Hills of South India Tour

An extensive tour seeing the highlights of Kerala and Karnataka

Kerala and Karnataka are two most fascinating states that makes for a ultimate combination of culture, cities, wildlife and tea and coffee plantations. This itinerary is a great opportunity who love the art of slow travel, experiencing the nature and relaxing in the mountains while tasting the original tea and coffee from the plantations. Look out for some wildlife experience in Kabini which offers abundance of wild animals and rare birds.

Duration: 16 Days
Places: Bangalore, Kabini, Wayanad, Coonoor, Munnar, Thekkady, Houseboat, Cochin

Highlights: 
  • Explore Nagarhole National Park with jeep safaris and coracle rides
  • Enjoy Toy train ride in historic Nilgiri Mountain Railways
  • Experience the fresh mountain air around the Munnar Tea Plantations
  • Take a cruise & stay on a traditional rice barge houseboat

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

Full day exploring Bangalore, visiting Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace and Nandi Temple.


Day 03 - Drive to Kabini

As you leave the city today you will head into the rural land surrounding Kabini (04-05 Hrs) at Nagarhole National Park, one of Karnataka's best wildlife getaways. After lunch you will be taken for your afternoon jeep safari.


Day 04 - In Kabini

Head out early this morning for a morning game drive. You may be fortunate enough to see a leopard, elephants or even a tiger. This afternoon you will have a game drive on board the boat; this gives you a chance to see the animals as they come to drink during the afternoon heat.


Day 05 - Drive to Wayanad

Drive to Wayanad (02-03 Hrs). Encircled by seven mountains, Wayanad, in northern Kerala, boasts some of southern India’s most superb upland scenery, and a climate that’s ideal for the cultivation of tea, coffee and spices.


Day 06 - In Wayanad

Spend the day exploring the area, with a visit to Edakkal Caves and tours of coffee and spice plantations.


Day 07 - Drive to Coonoor

After breakfast, head for Coonoor (04-05 Hrs). Spend the day relaxing in your hotel on the outskirts of Coonoor, and taking in local sights.


Day 08 - In Coonoor

Enjoy a Toy Train ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty and Mettupalayam. The ‘Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway’, to give the line its official title, is deservedly one of South India’s great attractions – more for the nostalgia value than its speed and comfort, it has to be said! And no journey through the region is complete without at least a short ride


Day 09 - Drive to Munnar

Drive inland to the Cardamom Hills for a two-night stay in Munnar, hub of the region’s tea industry (06-07 Hrs). Relax on arrival and take in the beautiful views, go birdwatching or on a butterfly walk.


Day 10 - In Munnar

Visit a local tea plantation and factory today, and a museum presenting a history of tea cultivation in the area. Spend your afternoon trekking through the beautiful hills surrounding Munnar. If you find the trek to be too strenuous then ask our guide to take it at a slower pace and to shorten it if need be.


Day 11 - Drive to Thekkady

Drive south to Periyar National park (03-04 Hrs). Late afternoon, explore the Spice Plantations of the region.


Day 12 - In Thekkady

Enjoy a full day of activities inside the park today, from rafting and forest trekking to boat rides on the lake.


Day 13 - Drive to Alleppey

Drive to Alleppey (04-05 Hrs) and embark your traditional rice barge to spend your afternoon and evening cruising along the backwaters. A private chef on-board will provide you with a freshly cooked dinner made from local ingredients.


Day 14 - Drive to Cochin

Drive to Cochin (01 Hr). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood of Fort Cochin later.


Day 15 - In Cochin

Spend the day exploring the old colonial district of Fort Cochin. Tucked away in the narrow streets of Fort Cochin are a number of delightful art galleries, cafés and interesting clothes boutiques, as well as centuries-old houses. You will visit the residence where Vasco da Gama stayed when he was here in the early 16th century, and have a look around India’s oldest church, as well as one of one of the region’s few surviving synagogues down in Jew Town, near Mantancherry, site of a Keralan palace with superb traditional murals. Around sunset time, watch local fishing boats chug past the famous Chinese fishing nets. Venture out in the evening for a performance of Kathakali dance.

[Optional : Cooking Class experience with a local]


Day 16 - Departure Transfer

Transferred to Cochin International Airport for flight back home or continue your onwards journey with us

Quick Enquiry

Starting from USD 1510 Per Person

Price is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels & dates of travel. Price includes daily breakfast, sightseeing, monument entrance fees, private guides, Jeep Safaris in the Park, Toy Train Tickets, transfers, chauffeur driven air-conditioned SUV car & All Taxes.

When to Travel?

Winter season between September to March is the best time to visit Karnataka & Kerala. This is the time when Karnataka & Kerala has a comfortable climate and pleasant weather with less humidity. The average temperature during this time is between 17 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius.

Kerala Tour Best time to Visit India

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