Palaces, Plantations & Backwaters Across South India
This 11-day overland journey begins in Bangalore and winds through the royal city of Mysore, the misty coffee hills of Coorg, the spice-scented forests of Wayanad, the coastal charm of Calicut, and the serene backwaters of Alleppey before ending in Cochin. Every day brings a new landscape, from granite palaces to emerald valleys.
Walk through Mysore Palace at dusk, breathe in fresh coffee at a Coorg plantation homestay, spot elephants in Wayanad's wildlife sanctuary, cruise Kerala's famous backwaters on a traditional houseboat, and explore the Jewish heritage of Fort Kochi. This is South India at its most varied and rewarding.
South India Through the Lens
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- ✓ 10 nights accommodation (3-star to 5-star)
- ✓ Daily breakfast at all hotels
- ✓ Private Innova Crysta for all transfers
- ✓ Experienced South Indian driver
- ✓ All fuel, toll and parking charges
- ✓ Houseboat stay in Alleppey (1 night)
- ✓ All monastery and palace entrance fees
- ✓ 24/7 concierge support
Excluded
- ✕ Lunches and dinners (except houseboat)
- ✕ Flights to Bangalore / from Cochin
- ✕ Travel insurance
- ✕ Personal expenses and tips
- ✕ Camera fees at monuments
- ✕ Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Your 11-Day Itinerary
Arrive Bangalore
Welcome to the Garden CityArrive in Bangalore and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring Lalbagh Botanical Garden or the lively streets of Brigade Road. Overnight in Bangalore.
Bangalore → Mysore
Palace city and Chamundi HillDrive to Mysore (150 km, 3 hours). Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, St. Philomena's Church, and ascend Chamundi Hill for sunset views over the city. Evening stroll through the Devaraja Market.
Mysore → Coorg
Coffee plantations and misty hillsDrive to Coorg (120 km, 3 hours). Check into a plantation homestay. Afternoon visit to Raja's Seat for valley views and the Abbey Falls. Evening coffee tasting at the estate.
Coorg → Wayanad
Into the spice hills of KeralaCross into Kerala and drive to Wayanad (170 km, 4.5 hours) through the scenic Western Ghats. Afternoon visit to Edakkal Caves with prehistoric petroglyphs. Evening at a spice plantation.
Wayanad
Wildlife and natureFull day exploring Wayanad. Morning jeep safari at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to spot elephants and gaurs. Visit Chembra Peak for the heart-shaped lake trek, and Soochipara Falls.
Wayanad → Calicut
Coastal heritage and beachDescend to Calicut (Kozhikode, 100 km, 3 hours). Visit the Kappad Beach where Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498. Explore the Mishkal Mosque and the bustling SM Street for spices and sweets.
Calicut → Alleppey
Board the houseboatDrive to Alleppey (Alappuzha, 250 km, 5.5 hours). Board your traditional kettuvallam houseboat by noon. Cruise through the palm-fringed backwaters, watching village life drift past. Overnight on the houseboat with dinner on board.
Alleppey → Cochin
Heritage Fort KochiDisembark the houseboat after breakfast and drive to Cochin (70 km, 2 hours). Afternoon explore Fort Kochi: Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church (India's oldest European church), and the Dutch Palace. Evening Kathakali dance performance.
Cochin → Athirapally → Cochin
Waterfalls of the Western GhatsDay trip to Athirapally Falls (80 km, 2 hours) - the "Niagara of India" where the Chalakudy River thunders through the Sholayar forest. Walk through the surrounding rainforest. Return to Cochin for the evening.
Cochin
Spice markets and backwater sunsetFree day in Cochin. Visit the Mattancherry spice market, the Kerala Folklore Museum, or take a sunset harbour cruise. Evening free for shopping at Princess Street or enjoying fresh seafood at Fort Kochi's cafes.
Depart Cochin
End of tourAfter breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight. Tour ends on departure.
Planning Your Trip
What is the best time to visit Karnataka and Kerala?
October to March offers the best weather. Hill stations like Coorg and Wayanad are pleasant year-round, while monsoon (June-September) brings lush greenery but heavy rains.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. Drives are moderate, stays are comfortable, and activities like plantation walks, palace visits, and houseboat stays appeal to all ages.
What vehicle is used?
A private Toyota Innova Crysta (or similar) is used for all transfers, driven by an experienced South Indian driver familiar with the route.
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included daily. Lunches and dinners are open so you can explore local cuisine at each destination. The houseboat stay includes all meals.
