Overview:

Choose this 18 day private tour and explore the main highlights of South India. The tour starts with an orientation tour of the cosmopolitan city of Bangalore and continue the journey through the tranquil South visiting Mysuru before proceeding to ‘Queen of Nilgiris’ for scenic ride on the the Nilgiri Hill train. From the hills, you drive to the plains of Tamil Nadu to explore the colourful temple town of Madurai. You will cross the borders to the state of Kerala exploring the jungles, spice plantations, tea gardens and stunning mountains of Periyar and Munnar. You will visit the colonial port town of Cochin to see the Dutch, Portuguese and the British influence before cruising through the backwaters of Kerala and finally ending your journey at the famous beach destination of Kovalam.

Day 01

Arrive Bengaluru

On arrival in Bangalore, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Stay at Taj Bangalore, a luxury modern airport hotel for the night. Enjoy an orientation tour of Bangalore in the evening.

Day 02

Bengaluru to Mysuru

After breakfast, drive to Mysuru famous for its palaces, silks and sandalwood. Stay at Royal Orchid Metropole, a heritage hotel for two nights. Take a stroll through the colourful fruit and vegetable Devaraja market this evening and also visit the Chamundi Hills & Nandi Bull

Day 03

Mysuru

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mysore in the morning, visiting the Mysore Palace, Tippu's Summer Palace and ruins of the fort. After lunch visit the famous Rangathitto Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy a row boat cruise on the Cauvery river to see Eurasian Spoon Bill, Black Crowned Night Heron, Cormorants, River Terns and many other species of birds.

Day 04

Mysuru – Ooty – Coonoor

After breakfast, a drive through Mudumalai national park and Masinagudi will take you to Ooty, known as the 'Queen of Nilgiris'. This afternoon, board the Nilgiri hill train departing from Ooty railway station to Coonoor. 'The mountain railway, or ‘toy train’ as it is most commonly known, was built by the British in 1908 and still relies on its fleet of trusty steam locomotives and for many a trip highlight with its spellbinding scenery. You will be met on arrival at Coonoor Railway Station and transferred to your hotel. Stay for the night at The Gateway Hotel Coonoor, a heritage grade colonial hotel.

Day 05

Coonoor – Madurai

After breakfast, you will drive to the famous temple town of Madurai, home to some fine examples of Dravidian architecture, and in particular the stunning Meenakshi Temple complex with its vast colourfully carved gopuram. Stay at The Gateway Hotel Passumalai, a first class period hotel for 02 nights.

Day 06

Madurai

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madurai visiting the famous Madurai Meenakshi temple and Thiru Malai Nayak Palace. Later in the evening take a rickshaw ride through the busy market areas that sells utensils, silverware, textiles, jewellery, banana market, vegetables and fruits.

Day 07

Madurai - Periyar

A 03 hrs drive through the winding ghat road will take you to Periyar wildlife Sanctuary, South India’s best-kept Tiger reserve. Stay at Spice Village Resort for 02 nights. Visit a spice plantation in the evening to learn more about the spices grown in this area.

Day 08

Periyar

Early morning you will be transferred to the boat landing point of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Enjoy a half day bamboo rafting and trekking through some of the richest forest paths of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Try your hand at navigating a raft across the famous Periyar Lake, followed by a visit to Periyar Tiger Reserve where you may spot wildlife including elephants, Sambar deers and Indian bisons.

Day 09

Periyar - Munnar

After breakfast drive to the tea country of Munnar. Stay at Windermere Estate Munnar, a private plantation retreat for two nights. Take a visit to the nearby tea museum and tea factory in the evening.

Day 10

Munnar

This morning enjoy a Lockhart Tea Trail and Factory visit. You can catch stunning views of the green, carpeted tea fields as you follow the tea trail through the Lockhart tea estate. We offer walks lasting from 30 minutes to 03 - 04 hours here. During the tour, you can interact with the ladies picking tea leaves, depending on the area where they are picking and you can also visit the Lockhart tea factory if interested.

Day 11

Munnar - Cochin

After breakfast, drive down the hills visiting the rubber and tea plantations enroute to the colonial port town of Cochin. Stay at Forte Kochi, a first class period hotel for two nights. Enjoy a private motor boat cruise along the harbour to see the Chinese fishing nets in the evening.

Day 12

Cochin

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin & Mattancherry in the morning. Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Spice Markets, Chinese Fishing Nets and the local fish market. In the evening witness Kathakali dance performance, the traditional dance drama of Kerala based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Accompanied by a gong, drums and cymbals, Kathakali performers combine dance and theatre in a ritualistic portrayal of gods and demons.

Day 13

Cochin - Kumarakom

Late morning drive to Kumarakom, famous for its tranquil backwaters. On arrival check-in to Coconut Lagoon, a heritage backwater resort overlooking the Vembanad Lake for the night. Remainder of the day at leisure to relax by the backwaters or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda spa.

Day 14

Kumarakom - Alleppey

Morning at leisure. Afternoon board your private houseboat (Kettuvallom) for an overnight cruise through the famous Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the tranquil backwaters and narrow canals enjoying the village life. Your lunch, evening tea and dinner will be served on board the houseboat. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 15

Alleppey – Kovalam

After a leisurely breakfast, you disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey, where you’ll be met by the driver and transferred to the famous beach destination of Kovalam. Enjoy a relaxing stay at The Raviz Kovalam Resort & Spa for three nights. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 & 17

Kovalam

Day at leisure to relax by the beach or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda Spa.

Day 18

Transfer To Trivandrum Airport

In good time you will be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport to connect your flight home.