Your itinerary
Day 1
Adventure begins in Bangalore. Transfer to Mysore; witness Mysore Palace illuminations; welcome dinner
Arriving at Bangalore International Airport, head towards the exit of the terminal building, where you are met and transferred (approximately 3hr 30min) to Mysore.Around 6pm, we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead over a welcome meeting. In the evening, we visit Mysore Palace, one of the largest in India, to see it illuminated by more than 100,000 bulbs – a dazzling opening to our adventure. That’s followed by dinner with a local family.Want more time in Bangalore? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Sightseeing tour of Mysore
Discover the highlights of Mysore today, beginning with an exploration of Mysore Palace. We also visit other city landmarks, including St Philomena’s Cathedral, which was designed to resemble Cologne Cathedral in Germany. After, we head into the Chamundi Hills to visit two Hindu temples: the golden Chamundeshwari Temple and Nandi Temple, home to a giant 350-year-old bull statue. Visit Rajendra Art Gallery in the afternoon, which exhibits works by Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma and traditional paintings in the Mysore style.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Drive to Coorg; enjoy an afternoon tour of coffee and spice plantations
Drive (three hours) this morning to the remote hill station of Coorg, where tiny springs and coffee, tea and spice estates are spread across the misty slopes. Along the way, we stop in Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet, to see the intricate carvings at the Golden Temple.Having completed our journey to Coorg, we join a local guide on a walk through sprawling coffee fields to learn about the history and art of producing coffee. We also learn about the evolution of spice plantations and see how spices are produced, from planting to packaging.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Join a Kodava family for a cooking lesson; sightseeing tour of Coorg
If you’re an early riser, consider one of the complimentary activities offered by the hotel. The Twitchers Trek is an exploration of the surrounding woods led by the in-house naturalist with the chance to see some of the 350-odd bird species that call Coorg home. Or, for a bright start to the morning, join the 30-minute yoga session.After breakfast, head out to meet a Kodava family, descendants of an ancient warrior clan. Your hosts welcome you into their century-old British-style bungalow and teach you how to make pandi, a typical Coorgi curry made with pork and spices on a wood-fired oven. As you cook, learn about the history of the Kodava clan and their martial legacy. Later, dress up in traditional Coorgi attire: full warrior regalia for men and a uniquely draped saree for women. Sit down with your hosts to enjoy your pandi along with a variety of other dishes and home-brewed wines. Good food and great conversations make the experience one to cherish.After lunch, set off on an exploration of the sights in and around Coorg. Begin at Madikeri Fort, first built in the 17th century by Mudduraja, before being reconstructed in granite by Tipu Sultan, a ruler known as the Tiger of Mysore. Later, the British added elements, including a clock tower and porch. Other landmarks we visit include a palace inspired by an English lodge, temples, and Indo-Saracenic-style tombs dedicated to the Kodava royalty and elites.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 5
Drive to Wayanad; enjoy a free afternoon
We drive (6 hours) to Wayanad this morning, a hilly region of Kerala known for its natural beauty. The remainder of the day is at leisure. There is the option of cycling an 8mi (12km) trail across the rural landscapes of Kalpetta, the district capital. Along the way, you can visit the local temples, pepper and coffee estates, lemongrass plantations and a tribal village. Alternatively, enjoy the hotel facilities, strolling through the plantations or taking a dip in the pool.If you fancy a pre-dinner treat, join a chef-led complimentary cooking demonstration. You’ll be guided through the preparation of typical dishes, before sampling a few of the delicious creations. Just let your tour leader know you’d like to join on arrival, so they can book you in (minimum four people required).Upgrade to a Tree House room today – speak to your sales representative for more details.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Walking tour of Wayanad; free afternoon to relax
Enjoy a scenic 3mi (5km) walk in the Sugandhagiri range today, which should take around 2hr 30min. Our trail immediately plunges into a tea estate, winding along with beautiful views of the Sugandhagiri mountains and excellent landscape photography opportunities. Continue along the forest edge before entering coffee plantations. This area is great for birding with a diverse range of species. The trail then emerges back into the tea estate and we return to the starting point. The remainder of the day is at leisure.If you’re keen to continue exploring the local flora and fauna, join the hotel naturalist for a guided nature walk through the rainforest and the coffee and pepper plantations. Just book through your tour leader or at reception.Upgrade to a Tree House room today – speak to your sales representative for more details.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Drive to Ooty; visit St Stephen's Church and explore a local market
Today we transfer (four hours) to Ooty in the Nilgiri Mountains, a one-time summer retreat for the British which is dotted with tea gardens, waterfalls and colonial architecture.In the afternoon, we visit St Stephen’s Church, constructed by the British in the 19th century to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. Later, enjoy leisure time perusing the produce in the local vegetable market before heading back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Scenic ‘toy’ train ride around Nilgiri Mountains; visit Ooty and explore Toda village
Today we enjoy a classic Ooty experience, riding a steam train – known locally as the toy train – through the Nilgiri Mountains to Coonoor. Our picturesque one-hour adventure takes us on the 100-year-old Nilgiri Mountain Railway, through the spectacular forested slopes and tea estates of the Nilgiri Mountains.After, we return to Ooty to explore the Government Botanical Garden, which has vibrant displays planted in English-style terraced beds.Then enjoy lunch at the Fernhills Palace, a one-time royal residence resembling a Swiss chalet; perched at one of the highest points in Ooty, this resort has an amazing view of the Nilgiris. We eat in the restaurant, which was once a dance room for entertaining guests.After, we visit Toda village, home to the Toda tribe, where we interact with the community, visit their hut-style homes, known as dogles, and watch a shawl-making demonstration.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 9
Take a train from Coimbatore to Kochi
Today, we drive (three hours) from Ooty to Coimbatore to take the train to the old port city of Kochi (approximately 4hr 30min). Riding the rails, we pass through villages and towns with a chance to see daily life in full flow. A light packed lunch is also provided.Kochi is the ideal place to learn about Kerala’s unique global exchange, both economic and cultural. While the camel caravans on the Silk Road plodded through the Thar Desert in India’s distant northwest, Spice Route traders looking for black pepper reached Kerala on treacherous sea voyages.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 10
Cultural tour of Kochi; enjoy an optional cultural evening
Embark on a cultural tour, learning about the lifestyles, dress, food, traditions and religious beliefs of the communities who call the Fort Kochi neighbourhood their home. The experience includes trying delicacies that have made their way to the city from other parts of India and the world.After, we take a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in the adjacent historic neighborhoods of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.In Fort Kochi, we visit: St Francis Church, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried after his death in 1524; Santa Cruz Cathedral, originally used as a warehouse by the British; and the fishing nets lining the harbor entrance, which were introduced by the Chinese in the late-14th century.In Mattancherry, we visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in the mid-1500s in a traditional Keralan style, and Jew Town, once home to a Jewish community and now a great place to peruse antique shops and warehouses. You can also visit Thomas Chettan in the Little Queen Embroidery shop to learn about hand lace work, a dying art using bobbin lace.There is the option in the late afternoon to see a performance showcasing the dance styles of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Bharatanatyam, plus the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Drive to Alleppey; visit Coir Museum and explore Alleppey; enjoy a backwater cruise and overnight on a traditional houseboat
We transfer (two hours) to Alleppey this morning, famous for its serpentine network of backwaters and thriving coir (coconut fibre) industry.Explore the Coir Museum on arrival to learn about the coir-manufacturing process and see articles and artifacts made from coir. Also stroll around the local market and town of Alleppey before we board our houseboat at midday and begin our cruise along the Kerala backwaters.The houseboat cruise is one of the trip highlights – these enchanting boats, built of anjili (wild jack) wood and bamboo, transported goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. As our boat meanders through tropical vegetation, we can see prolific bird life and gain a different perspective on the village. The cruise takes us along shallow, palm-fringed canals where coconut fibre, coconut meat, and cashews are loaded onto dugout canoes. In the evening, the boat is anchored by the bank and we watch the sun set over the paddy fields.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 12
To Kumarakom; walk through Manjira village
Today we travel (1hr 30min) to the village of Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake. We have the rest of the morning free for optional activities such as an Ayurvedic massage (paid for locally).This afternoon, we head out on a village walk. The journey begins in a shikhara boat, cruising to the banks of Manjira village. Through our local village guide and the community, we learn about many of their practices and products, including the art of climbing a coconut tree and coconut leaf weaving. We also see a skilled fisherman cast his net and enjoy a stroll by the green paddies. For a light refreshment, try a freshly cut coconut before learning about (and sampling) fresh Kerala toddy, a specialty of the area.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Optional Kottayam Heritage Trail with lunch; afternoon at leisure
Choose your own adventure today. Options include exploring the Kottayam Heritage Trail (book through your tour leader), discovering a bygone time when a royal capital flourished along the banks of the Meenachi River. You’re joined by a storyteller, who takes you through the highlights of Old Kottayam, including unique geographical features, heritage buildings and centuries-old places of worship. There are also several other options, including a sunset cruise and dance performance, butterfly garden visit, Ayurvedic massage and kayaking (all payable at the hotel).
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 14
Adventure ends in Kumarakom
The adventure ends today. Begin your return journey home or, if you’d like a bit more time to explore Kerala, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Food
All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners are included in this trip. Allow at least 1,400-2,400 rupees (US$17-US$29) per day for lunches and dinners not included.
India is famous for its food and there is ample opportunity to try various curries. In most towns we visit, there is a good selection of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western food. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap, while a large bottle of beer is approximately 300 rupees (around US$3.60).
Mineral water is widely available, but drinking water is provided in a large container in the bus to reduce our use of plastic, so please bring your own refillable water bottle.
Kodava Home Visit & Pandi Curry Cooking
Meet a Kodava family in their ancestral home and cook traditional pandi curry over a wood fire, learning the balance of black pepper, kachampuli (vinegar) and slow-simmered pork that defines this much-loved Coorg speciality. Taste house wines and share stories around a communal table.
Discover the proud martial heritage of the Kodavas, with a chance to don distinctive attire and learn about clan customs, weapons and festivals that bind this warrior community to the forests and fields of Kodagu.
Toda Village Visit & Shawl-Weaving Demonstration
Enter a Toda village to see arched, barrel-vaulted huts—traditional dogles—set among rolling grasslands. Meet community members to understand pastoral customs, sacred dairies and the symbology that shapes tribal life in the Nilgiris.
Observe a shawl-weaving demonstration, noting bold red-black embroidery inspired by buffalo motifs and mountain flora. The encounter highlights the resilience of an indigenous culture anchored to these high meadows.
Mysore City Heritage Tour: Palace, Chamundi Hills & Cathedral
Explore Mysore’s regal heart as you step inside Mysore Palace, admiring gilded columns, a stained-glass ceiling and the grand Durbar Hall. Visit the neo-Gothic St Philomena’s Cathedral with its soaring spires, then ascend the Chamundi Hills to the Chamundeshwari Temple and the colossal Nandi bull statue carved from a single rock.
Balance spiritual landmarks with culture at the Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery, where paintings associated with Raja Ravi Varma illuminate royal and mythological themes central to Mysore’s artistic legacy.
Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement & Namdroling Monastery
Visit Bylakuppe to experience the rhythms of South India’s largest Tibetan enclave. Enter the radiant prayer halls of Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple), where giant gilded Buddhas, butter-lamp glow and the low murmur of mantras create a contemplative atmosphere.
Learn how this 1960s resettlement nurtured monastic education, thangka painting and ritual arts in exile. Colorful murals, prayer flags and incense combine to tell a living story of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in Karnataka.
Coorg Coffee & Spice Estate Walk with Tastings
Walk plantation trails through Coorg’s emerald slopes, where arabica and robusta grow beneath pepper vines and jackfruit trees. Smell crushed cardamom, see sun-drying yards and roasting sheds, and sample estate-roasted coffee alongside pepper or vanilla-tinged treats.
Hear how monsoon rhythms, shade trees and Kodagu’s terrain shape cup profiles and spice potency. From seedling to sack, trace the craft and trade routes that made this hill country a fragrant pantry of India.
Madikeri Fort & Kodava Heritage Sites Tour
Trace layers of power at Madikeri Fort, where Tipu Sultan rebuilt earlier ramparts in granite and the British later added a clock tower and portico. From the bastions, gaze over hill-wrapped Madikeri and its checkerboard of estates and rooftops.
Continue to Kodava heritage landmarks, including the Indo-Saracenic domes of the royal Raja’s Tombs (Gaddige) and atmospheric shrines associated with local rulers—an architectural journey through Kodagu’s cultural memory.
Sugandhagiri Tea & Coffee Trail Walk, Wayanad
Enjoy a scenic walk in the Sugandhagiri range, weaving through tea terraces, forest margins and coffee groves. Fragrant breezes, valley outlooks and plantation life unfold at a relaxed pace ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
Spot Western Ghats birdlife amid shade trees and cardamom patches, and learn how elevation, rainfall and soil shape local harvests. The circular route returns through manicured tea rows, completing a serene portrait of Wayanad’s green economy.
St Stephen’s Church Visit & Ooty Market Stroll
Step inside St Stephen’s Church, Ooty’s 1829 landmark of colonial-era Ooty, with timber beams, stained glass and cool stone aisles set among pines and eucalyptus. The calm interior contrasts with the lively hill-station outside.
Wander a bustling vegetable market to meet vendors and admire Nilgiri produce—tea, hill greens and aromatic herbs—while absorbing the cadence of daily trade that sustains life in the Blue Mountains.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Botanical Garden & Fernhills Palace Lunch
Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO-listed, steam-hauled climb past tea slopes, bridges and misty ravines to Coonoor—an engineering jewel of the Blue Mountains. Return to explore the Government Botanical Garden, terraced in 1848 with English-style beds and rare Himalayan conifers.
Savour lunch at Fernhills Palace, a former royal residence with wood-panelled halls and sweeping views of the Nilgiris. Heritage ambience, manicured lawns and highland air frame a distinctive Ooty trifecta of rail, garden and Raj-era elegance.
Fort Kochi & Mattancherry Heritage Walk with Tastings
Walk the lanes of Fort Kochi past colonial bungalows and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Visit St Francis Church, linked to Vasco da Gama, and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica while sampling coastal bites that echo centuries of spice-route exchange.
In Mattancherry, explore the mural-rich Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace and browse Jew Town for antiques and spice warehouses. Meet artisans at Little Queen Embroidery to glimpse delicate hand-lace traditions preserved in this storied port city.
Alleppey Coir Museum Visit
Discover the world of coir at the Coir Museum, where husks become rope, mats and eco-friendly crafts. Watch demonstrations of spinning and loom-work that power Kerala’s historic coconut coir industry.
Exhibits trace the material’s maritime past—from ships’ ropes to contemporary design—revealing how sustainability, community skills and coastal trade continue to anchor Alleppey’s identity.
Kerala Backwaters Premium Houseboat Cruise & Overnight
Cruise the Kerala backwaters aboard a Premium houseboat (kettuvallam) crafted from anjili wood and coir lashings. Glide along palm-fringed canals past paddy fields, village jetties and toddy shops while kingfishers flash over still water.
As the boat anchors by a quiet bank, savour sunset and the soft chorus of village life. Regional dishes prepared on board and stories of Kuttanad—the famed “rice bowl of Kerala”—complete this languid, river-level perspective.
Kumarakom Manjira Village Walk & Toddy Tasting
Arrive by shikhara boat to Manjira and set out on a guided village walk beside emerald paddies. Meet coconut climbers, watch frond-weaving, and see a fisherman cast his net in time-honoured fashion along Vembanad’s backwaters.
Pause for fresh coconut water before a toddy tasting, learning how sap is tapped and fermented. Lush scenery and hands-on encounters reveal daily rhythms shaped by the lake’s tides and harvests.
Stroll Ooty’s Government Botanical Garden
Explore the Government Botanical Garden, founded in 1848 and laid out in English-style terraces. Wander past vibrant seasonal beds, heritage trees and hill flora framed by crisp Nilgiri air.
Spot rare conifers and Victorian-era landscaping touches that echo Ooty’s colonial debut as a high-altitude retreat. The garden’s cool avenues offer a restful contrast to the town’s lively bazaar lanes.
Wayanad Hotel Cooking Showcase (Complimentary, Subject to Availability)
Join a chef-led cooking showcase at your Wayanad resort, watching masalas bloom in hot oil and learning the balance behind a crisp thoran or tangy fish curry. Sample freshly prepared bites in a relaxed, interactive setting.
Offered on select days with a minimum number of participants, this complimentary session provides culinary context to Kerala’s spice-forward cuisine and offers practical techniques to take home.
Wayanad Rural Cycling Trail, Kalpetta (Optional)
Pedal a guided cycling trail through the Kalpetta countryside, passing pepper and coffee estates, lemongrass patches and quiet shrines. Gentle backroads and village lanes reveal plantation life at a human pace.
This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour. Bicycles and basic helmets are provided; suitable for active travellers comfortable with undulating terrain and short stops for photos and temple visits.
Chef-Led Kerala Cooking Demonstration, Wayanad (Optional)
Join a chef-led cooking demonstration to master spice tempering, coconut-based gravies and seasonal vegetables the Kerala way. Grind, stir and taste as classic techniques come to life at the stove.
Offered at additional cost and bookable on tour (subject to minimum numbers). Gain practical tips, recipe notes and a deeper understanding of flavour layering that defines coastal cuisine.
Rainforest Nature Walk with Resort Naturalist, Wayanad (Optional)
Follow a guided nature walk with an expert naturalist through rainforest corridors and mixed plantations. Tune into birdsong—listen for the Western Ghats’ biodiversity, from Malabar whistling thrush to sunbirds in pepper blossoms.
At additional cost and bookable on tour. Ideal for curious walkers and birders; binoculars recommended for better sightings along shaded paths and stream edges.
Kochi Cultural Performance: Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam & Kalaripayattu (Optional)
Spend an evening at a theatre where Kathakali unfolds in expressive mudras and ornate makeup, Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam trace classical grace, and Kalaripayattu showcases Kerala’s ancient martial art.
This showcase is at additional cost and bookable on tour. Arrive in time to observe the meticulous face-painting ritual, then settle in for a vivid primer on movement, rhythm and folklore.
Kottayam Heritage Trail with Lunch (Optional)
Explore the Kottayam Heritage Trail with a storyteller guide, uncovering riverfront shrines, Syrian Christian churches and tile-roofed mansions that reveal centuries of trade and faith along the Meenachil River.
Includes a regional lunch. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, offering rich context to central Kerala’s cultural mosaic beyond the backwaters.
Vembanad Lake Sunset Cruise & Dance Showcase (Optional)
Board a small craft for a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake, watching palms and fishing canoes silhouette against rose-gold water. Gentle breezes and rippling reflections set a tranquil mood.
Often paired with a post-cruise classical dance showcase on shore. At additional cost and bookable on tour; a serene, atmospheric way to absorb Kerala’s lakeside culture.
Traditional Ayurvedic Massage Therapy Session (Optional)
Rebalance with an Ayurvedic massage, where warmed herbal oils and rhythmic strokes are tailored to your dosha. Aromatic blends and attentive technique encourage deep relaxation and circulation.
This wellness treatment is at additional cost and bookable on tour. Therapists provide guidance on suitable therapies, from head and shoulder focus to full-body abhyanga sessions.
Vembanad Backwaters Kayaking (Optional)
Set out on guided kayaking through lotus-dotted canals and quiet inlets, scanning for kingfishers, egrets and village life unfolding at the waterline. Smooth strokes reveal intimate corners larger boats can’t reach.
At additional cost and bookable on tour. Includes safety briefing and life vests; suitable for beginners comfortable with gentle paddling on calm backwaters.
Kumarakom Butterfly Garden Visit (Optional)
Wander a curated habitat at a butterfly garden, learning about host plants and nectar sources that attract southern India’s vivid species—from blue Mormon to common rose.
This calming nature visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour. Best light and activity often occur mid-morning, offering excellent opportunities for close-up photography.
Mysore Palace Illumination & Home-Hosted Welcome Dinner
Witness the royal facade of Mysore Palace illuminated by thousands of lights, turning its domes and arches into a glowing tapestry of Indo-Saracenic design. Strolling the forecourt, feel the festive hum of the city as the palace shimmers against the evening sky.
Continue to a local residence for a home-hosted welcome dinner. Share Karnataka family recipes, fragrant with curry leaves and roasted spices, and enjoy warm conversation that offers an intimate window onto everyday life and hospitality in southern India.
