Discover South India

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: Adventure begins in Bangalore. Transfer to Mysore; witness Mysore Palace illuminations; welcome dinner

  Arriving at Bangalore International Airport, head towards the exit of the terminal building, where you are met and transferred (approximately 3hr 30min) to Mysore. Around 6pm, we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead over a welcome meeting. In the evening, we visit Mysore Palace, one of the largest in India, to see it illuminated by more than 100,000 bulbs – a dazzling opening to our adventure. That’s followed by dinner with a local family.

• Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Mysore

  Discover the highlights of Mysore today, beginning with an exploration of Mysore Palace. We also visit other city landmarks, including St Philomena’s Cathedral, which was designed to resemble Cologne Cathedral in Germany. After, we head into the Chamundi Hills to visit two Hindu temples: the golden Chamundeshwari Temple and Nandi Temple, home to a giant 350-year-old bull statue. Visit Rajendra Art Gallery in the afternoon, which exhibits works by Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma and traditional paintings in the Mysore style

• Day 3: Drive to Coorg; enjoy an afternoon tour of coffee and spice plantations

  Drive (three hours) this morning to the remote hill station of Coorg, where tiny springs and coffee, tea and spice estates are spread across the misty slopes. Along the way, we stop in Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet, to see the intricate carvings at the Golden Temple. Having completed our journey to Coorg, we join a local guide on a walk through sprawling coffee fields to learn about the history and art of producing coffee. We also learn about the evolution of spice plantations and see how spices are produced, from planting to packaging.

• Day 4: Join a Kodava family for a cooking lesson; sightseeing tour of Coorg

  Begin your day with birdwatching or yoga before visiting a local Kodava family in their century-old bungalow. Learn to cook traditional pandi curry, discover their warrior heritage, dress in authentic Coorgi attire, and enjoy a home-cooked feast with local wines. Later, explore Coorg’s highlights, including Madikeri Fort, a British-inspired palace, ancient temples, and historic tombs linked to the region’s royal past.

• Day 5: Drive to Wayanad; enjoy a free afternoon

  Travel to the scenic hill region of Wayanad in Kerala, known for its lush landscapes and plantations. The afternoon is yours to relax, with the option to cycle through the rural countryside past temples, coffee and pepper estates, lemongrass plantations, and a tribal village. Alternatively, unwind at the hotel, explore the plantations, or take a dip in the pool. Before dinner, you can also join a complimentary chef-led cooking demonstration and sample traditional local dishes.

• Day 6: Walking tour of Wayanad; free afternoon to relax

  Enjoy a scenic 3mi (5km) walk through the Sugandhagiri hills, passing tea estates, forest edges, and coffee plantations with beautiful mountain views and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The afternoon is free to relax or continue exploring with an optional guided nature walk through the rainforest, coffee, and pepper plantations led by the hotel naturalist.

• Day 7: Drive to Ooty; visit St Stephen's Church and explore a local market

  Today we transfer (four hours) to Ooty in the Nilgiri Mountains, a one-time summer retreat for the British which is dotted with tea gardens, waterfalls and colonial architecture. In the afternoon, we visit St Stephen’s Church, constructed by the British in the 19th century to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. Later, enjoy leisure time perusing the produce in the local vegetable market before heading back to the hotel.

• Day 8: Scenic ‘toy’ train ride around Nilgiri Mountains; visit Ooty and explore Toda village

  Experience a classic Ooty highlight with a ride on the historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway steam train through the stunning tea estates and forested slopes of the Nilgiri Mountains to Coonoor. Back in Ooty, explore the colourful Government Botanical Garden before enjoying lunch at the former royal residence of Fernhills Palace, known for its spectacular mountain views. Later, visit a traditional Toda village to meet the local community, see their distinctive hut-style homes, and watch a traditional shawl-making demonstration.

• Day 9-: Take a train from Coimbatore to Kochi

  Today, we drive (three hours) from Ooty to Coimbatore to take the train to the old port city of Kochi (approximately 4hr 30min). Riding the rails, we pass through villages and towns with a chance to see daily life in full flow. A light packed lunch is also provided.

• Day 10: Cultural tour of Kochi; enjoy an optional cultural evening

  Embark on a cultural tour, learning about the lifestyles, dress, food, traditions and religious beliefs of the communities who call the Fort Kochi neighbourhood their home. The experience includes trying delicacies that have made their way to the city from other parts of India and the world. After, we take a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in the adjacent historic neighborhoods of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.There is the option in the late afternoon to see a performance showcasing the dance styles of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Bharatanatyam, plus the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.

• Day 11: Drive to Alleppey; visit Coir Museum and explore Alleppey; enjoy a backwater cruise and overnight on a traditional houseboat.

  We transfer (two hours) to Alleppey this morning, famous for its serpentine network of backwaters and thriving coir (coconut fibre) industry. Explore the Coir Museum on arrival to learn about the coir-manufacturing process and see articles and artifacts made from coir. Also stroll around the local market and town of Alleppey before we board our houseboat at midday and begin our cruise along the Kerala backwaters.

• Day 12: To Kumarakom; walk through Manjira village.

  Today we travel (1hr 30min) to the village of Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake. We have the rest of the morning free for optional activities such as an Ayurvedic massage (paid for locally). This afternoon, we head out on a village walk. The journey begins in a shikhara boat, cruising to the banks of Manjira village. Through our local village guide and the community, we learn about many of their practices and products, including the art of climbing a coconut tree and coconut leaf weaving. We also see a skilled fisherman cast his net and enjoy a stroll by the green paddies.

• Day 13: Optional Kottayam Heritage Trail with lunch; afternoon at leisure.

  Choose your own adventure today. Options include exploring the Kottayam Heritage Trail (book through your tour leader), discovering a bygone time when a royal capital flourished along the banks of the Meenachi River. You’re joined by a storyteller, who takes you through the highlights of Old Kottayam, including unique geographical features, heritage buildings and centuries-old places of worship. There are also several other options, including a sunset cruise and dance performance, butterfly garden visit, Ayurvedic massage and kayaking (all payable at the hotel).

• Day 14: Adventure ends in Kumarakom

  The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore Kerala, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.