Hills of South India
Journey Highlights
Encounter the wild beauty of Kabini, with thrilling wildlife safaris and serene landscapes along the banks of the Kabini River
Enjoy Toy train ride in historic Nilgiri Mountain Railways
Breathe in the fresh mountain air amid Munnar’s lush tea plantations
Explore a Spice Plantation in Thekkady
Cruise Kerala’s tranquil backwaters and spend a night aboard a traditional rice-barge houseboat
Discover historic Fort Kochi and its iconic Chinese fishing nets
Itinerary
DAY 01
Arrive Bangalore
On arrival in Bangalore, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood later.
DAY 02
In Bangalore
Spend a full day exploring Bangalore, visiting the lush Lalbagh Botanical Garden, tranquil Cubbon Park, magnificent Bangalore Palace and the historic Nandi Temple.
DAY 03
Drive to Kabini
Today, leave the city and drive through the countryside to Kabini (4–5 hours), bordering Nagarhole National Park, one of Karnataka's finest wildlife reserves. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in search of elephants, deer, gaur and, with luck, the elusive tiger.
DAY 04
In Kabini
Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris in Kabini National Park, where herds of elephants roam freely, langurs chatter in the treetops, and the jungle comes alive with the sights and sounds of the wild.
DAY 05
Drive to Wayanad
Drive to Wayanad (2–3 hours), a scenic hill district in northern Kerala renowned for its cool climate, rolling mountains and lush plantations. Surrounded by forests, it is one of southern India's finest regions for tea, coffee and spices.
DAY 06
In Wayanad
Spend the day exploring Wayanad, beginning with a visit to the ancient Edakkal Caves, renowned for their fascinating prehistoric rock carvings. Continue with guided tours of coffee and spice plantations, where you'll learn about the region's rich agricultural heritage and aromatic produce.
DAY 07
Drive to Coonoor
After breakfast, drive to Coonoor (4–5 hours), a charming hill station nestled in the Nilgiri Hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax at your hotel or enjoy the peaceful surroundings and nearby attractions at your own pace.
DAY 08
In Coonoor
Enjoy a memorable journey on the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty to Mettupalayam. Affectionately known as the 'Blue Mountain Railway', this historic toy train winds through spectacular hills, tunnels and tea plantations, offering one of South India's most iconic rail experiences.
DAY 09
Drive to Munnar
Drive to Munnar (6–7 hours), nestled in Kerala's picturesque Cardamom Hills and renowned for its rolling tea estates. After arrival, relax at your hotel or enjoy the tranquil surroundings with birdwatching, a butterfly walk, or simply the breathtaking mountain views.
DAY 10
In Munnar
Visit a local tea plantation, factory and museum to learn about Munnar's rich tea-growing heritage. Later, enjoy a guided trek through the scenic hills surrounding the town. The walk can be tailored to your pace, with shorter or gentler routes available if preferred.
DAY 11
Drive to Thekkady
Drive south to Periyar National Park (3–4 hours), one of India's finest wildlife reserves. Later this afternoon, visit a fragrant spice plantation to learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and other aromatic spices that thrive in the region.
DAY 12
In Thekkady
Spend the day exploring Periyar National Park with a selection of nature-based activities, including bamboo rafting, guided forest trekking and a scenic boat cruise on Periyar Lake, offering excellent opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
DAY 13
Drive to Alleppey
Drive to Alleppey (4–5 hours) and board your traditional private houseboat for a leisurely cruise through Kerala's tranquil backwaters. Relax as you glide past villages and coconut groves before enjoying a freshly prepared dinner, cooked on board using locally sourced ingredients.
DAY 14
Drive to Cochin
After breakfast, disembark your houseboat and drive to Cochin (approximately 1 hour). The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or enjoy a stroll through the charming streets of Fort Cochin, renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant cafés and historic waterfront.
DAY 15
In Cochin
Spend the day exploring historic Fort Kochi, with its colonial architecture, art galleries and cafés. Visit St Francis Church, Jew Town and the Mattancherry Palace, before watching the famous Chinese fishing nets at sunset and experiencing an enchanting Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
DAY 16
Departure
At the appropriate time, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your flight back home, or continue your onward journey with us.
Enquiry
Starting from USD 1510 Per Person*
* lean season and based on comfortable hotels
Price is based on double occupancy and is subject to change depending on the hotels selected and travel dates.
Your tour includes daily breakfast, all monument entrance fees, expert local guides, Jeep safaris, airport transfers, a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned SUV, and all applicable taxes.
"From prehistoric caves to endless tea and spice plantations, Wayanad offers a journey through nature, heritage and quiet luxury."
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour
ITC Windsor
Bangalore
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Evolve Back
Kabini
OPULENT, WILDLIFE RESORT
Wayanad Wild
Wayanad
FIRST CLASS
The Gateway
Coonoor
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Windermere Estate
Munnar
FIRST CLASS, TEA ESTATE
Spice Village
Thekkady
FIRST CLASS
Spice Coast Cruises
Alleppey
FIRST CLASS
Brunton Boatyard
Cochin
OPULENT, HERITAGE
Fragrant Nature
Cochin
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
"An incredible trip to India"
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we had been missing during our last six trips to India—a truly authentic Indian experience! Every part of the journey felt thoughtfully planned, allowing us to connect with the culture, people, and destinations in a much more meaningful way. A piece of advice for anyone hesitating to work with you: If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and are looking for an authentic, personalised travel experience in India, you are absolutely in the right place. Thank you for creating memories that we will cherish for years to come.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
"Nothing Short of Extraordinary"
We have had the most amazing time, great hotels and great experiences. Our drivers and guides have been excellent, in particular Govinder Raj who has been our driver and companion for the last ten days. Govinder has been extremely obliging and has made sure we have been safe and where we should be, on time, with all our belongings and with a stack of goodies and water. He has kept the car immaculate both inside and out, and has driven us with care and skill on all our journeys. Your planning of all the inclusions such are the ceremonies at temples, boat rides and the Everest Flight made the whole trip one never to forget.
Mr & Mrs Davies-Webb, UK
"Highly Recommended"
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
Ms Gayle Rawes & Mr Andrew Slatford, UK
"Superb Service"
The outcome of this trip far exceeded our expectations and we would recommend your agency without any reservation. Our sincerest thanks for a well planned and executed tour.
Mr Eugene & Ms Mirasol Johnson, USA