Classic Car Journeys

Classic India 2012 Itinerary

For a map of the route click here. Press the ‘back’ button to return.

Day 1 Fri Sep 28th - Depart UK on flight to India

Day 2 Sat Sep 29th – 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 Sun Sep 30th – 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 Mon Oct 1st – This is it. We’ll be up at the crack of dawn for a drive south on smooth tarmac. After stopping off at unusual tourist spot at lunctime we should reach the historic city of Cochin in time for a stroll along the seafront before dinner.

Day 5 Tues Oct 2nd – In 2011 we added a day to the itinerary to give participants a whole day off in Cohchin. It was a popular chioce and you will not be short of things to do whether it be visiting Fort Cochin, the antique shops of Jew Town, the spice market at Mattancherry or the multitude of shops in Ernakulum.

Day 6 Wed Oct 3rd - Today is a relaitvely easy days drive as we head for the Backwaters, a huge area criss-crossed with inland waterways. We’re staying in a delightful property in Kumarakom on the shores of Lake Vembanad.

Day 7 Thu Oct 4th – Well be up early again for a wonderful gentle climb to Munnar the old summer resort of the British. It’s a long days drive and once we reach the heights we’ll get our first view of the magnificent tea plantations. Munnar is a lively, vibrant town and there’ll be a chance to look round before dinner.

Day 8 Fri Oct 5th – An absolutely beautiful day. We’ll leave Munnar and continue through some of the highest and most beautiful tea plantations in the world. After leaving the tea we reach the sandlawood plantatyions and then we’ll cross a large sweltering plain and tackle the gentle climb to Karumba to stay in a delightful hill side resort.

Day 9 Sat Oct 6th – 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 afternoon giving you a chance to explore, perhaps taking 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 10 Sun Oct 7th – 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 11 Mon Oct 8th – Today is another 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 12 Tue Oct 9th – 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 13 Wed Oct 10th – Perhaps a chance for a last miunute swim in the pool before catching the coach to the airport.