Day 1: To Kozhikode
Route: Edappally - North Paravur - Kodungallur - Guruvayur - Kozhikode
Distance: 170+ kms
We will start our long adventurous journey from Santos King Office at Edappally, Kochi. Our first destination will be Kozhikode via the coastal route crossing the towns of North Paravur, Kodungallur and Guruvayur along the beaches, backwaters and fishing villages of Kerala. Kozhikode, also known as the "City of Spices", is the historic capital of Kerala as the history dates back to 1498 AD when Vasco Da Gama landed in Kappad, near Calicut.
Day 2: To Malpe
Route: Kozhikode - Kannur - Kasargod - Mangaluru - Udupi - Malpe
Distance: 290+ kms
Today, the truck will cross the historic cities of North Kerala and South Karnataka along the Malabar Coast which includes Union Territory Mahe (Formerly Part of French India), Thalassery, Kannur, Payyanur, Kasargod, Bekal & Mangaluru. Our destination is Malpe in the suburbs of Udupi known for its beautiful beach. You can take a cruise to St. Marys Island, a set of four small islands in the Arabian sea, known for distinctive geological formation of columnar basaltic lava.
Day 3: To Agonda
Route: Malpe - Kundapura - Honnavar - Karwar - Agonda
Distance: 264+ kms
We will cross the coastal fishing villages and towns of North Karnataka known for its pristine beaches which include the tourist places Bhatkal, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar before heading to Goa, "the Land of Sun, Sand and Sea". We will stop at Agonda Beach in South Goa. During the month of September, the beach serves as a nesting ground for olive ridley sea turtles.
Day 4: To Calangute
Route: Agonda - Panjim - Calangute
Distance: 82+ kms
Day to explore and enjoy the Beaches and Tourist spots in Goa. You can opt for numerous adventure tour activities including Cycling in North Goa and South Goa, Kayaking in the rivers of Goa or Water Sports Activities in the Goa Beaches. Apart from the numerous exotic beaches, Goa is also famous for the "Churches and Convents of Old Goa" which is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Goa also has a thriving nightlife with abundance of Shopping, Dining and Partying activities. Our truck will be parked near Calangute Beach in North Goa.
Day 5: In Goa
Day is free to explore the Activities in Goa.
Day 6: To Ganeshgudi
Route: Calangute - Mollem - Ganeshgudi
Distance: 135+ kms
We begin our first outing in Western Ghats today by crossing the thick forests of "Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary" located in the Goan town of Mollem. The popular Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a 11 km trek from Kullem. From here we will enter the state of Karnataka and stop at Ganeshgudi, a paradise for birdwatchers, surrounded by 2 Wildlife sanctuaries - "Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary" in the East and "Anshi National Park" in the West which are both renamed to "Kali Tiger Reserve" in 2015. You can Kayak in Supa Dam Reservoir in Kali River. River Rafting and Jungle Safari activities are also available.
Day 7: To Jog Falls
Route: Ganeshgudi - Yellapur - Sirsi - Jog Falls
Distance: 179+ kms
Today we will head to Jog Falls, the second highest plunge waterfall in India, created by Sharavati River dropping 253 m (830 ft). The four falls are named Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani and is a sight to behold especially in the Monsoon season. On the way we will cross the towns of Yellapur and Sirsi in the Western Ghats. Jog Falls is part of the "Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary". You can trek to the bottom of the Falls or explore the serene Honnemaradu located in the Backwaters of Sharavathi River by Jeep, Cycle (Off Road) or Trek from Talaguppa. Water Sports Activities are available at Honnemaradu.
Day 8: To Agumbe
Route: Jog Falls - Sagara - Hosanagara - Agumbe
Distance: 138+ kms
Our next destination is Agumbe crossing the towns of Sagara and Hosanagara in the Western Ghats. Agumbe lies in the Malenadu region of Karnataka and is part of the "Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary". Agumbe is also known as the "Cherrapunji of the South" and records the second highest rainfall in India. Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS) was founded in 2005 by Romulus Whitaker, a herpetologist, popular for its telemetry study done on "King Cobra" which is found in abundance in this region. RK Narayan's classic tale "Malgudi Days" was shot here. There are numerous trekking spots and waterfalls in Agumbe region.
Day 9: To Mudigere
Route: Agumbe - Sringeri - Kuduremukha - Kalasa - Mudigere
Distance: 158+ kms
Today, our truck will cross the holy Sringeri town in Chikkamagaluru district and Kuduremukha. Kuduremukha Peak meaning "horse-face", the third highest peak of Karnataka, is part of "Kudremukha National Park" and can be reached by a 20 km trek. We will break our journey at Mudigere town which is surrounded by Coffee Plantations.
Day 10: To Kabini River
Route: Mudigere - Sakleshpur - Bylakuppe - Nagarhole - Kabini River
Distance: 229+ kms
Our next destination is Kabini River via Nagarhole National Park. On the road we will cross the towns of Sakleshpur in Western Ghats and Bylakuppe, the second largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside Tibet after Dharmashala. The popular Namdroling Monastery is located here. Next we will enter the "Nagarhole National Park", one of India's premier tiger reserve alongwith the adjoining Bandipur Tiger Reserve, home to variety of Flora and Fauna. Our final destination is the beautiful Kabini river, one of the major tributaries of River Cauvery, located on the banks of Nagarhole National Park, with a high chance of wildlife sightings. You can go for Kayaking or Boating in Kabini River or opt for Forest Trekking activities.
Day 11: To Mudumalai
Route: Kabini River - Bandipur - Mudumalai
Distance: 117+ kms
Today, our truck will hop from one wildlife sanctuary to another. We will cross the scenic Western Ghats through "Bandipur Tiger Reserve" and enter the state of Tamil Nadu via the "Mudumalai National Park", where we will break our journey. You are free to explore various activities including Jeep Safaris, Forest Trekking, Cycling, Elephant Rides or relax and enjoy the natures beauty.
Day 12: To Ooty
Distance: 37+ kms
We will begin our uphill ascent to the popular hill station Ooty, also known as the "Queen of Hill Stations", situated at an altitude of 2240 m above Sea Level. It is located in Nilgiri hills which means Blue mountains. You can explore the hill station which has a busy lake, Botanical Gardens built by British in 1847 or shop in the numerous markets.
Day 13: To Chinnar
Route: Ooty - Coonoor - Mettupalayam - Pollachi - Chinnar
Distance: 215+ kms
Our long day begins with a descent from Ooty to Coonoor crossing Tea Plantations. You can opt for a ride in Heritage Train, part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will hit the plains at Mettupalayam and cross the town of Pollachi known for its green vegetation and Coconut Farms. From here our ascent in Western Ghats will begin again by crossing the "Anamalai Tiger Reserve" and entering the state of Kerala, popularly known as "God's Own Country". We will break our journey at "Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary", one of the twelve wildlife sanctuaries among the protected areas of Kerala.
Day 14: To Top Station
Route: Chinnar - Marayoor - Gundumalai - Munnar - Mattupetty - Top Station
Distance: 86+ kms
Our truck will cross the Marayoor Sandalwood Forests, base of Eravikulam National Park and later enter the popular town of Munnar situated at an altitude of 1600 m above Sea Level known for its lush green Tea Plantations and winding lanes. We will cross the popular tourist spots of Mattupetty Lake and Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake and Top Station (the highest point of Munnar at 1700 m above Sea Level). Top Station is the western entrance to the planned "Palani Hills National Park". You can trek and camp at one of the most exotic and picturesque location near Top Station.
Day 15: To Thekkady
Route: Top Station - Munnar - Devikulam - Poopara - Udambanchola - Thekkady
Distance: 137+ kms
Our scenic drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary crosses endless tea plantations, cardamom estates, waterfalls, lakes and hills along the towns and tourist spots of Munnar, Devikulam, Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Anayirankal Reservoir & Udambanchola. The "Mathikettan Shola National Park" trekking starts from Poopara Village. Our final destination is Thekkady, location of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across 777 sq. km out of which 360 sq. kms is thick evergreen forest. Thekkady is also considered a haven for natural spices. You can explore the various Activities - Jeep Safari, Forest Trekking, Bamboo Rafting, Spice Garden visit, Nature Walks, Elephant Rides or Boating in the Periyar Lake.
Day 16: To Gavi
Route: Thekkady - Vandiperiyar - Gavi
Distance: 40+ kms
Our next destination is Gavi, inside the "Ranni Reserve Forest" and part of Pathanamthitta district, an eco tourism spot filled with evergreen forests and abundant wildlife with Kerala's own treasure elephants and more than 260 species of birds. We will cross Vandiperiyar, home to a number of tea factories in Kerala. You can explore Forest Activities like Jungle Trekking, Boating in Lake, Jeep Safari, Night Jungle Camping at Gavi Forest as part of KFDC Tour Programs.
Day 17: To Champakulam
Route: Gavi - Vandiperiyar - Kuttikanam - Changanasherry - Nedumudy - Champakulam
Distance: 145+ kms
Today will be our last day in the Western Ghats and we will begin our descent after crossing the town of Kuttikanam, an up market resort town during the British Raj. We will enter the Flat terrain and later arrive at the famous Alappuzha district of Kerala, well known for its pristine palm fringed Backwaters and the lush green Kuttanad region "The Rice Bowl of Kerala", where rice is grown 2 to 3 metres below Sea Level. Our next destination will be Nedumudy and Champakulam, part of the Lower Kuttanadu region. You can Cycle across the Paddy Fields in Kuttanad, Kayak in the scenic River Pamba, Take a Houseboat Cruise along the Rivers and Backwaters of Alleppey or Visit the historic "Basilica of St. Mary" across the river. You can camp along the banks of River Pamba with Paddy fields in one side and the beautiful river on the other side.
Day 18: To Kochi
Route: Champakulam - Alappuzha - Santos King Office, Kochi
Distance: 76+ kms
Today will be our last day of the trip where we cross the Alappuzha City and head to Kochi. You can opt to Cycle along the coastal route from Alleppey Beach to Fort Kochi covering scenic beaches, villages, backwaters and churches, crossing the towns of Thumpoly, Mararikulam, Arthunkal, Andharkaranzhi and Chellanam. Other options include visit to the historic sites in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry which include the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica.
