Classic Car Journeys

Classic India 2010 Itinerary

Day 1 Sat Oct 23rd - Depart UK on flight to India

Day 2 Sun Oct 24th – Gaze out of the window on approach to Calicut and admire the coconut palm lined runway. Exit the airport for the transfer to the first hotel and put on a brave face while taking your first look at Indian traffic and secretly not really believing that you are going to be in amongst it. Spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Day 3 Mon Oct 25th – A gentle day. A local run out and your first drive of a car designed in the late 1940’s. A chance to swim in the Indian ocean followed by the hustle and bustle of the local town.

Day 4 Tue Oct 26th – This is it. We’ll be up at the crack of dawn for a drive south through lots of villages to the historic city of Cochin. On arrival there should be time for some lively local exploring.

Day 5 Wed Oct 27th – In the morning we’ll have a late start enabling a sightseeing/shopping tour around the old part of Cochin and a chance to watch the old fashioned Chinese fishing nets in action. We’ll get back about lunchtime for an easy drive to the next nights stop in Kumarakom to spend the night on the shores of Lake Vembanad.

Day 6 Thu Oct 28th – Well be up early again for a wonderful gentle climb to Munnar the old summer resort of the British. Munnar is a lively, vibrant town and there’ll be a chance to look round before dinner.

Day 7 Fri Oct 29th – An absolutely beautiful day. We’ll leave Munnar and drive through some of the highest and most beautiful tea plantations in the world. We’ll cross a large sweltering plain and then tackle the gentle climb to Karumbato stay in a delightful hill side resort.

Day 8 Sat Oct 30th – Today we head to Udagamandalam, better known as Ooty, the old British hill station and the seat of Govt. for South India in the days of the Raj. All being well we’ll arrive early afternnon giving you a chance to explore, perhaps taking in a walk past Charring Cross (the town centre) and up to the botanical gardens followed by a cup of tea in the old country club.

Day 9 Sun Oct 31st – We now head down from the hills hoping for clear weather to enjoy the spectacular views as we head towards Mysore, the city of palaces.

Day 10 Mon Nov 1st – Today is a complete day off. A chance to truly enjoy this vibrant city. There’s plenty to see and visit. The Maharaja’s Palace, the temple at Chamundi Hill and no doubt the fascinating markets in the centre of town.

Day 11 Tue Nov 2nd – We’ll be leaving Mysore and heading through the Wayanad wild life reserve, where you’ll no doubt try to spot a wild elephant prior to descending the hills for the final run to Calicut. In the evening we’ll be celebrating the end of the trip with a traditional Indian party.

Day 12 Wed Nov 3rd – A chance for a lie in prior to catching the coach for the airport.