Secrets of Southern India

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to Lalbagh Botanical Gardens (open daily, 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM), a 240-acre green haven featuring tropical plants, a glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, a serene lake, and an aquarium. Spend around 1.5 hours exploring this iconic garden.

Next, drive to Cubbon Park (open daily, 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM) for a short 30-minute stroll amid its lush greenery. From there, view the Vidhana Soudha from the outside, capturing photos of the grand legislative building. Continue to Bangalore Palace (open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM) and explore its Tudor-style architecture and majestic interiors for about 1 hour. Then, visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace (open daily, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM), admiring the teakwood craftsmanship and historical significance for around 45 minutes.

Conclude the tour with a peaceful visit to the ISKCON Temple at Hare Krishna Hill (open daily, 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM), allowing approximately 45 minutes for darshan and to soak in the serene atmosphere. Return to your hotel in Bengaluru for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Mysore. En route, stop at Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, an important pilgrimage site admired for its historical significance and grand Dravidian-style architecture. Continue your journey to Mysore, and upon arrival visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of India’s grandest royal residences. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mysore.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to the Kesava Temple in Somnathpur, celebrated for its exquisite Hoysala architecture and intricate stone carvings. Later embark on a picturesque drive to Ooty, often referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations." The journey takes you through scenic routes with rolling hills, tea plantations, and dense forests. Upon arrival in Ooty, check into your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, start your day exploring Ooty, the “Queen of Hills.” Visit the Botanical Gardens, home to exotic plants and vibrant flowers, and then enjoy a serene boat ride at Ooty Lake. Take a stroll through the charming Ooty Rose Garden and admire its beautiful collection of roses. In the afternoon, drive to Coonoor, a scenic hill station known for its tea estates and lush landscapes. Visit Sim’s Park, a beautifully landscaped garden, and take in panoramic views from Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint. You can also explore a local tea estate to learn about tea processing and enjoy fresh tea tasting. Return to Ooty for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Spend a relaxed day enjoying the serene beauty of Ooty at your own pace. You can explore the town’s quaint streets, shop for local handicrafts, or simply unwind amid the scenic hills and tea plantations. Overnight stay at the hotel in Ooty.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kodaikanal, a scenic hill station famous for its misty hills, pleasant climate, and charming waterfalls. Upon arrival, check in at your resort and take some time to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the nearby areas or simply unwinding amidst nature. Overnight stay at the resort in Kodaikanal.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Kodaikanal’s top attractions. Visit Pillar Rocks, famous for its breathtaking cliffside views and distinctive rock formations. Continue to Silver Cascade Falls, where the waterfall flows through lush greenery, and then stroll through Bryant Park, renowned for its colorful flowerbeds. End the day at Kodai Lake, enjoying its serene ambiance and optional boating. Return to the resort for an overnight stay in Kodaikanal.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kochi. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kochi.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, with a possible comfort stop and optional spice garden visit. After checking into your hotel in Munnar and enjoying lunch, you can choose to visit the Tea Museum or explore local markets. The afternoon is free to relax, take in the views. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Eravikulam National Park where you will enjoy a short hike through the park, spotting the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and taking in the scenic hill views. Continue to Mattupetty Dam to admire the surrounding landscape, and then visit Echo Point, known for its panoramic vistas and the natural echo phenomenon. In the evening, head to Top Station, one of Munnar’s highest viewpoints, to witness a stunning sunset over the valleys before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Thekkady. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you can observe wildlife in their natural habitat. During the ride, take in the mesmerizing views of the evergreen forests and look out for elephants, sambar deer, Indian bison, and the elusive tiger. If time permits, visit Kumily, a charming town about 10 kilometers away, and immerse yourself in the fragrant world of spices at a local plantation. Overnight stay at the resort in Thekkady.

After breakfast, proceed to Kumarakom, a scenic backwater destination known for its tranquil beauty. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Kumarakom, often called the queen of Vembanad, is a charming resort town nestled along the banks of Vembanad Lake. Originally a quiet village, it gained prominence when Henry Baker purchased land from the King of Travancore to build his grand home. Today, Kumarakom is dotted with modern resorts and heritage hotels, offering a perfect blend of comfort and nature.

Later, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird watchers, with its winding rivulets and lush surroundings. The Vembanad Lake, bordered by mangroves and paddy fields, is ideal for spotting a variety of bird species. A houseboat cruise is a must-do experience, allowing visitors to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the backwaters while observing wildlife. For photography enthusiasts, Pathiramanal, a small island on the lake, offers stunning landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Just beyond Kumarakom, explore Kottayam, a backwater town known for its rubber plantations and elegant old churches. After a day of exploration, enjoy a restful overnight stay at a resort in Kumarakom.

After breakfast in the morning, proceed to Alleppey, a serene backwater destination known for its picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, board your houseboat and settle in for a relaxing cruise through the tranquil waterways. As you glide past lush greenery and charming villages, soak in the breathtaking views of Kerala’s backwaters. By 13:30 hrs, the houseboat will pause for a delicious lunch on board, allowing you to savor local flavors while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. At 14:30 hrs, the journey resumes, covering a vast expanse of serene backwaters, offering an experience that feels like a dream. Enjoy tea and snacks onboard as the scenery continues to unfold around you. By 18:00 hrs, the houseboat will anchor, providing a unique and unforgettable overnight stay amidst the stillness of the backwaters.

After breakfast at the houseboat, leave for Kochi. Upon arrival proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour. Start at Jew Street, where you can visit the Jewish Synagogue (open from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays). Next, explore St. Francis Church, India’s first European church, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Continue to Dutch Palace in Mattancherry (open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays), showcasing Kerala’s regal history and artistic murals. Spend some free time strolling through Jew Street, a lively area with shops selling handicrafts, antiques, and ethnic garments. Later, visit Fort Kochi and witness the famous Chinese fishing nets, a fascinating sight that highlights Cochin’s maritime heritage. After a day of enriching experiences, enjoy a restful overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast or earlier as per your flight timing, our driver will transfer you to the Cochin International Airport for home or onward journey.