en
- Adventure
- 18-day trip
- From €3,950 p.p.
India trip | Individual trip enchanting South India
On this 18-day trip, you will discover the highlights and hidden gems of South India. Admire the historic centre of Mysore. Go on both a boat and jeep safari in Nagarhole National Park. Travel through the Western Ghats to Wayanad and discover what these beautiful highlands have to offer. Also visit Ooty, one of the most popular hill stations of the British during the colonial days and famous for its breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the stunning vistas on a special train journey to Coonoor. Explore the colonial remains of Kochi, the city where Vasco Del Gama was originally buried. Take a boat ride on the vast network of waters, also known as the backwaters of Kerala.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to India
- Day 2 Arrival in Mysore
- Day 3 Mysore city tour
- Day 4 Nagarhole National Park
- Day 5 Wildlife safari
- Day 6 Journey to Wayanad
- Day 7 Wayanad area
- Day 8 Journey to Ooty
- Day 9 Ooty city tour
- Day 10 Train journey to Coonoor
- Day 11 Journey to Pollachi
- Day 12 Pollachi city tour
- Day 13 Kochi tour
- Day 14 – 15 Backwaters
- Day 16 Cultural India
- Day 17 Departure from India
- Day 18 Arrival
Arrival in Mysore
Upon arrival in Bangalore, you will be kindly welcomed by our local representative at the airport. After a traditional welcome, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Mysore. You will have the rest of the day to acclimatise.
Includes:
• Meet & Greet
• Private transfer to hotel
• Early check-in
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Mysore city tour
After breakfast, you will start with a city tour. During the tour, you will naturally visit the famous Mysore Palace, built in Indo Saracen style in 1912. You will also go by jeep to the Chamundi Hills, about 13 km from Mysore. Along the way, you will have beautiful vantage points over the city. Above you can also admire the gigantic 4.8-metre-high monolith of Nandi, the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is wondrous to behold.Also visit Tipu's Palace, about 150 metres east of Ranganath temples. The rest of the day is free to spend.
Included:
• Excursion: Mysore city tour
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Nagarhole National Park
Continue your journey to Nagarhole national park. The park is 643 square kilometres and is known for its diversity of wildlife. You can spot the tiger, leopard, elephant, dhole and many other animals here. You will stay at a lodge on the Kabini River.
Included:
• Private transfer to the lodge
• Excursion: Afternoon jeep safari (shared jeep)
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Wildlife safari
In the morning, you will once again go on a jeep safari to explore other parts of the park. Later in the day, you will look for wildlife in a different way namely by boat. Crocodiles are regularly spotted in this area and along the river you may be able to see the animals drinking.
Included:
• Excursion: Morning jeep safari (shared jeep)
• Excursion: Afternoon boat safari (shared boat)
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Travel to Wayanad
After breakfast, you will check out and set off for Wayanad. This region is renowned for the majestic Western Ghats, with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2,100 metres. Wayanad is steeped in history and traditions that historians date back to the 10th century BC. It is also home to proud indigenous tribes.
On arrival, you will check in at your resort. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
Included:
• Private transfer to hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Wayanad area
After breakfast, you will set off with your guide to explore the area. Today you will pass Edakkal caves, Lake Pookoot and areas with local tribes, among others. In the evening, a hike will be organised by the resort.
Included:
• Excursion: Discover Wayanad
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Travel to Ooty
After an early breakfast, leave for your next destination Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam. This is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. Nilgiris means "Blue mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots and used to be a popular spot for summers and weekends of the British during colonial days.
Included:
• Private transfer to hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Ooty city tour
Today, you will tour the highlights of Ooty with your guide. You will pass the Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Lake, Mukurti Peak and Ooty Market, among others. You can enjoy the rest of the day on your own.
Included:
• Excursion: Highlights of Ooty
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Train trip to Coonoor
Today you’ll travel to Coonoor by train. During the journey, which takes about an hour, you’ll enjoy stunning views and see the countryside. On arrival in Coonoor, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.
Why not visit Catherine’s Falls or a tea factory, for example?
Included:
• Train from Ooty to Coonoor, including transfers
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Travel to Pollachi
You will continue the journey south to Pollachi. After checking in, you can explore the area on your own.
Included:
• Private transfer to hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Pollachi city tour
This day, you will explore Pollachi with your guide. Thus, you will visit local temples, markets and villages. The afternoon is free to spend in your luxury accommodation.
Included:
• Excursion: Discover Pollachi
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Kochi tour
After breakfast, you will head to Kochi. Upon arrival, you will check in and have a chance to freshen up before starting your tour of Fort Kochi. During the tour, you will pass the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), a famous Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays), St Francis Church, where Vasco Del Gama was originally buried and you will see the famous Chinese fishing nets in action, among others.
Included:
• Private transfer to hotel
• Excursion: Highlights of Fort Kochi
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Back Waters
No visit to Kerala would be complete without experiencing the Backwaters, of course. Today you’ll head to a resort in Kumarakom situated right on the Backwaters. Enjoy the resort’s facilities and the serene tranquillity.
If you fancy a bit of activity, you can book a boat trip through the narrow canals around Kumarakom and get a glimpse of rural life. You can also go on a sunset cruise or visit the nearby bird sanctuary.
Included:
• Private transfer to the resort
• Accommodation including breakfast
India cultural
Today you’ll return to Kochi. During the day, you can buy some lovely souvenirs at your leisure, or go for a bike ride, for example.
A Kathakali dance performance is on the programme for the evening. This is the traditional dance form of Kerala. If you arrive a little earlier, you can watch the make-up being applied – it’s very impressive.
Included:
• Private transfer to hotel
• Excursion: Kathakali dance performance
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Accommodations
The Quorum Hotel
The Quorum Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of city. From the rooftop terrace, guests have views of the Chamundi Hills or the Royal Palace. The Quorum is a 5-minute walk from the train station, a 10-minute drive from the bus station, 5 minutes from the main shopping area and a...
The Quorum Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of city. From the rooftop terrace, guests have views of the Chamundi Hills or the Royal Palace. The Quorum is a 5-minute walk from the railway station, a 10-minute drive from the bus station, 5 minutes from the main shopping area and a pleasant 20 minutes from Mysore airport. Yet the Quorum hotel is ideally located in a quiet and peaceful environment befitting the location of a five-star hotel.
The Quorum Hotel offers a warm and luxurious welcome to all guests from India and around the world.
Your stay: 2 nights
Kabini River Lodge (Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd)
Once a hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore and British rulers, the Kabini River Lodge is now a residence for holidaymakers and nature lovers. The lodge is located on the banks of the Kabini River.
Kabini is home to elephants, gaur, chital, deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, leopards and tigers.
Your stay: 2 nights
Wayanad Coffee Trail Resort
Coffee Trail Resort offers 20 elegantly furnished cottages in Wayanad. As the name suggests, the resort is located in the middle of coffee plantations. Besides the beautiful surroundings, the accommodation also has an outdoor swimming pool and a recreation room with various games.
The restaurant serves authentic dishes from Kerala,...
Coffee Trail Resort offers 20 elegantly furnished cottages in Wayanad. As the name suggests, the resort is located in the middle of coffee plantations. Besides the beautiful surroundings, the accommodation also has an outdoor swimming pool and a recreation room with various games.
The restaurant serves authentic dishes from Kerala, as well as South India, North India. It is also possible to order western dishes.
Your stay: 2 nights
Taj Savoy Hotel
The Savoy Hotel sits high on a rising hill and houses 6 acres of landscaped gardens. It offers colonial-style cottages built between 1834 and 1855.
This peaceful English-style accommodation exudes old-world charm, but offers facilities such as a spa, and a gym that offers 24-hour...
The Savoy Hotel sits high on a rising hill and houses 6 acres of landscaped gardens. It offers colonial-style cottages built between 1834 and 1855.
This quiet English-style accommodation exudes old-world charm, but offers facilities such as a spa, and a gym open 24 hours a day.
Rooms are housed in charming cottages with heating and a fireplace. A satellite TV, a minibar and a safe are also provided. The bathrooms are equipped with a shower or a bath.
The Taj Savoy Hotel is 2 km from Ooty Railway Station. The Botanical Gardens and Lake Ooty are 3 km away. It is 350 km from Bangalore and 105 km from Coimbatore Airport. Free parking is available.
International dishes are served in the dining room, accompanied by live piano music on certain evenings. Indian, Chinese and continental dishes can be enjoyed in the lounge. The Canterbury Bar serves wine and cocktails.
Your stay: 1 night
Tea Nest
The Tea nest is all about tea, there are six rooms and all named after different teas. All rooms have their own fireplace. There is a large sitting room with a cosy fireplace where guests can read quietly or play a board game, for example. The country house is on all four sides...
The Tea nest is all about tea, there are six rooms and all named after different teas. All rooms have their own fireplace. There is a large sitting room with a cosy fireplace where guests can read quietly or play a board game, for example. The mansion is surrounded by tea gardens on all four sides and offers views of a tropical forest from one side.
Your stay: 2 nights
Coco Lagoon Pollachi
Pollachi is a picturesque town in Tamil Nadu, on the border of Kerala. At the heart of this countryside is Coco Lagoon. Guests can go here to escape the hustle and bustle and unwind.
This spa retreat is designed around relaxation and well-being. It is surrounded by...
Pollachi is a picturesque town in Tamil Nadu, on the border of Kerala. At the heart of this countryside is Coco Lagoon. Guests can go here to escape the hustle and bustle and unwind.
This spa retreat is designed around relaxation and well-being. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and coconut palms, it is the perfect place to combine soothing Ayurveda treatments with a splash of fresh air.
Coco Lagoon features a variety of suites and villas in different configurations with amenities to make your stay more comfortable. Facilities at the resort include swimming pools, a yoga centre, an amphitheatre, a ballroom and much more.
Your stay: 2 nights
ABAD Dutch Bungalow
The ABAD Dutch Bungalow was built in 1668 by the Dutch East India Company at Fort Kochi. The hotel is ideally located near the beach, St.Francis Church and several other attractions.
The hotel has 14 rooms, 12 in the main building and 2 next to the pool, ranging from...
The ABAD Dutch Bungalow was built in 1668 by the Dutch East India Company at Fort Kochi. The hotel is ideally located near the beach, St.Francis Church and several other attractions.
The hotel has 14 rooms, 12 in the main building and two next to the pool, ranging from Heritage Classic Rooms to Heritage Boutique Rooms that are all beautifully decorated and fully equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast served in the hotel's restaurant or afternoon tea in the café.
Your stay: 1 night
Rhythm Kumarakom
Aveda Kumarakom is one of the newer luxury boutique resorts on picturesque Lake Vembanad, designed to relax and rejuvenate soul, body and mind. Enjoy the solitude and immense natural beauty that will simply surprise and connect you with nature. A pristine,...
Aveda Kumarakom is one of the newer luxury boutique resorts on picturesque Lake Vembanad, designed to relax and rejuvenate soul, body and mind. Enjoy the solitude and immense natural beauty that will simply surprise and connect you with nature. A pristine, rustic and timeless beauty surrounds the resort.
The Aveda Kumarakom includes lakeside villas, villas with private pools, luxury cottages, suites and rooms, as well as the largest infinity pool in Kerala. The resort offers an open poolside restaurant with lounge 'La Breeze', a lounge bar and a special seafood restaurant 'The Vembanad Catch'.
Your stay: 2 nights
ABAD Dutch Bungalow
The ABAD Dutch Bungalow was built in 1668 by the Dutch East India Company at Fort Kochi. The hotel is ideally located near the beach, St.Francis Church and several other attractions.
The hotel has 14 rooms, 12 in the main building and 2 next to the pool, ranging from...
The ABAD Dutch Bungalow was built in 1668 by the Dutch East India Company at Fort Kochi. The hotel is ideally located near the beach, St.Francis Church and several other attractions.
The hotel has 14 rooms, 12 in the main building and two next to the pool, ranging from Heritage Classic Rooms to Heritage Boutique Rooms that are all beautifully decorated and fully equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast served in the hotel's restaurant or afternoon tea in the café.
Your stay: 1 night
Destinations
India
Mysuru
Serving as the capital of the kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947, the city of Mysore is a rich cultural and historical centre known for its magnificent Hindu palaces. Perhaps the most enchanting of these is the opulent Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas, especially during the annual Dasara festival, every day after sunset it glows with the light of nearly 100,000 bulbs. In the modern context, Mysore is considered one of India's cleanest and most efficiently planned cities and has earned a reputation for its high-quality sandalwood and silk.
Kochi
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a city in the state of Kerala in southwest India. This attractive city has acted as a popular port for over 600 years and is known for its eclectic architecture and its many religious monuments, museums, galleries, cafes and antique shops. The city stretches across a number of peninsulas and islands, which can be reached by a network of water taxis and bridges. Most of the highlights for tourists can be found on the Fort Kochi peninsula. These highlights include the St Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India; and Mattancherry Palace, which dates back to 1557 and contains some extraordinary murals from Kerala and other temple artefacts. Other must-see attractions include the Kerala Folklore Museum, with more than 4,000 cultural and ethnic artefacts; the 16th-century Jewish synagogue; and the local market, where the air is filled with the smell of exotic spices.
Kerala
Meaning 'God's own country' Kerala enjoys an idyllic location between the Western Ghats mountain range and the Arabian Sea, along the famed spice route. An extraordinary destination, Kerala is one of National Geographic's Top 10 paradises of the world and was named one of the 50 destinations to visit in a lifetime. It's a region of abundant charms, from idyllic sandy beaches and verdant highlands, to ancient architecture, Ayurvedic retreats and pristine wildlife sanctuaries offering sightings of elephants and tigers, among dozens of other people. Highlights include the misty mountains and emerald valleys of Wayanad, the 80-feet high Athirappilly Waterfalls and the Kerala backwaters - a network of rivers and lagoons that can be explored via mellow houseboat cruises.
Ooty
In the midst of the Nilgiri Mountains, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, lies Udhagamandalam, also known as Ooty, a beautiful place surrounded by hills lined with 19th-century tea plantations. Located at an altitude of 2240m above sea level, this misty mountain town once served as a summer retreat for the British elite who enjoyed the fresh cool climate. Known as the Queen of Hill Stations, the combination of picturesque natural surroundings, Hindu temples and Indian bustle make this a popular destination for visitors. Must-see attractions include: the Botanical Gardens, with ferns, orchids and a prehistoric fossilised tree; the Government Museum depicting the history of the Tamil Nadu region; and the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, recently declared a tiger reserve and World Heritage Site.
Coonoor
The town of Coonoor is surrounded by tea plantations and enjoys a pleasant cool climate all year round. The main attraction is Sim's Park, a picturesque, well-maintained 12-acre botanical garden that also attracts bird lovers to the area and hosts the annual Fruit Show in summer. For hikers, there are numerous trails leading from the city, including a 9-km walk to Lamb's Rock with spectacular views of Coimbatore's plains and tea plantations, or a 5-km walk to the sublime Law's Falls, a popular tourist attraction.
Kumarakom
One of Kerala's most attractive backwaters is Kumarakom, a centre of biodiversity where mangrove forests are mixed with paddy fields, coconut palms and white lilies. This vibrant subtropical peninsula juts out into Lake Vembanad and is a popular place to study yoga, meditation and ayurvedic massage and from where you can observe birds. Nearby attractions include the waterfalls of Aruvikkuzhi, just two kilometres from Kumarakoram, which flow over the mountain slopes from about 30 metres high, and Pathiramanal (meaning 'sand of midnight'), an alluring island and bird sanctuary in the middle of the lake.
Karnataka
Karnataka, one of India's premier tourist destinations, is a sublime mix of idyllic beaches, forested hillsides dotted with waterfalls and spectacular landscapes with more than 25 000 monuments. If you are a fan of 'bright lights, big city', you will enjoy the state capital, Bangalore, one of India's most attractive and progressive cities.If you are an adventure junkie, don't miss whitewater rafting in the northern city of Dandeli, while culture lovers should head to Shravanabelagola, where they can take the 600 steps to the top of Vindhyagiri Hill to see Asia's tallest monolithic statue as well as a host of ancient temple ruins with tens of thousands of beautifully detailed carvings.
Tamil Nadu
The southern state of Tamil Nadu is a land of many charms, renowned for its age-old Hindu temples, elaborate Dravidian architecture, delicious Southern Indian cuisine and breathtaking scenery, among other assets. The capital, Chennai, is one of the most visited destinations in India, and the gateway to South India; the 4000-year-old city of Madurai is the location of the country's most venerated temples (including the ancient Meenakshi temple), and the union territory of Pondicherry is distinctly French in atmosphere and culture - a legacy of its colonial past. The state's natural attractions include the cascading waterfall of Courtallam; the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary; the Pichavaram mangrove jungle (the second largest of its kind in the world), and the Mundanthurai-Kalakad wildlife sanctuary, stretching over more than 800 square kilometres and home to several endangered species, among others.
Kerala Backwaters
Kerala's backwaters are one of the region's major attractions: a system of interconnected rivers, lakes and lagoons that extend across more than 900 kilometres along the Arabian Sea, taking in vistas that can be seen exclusively in this part of India. Hundreds of old rice barges have been converted into houseboats to serve the tourist industry and offer an excellent way of viewing these tranquil waterways and the rural villages along them. Most visitors choose to stay at least a night or two on one of these 'kettuvallams', enjoying the unique delta scenery, lazy pace of the cruise, and traditional Kerala cuisine cooked by the staff on board.
Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site spanning 5,000 square kilometres in southern India. The park is a place of pristine wilderness, with serene (bamboo) forests, babbling streams and a tranquil lake. Elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears and gaurs can be found here, along with an impressive array of birds and ancient trees of teak, sandalwood and silver oaks. The best time to visit is from March to April, when the water holes are dry and animals visit the lake to drink. However, the weather is more pleasant from November to February.
Wayanad
Located on the lush green slopes of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is the most sparsely populated region of the Indian state of Kerala. Ideal for trekking, this spectacular area is characterised by towering mist-capped mountains, serene freshwater lakes, dense emerald forests, breathtaking waterfalls and rice fields as far as the eye can see.
Pollachi
Just 40 km from the city of Coimbatore in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Pollachi is the second largest city in the district. The city has the Western Ghats as its scenic backdrop, making it a popular choice with filmmakers with over 1,500 films shot in the area. Apart from its spectacular surrounding landscapes, the main attractions are the nearby Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, both of which are havens for an impressive array of wildlife, including elephants, gaurs, tigers, panthers, bears, porcupines, pangolins, civets, crocodiles and a number of different bird species. Other popular attractions in the area include a large colourful market and a variety of beautiful temples.
Kabini Forest Reserve
The Kabini Reserve, lies on the banks of the mighty Kabini River and is a vast untouched wilderness with forests, water bodies and steep fertile valleys. This extraordinary reserve forms the south-eastern part of Nagarhole National Park and is home to the world's largest population of Asian elephants (estimated at around 6,000). Besides the impressive number of elephants, visitors are likely to spot a number of endangered and rare species, including: leopard, tiger, panther, sambhar, spotted deer, python, sloth bear, crocodile and more than 250 bird species.
India trip | Individual trip enchanting South India
We offer the described trip from €3,950 per person.
The price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flights
• Accommodation in excellent and unique lodges and hotels
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’, including jeep safaris and a Kathakali dance performance
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• Entrance fees where applicable
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• International flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)