Boutique Journeys - Karnataka & Kerala
Upon arrival at Bangalore International airport, you will be met & greeted by our representative and transferred to the luxurious boutique all-suite Hotel The Paul Bangalore nestled in the center of Bangalore city; designed to offer unlimited luxury to the discerning traveller with its 57 suites that invites you to relish luxury of a different kind. Strategically located in the heart of Bangalore, India's IT hub, and bespeaking absolute comfort in a luxuriously spacious environment, The Paul Bangalore presents to you an ambience that assures fond memories of a memorable stay. Upon arrival check in. Overnight stay at Bangalore.
After breakfast we commence on the city tour, visit Vidhan Soudha, which houses the Legislative Chambers of the State Government. Constructed purely out of granite and porphyry. Ancient Someshwara Temple, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest in Bangalore. The original temple was built in the Chola times nearly a thousand years ago with the main elements being a sanctum, vestibule, and pillared hall. We will see a plethora of remarkable sculptures from Indian mythology.
Continue your onward journey to visit the famous Dodda Alada Mara, the massive 400-year-old banyan tree spanning 3 acres. Upon arrival check in at Big Banyan Vineyard & Resort - set in 20 acres of sprawling greenery is a serene haven of lush greenery and quiet peace. Our vineyards and the Big Banyan winery offer the rare experience of witnessing the magical creation of exotic fine wines. With luxuriously styled cottages and rooms spread across rambling lawns shrouded with shady foliage, and impeccable personal service that caters to your every whim, we assure you of a memorable and happy stay. Time at leisure. Overnight stay at Big Banyan Vineyard & Resort.
After breakfast take a stroll down the vineyards and join the team at the winery as they guide you through the entire wine-making process. Our Wine guide will narrate the tale of how the grapes grow, how the seasons affect them, and how we pluck them at the right time. From here, we follow the grape's journey and head to the winery. Each detail of our winery has been designed in technical collaboration with our Italian winemaker, Lucio Matricardi. He brings his years of experience to every glass of wine we create here. Explore the fascinating world of Big Banyan wines through our elaborate tasting sessions by sipping and savouring various wines. Starting from our fruity drinking wines to robust reds to our beautiful golden Bellissima, the dessert wine, we will be tasting six different wines to appreciate the unique qualities of each wine.
Post lunch continue your journey to Coorg (3h.30 mins) - located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, the district of Kodagu, also known as Coorg, is renowned for its lush landscapes and aromatic coffee and spice plantations. Thanks to its cool climate and hilly terrain, the region that is home to the Kodava community, is often referred to as the “Scotland of India”.
Upon arrival check in at Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa - nestled amidst the lush valleys and majestic hills of Coorg. We bring you to the very doorstep of nature, offering a rare opportunity to be part of the wild, yet with every possible comfort and luxury. Awaken to sweet birdsong and cool breezes and enjoy a unique experience of opulent eco-friendliness. With plush European styled stately rooms and palatial suites spread across the innumerable nooks and corners of sprawling hills and glorious valleys. Overnight stay at Coorg.
After breakfast we proceed on a Wilderness walk (1030 am) - Let your eyes take respite from concrete and feast on the wonderful sights of nature. Delightful flora and fauna unfold all around Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa, waiting to enchant you. The nature walks, guided by our Naturalist, is a true indulgence for the soul.
Time for leisure, post lunch by 1500 hrs we continue a guided Paul John Coffee Experience, visit our coffee estate where you are familiarised with diverse selection of coffee beans that are grown in the region. Engage in a live interactive session on the art of a gourmet coffee, where visitors can experience, observe, and taste coffee preparations from around the world. Home to some of the most reputed coffee plantations in the world, Coorg's coffee is high on every coffee-lover's list. Our guided coffee experience walks you through the journey of the coffee bean, from being picked by hand to reaching your cup.
Time at leisure to unwind and experience Nikkay Wellness Spa - Grab the chance to renew your very being. To discover the peace within and surrender to the calm serenity around you. Be guided to the perfect choice from our wide range of thoughtfully curated treatments and offerings. Wind up your day with a scenic trek to a private Sunset Point. Overnight stay at Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa.
Early this morning we proceed on a guide bird watching experience - Coorg is home to over 350 species of birds, that's over 25% of all the bird species in India! Discover these delightful creatures in their natural habitat as you join our naturalist on a guided walk through the enchanting woods that surround the resort. We have consciously maintained fruit trees and flowering plants across the resort for the comfort of our feathered guests. Return to the resort for breakfast.
After breakfast, we proceed to Kannur airport / train station (2 hrs drive) for onward journey to Cochin (Kochi) is a place with deep roots in history and its streets exude an old-world charm; a place with beautiful monuments and a variety of linguistic and ethnic communities including Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis and so on. For centuries, Kochi had been a main port city, not only of Kerala, but also of the Indian Peninsula. Since the 14th century, Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has had ships from Asian and European countries visiting this port city.
Upon arrival proceed to check in at Hotel Forte Kochi - Originally built by the Portuguese, the mansion presents a medley of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and was converted to a magnificent home in the late 1800s. Now restored to its past glory, this boutique hotel enchants its visitors with glimpses of life once known and lived, centuries ago. Time at leisure. Overnight stay at Kochi.
After breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Kochi. visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. Return to your accommodation and take the afternoon as leisure, followed in the evening by a visit to a traditional dance centre where you can delight in performances of the traditional and elaborate dances of ancient India. Overnight stay at Hotel Forte Kochi.
After breakfast transfer to Kumarakom Lake Resort, embark on a private backwater houseboat before setting off on a day cruise along the enchanting backwaters - sailing along lagoons, lakes, and canals, passing storybook villages, verdant paddy fields, towering coconut groves, and locals going about their daily business on the many boats. In the afternoon enjoy a lunch on-board, before settling into your houseboat for the evening. Overnight stay on houseboat.
This morning disembark by 09.30 am, proceed for breakfast at Kumarakom Lake Resort - winner of accolades aplenty, is a heritage luxury retreat by the banks of the Lake Vembanad and featured as "One of the most Luxurious Holiday Destinations in the World" on BBC is one of the finest resorts. Renowned as one of the top ten resorts in India, is a heritage retreat with luxurious private villas, traditionally styled Kerala backwater houseboats and a 200-year-old Ayurmana - heritage retreat of traditional ayurvedic healing.
Day is free to experience the Ayurveda - believes that human beings consist of the five elements, air, water, fire, ether & earth. And the combination of any of these elements exists in each one of us. Ayurveda the traditional form of Indian medicine was developed by ancient sages whose astute observations led to the development of constitutional medicine. The ancients visualized the universe as a constant play of energies, an imbalance of which created discomfort and disease in the body. It was the duty of the vaidya (physician) to harmonize this imbalance of the body-mind environment. Overnight stay at Kumarakom Lake Resort
Unwind and experience wellness at The Ayurmana - the heritage retreat of Ayurvedic healing at Kumarakom Lake Resort. Every beam, every wall of the Ayurmana pulsates with the historic powers of the oldest of sciences. The 200-year-old Ayurmana, had been the home of the Chathamangalathu Mana, a family of renowned Ayurvedic practitioners. And this rich legacy lives on, as the Ayurmana stands with pride as the renowned Ayurveda spa of equally befitting calibre. The exquisite 'Nalukettu' or four-sided mansion had been transported in its entirety from its original location to Kumarakom Lake Resort, and had been recreated with careful detail and expertise. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
Today embark on a private canal cruise at 0700 am from the vastness of Lake Vembanad to the quiet streams just large enough for a canoe, the Backwaters form the arteries through which rural daily life calmly flows - children splashing in the water, women washing clothes at the water's edge, fishermen up to their necks in water digging out fish with their feet, rice barges transporting coconuts and rice (the staples of the Keralan diet). Return breakfast. Bid farewell, after breakfast transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward journey.