From Backwaters to Palaces: 15 Days in Kerala & Karnataka
15 days / 14 nights
Starting from USD 1799 / person
Detailed Tour Program
Day 1 – Arrival in Cochin
Arrival at Cochin International Airport. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and acclimate. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 2 – Cochin :
After breakfast, embark on a fascinating discovery of Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood renowned for its multicultural past. Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), featuring impressive murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the lives of the kings of Kochi.
In the afternoon, visit the St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India where Vasco da Gama was once buried. Continue to the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town, adorned with beautiful hand-painted tiles and antique artifacts, then explore the nearby spice markets filled with the scents of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.
In the late afternoon, stroll along Marine Drive, a scenic waterfront promenade offering stunning views of the backwaters and the setting sun, while enjoying the lively atmosphere of local vendors and street performers. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Cochin / Alleppey (60km & 1h30) :
Morning: After breakfast, set off for Alleppey (Alappuzha), a charming town known as the “Venice of the East” for its extensive network of canals and backwaters. Upon arrival, check into a traditional Kerala houseboat, a beautifully crafted wooden vessel equipped with comfortable bedrooms, a dining area, and an open deck.
In the afternoon, begin a tranquil cruise through the labyrinth of backwaters, passing by lush green paddy fields, quaint villages, and swaying coconut palms. Observe the daily life of locals fishing, farming, and washing clothes along the banks. Relax on the deck and breathe in the fresh air as the houseboat gently glides through the serene waters.
As the sun sets, enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala-style dinner onboard, featuring local spices and flavors. Spend the night aboard the houseboat, lulled by the sounds of nature.
Day 4 – Alleppey / Munnar (164km & 5h)
Morning: Wake up to a peaceful morning on the backwaters and enjoy breakfast on the houseboat as it docks in Alleppey. Disembark and embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a beautiful hill station renowned for its rolling tea plantations and cool climate (approximately 110 km, about 4 hours).
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel nestled amid verdant hills. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum, where you will learn about the history of tea cultivation in India and the traditional methods of tea processing. Gain insights into the life of plantation workers and see vintage machinery still in use.
Later, take a gentle walk through the expansive tea gardens, breathing in the crisp mountain air and admiring endless green slopes dotted with tea bushes. Alternatively, unwind at your hotel and enjoy the serene surroundings. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 5 – Munnar / Coonoor (225km & 7h)
Morning: Early breakfast and departure for the journey to Coonoor, located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Depending on your travel preference, this may include a scenic train ride via Coimbatore and Mettupalayam or a combination of train and road. Enjoy changing landscapes as you leave the coastal plains behind and ascend into the Western Ghats.
Afternoon: Arrival in Coonoor, a quiet and charming hill station known for its tea plantations, colonial cottages, and fresh mountain air. Check-in at your heritage hotel or guest house nestled in the hills.
Late afternoon: Rest and relaxation. You may choose to take a gentle walk around the property or nearby tea gardens to soak in the peaceful surroundings and cool climate. Optionally, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Nilgiri tea with mountain views.
Day 6 – Coonoor / Toy Train / Ooty
Morning: After breakfast, board the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” for a scenic ride from Coonoor to Ooty. This UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway offers a slow and picturesque journey through tunnels, forests, and rolling hills with panoramic views of the Nilgiris.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Ooty, check-in at your hotel and begin your exploration with a visit to the Government Botanical Gardens, famous for their vast collection of exotic and native plants, including rare orchids and towering eucalyptus trees.
Late afternoon: Take a peaceful walk around Ooty Lake or enjoy a short paddle boat ride. Later, stroll through the colonial-era streets, discovering charming churches, tea shops, and vibrant local markets offering homemade chocolates and Nilgiri teas.
Day 7 – Ooty :
Morning: After breakfast, depart for a panoramic drive to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys and tea-covered hills. On the way back, stop at a local tea factory to learn about the production process of Nilgiri tea, followed by a tasting session.
Afternoon: Visit the charming Ooty Rose Garden, home to over 20,000 varieties of roses. Then continue to St. Stephen’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the region, with beautiful colonial architecture and stained-glass windows.
Late afternoon: Free time to wander through the lively Charing Cross market or relax at a local café. You might also enjoy a peaceful walk through the Pine Forest or a short hike in the surrounding hills before returning to your hotel.
Day 8 – Ooty / Mysore
Morning: After breakfast, depart by road to Mysore, descending through the forested hills of Mudumalai and Bandipur, both renowned for their rich wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, monkeys, and possibly wild elephants along the way. The journey covers approximately 125 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Mysore, check in at your hotel and begin your exploration with a visit to the magnificent Mysore Palace. This architectural marvel blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles and is famous for its intricate interiors, grand halls, and beautiful stained-glass domes.
Late afternoon: Take a stroll through the lively Devaraja Market, a bustling hub of spices, flowers, silk, and incense. Optionally, visit Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy panoramic views of the city, especially stunning at sunset.
Day 9 – Mysore
Morning: After breakfast, visit the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill if not done the previous day. This sacred temple dedicated to the goddess Durga offers breathtaking views of Mysore. On the way down, stop at the massive monolithic statue of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull, carved from a single granite piece.
Afternoon: Explore the Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery, home to an extensive collection of traditional Mysore paintings as well as works by Indian masters like Raja Ravi Varma. Continue with a visit to St. Philomena’s Church, an impressive neo-Gothic landmark.
Late afternoon: Enjoy free time to browse Mysore’s renowned silk and sandalwood shops, or relax at the peaceful Brindavan Gardens, known for its musical fountains and beautifully landscaped terraces.
Day 10 – Mysore / Sravanbelgoa / Hassan (112km & 3h30)
After breakfast, depart Mysore and drive to Shravanabelagola (approximately 95 km, around 2.5 hours), one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India. Here, you will visit the magnificent monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, standing 17 meters tall on Vindhyagiri Hill—one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. You can choose to climb the 600 steps to the top for an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and experience the spiritual ambiance of the site.After this cultural visit, continue your journey to Hassan (about 45 km, 1 hour), a charming town known for its Hoysala architecture. Check into your hotel and relax before heading out to explore.
In the late afternoon, visit the ancient temples of Belur and Halebidu nearby, famous for their exquisite stone carvings and intricate architectural details dating back to the 12th century. These temples offer a fascinating glimpse into the art and culture of the Hoysala dynasty.
Day 11 – Hassan / Hampi (310km & 5h)
After breakfast, depart from Hassan for the legendary UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi (approximately 320 km – about 7 to 8 hours by road). The journey takes you through picturesque rural landscapes and the striking Deccan Plateau. Upon arrival in Hampi, check into your hotel and take some time to rest after the long drive.
In the late afternoon, if time permits, enjoy a gentle walk around the nearby village or visit the Tungabhadra River to admire the peaceful surroundings as the sun sets behind the ancient ruins. Hampi’s haunting beauty at dusk offers a magical introduction to this historic site.
Day 12 – Hampi
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the extraordinary ruins of Hampi, once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. Explore the sprawling archaeological site dotted with magnificent temples, royal pavilions, bazaars, and ancient marketplaces. Highlights include the Virupaksha Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture still active with worship, the Vittala Temple with its iconic stone chariot, and the Royal Enclosure with its impressive fortifications and audience halls.
Wander among boulder-strewn landscapes that create a surreal backdrop for this ancient city, and learn about the rich history, mythology, and artistry that define this UNESCO site. In the late afternoon, relax by the riverside or visit local artisans selling traditional crafts.
Overnight stay in Hampi.
Day 13 – Hampi / Hubli / (by flight) Mumbai
After breakfast, leave the magical ruins of Hampi behind and drive to Hubli Airport (approximately 4 hours) through the countryside of Karnataka. Upon arrival in Hubli, board your domestic flight to Mumbai, India’s dynamic economic capital and a fascinating city of contrasts.
Upon landing in Mumbai, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short orientation drive or a relaxing walk by the seaside promenade at Marine Drive. Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 14 – Mumbai – visite et départ
After breakfast, set out to discover the captivating highlights of Mumbai. Begin with a visit to the Gateway of India, the city’s iconic waterfront archway overlooking the Arabian Sea, then take in the colonial charm of the nearby Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Continue to the Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) to explore its fine collection of Indian art and artifacts.
Drive past the imposing Victoria Terminus (CST), a UNESCO-listed railway station that exemplifies Indo-Gothic architecture, and stop at Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai’s famous open-air laundry.
If time allows, you may visit Mani Bhavan, the house where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai, or explore the vibrant Colaba and Kala Ghoda districts for last-minute shopping or art galleries.
Day 15 – Mumbai – and transfer to Mumbai airport
In the morning transfert to Mumbai international airport to catch your flight back home.
End of Services
Your hotels or similar :
- Cochin – Dutch Bungalow (heritage)
- Alleppey – House Boat
- Munnar – Silver Tips***
- Coonoor – Tea Nest***
- Ooty – Medows Residency***
- Mysore – Pai Vista***
- Hassan – Malligi Residency***
- Hospet – Malligi hotel***
- Mumbai – Fort Residency***
Price Includes :
- Private vehicle adapted to the number of travelers: spacious, air-conditioned, and suitable for transporting all luggage comfortably.
- English-speaking driver (basic level), including all his meals, accommodations, and salary.
- Accommodation in double or twin-sharing rooms, with breakfast and all applicable taxes included.
- Daily breakfast + full board on the houseboat
- All monument and park entrance fees
- Spice plantation visit, tea museum, and cultural show tickets
- Houseboat cruise with private staff and all meals included
- Toy train ride from Coonoor to Ooty.
- Flight from Hubli to Mumbai on economy class.
- Airport transfers in Chennai and Cochin
- Driver’s expenses, tolls, fuel, and taxes
Price Does Not Include :
- International and domestic airfare
- Visa fees and processing
- Lunches and dinners (except houseboat)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry, etc.)
- Tips for guides and driver
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional activities (Ayurveda treatments, performances, yoga, etc.)
- Camera/video fees at certain monuments
