Tuskers and The Nilgiris Train
A nature lover's delight and a joy for birdwatchers, this tour visits some fine natural habitats along the fabled coast of Malabar, including Nagarhole, arguably the best national park in South India, and home to wild tuskers and tigers. We also cover some lesser known attractions of North Kerala, and include an experiential journey on the Toy Train to Ooty.
The tea and coffee laden hills of Nilgiris and Wayanad form part of the journey, which ends at a relaxing beach resort in the remote parts of north Kerala. A trip on the "toy train" to Coonoor adds to the rich experience. The accommodation used here is in the higher range along with a comfortable home stay.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1 Flight
Fly to Kochi (Cochin)
Days 2, 3 Kochi
Arrive in the morning and transfer a heritage hotel for two nights. Visit the sights, see the spice market, and watch a Kathakali performance. There is the option of a food walk in Mattancherry.
Day 4 Kodungallur
Visit the ancient site of Muziris in Kodungallur, home to the first mosque, first church and the first synagogue in India. Stay the night at the History Cafe.
Days 5 & 6 Palakkad
Drive to the paddy fields of Palakkad for a two nights' stay in an elegant home stay, where your hosts take you around the village. If you leave early enough you can visit the famous dance school of Kalamandalam in Cheruthuruthy on your way to Palakkad.
Day 7 Coimbatore
Leave late in the day to the nearby hosiery city of Coimbatore, for overnight stay at a Taj hotel, in preparation for the train ride next morning.
Days 8 & 9 Coonoor-Ooty-Bandipur
An early start to Mettupalayam for the Toy Train ride on the World Heritage Nilgiri Railways to Ooty via Coonoor. After a possible lunch break in Ooty drive on to the foothills to reach the wildlife sanctuary of Bandipur. On yur way you can visit the Theppakadu Elephant Camp. Stay two nights at the Wildflower Jungle Resort. Enjoy safaris into the forest the next day.
Days 10, 11 & 12 Nagarhole
A short drive to one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the region, the Nagarhole National Park. It is home to wild tuskers, tigers, leopards, dhole or the wild dog, sloth bear, gaur (Indian bison), and a variety of birds. Stay at the Kabini River Lodge (or the luxury Evolve Back) for three nights. Enjoy jungle visits and boat rides on the Kabini River.
Days 13 & 14 Wayanad
Move on to the coffee country of Wayanad; stay two nights at Wayanad Wild (or Pepper Trail); explore the wilderness, maybe visit the Edakkal caves and the local tribal settlements.
Days 15 & 16 Kozhicode (Calicut)
A short drive to coastal Calicut, where Vasco da Gama landed in late 15th century wearing a strange Western attire, much to the amusement of the locals. Visit the historical sights, enjoy a meal with a celebrated chef featured in the BBC, and enjoy a boatride in the dense mangroves, home to a variety of birds. Your stay is in a modern hotel.
Days 17, 18 & 19 Neeleshwar
Take a train ride in one of India's new superfast trains to the Bekal Beach in North Kerala for three (or more) days at the Neeleshwar Hermitage; there is quality Ayurveda and yoga available in this luxury resort.
Day 20 Kochi (Cochin)
Enjoy a train journey back to Kochi; stay the night at an airport hotel.
Day 21 Flight
Fly back home.
Extensions
Beach
Stay on at your beautiful beach resort for some more days before the return home.
Gallery
Testimonials
“Just a note to thank you and your team for all the wonderful arrangements made for our memorable trip. We truly appreciated the variety of the hotels we stayed in”