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.
- 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.
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour. Let us know for more options you may need, we work with a wide range of hotels in India & Beyond.
ITC Windsor
Bangalore
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Evolve Back
Kabini
OPULENT, WILDLIFE RESORT
Wayanad Wild
Wayanad
FIRST CLASS
Gateway Coonoor
Coonoor
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Windermere Estate
Munnar
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE, TEA ESTATE
Spice Village
Thekkady
FIRST CLASS
Spice Coast Cruises
Alleppey
FIRST CLASS, HOUSEBOAT
Brunton Boatyard
Cochin
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Fragrant Nature
Cochin
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Why 'Private' Travel?
Full flexibility & personalized service with your own experienced private guide
A private car & driver at your disposal for your holiday. Set your own pace
Select from hand-picked hotels; from luxury palaces to boutique homestays
Meet the locals & discover the real 'authentic' experiences of a destination
Our Reviews
Our guests seem happy to tell us about their experience and we are very happy to share their thoughts with you.
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we missed in our last 6 trips to India, a true Indian experience!! An advise for all those hesitating working with you, 'If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and looking for an authentic travel experience in India, you are at the right place'.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
Tailor-made Central India & Gujarat
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.
You guys were absolutely true to your word, the holiday experience we have been waiting for years. Big thanks for arranging our visit to Ruskin Bond's home, you are certainly more than a holiday provider.
Mr Neil & Mrs Susan Everington, UK
Tailor-made North India & Nepal
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