Culture & Nature Odyssey: Southern Splendours

14 nights / 15 days

Starting from : USD 1867 / person

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Mysore Palace, explore the wildlife wonders of Nagarhole National Park, and unwind amidst the coastal charms Kerala. This tour seamlessly weaves together royal history, untamed nature, and tranquil coastal landscapes.

Detailed tour program:

Day 1 – Bangalore:

Morning: Arrive at Bangalore International Airport. Our representative will welcome you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel and take some time to relax.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening at the hotel.

Day 2 – Bangalore / Mysore:

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mysore, known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Karnataka.’
Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel in Mysore. Later, explore the vibrant Devaraja Market, constructed during Tipu Sultan’s reign. It showcases a blend of vibrant colors, with stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and kumkum.
Evening: Visit the renowned Chamundi Temple atop Chamundi Hills, witnessing a splendid view of the city. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, holds historical and religious significance.

Day 3 – Mysore / Somnathpura / Mysore:

Morning: After breakfast visit to the enchanting Mysore Palace, an architectural marvel built in Indo-Saracenic style during the reign of Maharaja Wodiyar. Explore its opulent halls and learn about the royal history.
Afternoon: Explore St. Philomena’s Church, a Gothic masterpiece and one of India’s largest churches. Depart for Somnathpura to visit the Hoysala temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, showcasing intricate star-shaped architecture from the Hoysala dynasty.
Evening: Return to Mysore, where the blend of history and culture creates a captivating atmosphere.

Day 4 – Mysore / Nagarhole:

Morning: After breakfast drive to Nagarhole National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. En route, appreciate the historical significance of the region and its connections to the Wodiyar dynasty.
Afternoon: Check-in at the resort and embark on a thrilling game drive in Nagarhole National Park. Learn about the park’s history and conservation efforts.

Day 5 – Nagarhole:

Morning: Enjoy an early morning game drive in Nagarhole National Park, known for its Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, and other fascinating wildlife. Gain insights into the conservation initiatives.
Evening: Relax at the hotel, reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters and conservation efforts.

Day 6 – Nagarhole / Ooty:

Morning: After breakfast drive for the picturesque hill station of Ooty, renowned for its British colonial charm. Explore the history of Ooty, discovered by Briton John Sullivan in the 19th century.
Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel and explore St. Stephen’s Church, showcasing colonial architecture, and the Ooty Botanical Garden with its exotic plants. Take a walk along the lake, appreciating the Nilgiris mountain range.
Evening: Leisure time at the hotel.

Day 6 – Ooty:

Morning: Embark on a 16km trek from Ooty to Kokkal Kota, witnessing panoramic views of Bokkapuram, Masinagudi, and the Mudumalai reserve. Learn about the region’s tribal culture and biodiversity.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch during the trek, experiencing the natural beauty and cultural heritage. Return to Ooty for leisure time.

Day 7 – Ooty / Coonoor/ Ooty:

Morning: After breakfast ride the Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway from Ooty to Coonoor, a historic steam engine train journey through tea plantations and tropical forests. Discover the history of the railway and its impact on the region.
Afternoon: Return to Ooty, appreciating the cultural and historical significance of the Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway. Relax at the hotel.

Day 8 – Coonoor / Munnar:

Morning: After breakfast drive through tropical forests and tea gardens to Munnar, passing through villages and tea plantations. Explore the historical context of the tea industry in the region.
Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel in Munnar and enjoy leisure time.

Day 9 – Munnar / Cochin:

Morning: After breakfast drive through the small villages and tea plantations of Kerala to Cochin, a city with a rich maritime history. Explore the historical connections between Munnar, Cochin, and the spice trade.
Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel. Late afternoon, take a stroll in the streets of Fort Kochi, reflecting on its colonial history.
Evening: Free time at the hotel.

Day 10 – Cochin:

Morning: After breakfast visit Mattanchery Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, built in 1555 by the Portuguese. Explore its Indo-Keralan architecture, painted ceilings, and woodwork. Learn about its restoration by the Dutch in 1663.
Afternoon: Explore colonial houses in Fort Cochin and witness the Chinese fishing nets, reflecting the multicultural history of Cochin.
Evening: Free time to immerse yourself in the colonial ambiance.

Day 11 – Cochin / Alleppey:

Morning: After breakfast drive to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters. Check into the houseboat for a tranquil cruise. Learn about the historical importance of the backwaters in Kerala’s trade and transportation.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and spend the night on-board, surrounded by the historical charm of the backwaters.

Day 12 – Alleppey / Mararikulam:

Morning: Cruise to witness the sunrise over the Arabian Sea. After breakfast, check-out from the houseboat and drive to Mararikulam.
Afternoon: Relax on the beach or at the hotel, reflecting on the historical importance of coastal villages in Kerala.

Day 13 – Mararikulam:

Morning: After breakfast stroll along the beach or rent a bicycle to explore Marari village and its local markets, gaining insights into the coastal village lifestyle.
Afternoon: Leisure time, contemplating the historical connections between coastal communities and trade.

Day 14 – Mararikulam:

Morning and Afternoon: Relax on the beach, reflecting on the historical significance of Mararikulam as a traditional fishing village.

Day 15 – Mararikulam / Cochin Airport:

Morning: Your driver will take you to Cochin Airport for your onward flight, concluding your journey enriched with historical insights into the diverse regions of South India.

End of our services

Your hotels or similar
3*/4* or heritage hotels

• Bangalore: The President***
• Mysore :Pai Vista***
• Nagarhole :Maachan Wilderness Lodge****
• Ooty : Fortune Sullivan
• Munnar :Deepwoods Resort
• Cochin: Dutch Bunglow (Heritage)
• Alleppey : House Boat
• Mararkulam :Mararikulam Village Resort

Price Includes:

Air conditioned comfortable private vehicle according to the number of passengers (parking fees, petrol, road taxes, and tolls included).
An experienced basic English-speaking driver (including accommodation, meals and salary).
Accommodation on twin/ double sharing basis with breakfast and taxes included.
Trek in the Ooty with an English speaking guide.
Meals on full board in the houseboat in Alleppey.
Toy train ride from Ooty to Coonoor.
Visit of Cochin with an English speaking guide.
Three game drives in the Nagarhole National park in jeep.

Price excludes:

International flights.
Lunches and dinners.
Entrances to monuments and sites to visit.
Visa fees.
Drinks.
Tips.
All other personal expenses not included in the trip.

Good to know:

• A visa is mandatory for traveling to India. We offer visa services for India, please consult us for the procedures.
• The tea museum in Munnar is closed on Mondays.
• Access to temples is allowed for foreigners but not to the inside of sacred chapels.
• A video equipment fee may be requested at the entrance of certain monuments.
• The Indian road network is of average quality, and travel times may be longer than expected, but the quality of discoveries at every moment compensates for this slight discomfort.
• The synagogue in Kochi is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
• The baggage weight limit on domestic flights is 15kg checked baggage and 7kg hand luggage. An additional charge of 5 euros per kilo will be requested at check-in for domestic flights.
• This itinerary may be subject to minor changes depending on changes in airline and train schedules, hotel availability, and entrance hours to monuments.
• We would also like to point out that our drivers are chosen for their seriousness, sense of service, availability, and competence, but unfortunately, not all of them are fluent in English. When they speak it, they become guides! Nevertheless, communication is always possible and generally sufficient. If you wish, you can occasionally request the services of a local English-speaking or French-speaking guide (depending on the sites) during your visits.