Day 1: Sun 09 Nov Check In Auckland

Late this evening we will meet as a group and check in for our early am flight to Singapore

Day 2: Mon 10 Nov Depart Auckland via Singapore to Bangalore

Departing early am we fly via Singapore to Bangalore, arriving mid-morning. Transferring to our hotel you can opt to relax and recover, or alternatively late afternoon join us on Colonial Walk.
The Bangalore of today has been shaped by events that had far-reaching consequences. We’ll hear stories of the connection of historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Ronald Ross (discovered the transmission of malarial parasites by mosquitoes) that all had an impact on the city’s history as we take in the sights like St. Mark’s Cathedral, Cubbon Park, Trinity church, and more. Our walk will culminate with a cup of coffee over conversations at the Iconic Koshys Café, which too has a story to tell.
Accommodation: Adarsh Hamilton
Meals: None

Day 3: Tue 11 Nov Bangalore – Mysore

This morning we will depart for Mysore, stopping on the way at Channapatna and Srirangapatna.
Channapatna is fondly known as the land of toys and is home to the art of wooden toy making for over 200 years now.
At Srirangapatna we will visit the remains of the Fort and the Hindu temples and the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan. This little town played an important role in the region since its origins in the 10th century and a focal point in South India’s political development.
On arrival in Mysore, we will check into our hotel and relax before heading out after sunset to see the opulent Mysore Places lit up by nearly 100 000 light bulbs.
Accommodation: Royal Orchid Metropole
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Wed 12 Nov Mysore

Today is a day of contrasts. First, we visit the Somanthapur temple with its mind-blowingly exquisite carvings which is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture that dates to the late 13th century.
From Somanthapur we return to Mysore palace, but this time to visit from the inside. Whilst Somanthapur is a demonstration of the faith and skilled work of artisans from the sub-continent. Mysore Palace loudly shouts the hold of colonial powers on the economics of the subcontinent at the time with its Stoke on Trent Tiles, Scottish Steel and Bohemian and Venetian Glass.
Accommodation: Royal Orchid Metropole
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Thu 13 Nov Mysore – Coorg

The Mysore Silk Saree has the distinction of combining pure silk with gold thread that continues to be in demand both domestically and with India diaspora worldwide.
Production was started by Maharaja of Mysore over 100 years ago and successfully melds cottage industry silk raising with factory standardised production and quality control.
Our morning will be spent tracing the creation of the famous Mysore Silk Saris from silkworm to finished product. Karnataka Silk Industries Incorporation stamps a unique code number and hologram as identification marks on each of its zari sarees. (No photography is allowed in the factory but we can photograph the silk worm farming in the villages)
Later we drive to Coorg with stop on the way at the Tibetan Settlement in Bylakuppe. Settled in the the early 1960’s, the area is now home to over 70,000 Tibetans and is the second largest Tibetan settlement in India.
Coorg sits in the spectacularly scenic Western Ghats and is one of India’s significant hill stations. We have a special stay for the next two nights at a sprawling eco-resort set on a beautiful working coffee and spice plantation.

Accommodation: Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Fri 14 Nov Coorg

Today we will enjoy the in-house activities, including Coffeology and a Walking Tour of the Coffee Plantations.
Coffeeology is a live session on the art and science of gourmet coffee where we get to experience and taste an assortment of coffee preparations from around world – even as a non-coffee drinker, Natasha can attest this a brilliant workshop.
Later we will head out on a guided walking tour exploring part of the 300-acre coffee and spice plantation.
For dinner tonight you can choose where to dine from one of three onsite options including a multi-cuisine, an Indian grill and barbeque and a pure-vegetarian restaurant.
Accommodation: Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Sat 15 Nov Coorg – Kannur

After breakfast we will drive to Kannur stopping on enroute to meet a local Kodava family for lunch.
The Kodavas are culturally distinct. For centuries, the Kodavas have lived in Coorg/Kodagu cultivating paddy fields, maintaining cattle herds and carrying arms during war. Prithvi and Divya are wonderful hosts and Divya is a renowned cook.
Their cuisine is as rich as Coorg’s landscape. Some of the well-known dishes/drinks are pandi (pork) curry and steamed rice dumplings, chicken fry, tender bamboo shoot, various pickles, indulgent desserts. We also need to be prepared to do a bit of walking here as the lane to their home is quite narrow, we will also accompany Prithvi for walk across farmland to their ancestral house. The house is not permanently inhabited but it is a gathering place for family and religious events.
It is then a further 3.5 hour drive to Kannur.
Accommodation: Niraamaya Retreats Vaidekam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Sun 16 Nov Kannur

Northern coastal Kerala is a fascinating area that is well off the mainstream tourist trail however it is the only area where you can witness the ancient ritualistic dance of Theyyam which is performed in sacred groves or at village shrines. The combination elaborate headgear, ornaments, music, and dance is mesmerizing and at times frentic. Unlike studied dance forms such as Kathakali, those who perform Theyyam ‘become’ the Gods they are portraying.
Today at some point we will get to experience Theyyam but the timing and location is not set so we may need to alter today’s plan. We will have permission to vist but please note this is not a ‘show’s so we need to follow any instructions about photography and interactions from our guide closely.
What do know however is that we will be enjoying a wonderful lunch, hosted by a local Mappila family. The Mappila’s can trace their history in the region back the 7th century AD as merchants who were historically engaged in the spice trade with the Middle East which has influenced their culture and cuisine.
Depending on the timing and location of the Theyyam we may have time for additional sightseeing in and around Thalaserry. Today it is important that we ‘go with the flow.’
Accommodation: Niraamaya Retreats Vaidekam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Mon 17 Nov Kannur – Thrissur (Ararrupuhza)

We leave the road today and travel by rail to Thrissur (approx. 4.5 hours). We only need to take ourselves and our daypacks as the rest of our luggage. Our tour vehicle will meet us in Thrissur as there are ongoing major works on the highway, so we are going to avoid them by taking the train!
Thrissur is the “cultural capital” of Kerala and will be staying in the serene village of Ararrupuhza just outside the city. On arrival we will check into our accommodation and freshen up after our rail journey.

Lake we will take a local long boat trip in the beautiful Karuvannur River and on the way back we will get off at the ghats and take a short walk to the Arattupuzha Temple. While only worshippers are allowed inside (and not travellers), you can get a good look at the temple and its architecture from vantage point that rises above the compound wall of the temple. We will then meander our way back through the village to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Neelambari Ecotourism
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Tue 18 Nov Ararrupuhza – Chimmony Wildlife Reserve – Ararrupuhza

Today we will immerse ourselves in the nature beauty of the Western Ghats with a guided walk through the tropical forest of Chimmony Wildlife Reserve. This is an opportunity soak up the atmosphere and perhaps spot some beautiful birds, butterflies and if we are lucky some of the more elusive wildlife that calls this area home.

Returning to Neelambari, later we will be immersed in the world of Kathakali. For anyone who may have been to a performance in Kochi before, this will be very different as it will be a more informal and interactive experience of one of Kerala’s most famous artforms.
Accommodation: Neelambari Ecotourism
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Wed 19 Nov Ararrupuhza – Kochi

It is only two-hour drive from Ararrupuhza to Kochi. When we arrive, we will check into the our hotel and then the rest of the day is free to explore or relax. From our accommodation it is a 15-20 minute walk to most the main sights of Fort Kochi.
Optional: Join a cooking demonstration and dinner this evening at the Francis Residence. Over an hour you will watch and learn how to classic Kerala cuisine followed by a dinner to enjoy everything created.
Accommodation: Fragrant Nature Cochin
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Thu 20 Nov Explore Kochi by Tuk-Tuk

This morning we will experience the cultural vibrancy of Fort Kochi as we get introduced to some of 20 or more communities that call this area home. Some have lived here for more than a century, others more than 5 centuries!
Riding through the back alleys of Cochin venture out into the inner parts which still holds some of the best kept secrets and gives you insights into the plenitude of cultures that makes up the unique culture of this place!

Along the way we will stop to try some local delicacies that have made their way into Kochi from other parts of India and the world. This experience will challenge your sense of smell with the aromas of spices and incense; your sense of taste with sweetness and sourness; your sense of sound with the myriad cacophony of temple bells, honking tuk-tuks and the call of the fishermen.
After a busy morning the rest of the day is free to relax or explore.
Accommodation: Fragrant Nature Cochin
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Fri 21 Nov Explore Kerala’s Hinterlands

From the hotel we will drive approximately 1.5 hours to discover the typical Keralan village life. Once we reach the area, we are exploring we will switch from our tour vehicle to local tuk-tuks for the rest of the adventure.
From the nitty gritty of the local fishing economy and a chance to try your hand the local Keralan way, there is a lot to see and take in on this fascinating excursion. As part of this experience, we will be hosted by a local family in their home for breakfast and enjoy a local lunch. Afterwards we will farewell our local tuk-tuk drivers and their faithful ‘steads’ and return to Kochi for the night.
Accommodation: Fragrant Nature Cochin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: Sat 22 Nov Kochi – Kumarakom Peninsula

Kumarakom peninsula that juts into Vembanad Lake, the area is a hub of diversity with mangrove forest mixed with rice paddies, coconut palms and blankets of white-water lilies.
Our accommodation is stunning. Coconut Lagoon is an eco-conscious property located in a sheltered cove right on the lake and there is only one way to get there – by boat.
A number of the buildings at Coconut Lagoon are traditional old homes that were dismantled and then re-erected on the site. This ensures the preservation an important part of Kerala’s architectural heritage from being stripped down and items sold as souvenirs to antique dealers and interior designers.
Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Sun 23 Nov Explore Alleppey (Alappuzha) & Houseboat Cruise

Today we will drive to nearby Alleppey (Alappuzha) for a local tour by vehicle and on foot explore the sights and history of an area that played a role in the freedom struggle of the country. Afterwards we will head back to our hosts homestay for a cup of coffee.
Later we will explore the narrow canals of the backwaters on a traditional houseboat and enjoy lunch on board.
Returning to Coconut Lagoon, the rest of the evening is free.
Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16: Mon 24 Nov A Day of Relaxation

Today is our final day in ‘God’s Own Country’ you have the full day to yourself to enjoy the facilities of our accommodation.
Later we will come together for a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17: Tue 25 Nov Depart

While we check out of our rooms by 11am we can continue to enjoy our surrounds until we make our way back to Kochi and the International Airport to check in for our late evening flight back to Singapore.

Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

Day 18: Wed 26 Nov Singapore – Auckland

Arriving in Singapore we connect to our flight to Auckland and arrive late evening.