hornbill, crested hawk eagle, golden-back
woodpecker and southern tree pie. Crocodiles, pythons, and several
species of snakes and lizards are also found here
Early morning explore the park by jeep safari, accompanied by
a trained naturalist and the safari provides a good opportunity
to observe the various herbivores & predators.
Later in the afternoon explore the Nagarhole National park, by
couple of hours boat ride, accompanied by a trained naturalist,
the safari provides a good opportunity to observe a wide variety
of water birds and marsh crocodiles in addition to the other wildlife.
O/n Hotel.
DAY
03 NAGARHOLE :
Morning and afternoon game drives in the park by jeep / boat along
with a resident naturalist. The day time free to explore nearby
local tribal village by bi-cycle. O/n Hotel.
Day 04 NAGARHOLE TO COORG:
Afternoon drive to Coorg (about 120km/04hrs), check into a charming
resort, nestled in the Western Ghats, perched at 800 meters above
sea level and set amidst 300 acres of coffee and spice plantations.
Rest of the day free to relax or go for a nature walk within the
resort. O/n Hotel.
DAY 05 COORG
After an early breakfast make a short drive to nearby Durbare
Elephant Camp, where we will have a couple of hour experience
with Elephants consisting of the following activities:
• Elephant Grooming: Visitors can watch Elephants been given
a scrub-bath in the River and also watch how oil is applied on
their forehead, tusks and other aspects of Elephant grooming.
•
Elephant feeding: Visitors can watch the food being prepared for
the Elephants and how they are fed. They can even participate
by feeding the Elephants themselves - for this, we can give them
some sugarcane, coconuts or bananas.
• Commands: The Mahouts will then demonstrate the various
commands the Elephants can obey. This can be vividly portrayed
by making Elephants perform some mock logging operations.
• Naturalist: While visitors are going through all these
activities, a Naturalist will explain to them about all aspects
of Elephant ecology, history, conservation etc. The visitor’s
interaction with Elephants will be as participatory as possible.
Further, a leaflet giving interesting information on the same
will be given to visitors.
• Elephant Ride: Finally, visitors will be taken on a 10
to 15 min Elephant ride into the Dubare Reserve Forest. Before,
they get on to the Elephant they can watch how the Howdahs is
actually tied etc.
Afternoon
visit Bylekuppe, which is the second largest settlement outside
Tibet. The Golden Temple has some very impressive 40-foot high
golden idols of Buddha. The prayer sessions are a sight to behold
too, as more than 400 monks chant in unison. There are also a
few Tibetian handicraft shops selling shawls, artifacts and souvenir
items.
Back to resort and take a guided tour of the 300 – Acre
working coffee and spice plantation. Learn how coffee and spices
are cultivated it can be a rewarding experience. The refreshing
aroma of spices and fresh coffee fills Coorg. O/n Hotel.
DAY 06 COORG TO NEELESHWAR
After breakfast drive to Neeleshwar (about 140km/04hrs), check
into your 'eco-friendly beach spa'- combines the best of Indian
traditions with a contemporary level of comfort and a refined
aesthetic sensibility.
Rest of the day at leisure. O/n Hotel.
DAY 07 NEELESHWAR
After
breakfast explore the nearby village, which stretches a large
network of small roads and lanes that give the visitor a wonderful
experience of local life. The ideal way to explore this hinterland
is by bike. You will enter a world of paddy fields, garden compounds,
shrines, temples and mosques, and can follow a lovely coastline
along which lie traditional fishing villages where boats and nets
are made and repaired.
Back to hotel and relax; later in the afternoon make a short drive
to Bekal to visit the imposing circular fort, which is one of
the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala. Also enjoy the
beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known
as Bekal Fort Beach. O/n Hotel.
DAY 08 NEELESHWAR
Morning
free to relax, afternoon board your houseboat and explore the
network of secluded backwaters that feed the local paddy fields
and eventually open out into the sea. Attractive and spacious
houseboats, converted from traditional Keralan rice barges, provide
the perfect setting for cool, tranquil and relaxing cruises to
refresh the mind and enliven the spirit. During the day one can
watch the local life as it unfolds unhurriedly along the banks:
people washing clothes, collecting water for the home, working
in their gardens, fishing with traditional nets, going to the
temple. In the evening the wide variety of local birdlife gathers
in flocks to roost for the night while the sky is ravished by
a spectacular sunset. O/n Hotel.
DAY 09 NEELESHWAR TO MANGALORE
After breakfast transfer to Mangalore airport (about 90km/03hrs),
to board flight to your onward destination.
For suggestions and booking this
tour please contact us.
