The glorious city of Mysore seeks to revive the splendour of the Wodeyar Dynasty, the culmination of which is undoubtedly the Mysore Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, influenced by Hindu, Rajput, Gothic, and Islamic cultures that reflect the diverse history of India. There are towering spires and spacious halls to admire in detail. Leave a lot of time to marvel at the intricacy of the vibrant paints on the walls and domes, and take a wander through the vast manicured gardens. In October and November, the Dussehra festival takes place and the entire palace is lit up for the festivities.
Once you’ve ticked the Mysore Palace off your checklist, leave some time for Jaganmohan Palace and art gallery, Princess Jayalakshmi Vilas mansion, strolling through countless gardens, lakes, and parks, and visiting the zoo, if you are so inclined. Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest in the world, and the grounds and botanical gardens are beautiful. For fabulous city views, take a walk up Chamundi Hills.
Excursions from Mysore are plentiful and fascinating: visit Karnataka’s capital, Bangalore, Ooty, a lovely green hill station, Bylakupee, a peaceful Tibetan settlement, Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks, or the Kabini River that flows between them.
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Kerala Encompassed
Gain a great insight into the variety Kerala has to offer as you travel south to north over three weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in different types and styles of accommodation, ranging from tea bungalows to a plantation mansion, houseboat, treehouse and tents, to name a few.
Spend your days among tea and spice plantations, relaxing in rural settings, spotting wildlife, cruising along the Alleppey backwaters, visiting local markets and getting to know the towns that make Kerala tick. Relax on a remote beach to round off your holiday through ‘God’s Own Country’.
Highlights
Cruise the backwaters
Explore the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by
Birdwatching
Wake up on the banks of the Periyar River, where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds
Safaris
Track elephants and tigers in Nagarhole National Park
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India
Birds of South India
Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region’s abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
Highlights
Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary
End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species
Valparai
Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
Bandipur National Park
Spot elusive big game on sunrise and sunset safaris in Bandipur National Park
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