Lisa Weaver
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Bengaluru
Arrive in Bengaluru. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the hotel Taj West End. The remainder of your day is free at your leisure to rest or explore the city. We recommend taking an afternoon tea at your hotel from a selection of some of the finest blends of teas and delectable treats.
Overnight Taj West End, Bengaluru
Day 2
Bengaluru
Take a tour of the city today. Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located in southern India. It is the capital of the state of Karnataka and is often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India" due to its prominent position as a major technological hub.
On the tour, visit the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a paradise for nature lovers. Spread over 240 acres, Lalbagh features a variety of exotic plants, rare trees, vibrant flower beds, and a serene lake. You will also see Vidhan Sabha which houses the State’s Legislature and Secretariat and Nandi Temple, one of oldest temples.
The evening, you are free to explore the city center on your own. Or, have a Bharatanatyam dance experience where a well-accomplished dancer and her students will bring alive this ancient dance form through mythology, gestures and expressions. This is a great opportunity to learn a few steps and have fun performing it.
Overnight Taj West End, Bengaluru
Day 3
Bengaluru - Mysore
Early this morning, proceed to Ramnagara. Ramnagar is famous for its silk industry and receives 50 tons of silk cocoons every day, making it Asia’s largest silk cocoon market.
Further, visit the famous toy town of Channapatna, home to the legendary makers of wooden toys. The skilled artisans of this town follow a unique process perfected by generations over time to make these eco-friendly and child-safe toys. We visit a factory where guests can see these master craftsmen in action.
Continue on to visit a center for promoting village folk art of the State of Karnataka. Guests get to see more than 5,000 folk artifacts depicting folk literature, music, dance, festivals, sculpture and lifestyle in the different sections of this center spread over 15 acres.
Before continuing on to Mysuru, visit a village which houses a unique tree. The big banyan tree here is 400 years old and this single tree is spread over 5 acres of area!
Continue on to Mysore.
Overnight The Royal Orchid Metropole
Day 4
Mysuru
In the morning, take an excursion to the historical town of Sri Rangapatnam. It was the capital of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, in the 18th century. Next, visit the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan.
In the afternoon, visit Mysore Palace. An incredibly breathtaking example of Indo - Saracenic style of architecture, the Mysore Palace is the former palace of the royal family of Mysore.
Overnight The Royal Orchid Metropole
Day 5
Mysuru - Bandipur
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bandipur National Park. Established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, Bandipur National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems.
It is nestled amidst the picturesque Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is characterized by its lush green forests, rolling hills, meandering rivers, and abundant wildlife.
Then, take an afternoon Jeep safari in the wilderness.
Overnight Serai Bandipur
Day 6
Bandipur
Enjoy a morning and afternoon Jeep safari in the forest.
Also, visit the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, which stands as the oldest elephant camp in Asia. You have the opportunity to meet Bomman and Bellie — the caretakers and stars of the Oscar-winning documentary "The Elephant Whisperers." You may also want to meet with the elephants featured in the documentary, including Krishna, Raghu, and baby Ammu.
Overnight Serai Bandipur
Day 7
Bandipur - Wayanad
This morning, after breakfast, you will drive to Wayanad.
Your afternoon is at leisure in the comforts of your room overlooking the wild Wayanad.
This evening, give your kids an opportunity to be a master chef. The in-house chefs will plan an exciting, experiential and safe session in the kitchen where your little ones will learn while having fun.
For the adventurous and energetic kids, tread into the darkness for a rendezvous with Wayanad Wild's resident nocturnal friends. See the unseen during the night expedition with an expert naturalist. As darkness falls, the wilderness comes alive and you can discover elusive creatures of the forest on a walk you will remember.
Overnight Wayanad Wild
Day 8
Wayanad
Drive to the enchanting tea gardens of Pozhuthana, some of which are the oldest plantations in Wayanad, and situated at the foot of an array of mist-clad mountains. Walk over a grassy meadow to a mud trail leading to the rafting point at a bend in the Vythiri river and enjoy bamboo river rafting.
You’ll return to your lodge by lunch time. Then, spend a cozy evening chatting with naturalists over coffee or tea about everything Wayanad — its people, cuisine, wildlife and much more!
Overnight Wayanad Wild
Day 9
Wayanad - Ottapalam
Check out from the lodge today, and drive south to experience the River Nila and its living heritage.
Many art forms thrived along the banks of River Nila in Kerala. One such incredible art form is the enchanting percussion-based music. Traditionally restricted to be performed within the confines of the temple, find out the story of how one inspirational proponent of this art took the music to the masses. Musical trails were built with the objective to bring to travelers an authentic, rare piece of art that goes centuries back in time. The local community of students at the Sopanam School of Music will provide an introduction to the history and nature of their music and how an entrepreneur manages to train more than 800 students out of 21 schools in the region. It will be an enthralling and inspiring interactive session.
Overnight Kandath Tharavad farm stay
Day 10
Around Ottapalam
After breakfast, you will learn about three art forms:
There are only a handful of people who make bell metal mirrors in Kerala. Popular ones are all in the village of Aranmula. What many don't know is the existence of one such workshop on the banks of River Nila. Krishnakumar was taught by his father to melt bronze, copper and a bit of zinc in a secret formula. This is an interactive visit to see the workshop, meet the craftsman and learn about the intricacies of the art.
Most villages in Kerala would have seen Kathakali Performances. This traditional classical dance drama has been popular for more than centuries and the style of performance varies between the schools of practices. Today, you will meet a unique family who works hard to preserve this tradition as well as train the younger generation.
Experience a form of glove puppetry that combines aspects of puppetry as well as traditional play acting. As the puppets come alive, the artist Aandipandaram becomes the character himself, emoting the characters and presenting their lives. He belongs to one of the four families of Paruthipully village who practice the craft, taking it to the many hamlets in the three districts around the Nila.
Overnight Kandath Tharavad farm stay
Day 11
Ottapalam - Kochi
Today, after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and participate in a pottery workshop with Gopalan Ettan. Just like his father and his grandfather, he spends his days at his wheel shaping clay brought from the Nila’s banks into bowls and water jugs to sell. There are still plenty of potters along the banks of the Nila, with small family-run workshops that survive despite the factory production lines. But when the last of this old generation of potters dies, there may be no one left to continue the craft. It is through tourism and workshops, and annual scholarships to youth, that our partners are motivating the community to continue practicing the crafts.
Next, drive to the quaint village of Vellinezhi, declared as a heritage village by the state of Kerala and is known mainly for Kathakali, the classical performing art of Kerala. Locals proudly claim that there is hardly a house in this village that doesn't have something to do with the art form. Vellinezhi is dotted with majestic heritage houses and architectural marvels in the forms of temples.
Overnight Kandath Tharavad farm stay
Day 12
Kochi
This morning, drive to Fort Kochi. Upon arrival, you will check-in at the hotel Brunton Boatyard.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to be in the comforts of your hotel.
Overnight Brunton Boatyard
Day 13
Kochi
This morning, visit the main sights of the area. Explore the narrow streets lined with antique shops, spice markets, and art galleries. Also visit the St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India) and capture the famous Chinese fishing nets in your camera lens.
The evening is at leisure to learn and enjoy the speciality dinner at your hotel.
Overnight Brunton Boatyard
Day 14
Departure
Transfer to the international airport to board your flight in time for your trip home.
