This package is available from Rs 43,330 total price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

Bangalore – Mysore – Coorg – Wayanad

The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in India, rising more than a kilometer high in the south, extending over most of central and southern India. This exciting 10 day itinerary gives you the opportunity to explore vibrant Bangalore, Mysore; the city of palaces and the relaxing green hills of Coorg and Wayanad.

This great value trip gives you a taste of India and can easily be combined with a beach break in Goa or backwater experience in Kerala.

Contact us to get the latest offers on this tour and to have it tailored to your requirements

Day 1 Bangalore
After landing in Bangalore you will find your car waiting to take you to your first homestay. Nele Homestay is tucked away in 1.5 acres of greenery, a rare find in the city. As you settle in your hosts will help guide you with things to do and see in the city. Enjoy an Indian or continental gourmet dinner.

Day 2 Bangalore
Start exploring the Garden city with a visit to the center of town to the Legislative House called Vidhan Soudha and the High Court. These impressive granite buildings stand on a beautiful promenade, perfect for a walk. You can then visit one of the temples, choose from the old Bull Temple or the new but very magnificent ISCKON temple. Very different, these contrasting temples in ambience and architecture are well worth the visit. In the evening, head to Cubbon park, stroll along MG road and sample some of Bangalore’s south Indian snacks and coffee before going back to your homestay.**

Day 3 Bangalore
Today head to Sankey tank and the Palace grounds to visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace. Tipu Sultan was one of the great Deccan warrior kings. Lal Bagh is another garden that’s worth a visit in the afternoon. If you have had too much walking, then choose to watch a play in one of Bangalore’s many theatres or if you prefer to shop, then head to Residency Road or Commercial Street. As the evening draws in do as the city folk do and party for your final night in Bangalore.**

Day 4 Mysore
After breakfast, start for Mysore. On the way stop for a couple of hours at Srirangapatnam to see the ruins of the fort of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the two rulers of Mysore of the 18th century. When you arrive in Mysore city and check into your homestay Carris Brook. If you want, you may head to the Lalitha Mahal Palace for dinner and a tour of the grounds or simply stay at home and have a relaxing home cooked dinner. Don’t forget to ask your host to serve you Mysore Pak, a famous dessert of the region. **

Day 5 Mysore
Head straight to the magnificent Mysore Palace and be prepared to be amazed by the grandeur of this palace, with its ornate sculpted pillars and jewel encrusted Golden Throne. The Palace is home to the Wodeyars, the royal family and was designed by an English architect Henry Irwin. Find out more about the history of the place at the museum. If you happen to be in Mysore during Dasara (in September or October) there are many cultural programmes which include special lighting of the palaces.

After visiting the palace go to Chamundi Hill to see the temple of Chamundeshwari who killed Mahishasura the demon (which is how Mysore gets its name). Head back to city before dark and if you are after more culture, visit to Jagmohan Palace. Alternatively you can go shopping at the Mysore market or get back to nature with a visit to Karanji lake with it’s butterfly park and a walk-through aviary.**

Day 6 Coorg
A 3 hour drive from Mysore will take you to the coffee district of Karnataka. Coorg or Kodagu in the local language lies in the centre of the Deccan Plateau at an altitude that is just right for some of the best coffee in the world to grow. Check into your homestay BB Estate which is in Madikeri town, the capital of Coorg district. This homestay is a coffee plantation with lovely hosts who are natives to Coorg. Relax and freshen up, for a traditional Coorgi lunch where pork is served as the predominant meat. Later in the afternoon go on a plantation walk* and take a stroll around Madikeri.

Day 7 Wayanad
Start early after breakfast on a scenic 4 hour drive through the Coorg district and step into the Nilgiris. Wayanad lies on the North Western part of the Nilgiris and has a distinct mixture of coffee, spices and tea cultivation in the region. One of the lesser explored parts Kerala it is breathtakingly scenic offering fantastic wildlife spotting options. You will reach your homestay Hill View by the afternoon and after lunch you can relax a little before heading out to one of the best view points of Wayanad to watch the sunset.**

Day 8 Wayanad
After an early breakfast and morning ayurvedic massage* spent some time relaxing and reading a book or talking a leisure walk in the plantation* of Hill View. If you are the outdoor type, you may want to head out to Edakkal caves where there are prehistoric evidences in form of scripts and marks. The Pookote lake is also close by. Surrounded by forests and covered with blue water lilies walk around the lake or rent a boat. In the evening you can opt to go on a night safari to spot some of the regions abundant wildlife.**

Day 9 Wayanad
Today you can visit Kuruva Island to meet the local tribes. You may choose to do another safari, visit the Soochirapali waterfalls or go on an all day trek. Shopping is another option. Fresh tea, pepper, cardamom, vanilla, arecanut, coffee, pure forest honey, bamboo handicrafts made by local tribes are all items unique to Wayanad.**

Day 10 Bangalore
After a final breakfast get an early start today as you drive back to Bangalore to catch your flight home.

Your tour includes:
Nine days accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sight seeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

The Deccan Trail – A South India Itinerary
This package is available from Rs. 43,330 total price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

You may want to add on:

• 3 nights in Goa for sun sand and parties
• 2 nights in Cochin, 2 nights in Alleppey and 2 nights in Munnar for a classic Kerala visit.

ABOUT: Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special nine day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

KEY
*Suggested activities within homestay – on chargeable basis. Will need prior booking.
**Suggested activities or sightseeing in destination – not included in package price. Subject to timings and availability and weather. Mahindra Homestays is not responsible for any changes or uncontrollable factors
***Complimentary activities in the homestays that are part of the package.

Click here to make an online enquiry about this Deccan Trail – A South India Itinerary
The package can be customized according to your needs and interests.