Have you never heard of 'Toy Town', 'Nandi', or the 'Blue Mountains', let alone seen wild elephants or known about Ooty Lake? Then we warmly invite you on this marvellous journey through Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, an ideal adventure before your Ayurveda therapy.
Welcome at Bangalore Airport. En route to Mysore, stop at Channapatna, famous for its colourful wooden figures and known as Karnataka's 'Toy Town'. Stay for 3 nights in Mysore.
After breakfast, journey to Chamundi Hill (about 1000m high) to see Shiva's stone bull 'Nandi' and the demon statue 'Mahishasura'. Later, in the city centre, visit the Maharaja Palace. After sunset, enjoy the water games and light show in Brindavan Gardens.
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Somanthapura (about 35 km) to visit the Hindu temple Chennakesava (also known as Kesava), built over three generations in the 12th century and appreciated as a masterpiece of South Indian Hoysala architecture (soapstone).
Early morning departure towards Ooty (about 135 km), the mountain resort surrounded by eucalyptus forests and tea plantations, situated at an altitude of about 2200 meters, or the largest city in the 'blue' Nilgiri Mountains. Along the way, you might even encounter wild elephants. Stop at Bandipur National Park and, upon arrival in Tamil Nadu, the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, home to wildlife including tigers, panthers, and bison. Stay for 2 nights in Ooty.
After breakfast, visit the Gothic St. Stephen's Church and Ooty Lake, one of the city's main attractions and a popular location for Bollywood films. Boats are available for hire to explore the lake (at an additional cost). Next, visit Doddabetta Peak, the highest in the region at about 2630m. Continue to Conoor with its picturesque landscapes and tea plantations. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Transfer to Coimbatore Airport. On request, domestic flight to Cochin for approximately €115/person (please inquire at the time of booking).