Cox and Kings Passage Through Kerala

– 4- & 5-star accommodation
– Flexible – extensions, room & flight upgrades available
– Small group size – average 10 people (max 18)
– International flights
– Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
– Experienced local tour manager
– 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
– Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
– Porterage at airports & stations
– Included safari & national park fees
– Experienced local tour manager

– See Mysore Palace illuminated by 100,000 lightbulbs
– Culinary tour of Mysore
– Afternoon tea at a planters house
– Ride the scenic Blue Mountain Railway
– Safari in Nagarhole National Park

Day 1: Fly to Bengalaru via Dubai
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bengalaru (Bangalore) via Dubai.
(No meals)

Day 2: Bengalaru
On arrival, check into your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walk tracing Bangalore’s captivating history before attending a welcome dinner.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Srirangapatna • Mysore
Travel to Mysore. En route, stop at the island fortress of Srirangapatna, the former capital of south India’s most powerful 18th-century rulers. Evening food tour of Mysore’s celebrated gastronomical delights including Mysore masala dosa.(Breakfast)

Day 4: Mysore • Somnathpur
Walking tour visiting some of Mysore’s architectural wonders. Tour the Maharajah’s Palace, which combines Hindu and Saracenic architecture. Afternoon visit to the Keshava temple at Somnathpur. Return to the Maharajah’s Palace in the evening to see it illuminated by over 100,000 light bulbs.(Breakfast)

Day 5: Nagarhole National Park
Travel to Kabini for an overnight stay at the Serai Kabini (or similar). Afternoon safari in search of the park’s wildlife
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Nagarhole National Park • Wayanad
Early morning 4×4 safari. After breakfast, travel to Wayanad for 2 nights at Wayanad Wild.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Wayanad
Morning at leisure. Enjoy an interactive cooking class and lunch, as well as a guided nature walk
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Coonoor
Leisurely drive to the hill station of Coonoor. Have lunch at the Taj Savoy before an afternoon tour of the botanical gardens at Ooty. Continue to Coonoor
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 9: Coonor • Ooty
Drive to Ooty and ride the Blue Mountain Railway to Coonoor. Visit a planter’s house for afternoon tea and walk through the tea plantation.(Breakfast)

Day 10: Kochi
Travel to Coimbatore and board the train to Ernakulam. Transfer to the Eighth Bastion, location in the heart of Fort Kochi for 2 nights. Remainder of the day is at leisure.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 11: Kochi
Visit some of the highlights of this enchanting port, taking in the architectural styles that reveal Arab, Jewish and European influences. View the remarkable, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, explore the 16th-century Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, the Church of St Francis and the world’s oldest active Jewish synagogue in historic Jew Town. Wander through markets and visit the vibrant Dhobi Ghats. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio to see a traditional performance.(Breakfast)

Day 12: The Backwaters
Drive to the backwater region of Kerala this morning. En route, enjoy a cruise by shikara boat through the canals. Check in your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 13: The Backwaters
Day at leisure.
(Breakfast)

Day 14: Fly to London via Dubai
Morning transfer to the airport and fly to London, via Dubai, with Emirates.
(Breakfast)

Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
Coconut Lagoon is situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad, in the heart of the Keralan backwaters. This peaceful resort, originally a coconut grove, is only accessible by boat, through a narrow network of canals. Accommodation is provided in traditional cottages and some original Keralan houses. Modern bathrooms and air conditioning complement the old style. The state of Kerala is famous for its cuisine and the Coconut Lagoon provides fine examples of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes as well as international dishes. Boat trips through the backwaters are highly recommended and there is also a swimming pool, and Ayurvedic and yoga.

Eighth Bastion, Kochi
Set in the heart of Fort Kochi, Eighth Bastion is a small chic property that effortlessly combines contemporary and colonial styles. The hotel is built around a small courtyard, and features rooms that are elegantly decorated in minimalist style with many overlooking the Arabian Sea. No two rooms are of the same size with some featuring shower cubicles and others sunken bath tubs. None of the rooms feature a television. The Eighth Bastion hotel currently does not have a licence to serve alcoholic drinks. Features: 19 rooms, restaurant serving Indian and continental cuisine, outdoor pool and garden. Room amenities: complimentary internet access, air-conditioning, safe, and en suite bathroom with shower.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysore
Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Chamundi Hills, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is a 140-room property lying in close proximity to Mysore’s most famous attractions including the opulent Mysore Palace and the bustling city markets. Superior rooms are sleek and modern in design with free high speed wireless internet and most offering a view of the Chamundi Hills or Mysore Golf Club. With a fine dining restaurant and outdoor pool, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is the perfect tonic after a day of sightseeing. Features: 140 rooms, health club, outdoor pool, restaurant, tennis and badminton courts, currency exchange, business centre, airport shuttle and complimentary parking. Room amenities: Air conditioning, 24 hour room service, complimentary wireless internet access, minibar, flat screen television and gourmet tea and coffee making facilities.

The Gateway Hotel Church Road Coonoor, Coonoor
The Gateway Hotel Church Road Coonoor (previously the Taj Garden Retreat), in a world of rolling mountains and drifting mists, exudes an old-world charm. The hotel offers a panoramic view of the valley and is just 10 minutes away from the lovely Sim’s park and the Golf course. There are 33 rooms including 4 suites, all rooms are elegantly appointed and offer guest amenities like telephone and colour television with satellite programmes. The dining room serves Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine and offers a spectacular view of the undulating hills while the Hampton Bar has Rosewood panelling.

The Serai Kabini, Kabini
Located in the small village of Karapura, between Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park, the Serai Kabini is a brand new property offering luxury cottages and a serene and tranquil ambience. The spacious riverbank cottages all have cosy warm interiors and feature a quaint sit-out area to relax and watch wildlife. The Wildgrass restaurant serves a wide range of multi-cuisine delicacies or if you prefer, private dining or picnics in the reserve can be arranged. Activities such as kayaking on the river and cycling can also be arranged directly with the hotel.

Wayanad Wild, Wayanad
Located in the depths of the rainforests of Lakkidi, the gateway to the picturesque Wayanad district, the Wayanad Wild is a family-friendly resort offering luxury cottages in beautiful surroundings. Each of the 12 cottages are comfortable and spacious and the surrounding canopy offers an abundant variety of fauna, birdlife, peaceful streams and remarkable rock formations. A range of activities and excursions suitable for all ages are available and include hikes, cycling tours and visits to a neighbouring tea factory. Features: 17 rooms, restaurant swimming pool, indoor games.