Escorted Tours 2022-23 2nd Edition

20 Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 to book or for further details Southern Asia Day 1: UK to Bangalore Depart the UK on your scheduled, overnight flight. Day 2: Bangalore B/L/D On arrival into Bangalore, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, discover the cosmopolitan hub of India’s booming IT industry peppered with Victoria-era architecture on your afternoon tour of the city. Visit the atmospheric Bull Temple, home to an enormous granite monolith of Nandi the celestial bull, wander through Lalbagh Botanical Gardens to admire the world’s most diverse plant species and marvel at Vidhan Soudha’s colossal Neo-Dravidian architectural splendour. In the evening, sample delicious local delights at your welcome meal. Day 3: Bangalore to Mysore B/L/D Following breakfast, depart Bangalore for the 18th century fort town of Srirangapatnam, once the stronghold of ruler Tipu Sultan before his defeat by colonial forces. Cross the main bridge over the Cauvery River to discover intriguing monuments documenting South India’s power struggles, including a striking marble church built by French missionaries. Later, proceed to your hotel in the ancient city of Mysore. Day 4: Mysore B/L/D Considered one of India’s most flamboyant cities, Mysore boasts a glittering royal heritage, bustling marketplaces and a thriving centre for yoga expertise. Your full day tour takes you to the heart of the city and one of India’s grandest royal abodes the sprawling Mysore Palace. Discover the palace’s painted glass ceiling with peacock motifs in the Marriage Pavilion, treasured royal paintings that line the Public Durbar Hall and a glistening Golden Howdah used to carry the Maharaja. Atop the nearby Chamundi hills, visit the Chamundi Temple famed for intricate carvings on its towering gopuram entrance and panoramic vistas over Mysore. Day 5: Mysore to Kabini B/L/D This morning travel to Kabini, the wild wetlands that surround the Kabini River. Upon arrival, enjoy the remainder of day at leisure. Day 6: Kabini B/L/D Spend this morning exploring the surrounding jungle on a Jeep safari. From peculiar beaked Malabar Pied Hornbills perched upon mammoth Rosewood trees, to Indian bison meandering across the road and the prized Bengal tiger pacing amongst evergreen bamboo. In the afternoon, spot the largest congregation of Asiatic elephants, a plethora of majestic water birds and marsh crocodiles stalking shallow waters during your river safari. Tour highlights ✔ Embark on captivating city tours of Bangalore, Mysore, Munnar and Cochin ✔ Marvel at lush jungle beauty and exotic wildlife on Jeep and boat safaris in Kabini ✔ Ride the UNESCO-recognised Nilgiri Mountain Railway from the town of Ooty ✔ Wander through the renowned Meenakshi Amman Hindu Temple in Madurai ✔ Enjoy a tranquil overnight cruise along the winding backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat ✔ Watch a sacred ceremony at Madurai’s biggest temple ✔ Explore the rolling hills and lush tea plantations of Munnar Wonders of South India P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £129 From colonial railways crossing bottomless gorges to priceless temple craft work depicting spiritual legends, our in-depth itinerary immerses you in India’s Hindu heartland. Munnar Bangalore Mysore Kabini Ooty Srirangapatna Madurai Munnar Alleppey Cochin < <        Coach Air Boat Rail