::: Saffron Travels - Hidden Gems of The South :::

A Suggested Itinerary

Hidden Gems of The South

16 Days & 14 Nights

From the bustling port of Kochi (Cochin) and its colonial history, travel deep into the rolling hills of rural Kerala, amid spice and tea plantations. Finish with a stay at the luxury resort of Neeleshwar Hermitage for beach and backwaters relaxation.

WAYANAD

Outstanding Natural Beauty | Edakkal Caves with Prehistoric Carvings | Wildlife Sanctuaries

Along the edge of the stunning Western Ghats, on the higher slopes of the Nilgiri Biosphere, Wayanad is a region of immense beauty with lush tropical forests, deep valleys, waterfalls and sprawling plantations. Not only are there many trekking trails snaking through the forests and a rich biodiversity, including lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries in Muthanga and Tholpetty, but the region also has ancient monuments, including the Edakkal caves with prehistoric relief carvings. Saffron suggests a minimum stay of 2 nights at Tranquil – A Plantation Hideaway, set amid a 160-hectare coffee and spice plantation, or at Wayanad Wild amid the rainforests of Lakkidi. From here, visit the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Saffron Recommends...

Keralan Beaches

From the idyllic empty beaches near Kasargod in north Kerala to the bustling beach town of Kovalam at the southern tip, Kerala's scenic tropical coast on the Arabian Sea is a perfect place to relax after a tour of southern India.

Kovalam, spread over three bays of golden sand in the far south of the state, is the most developed of the region's beach resorts. Conveniently located between Alleppey and Kochi lies Mararikulam with its wealth of palm-fringed beaches. The far north of the Malabar coast offers remote, less explored beaches combined with an area rich in traditional customs.

Day hikes in Wayanad

Hike through dense forests, past picturesque mist-clad hill stations and across sprawling spice plantations on a guided trek in the deep valleys of Wayanad. A typical hike will introduce you to the flora and fauna of the region, as well as the locals, as you pass through rural villages, cultivated land and plantations. A series of treks are available ranging in duration and tailored to your abilities.

DAY - 1
FLY TO KOCHI

DAY - 2
KOCHI : Transfer to Forte Kochi for a 2-night stay. Afternoon Kathakali dance performance. (B)

DAY - 3
KOCHI : Explore Fort Kochi and the Mattancherry Palace. (B)

DAY - 4
MUNNAR : Travel into the Cardamom Hills for a 2-night stay at Windermere Estate. (B)

DAY - 5
MUNNAR : Guided walk of the Windermere Estate. (B)

DAY - 6
POLLACHI : Transfer to Coco Lagoon in Pollachi for a 2-night stay. (B)

DAY - 7
POLLACHI : Excursions in the local area include following the Cotton Trail, visiting the Temple of Consciousness, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary or exploring the rolling scenic hills of Valparai. (B)

DAY - 8
NILAMBUR : Nilambur. Overnight stay at Maranat Mana, a traditional Brahmin household. (B, L, D)

DAY - 9
WAYANAD : Travel to Kerala's green paradise for 2 nights at Tranquil – A Plantation Hideaway, complete with numerous walking trails and vanilla plantations. (B)

DAY - 10
WAYANAD : At leisure. (B)

DAY - 11
KODAGU (COORG) : Delve deeper into the Western Ghats with 2 nights at Evolve Back, Coorg, set in a working coffee and spice plantation. (B)

DAY - 12
KODAGU : Visit Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, enjoy a coracle ride on River Cauvery or take part in a variety of nature and village walks. (B)

DAY - 13
KASARGOD : Travel to Kasargod for 3 nights at the Neeleshwar Hermitage. (B)

DAY - 14-15
KASARGOD : At leisure. (B)

DAY - 16
Fly home via Mumbai (B) :

1. Indulge in advance planning for the trip, for early booking of transportation and accommodation.
2. Create a checklist for things to pack.
3. Carry comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for long walking distances.
4. Get assured about health conditions, considering the various high altitudes of the Char Dham.
5. Stay updated with the weather conditions.
6. Get knowledge about the local traditions and customs.
7. Be mindful of the environment and avoid dropping litters anywhere.
8. Carry enough cash, medicines (if any), and other essential items.
9. Take note of emergency contents in case of any unplanned situations.
10. Take note of emergency contents in case of any unplanned situations.Avoid putting stress on health with an over-stuffed itinerary. Make sure to have enough time to cover the pilgrim sites comfortably.

1. PLANE
2. TRAIN
3. PERSONAL VEHICLE
4. CAB
5. BUS
6. HELICOPTER

DELHI

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	21	24	30	36	39	39	35	33	34	33	28	23
B	7	10	15	21	25	28	27	26	24	19	13	8
C	19	15	15	8	17	53	220	257	126	24	5	8

UDAIPUR

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	24	26	31	36	38	35	30	28	30	32	29	25
B	9	11	17	22	25	24	23	22	21	19	14	10
C	4	2	8	4	12	89	244	248	136	13	14	2

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	21	24	30	36	39	39	35	33	34	33	28	23
B	7	10	15	21	25	28	27	26	24	19	13	8
C	19	15	15	8	17	53	220	257	126	24	5	8

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	24	26	31	36	38	35	30	28	30	32	29	25
B	9	11	17	22	25	24	23	22	21	19	14	10
C	4	2	8	4	12	89	244	248	136	13	14	2

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	21	24	30	36	39	39	35	33	34	33	28	23
B	7	10	15	21	25	28	27	26	24	19	13	8
C	19	15	15	8	17	53	220	257	126	24	5	8

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	24	26	31	36	38	35	30	28	30	32	29	25
B	9	11	17	22	25	24	23	22	21	19	14	10
C	4	2	8	4	12	89	244	248	136	13	14	2

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	21	24	30	36	39	39	35	33	34	33	28	23
B	7	10	15	21	25	28	27	26	24	19	13	8
C	19	15	15	8	17	53	220	257	126	24	5	8

-	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
A	24	26	31	36	38	35	30	28	30	32	29	25
B	9	11	17	22	25	24	23	22	21	19	14	10
C	4	2	8	4	12	89	244	248	136	13	14	2