Palaces, Plantations, Toy Trains & Colonial Cochin
This comprehensive 11-day private tour takes you on a sweeping exploration of Southern India's rich history, cooler hill country, and unique coastal cultures. Begin in Bangalore, the modern garden metropolis, then travel to Mysore to admire the legendary illuminated Mysore Palace and ancient Chamundi temples.
Head into the misty Western Ghats to Coorg, a land of lush coffee plantations and Tibetan cultural enclaves. Continue to Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu, for mountain lakes, tea plantations and the historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train. Descend to Coimbatore before crossing into Kerala to explore Fort Kochi's colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets and Kathakali performances.
Southern 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
- ✓ Ooty Toy Train tickets (Ooty-Coonoor)
- ✓ Mysore Palace night illumination viewing
- ✓ Kathakali dance performance
- ✓ All entrance fees as per itinerary
- ✓ 24/7 concierge support
Excluded
- ✕ Flights to Bangalore / from Cochin
- ✕ Lunches and dinners
- ✕ Travel insurance
- ✕ Personal expenses and tips
- ✕ Camera fees at monuments
- ✕ Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Your 11-Day Itinerary
Arrive Bangalore
Garden City welcomeArrive 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
Royal palace cityDrive to Mysore (150 km, 3 hours). Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, St. Philomena's Church and ascend Chamundi Hill for sunset views. Evening visit to witness the palace illuminated (Sunday/dashami only). Walk through Devaraja Market.
Mysore → Coorg
Coffee plantations of the Western GhatsDrive to Coorg (120 km, 3 hours). Check into a plantation homestay. Afternoon visit Raja's Seat for valley views and Abbey Falls. Evening coffee tasting at the estate. Optional visit to Tibetan monastery at Bylakuppe.
Coorg
Plantation life & natureFull day in Coorg. Morning walk through coffee and spice plantations with the estate owner. Visit Dubare Elephant Camp for an elephant interaction experience. Afternoon at Mandalpatti viewpoint for panoramic Western Ghats views. Evening campfire at the homestay.
Coorg → Ooty
Into the Nilgiri HillsDrive to Ooty (260 km, 6 hours) through the winding Nilgiri mountain roads. Arrive in Ooty and check into a hillside hotel. Evening free to stroll around Ooty Lake and the local market.
Ooty
Toy Train, gardens & teaMorning Nilgiri Toy Train ride from Ooty to Coonoor (pre-booked tickets) through tunnels, bridges and tea estates. Visit the Government Botanical Garden with its 150-year history and rare plant collections. Afternoon tea tasting at a Doddabetta tea factory. Visit Doddabetta Peak for panoramic views.
Ooty → Coimbatore
Descent to the plainsDrive down from Ooty to Coimbatore (85 km, 3 hours). Afternoon visit the Marudhamalai Hill Temple for city views. Evening free to explore Coimbatore's textile markets or visit the VOC Park and Zoo.
Coimbatore → Cochin
Cross into KeralaDrive to Cochin (190 km, 4.5 hours) crossing the border into Kerala. Afternoon explore Fort Kochi: Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church (India's oldest European church), Dutch Palace with Kerala murals. Evening Kathakali dance performance.
Cochin
Heritage & harbourFull day in Cochin. Morning visit the Jewish Synagogue (1568) and the Mattancherry spice market. Afternoon explore the Kerala Folklore Museum or take a harbour cruise. Evening sunset at Fort Kochi waterfront.
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 rainforest. Walk through the surrounding jungle. Return to Cochin for the evening.
Depart Cochin
End of tourAfter breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight. Tour ends on departure.
Planning Your Trip
Is the Ooty Toy Train ride included?
Yes, we pre-book tickets for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) between Ooty and Coonoor, a UNESCO heritage railway and highlight of this tour.
What is the best season for this tour?
October to March offers the most pleasant weather. Hill stations like Coorg and Ooty are beautifully cool, and Cochin enjoys mild coastal temperatures.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly with moderate activities, comfortable stays, and experiences like toy train rides, palace visits and nature walks that appeal to all ages.
What vehicle is used?
A private Toyota Innova Crysta (or similar AC vehicle) is used for all transfers, driven by an experienced South Indian driver familiar with the route.
