Be welcomed into Kerala with a peaceful cruise along the picturesque backwaters of Alleppey and a traditional Kathakali dance. Observe the colonial history behind the port city of Cochin before proceeding up into the tropical mountains of Wayanad. Venture over to Karnataka to witness free-roaming elephants in the rugged wilderness of Kabini and savour the spectacular panoramic views over Mysore's palaces from the sacred Chamundi Hills. Discover the religious and archaeological centre of Hampi and wonder at the origins of Hindu temple architecture in ancient Chalukya temple towns. Complete your visit in the former Portuguese colony and spiritual sanctuary of palm-fringed Goa.
Cochin - Alleppey - Kumbalangi Village - Wayanad - Kabini - Mysore - Hampi - Badami - Aihole - Pattadakal - Goa
Arrive in Cochin, where you will be met by a Travel the Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel in Alleppey. The afternoon is free to rest or explore. Enjoy watching a traditional cooking demonstration, where you will learn about authentic Kerala cuisine. Overnight in Alleppey.
Overnight in Ramada Resort, Alleppey
Meal plan: n/a
In the morning you will proceed on to Alleppey. On arrival, begin the day with a walking tour of the city. Later, board a house boat for a day cruise. Lunch will be cooked and served onboard. In the evening you will disembark and transfer to your backwater resort. Overnight in Alleppey.
Overnight in Ramada Resort, Alleppey
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive from Alleppey to Cochin. Stop on the way to visit Kumbalangi Village, where you will stop for lunch. Continue your journey to Cochin, where you will spend the rest of the day sightseeing. Witness the mix of Dutch, English, Portuguese and Jewish influences that make the city such a unique place. Later, witness a traditional Kathakali performance. Overnight in Cochin.
Overnight in Eighth Bastion, Cochin
Meal plan: Breakfast
Board a train from Cochin to Calicut (Jan Shadabdi Express - departs at 0920 Hrs & arrives Calicut at 1300 Hrs). Proceed to drive to Wayanad. The drive is picturesque through the Western ghats, escaping from the sultry climate below to a perfect, cool and temperate climate at Wayanad. Upon arrival in Wayanad, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Wayanad.
Overnight in Vythiri Resort, Wayanad
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
In the morning, enjoy a trek to Edakkal Caves (ancient carvings of pre-historic stone ages), Pookot lake and the tomb of Pazhassi Raja. Later, visit the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Overnight in Wayanad.
Overnight in Vythiri Resort, Wayanad
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Today you will depart Wayanad and transfer to Kabini Forest Reserve. Go on a safari to Nagarhole Sanctuary to see the wildlife in close quarters. Often, it is possible to see wild elephants, Gaur (Indian bison), spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer (found only in Sri Lanka and South India), Sambar, sloth-bears, marsh crocodiles, otters, Indian wild dogs, leopards and tigers. One could also spot the flying lizard and the flying snake gliding from tree to tree. Later, return back to resort. Overnight stay in Kabini.
Overnight in The Serai , Kabini
Meal plan: Breakfast
In the morning, enjoy a gentle ride down the river in a traditional Coracle boat (a small round boat made of bamboo). There is also an option for a second safari (book directly through your lodge, subject to availability). Transfer to Mysore. The afternoon is free at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy views over the Mysore Palace from the Chamundi Hills and visit Nandi Bull. Overnight in Mysore.
Overnight in Royal Orchid Metropole, Mysore
Meal plan: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Mysore, which will include visits to sites such as Mysore Palace and Devaraja Fruit and Vegetable market. In the evening, transfer to Mysore Railway Station to board an overnight train to Hampi (first class AC sleeper, subject to availability). Overnight on train.
Overnight in Hampi Train , Mysore
Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner
Arrive at Hampi station and transfer to hotel. Morning is free to rest. Spend the afternoon sightseeing in Hampi. Overnight in Hampi.
Overnight in Royal Orchid Central Kireeti, Hampi
Meal plan: Breakfast
After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of Hampi exploring the temples, monuments and monolithic structures. Visit the Virupaksha, Vijaya Vittala and Hazararama Palace Temples, and explore the Royal Enclosure and the Lotus Mahal. Wonder at the imposing structures of Lakshmi Narasimha, the Stone Chariot, the Ganesha statues and the Badavilinga. Cross the Tungabadra River to the ancient capital of Anegundi to traverse leisurely roads and scale the boulders above the Sanapur Lake. Overnight in Hampi.
Overnight in Royal Orchid Central Kireeti, Hampi
Meal plan: Breakfast
Today you will depart Hampi and transfer to Badami. Visit the ancient temple towns of Aihole and Pattadakal en route. Afternoon is for sightseeing in and around the cave temples of Badami, Overnight in Badami.
Overnight in Badami Court, Badami
Meal plan: Breakfast
Transfer from Badami to Goa. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Goa.
Overnight in Cidade de Goa Beach Resort, Goa
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, proceed for a half day guided sightseeing at Goa. Visit the Bom Jesus Basilica and the Se Cathedral. Afterwards, visit the Fountainheads and the Latin quarters, passing by the famous statue of Abade Faria, or Jose Custodio de Faria, trying to hypnotise a woman next to the Government Secretariat. Later, continue to the Dona Paul Jetty where you will walk a few minutes to the main point to enjoy the Arabian sea view. Drive back to the hotel. The afternoon is free at your leisure. Overnight in Goa.
Overnight in Cidade de Goa Beach Resort, Goa
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Further extensions in Goa and India are possible - please contact us for more information.
Meal plan: Breakfast
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
The Ramada Resort is situated near to the Kerala Backwaters and the scenic Punnamada Lake. The hotel has been decorated in a contemporary style. The spacious bedrooms are fitted with modern amenities, including satellite television and wifi. The breakfast buffet serves a combination of Western and Asian dishes. Other facilities include a salon, sauna, fitness suite, spa and outdoor swimming pool.
The Eighth Bastion is an contemporary hotel in the centre of Dutch Cochin. It has an elegant decor which hints towards the region's colonial history. The East Indies Restaurant serves a variety of traditional and contemporary local dishes.
The Vythiri Resort can be found nestled in the rainforests of Wayanad. Independent cottages are situated alongside trickling streams, beneath the tropical canopy. They have been designed and decorated in a traditional style, complementing their natural surroundings - whilst also providing guests with modern comforts to allow for a relaxing stay. The on-site restaurant serves a variety of cuisine options, whilst the coffee shop offers a more relaxed dining environment. The resort is also home to a spa, fitness suite, swimming pool and natural pool, which guests can enjoy during their stay.
The Serai Resort lies on the banks of the Kabini River. The contemporary-style, spacious bedrooms lead on to outdoor patios, which provide scenic views across the river. Wild Grass, the on-site restaurant, serves a fusion of Indian, Western and Chinese cuisine. Guests can relax in the resort spa, make use of the fitness suite or enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool during their stay.
A four star grand heritage hotel, Royal Orchid Metropole is steeped in the history and culture of Mysore. The bedrooms are decorated in a similarly traditional style - also being fitted with modern amenities to allow for a comfortable stay. There are four on-site dining facilities that offer an array of cuisine options to guests. The hotel is also home to an outdoor swimming pool which guests can enjoy in their spare time.
The overnight train will provide travellers with 1st class, soft-sleeper accommodation. Although each train may be slightly different, the air-conditioned accommodation is generally made up of 4 bunks within a private room. These rooms will have luggage racks and closets for guests to use.
The Royal Orchid Central Kireeti is situated near to the UNESCO-listed Hampi. The hotel has been decorated in a contemporary style. Each en suite bedroom is equipped with modern fixtures and fittings including satellite television, a mini bar and access to wifi. Guests can choose to dine in open-air Regal Garden restaurant, which largely serves local dishes - or enjoy the more relaxed environment of Echo Cafe and the Signature Mix Lounge Bar. The hotel is also home to a fitness suite and spa that guests are invited to use during their stay.
Badami Court is located in rural Karnataka. The colonial-style building has a simple decor. The en suite bedrooms offer modern comforts including air-conditioning and satellite television. Pulakeshi Restaurant serves a variety of local and national dishes to guests, who can also make use of the on-site swimming pool during their stay.
Cidade de Goa Beach Resort has a contemporary, coastal inspired decor. Many of the spacious bedrooms provide scenic views across the neighbouring beach. The hotel has 4 dining venues serving an array of cuisines along with 2 bars for guests to choose between during their stay. Other hotel facilities include a fitness suite, spa and swimming pool.
On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha
Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces
Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
A real life Jungle Book.
Ideal extension to Bhutan
Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway
After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches
Himalayan treks, village walks and more
Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.
Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.
Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife
Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh
Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam
Golden Triangle and the Himalayas
Travel India's Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh
Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival
Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India
Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations
Tropical mountains, tea & spice plantations, and backwaters
Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan
Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland
Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants
Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages
Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India
Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan
Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms
Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India
Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala
Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip
Take in the highlights of central India
Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine
Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans
Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures
Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland
Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns
Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh
Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism
Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot
Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth
Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages
Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions
Track India's tigers, leopards & lions
Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife
Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala
Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh
Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys
Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan
Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India
Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches
Hazel Fairall , Tribes of North East India, IndiaThanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.
Andrew Martin , Tailormade North East IndiaI`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.
Hazel Frost , Tailormade North East IndiaA fantastic trip to Arunachal Pradesh. Very well organised exactly to our requirements. Superb local guide. Would recommend this trip. Hazel and James.
Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tourThis trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.
Rachel , Spirit of South India, IndiaWe went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Tracey & Gary , Tailormade IndiaI would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.
Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, IndiaThis was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.
Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, IndiaThis was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.
Vik , Kerala Calling, IndiaThank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.
Ann Holgate , Tailormade IndiaA really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.
Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, IndiaWhat an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.
Elaine & Neil Smith , Delicacies of North India, IndiaThe tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.
