From Mysore to the Kerala Backwaters

Suggested duration 16 days
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Santhi

Your Bindi Travel contact

Two weeks departing from Bangalore to explore South Karnataka and Kerala, blending nature and culture. Safaris in Nagarhole wildlife sanctuary, visits to Hoysala temples, and hikes through the Nilgiris tea plantations highlight this journey, which concludes with a peaceful stay on the Kerala backwaters.

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Your Itinerary

Your tour program

Your stay begins with the discovery of the sumptuous Mysore Palace, followed by the Hoysala sites, true gems of medieval Indian architecture. It continues in the heart of the lush landscapes of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu: a hike in the Coorg mountains among coffee and pepper plantations, a safari in the Kabini reserve, and an authentic encounter with the inhabitants of the Nilgiri tea plantations. Finally, your trip ends with the unique charm of Fort Cochin, before a final stop: the magnificent Mararikulam beach.

Arrival in Bangalore, departure for Mysore

Welcome at the airport and drive to Mysore, the former capital of the Maharajas. En route, stop at Srirangapatna to visit its historic fort. Upon arrival, first discovery of Mysore with a walk through the Devaraja market, famous for its stalls of incense, silks, and sandalwood articles.

Airport (BLR)
3h
Srirangapatna
30m
Mysore
Airport (BLR)
3h 30m
Mysore

Mysore

In the morning, guided tour of the extravagant Mysore Palace, a jewel of Indo-Saracenic architecture and the second most visited site in India after the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, free time to explore the city and its colorful markets.

Hassan via Shravanabelagola

Drive to Hassan with a visit en route to the magnificent Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid, masterpieces of medieval architecture. Check-in at Hassan for two nights.

Mysore
2h
Shravanabelagola
1h
Hassan
Mysore
3h
Hassan

Belur and Halebid

This morning, depart for Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysala kingdom. Built in the 12th century on the banks of an artificial lake, the Hoysaleshwara Temple is adorned with finely sculpted friezes. Don't miss the Jain temple complex nearby. In the early afternoon, visit the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, dedicated to Vishnu, still active, where you can attend ceremonies before sunset. Return to Hassan.

Hassan
55m
Belur
25m
Halebid
50m
Hassan
Hassan
2h 10m
Hassan

Bylakuppe - Coorg Mountains

Depart for the village of Kakkabe, the starting point for the ascent of Tadiandamol Peak. En route, stop at Bylakuppe, one of the largest exiled Tibetan communities in India. Visit the Namdroling Monastery, also known as the "Golden Temple", offering a calm and serene atmosphere. Continue the journey to the Coorg mountains, where you will be welcomed in a rural guesthouse, nestled in the heart of coffee and pepper plantations.

Hassan
2h 15m
Bylakuppe
2h 15m
Kakkabe
Hassan
4h 30m
Kakkabe

Ascent to Tadiandamol Peak

Early morning departure for the guided ascent of Tadiandamol Peak, the highest point in Coorg at 1,748 meters. The trail, without major difficulties, goes through dense forests before offering a spectacular view of the Western Ghats. The ascent lasts about 4 hours. After descending around 1:30 PM, you will have the opportunity to visit the Nalknad Palace, a former royal residence, located at the start of the route (if not visited the previous day). Return to the guesthouse for the night.

Departure for Nagarhole National Park

Depart for the Kabini Nature Reserve, with a stop at Chelavara Falls. Nagarhole National Park is known for its great biodiversity and its felines (leopards and tigers). In the afternoon, embark on a 4x4 safari, an opportunity to observe chital deer, sambars, elephants, gaurs, dholes, monkeys, and many birds. With a bit of luck, you might spot tigers! Your guide will maximize your viewing opportunities. Return to your accommodation on the banks of the Kabini River.

Kakkabe
3h 50m
Kabini

Kabini

You begin your second day in the reserve with a boat excursion. This outing offers a different perspective on the park, allowing you to spot crocodiles, water birds, and sometimes herds of animals coming to drink at the water's edge. The afternoon will be an opportunity to embark on a jeep safari for the privilege of observing the wildlife once more in its natural habitat. Night on the banks of the Kabini River.

Road to Tamil Nadu

This morning, a final safari can be organized before your planned departure in late morning or after lunch. Today, you take the road to Gudalur, a small town in Tamil Nadu nestled in the heart of the Nilgiris, the "Blue Mountains". Upon arrival, you meet your Franco-Tamil host and guide, specialized in fair trade tea, a committed approach respectful of local populations and the environment.

Kabini
2h 45m
Gudalur

Gudalur

Today, you have the choice between two activities: an initiation to the traditional tea making process, participating in the leaf picking and their transformation, or discovering the life of tea workers in the cardamom plantations of O'Valley, during a 10 to 25 km walk. A meal with a local family will be offered, when possible, or a picnic will be arranged. Night in Gudalur.

Ooty - Coonoor

Today, last stop in the Tamil Nadu mountains: Coonoor, via Ooty. These two localities, once favored by the British during the colonial era, offered coolness and serenity. In Ooty, visit the Government Rose Garden, a superb 19th-century botanical garden with over 20,000 varieties of roses. In the afternoon, board the Ooty-Coonoor train for a picturesque crossing of the Nilgiris. Night in Coonoor.

Gudalur
2h 15m
Coonoor

Road to Kerala

Free morning to discover the town of Coonoor. Departure in the early afternoon towards Palakkad, with arrival expected in the late afternoon. Palakkad is a simple intermediate stop allowing for a more pleasant two-part journey to Fort Kochi. Night in Palakkad.

Coonoor
3h 15m
Palakkad

Arrival in Fort Kochi

Depart this morning from Palakkad for a scenic drive. Upon your arrival in Cochin, discover the Folklore Museum in Ernakulam, a private museum housing numerous cultural and historical treasures: statues, ritual objects, and decorations from old mansions. In the late afternoon, enjoy a walk along the harbor to admire the famous Chinese fishing nets, these traditional fishing nets, and observe the fishermen selling their fresh fish in the surrounding stalls.

Palakkad
3h 15m
Fort Cochin

Fort Kochi

This morning, you set off for a guided tour in French of the historic heart of the city. You will discover one of the oldest churches in the country, explore the Indo-Portuguese Museum and the Dutch Palace, then stroll through the streets of Jew Town, famous for its synagogue (closed on Fridays). The morning ends with a meeting with the laundrymen at the Dhobi Khana public laundry. In the evening, you will attend a Kathakali performance, a theatrical art form from Kerala.

Mararikulam Beach

Your stay ends gently on the superb fine sand beach of Mararikulam, about an hour south of Cochin. Enjoy these last moments to relax or explore the surroundings, with the charming town of Alleppey nearby. Your driver remains at your disposal until your transfer to Cochin airport.

Fort Cochin
1h 10m
Marari
2h
Airport (COK)
Fort Cochin
3h 10m
Airport (COK)

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Prices & conditions

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International flights not included
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2 people 4 people 6 people
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THIS INCLUDES:

  • 24/7 English-speaking assistance during your stay
  • Accommodation in standard double (or twin) room with breakfast included
  • Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
  • Entry fees to sites and monuments as well as, more generally, costs related to mentioned activities
  • A English-speaking tour guide for any group of 4 people or more, otherwise occasional English-speaking guides at stages requiring them

THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • International flights and related taxes
  • Visa fees
  • All lunches and dinners (except those mentioned)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses: drinks, phone calls, tips, etc.
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