Spices and Sandalwood Tour

Duration:

13 Nights / 14 Days

Destination Covered:

Bangalore-Mysore-Nagarhole-Coonoor-Cochin-Munnar-Periyar-Madurai-Chennai (Madras)

Reviews

  • India Real Heritage Destinations ! Our tour was well organized and amazing. It was very quick and easy to work with our tour manager Mr. Pragya Chandra. Travel docket was well prepared with all of the details and information we needed, plus recommendations and suggestions. Our driver Anil was excellent, especially in India’s busy streets! He was very pleasant, respectful and always on time. We would love to have him as our driver again. Jodi Parker and Family, United States of America, January 2015
  • A wonderful travel agency! My son and I had a wonderful trip along with a fantastic driver and guide. I appreciate the care and attention you had given us in coming up with our itinerary. Thank you so much for your all positive effort! John, New York, USA, January 2015
  • Rapid Golden Triangle I had a wonderful experience in Golden Triangle Tour of North India! Everything was pre plan according to my itinerary, taken care of and I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to see and do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations from my tour desirner who made us program adaptable to my wishes and price range. My driver was knowledgeable about each locations and gave great suggestions on activities for me (photography related) Echo Blum, United Kingdom, December 2014
  • Nature and culture of Beyond with Sri Lanka I wanted to thank you for all your help in assisting with planning our India Beyond with Srilanka journey. We had a fantastic time in this tour package and our complaint is that our time in Sri Lanka was too short !!! we really enjoyed our holiday, once again thank you for all your help. Emir Avdic, Australia October 2014
  • The trip was great! Everything worked very well The travel itself was well elaborated, the hotels were very well equilibration, from the more basic ones to the luxury resorts as the Dune or the Taj Malabar in Cochin. A very special experience was the trip on the boat (Spice Coast Cruises) -> simply great!
    Also a very big compliment for Shiva, our driver. He was someone we could fully rely upon
    As a summary we were extremely satisfied with the travel and the organization from Shanti Travel.
    Thank you very much for your support, give her our warm regards. Claudia Reinhardt, German, September 2014
  • Rajasthan Royal Fantastic “Very happy with the trip. Rohit Poddar, our Tour Designer was very efficient and thorough! Accommodation was great and we’d like to travel again with Crocus Travel.” Michael, UK, Rajasthan, August 2014
  • Golden Triangle India “Awesome experience! Everything was taken care of & I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations always !” Miriam, Spain, July 2014
Tour Description

Overview

‘Spices and Sandalwood Tour’ will give you the chance to explore the three most amazing states of Southern India, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Karnataka which is the land of history culture and tradition along with natural beauty of the beaches and mist covered hilly heights. It is one of the most historical sate of India, it was the home of some of India's largest and most powerful dynasties, the state has across the centuries.
Kerala is one of the most beautiful state in Southern part of India on the Malabar Coast which blessed with unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. Kerala is also known as

“God’s own Country’’ as the state is surrounded by backwaters lies with Palm trees, stunning hill stations, wildlife, rich culture and heritage.  
Tamil Nadu which is the land of history culture and tradition along with natural beauty of the beaches and hills multi-religious pilgrimage sites.Also shares a maritime border with the nation of Sri Lanka. it is known as the temple city of India, apart from this the state is also offers the stunning beauty of the nature such as its glorious beaches, lush green forests, magnificent hill stations, Chennai has everything which attracts the number of tourists every year.
During the tour you will cover the beautiful places of all three states such as Bangalore, Mysore, Nagarhole, Coonoor, Cochin, Munnar,Periyar, Madurai and Chennai (Madras). During the tour, you will explore the major attractions of the places along with that you will also explore wildlife of the region by visiting some popular wildlife reserves such as Nagarhole, Periyar as well as Erivakulam national park. The duration of the tour is 13 nights and 14 days.

Itinerary

Day 1 :  Bangalore Sightseeing

Upon arriving at the Bangalore Airport, meet our representative, after welcome, transfer to your hotel. It is also known as Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka state.

Once you reach Bangalore check-in to your pre-booked hotel. After freshen up, proceed to visit the major attractions of the city such as St. Mark's Cathedral, ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra temple, Shivasamudram Falls, and Wonderla Amusement Park. In the evening visit to the Nandi temple and the VidhanSoudha temple. Enjoy overnight in the hotel.

Day 2 : Bangalore - Mysore (By Road - 145 Kilometres)Sightseeing

Today after breakfast, drive for Mysore, drive straight to Mysore. Once reach Mysore, check-in to your pre-booked hotel. Take rest for a while. Later, leave for a visit to the Mysore Maharaja Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace- an Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Later, visit the Nandi or Bull Temple, located on the Chamundi hills. This temple is dedicated to Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 3 :   Mysore - Nagarhole National Park (By Road - 90 Kilometres)

anctuary was established in 1983, the Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, which is the home of leopard, tiger, elephantand over 250 species of birds.

On reaching at Nagarhole, check-in at your pre-booked jungle lodge. Spend the day at leisure, explore the surrounding lush greenery, enjoy the nature walk etc. Stay overnight.

Day 4 :  Nagarhole - Park

Today after breakfast, proceed for a wildlife safari into the national park. Mainly consists of moist grasslands sprawled across 645 square kilometres, which is the home of leopard, tiger, elephant and over 250 species of birds. It provides ample opportunity for wildlife viewing. Stay overnight.

Day 5 :  Nagarhole - Coonoor (By Road - 192 Kilometres)Sightseeing

Today, drive towards Coonoor. Mist wrapped Coonoor, with the emerald of Nilgiri tea plantations, it is located at the height of about 1,850 meter above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful hill station in the Nilgiris district in the state of Tamil Nadu.

On your way, admire the beauty of the hill station, enjoy the Dolphin's Nose while exploring the Blue Mountains; tea gardens.

On arriving in Coonoor, check-in your hotel. Rest day is free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 :  Coonoor - Cochin (By Road - 283 Kilometres)Sightseeing

Today after having an early breakfast, drive to the Malabar Coast and then to Cochin. It is also known as Kochi, which is one of the most important city of Kerala which is also known as Cochin Located on the south-west coast in Kerala which is also known as the Gateway to Kerala, situated on the Arabian Sea. Kochi is one of the most beautiful city of the state of Kerala. On arriving at Cochin, check in to the hotel, rest day is free at leisure, you may explore the major market area where you can shop for excusive quality of nuts, spices and handicrafts. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7 :   Cochin Sightseeing

Today after having breakfast, embark for the city tour. During the city tour you will visit some of the most tourist attractions of Cochin. Visit Jewish Synagogue which was constructed in 1568.

Then visit St. Francis Church which was constructed in 1503. This church was built on the place where Vasco da Gama (the explorer) was buried, it is the oldest European cathedral in India. Later visit the Dutch Palace, it is also known as Mattancherry Palace. . In 1557 the church of the palace was constructed by Portuguese, later it was passed to the Dutch during the pre-British period. A temple is also located in the courtyard. The major highlights of the palace is on the murals walls of the rooms of palace. Also explore the Chinese nets too.
In the evening, enjoy the Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 8 :  Cochin - Munnar (By Road - 132 Kilometres)

Today after an early breakfast, drive to Munnar, it is one of the most picturesque hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala which offers the stunning view of the tea plantations and Cardamom hills .

On reaching, check in at the hotel. Rest day is free at leisure, you may take leisure walk around the breath-taking surroundings of the town. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 :   Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of  Munnar., you will visit the major attractions Including Christ Church which was established in 1910 by the British, visit Eravikulam National Park which is the home of NilgiriTahr apart from this is also vast flora and fauna.

Then explore MattupettyDamIt is located at the distance of 13 kilometres away from Munnar. This 160 feet high dam has vast reservoir extending several kilometres into the hill. Cruising here is an amazing experience. It is offering occasional sightings of elephant, gaur as well as sambar and Anamudi peak it located at the elevation of 2695 meter above the sea level, the peak is located within Eravikulam, you may also get a trekking opportunities here. Overnight stay at Munnar.

Day 10 :  Munnar - Periyar (By Road - 85 Kilometres)Sightseeing

Enjoy an early morning walk in the tea estates of Munnar, here you can find a rare flower called NeelaKurunji. Return back to the hotel and have your breakfast.

After having breakfast, proceed for Periyar to go to Periyar National Park which renowned   tiger and elephant reserve which is located at Idukki districts and Pathanamthitta in Kerala. The sanctuary is surrounded with dense forest and grass lands.On arrival, check into a jungle lodge. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Night stay in the lodge.

Day 11 :   Periyar Sightseeing

After having an early breakfast, then proceed to explore the Periyar National park by boat. Enjoy bird watching while boat riding on the Periyar Lake where you can spot both resident and migratory birds. You can also take guided trek through the Periyar National Park. The sanctuary is surrounded with dense forest and grass lands. It is home of Indian tigers, elephants, lion tailed macaques, gaurs, deer, sambars apart from this 45 species of reptiles , 30 species of snakes, 13 lizard species.
The afternoon is free to relax. Stay overnight in the hotel.

Day 12 :   Periyarto Madurai (By Road - 145 Kilometres)Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive towards Madurai. It is one of the oldest city of India, which is the third largest city of Tamil Nadu. The city is popular for its vibrant culture, tradition and rich history.The city has various historical monuments and temples, among them Meenakshi Amman Temple and TirumalaiNayak Palace are most popular.
On reaching, check-in your hotel. After lunch, leave to visit the best known Meenakshi Temple, also known as Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati. The temple complex has 14 gateway towers called gopurams, between 45-50 meters in height. Stay overnight.

Day 13 :   Madurai to Chennai (By Flight)

Today after having breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Chennai. It is the capital of Chennai, which is known for its rich culture and traditions. Earlier the city was known as Madras, layers of history that made this city as one of the most vibrant city of southern part of India. Its spectacular beaches, enhanced the beauty of the city.

On arrival, check-in your hotel, Later, leave for a city tourincluding attractions like Fort St George, Kapleshwarar temple, Birla Planetarium etc. In the evening explore the Marina Beach. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 14 :   Departure from Chennai

Today is the last day of the tour, after having the breakfast, transfer to Chennai airport to board a flight for onward destination. We hope you have enjoyed your trip and look forward to organizing your next tour with us.

Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights

  1. Explore theTipu Sultan’s capital- Srirangapatna, en-route Mysore.
  2. Enjoy the guided tours to Amba Vilas Palace and Nandi temple in Mysore.
  3. Explore the Nagarhole National Park and enjoy the wildlife safari here.
  4. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Coonoor.
  5. Visit the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace during Cochin sightseeing.
  6. Enjoy the cruise down to Cochin backwaters to observe Chinese Fishing Nets.
  7. Enjoy the Kathakali dance performance in Chennai.
  8. Enjoy the leisure walk around the tea plantations at Munnar.
  9. Explore the Erivakulam National Park.
  10. Enjoy the bird watching during a boat ride at Periyar National Park.
  11. Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple for Darshan at Madurai.
  12. Explore the Marina Beach, Chennai.
  13. Visit the city tour of Chennai including attractions like Fort St George, Kapleshwarar temple, Birla Planetarium etc.
Where Stay

Hotels Accommodations Envisaged:-

Subject to availability at the time of booking or else similar hotels will be suggested:-

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