Tours

South India Nature & Heritage Tour

Your Journey at a Glance

Overview

A thoughtfully crafted 13-day family holiday, this journey brings together South India’s heritage, wildlife, hill stations, and backwaters. Discover the royal charm of Mysore, spot wildlife in Bandipur, ride the historic toy train in Ooty, and experience village life in Pollachi.Explore the tea estates of Munnar, learn about Kerala’s spices in Thekkady, and enjoy activities ranging from elephant encounters and lake cruises to cultural performances. The adventure continues in Alleppey’s backwaters with a private houseboat stay, kayaking excursions, and concludes with leisure time on the sandy shores of Marari Beach.Blending nature, culture, and relaxation, this itinerary offers a memorable experience designed for families seeking both adventure and comfort.

Tour Highlights

Mysore Heritage City – Palaces, markets, and cultural landmarks.
Bandipur Wildlife Safari – Jeep safaris with opportunities to spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife.
Nilgiri Hills & Ooty – Toy train journey, hill landscapes, and botanical gardens.
Munnar Tea Country – Tea plantations, estate walks, and tea-making experiences.
Periyar & Spice Country – Spice gardens, lake cruises, and nature-based activities.
Alleppey Backwaters & Marari Beach – Houseboat stay, kayaking, and a relaxing coastal escape.

Day & Route	Details
Day 1 Mysore	Activity: Pick up from Airport Transfer to Mysore, Afternoon Sightseeing, Visit to Mysore Place, Chamundy Hills and Devaraja Market Hotel: Southern Star Meals: Breakfast Arrive at Bangalore Airport, where our team will meet you for the drive to Mysore. Check in to your luxury hotel before an afternoon tour of the city. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, enjoy panoramic views from Chamundi Hill, and explore the Chamundeshwari and Nandi temples. Renowned for its royal heritage, Mysore is also famous for its sandalwood, silk, and incense traditions. End the day with a stroll through the vibrant Devaraja Market, known for its flowers, spices, and local produce.
Day 2 Bandipur	Activity: Jeep Safari at Tiger Reserve Hotel: Jungle Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Enjoy breakfast before driving to Bandipur , passing through fertile farmlands of rice, sugarcane, millet, and vegetables. Check in for a peaceful stay at your forest retreat nestled at the foothills of the Nilgiri Hills. Later, set out on a jeep safari in Bandipur Tiger Reserve, home to tigers, elephants, gaur, deer, wild boar, and abundant birdlife.
Day 3 Ooty	Activity: Morning Jeep Safari, Drive to Ooty, Visit to Botanical Garden and Chocolate Factory Hotel: Accord Highland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner This morning, we will set out for a safari in Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Enjoy breakfast before making your way to Ooty, with the route winding through Mudumalai's forests and refreshing landscape of rolling hills, expansive tea estates, and peaceful mountain scenery. By afternoon, reach Ooty and visit the Botanical Garden, followed by a stop at a local chocolate factory known for its handmade chocolates.
Day 4 Pollachi	Activity: Ooty Heritage train ride to Coonoor, Transfer to Pollachi Hotel: Cocoa Lagoon Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Begin the day with a ride aboard the Ooty Heritage Train, winding through the scenic landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills. Later, continue to Pollachi, travelling through the fertile countryside and lush farmlands of Tamil Nadu. The terrain is hilly and rolling as the route descends from the Nilgiris towards the plains. By evening, arrive at a luxury resort nestled within a coconut grove before enjoying a traditional bullock cart ride through plantations and village lanes.
Day 5 Munnar	Activity: Hike to Thuvanam waterfall, visit a local Jaggery-making unit Hotel: Talayar Valley Bungalow Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Set off for Munnar, travelling past coconut plantations and traditional coir-making units. Crossing into Kerala, enter the forests of Chinnar for a trek to Thoovanam Waterfalls before continuing through the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest, with a stop to observe traditional jaggery making. By evening, settle into a tea plantation bungalow surrounded by rolling tea estates. The terrain is hilly and rolling.
Day 6 Talayar	Activity: Tea plantation walk and tea factory visit Hotel: Talayar Valley Bungalow Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Immerse yourself in Munnar's tea culture with a hands-on experience that follows the journey from leaf to cup. Pick fresh tea leaves in the plantation, visit a small tea factory to learn about the production process, and conclude with a tasting of your own freshly brewed tea.
Day 7 Vandanmedu	Activity: Papathy Shola hike, visit Tribal Village, Cooking Class Hotel: Carmelia Heaven Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Travel to Suryanelli for a guided four-hour hike through forested paths, spice plantations, and the settlements of the Muthuvan community, with sweeping views over Anairangal Lake along the way. The terrain is hilly and rolling. After a picnic lunch, continue to Vandanmedu and spend the evening learning Kerala's culinary traditions during an interactive cooking session using ingredients freshly picked from the resort gardens.
Day 8 Thekkady	Activity: Boating in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Elephants interaction, Martial Art Show Hotel: Green Forest Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Journey to Thekkady through the spice-growing highlands, where the terrain becomes increasingly hilly and rolling. Visit an elephant camp for an interactive experience that includes feeding and bathing the animals before retreating to your resort on the edge of the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Later, explore the waters of Periyar Tiger Reserve by boat, visit a spice plantation, and end the day with a captivating Kalaripayattu performance.
Day 9 Thekkady	Activity: Jeep Safari to Gavi, Nature Walk at Gavi Wildlife Sanctuary, Boating to Waterfall Hotel: Green Forest Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner An early morning jeep excursion takes you to Gavi through the forested landscapes of Periyar. The terrain is hilly and rolling, with scenic viewpoints and rich wilderness along the route. Enjoy breakfast at Gavi before a guided walk through the evergreen forest, followed by lunch and a peaceful boating experience. Return to Thekkady in the afternoon, travelling back through the sanctuary's pristine surroundings.
Day 10 Alleppey	Activity: Houseboat cruise Hotel: Houseboat Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Breakfast is followed by a four-hour transfer to Alappuzha through tea estates, spice plantations, and rural villages. On arrival, settle into a private houseboat for an overnight stay on the backwaters. Cruise through tranquil rivers and canals, observing village life, fishing communities, and duck farms along the banks while enjoying freshly prepared local meals, including the region's famed pearl spot fish.
Day 11 Alleppey	Activity: Backwater Village Kayaking, Village Walk Hotel: Emerald Isle Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner Arrive at Emerald Isle Heritage Resort and enjoy a guided kayaking excursion through peaceful canals lined with coconut palms and village homes, offering a glimpse into everyday backwater life. Later, take a relaxed village walk before an overnight stay at the resort.
Day 12 Marari	Activity: Leisure at Beach Hotel: Turtle Beach Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner A short transfer leads to Marari Beach, where the day is free to relax by the sea, enjoy the beach, or take a swim in the Arabian Sea. Spend the night at Turtle Beach Resort, a tranquil beachfront retreat.
Day 13 Departure	Bid farewell to the Western Ghats adventure as your journey comes to an end. A transfer to Cochin International Airport will be arranged according to your departure schedule. For those wishing to extend their stay, optional experiences in Kerala's beaches and backwaters are available below.

Route Map

Approximate mapped route: 802 km. This measures the full published Google map route and may include road transfers. Cycling, trekking and paddling distances are listed separately in the itinerary.

Inclusions

Exclusions

Essential Information

Best Time to Travel

October to March offers pleasant weather for the scheduled outdoor activities. Daily plans depend on local weather and conditions.

Arrival & Departure

Arrive at Bangalore International Airport for transfer to Mysore. The journey finishes at Marari with departure transfer to Cochin International Airport. Airport pickup and drop-off are included.

Accommodation

Stay in carefully selected hotels, homestays, heritage properties, and eco-resorts with local character.

Transport & Essentials

Ground transport and luggage transfers are provided as listed. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a refillable water bottle and personal essentials.

Fitness & Difficulty

Travel is by vehicle between destinations, with sightseeing and walks at a relaxed pace. Discuss any mobility needs and the difficulty of optional hikes or paddling before booking.

Support & Safety

Semi-supported travel includes the listed ground transfers, luggage transport and local coordination. Follow local guidance during walks and excursions.