West Coast Drive
India has been time and again described by travellers, writers, philosophers and artists galore as being a country that leaves you bound in its spell. Bursting with life, colour, variety, and blessed by nature – it’s a delightful conundrum that will force you to visit again and again in order to decipher its many secrets. We offer you one such self-driven road affair that will lead you up & close to the western coastal region of India.
Slated to take off from the City of Dreams, Mumbai, this exciting expedition will take you through places such as Mahabaleshwar, Ganpatiphule, Goa, Hampi, Chikmagalur, Mysore, Athirappilly, Munnar and Kumarakom before drawing to a close in Kochi. Discover the best and the rarest this sublime region has to offer as you meander through it one road at a time.
Highlights
- Acquaint yourself with the unique life-affirming essence of Mumbai – India’s Maximum City – with a walking tour of the Dharavi Slums. You also get to visit the Gandhi Museum and Victoria Terminus, which is a spectacular example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Let your hair down and feast your eyes upon gorgeous seascapes at lovely beaches of Ganapatiphule and Goa.
- Soak-in the incomparable and ageless vibe of Goa and Hampi as you visit many astounding UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including churches, convents, temples and monumental ruins.
- Breathe in the aromatic air of emerald green forests, grasslands and sweeping tea plantations as you drive through the charming towns of Munnar and Chikmagalur.
- Witness the structural splendour of the Mysore Palace. Also known as Amba Vilas Palace, it’s the royal residence of the Wadiyar Dynasty and a stellar specimen of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, which combined Hindu, Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic techniques.
- Venture into the wild as you undertake a Jeep Safari through the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
- Located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu and spread over an area of 321 sq km, Mudumalai provides safe habitat to a variety of animals like tigers, Asian elephants, panthers, sambar and spotted deer, Malabar giant squirrels and many species of birds and fowl amidst others.
- Enjoy the many attractions of the coastal state of Kerala – revel in the natural magnificence of Athirappilly waterfalls that fall down a staggering height of 80 ft; take a step back in time as you tour the historical landmarks at Fort Kochi; pay a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch, and replicates the traditional Kerala naalukettu (quadrangular) model.
- Indulge in a serene house boat ride through the celebrated backwaters of Kumarakom, and pamper yourself with an authentic Ayurvedic treatment that is sure to renew and revive all your senses.
- Treat your palate to a plethora of delectable flavours and local cuisines as you weave your way through the many roads and terrains of this part of our beautiful country.
Ideal visiting window : October to March
Duration: 25 Days / 24 Nights
Terrain to expect : Mountains, Forests, Cities, Coastal Stretches | Tarmac and Gravel Road
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Glimpses from AO Trips in West Coast Drive
