Page 53 of Indian Subcontinent by Audley Travel

coffee cardamom and coconuts kerala s popularity as a destination has grown hugely in the last ten years but the warmth of the welcome the magical elephants and the stunning views over jungles and tea plantations in the western ghats remain unchanged wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy nagarhole national park the best wildlife site in south india while using a number of homestay and smaller hotel options in kerala makes your tour a truly personal experience day 1 day 2 day 3 day 4 day 5 day 6 day 7 day 8 day 9 day 10 day 11 day 12 fly to bangalore arrive in bangalore drive to mysore tour the city and ranganathittu drive to nagarhole national park afternoon game drive morning game drive drive to sultan s battery explore the coffee estate on foot and relax in the garden drive to palakkad afternoon discovering the nearby village day at leisure drive to munnar afternoon walk on the plantation drive to serenity near kottyam afternoon at leisure spend a day with an elephant transfer to your rice boat at alleppey drift through the backwaters disembark at one of the hotels on the backwaters travel by boat and road to cochin city tour fly from cochin to the uk palakkad tellicherry tellicherry can provide a break for those travelling to or from karnataka the once bustling streets and fort are now very quiet although the fish market is still as rowdy as ever with vendors raucously selling the day s catch it is not for the squeamish but it is certainly a slice of local life those visiting the area between november and march may be able to attend a local hindu temple to see the energetic theyyam dances involving elaborate costumes and masks and moves to a powerful drumbeat dates vary from year to year so a dance cannot be guaranteed although those lucky enough to see one are likely to be the only westerners there tharavad palakkad complete with its original carved teak pillars and set amongst rice paddies tharavad has been the ancestral home to the kandath family for over three centuries ideally located between north and south kerala the four fan-cooled en suite guest rooms are a peaceful interlude in the middle of a tour your hosts will be delighted to take you for a walk to the local village introduce you to their astrologer and include you in the family s evening puja ritual if you are continuing from here to cochin stop and visit the guruvayoor elephant sanctuary whose 50 elephants are hired out to local temples for religious ceremonies day 13 day 14 day 15 extensions you could continue from cochin to the nearby beach resort marari beach for a few days before flying to the uk if you enjoy marine life fly offshore to the lakshadweeps for some great snorkelling and diving before returning to cochin for your return flight to the uk tailor-made travel ayesha manzil tellicherry your host moosa and his family have lived for generations in this cinnamon planter s house now converted to provide character guest accommodation ayesha manzil overlooks the indian ocean with six huge guest bedrooms decorated with antiques although the atmosphere is a little faded this is all part of the charm and it s a great place to relax either on the veranda in a hammock or beside the green-tiled swimming pool food lovers can also enjoy learning the secrets of preparing delicious local dishes from moosa s wife faiza a day with an elephant our private tailor-made journeys offer complete freedom of choice the itineraries and accommodation shown are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible and can be tailored to suit your preferences prices vary according to selected accommodation and season please telephone us to discuss your individual requirements kerala india telephone 01993 838 330 53

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