Days 1 & 2 – Arrival in Mysore: city of palaces
You’ll be met on arrival at Bangalore airport and whisked straight out of the city to Mysore (a journey of approx 3 hours). Mysore boasts a royal heritage that stretches back for centuries. The Maharajas invested heavily in the city, commissioning magnificent palaces and ornate temples. We’ve left your arrival day free for you to settle into your hotel.
The following morning you’ll visit the huge, UNESCO World Heritage listed Mysore Palace to gaze at its giant silver doors and lavish rooms of marble and gold. You’ll also visit the Chamundi Hill Temple, perched on a hilltop with spectacular views over the city.
Stopover in Bangalore
If you have the time, then instead of heading directly to Mysore on arrival, you could spend a night or two in Bangalore. Known as India’s ‘Garden City’, it’s peppered with green parks filled with hipster young professionals. Here, tradition nudges up against the New World, as hi-tech companies jostle with wandering cows and street stalls set up outside boutique restaurants. Check out our Bangalore bite-sized trip for more information.
Day 3 – Mysore to Wayanad
From Mysore, it’s time to head through emerald valleys to Kerala. You’ll drive for around 3 hours through green tea plantations and palm-flanked valleys to Wayanad, nestled in the hills of the Western Ghats. Here you’ll stay for two nights in a spacious stilted bungalow at the bottom of a peaceful green valley, close to a lively village.
Day 4 – Explore Wayanad on foot & bike
Surrounded by misty clad mountains, emerald green slopes and a winding river, the landscape around Wayanad is picturesque and best explored by bike and on foot. Your day will start with a hike into the forests, heading towards a mountain stream. In the afternoon you’ll jump onto a bike and pedal down one of the many trails in this area (difficulty will be based on your fitness and preference).
Day 5 – Wayanad to Coonoor including the Ooty toy train journey
After breakfast, you’ll set off through the lush, green tea hills to Ooty, a charming little hill station. From here you’ll board the toy train and take a scenic journey through the Nilgiri Hills to Coonoor. This is another hill station, and where you’ll be spending the night. Once you’ve checked in you can walk around the tea plantations. Spot the women plucking tea in colourful saris, and take in the magnificent views of the emerald fields.
Day 6 – Take the train to Cochin
Time to swap the green hills for the coast. Your driver will take you to Coimbatore, where you hop on the train bound for Cochin. Cochin (or Kochi) is a colourful coastal town with Portuguese and Dutch influences. It’s a melting pot of cultures and religions, and still an important seaport for trade in gold, textiles, fish and spices. The spice market here is one of the best in Kerala. Down by the water, you can see the legendary Chinese fishing nets in action. You’ll be warmly welcomed into a colonial style, boutique hotel in the historic Fort Kochi district, with lots of Keralan style and personality.
Day 7 – Explore Cochin by tuk-tuk
Today, we’ll arrange a guided tuk-tuk tour as a fun introduction to Cochin. As you buzz through the lanes, your knowledgeable guide will share tales of the city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural wonders. You’ll see a mix of colonial influences and modern developments as you pass by iconic landmarks such as the Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, and the bustling spice markets. The rest of your day is free for you to explore independently
Stay longer in Cochin
There’s so much to see and do in Cochin, so you can easily fill your time if you decide to extend your stay. Cochin is the home of Keralan dancing and we can arrange a two hour dance class if you want to experience classic Kathakali dancing first-hand. Or, if you’re a foodie and want to try your hand at cooking Keralan cuisine we can organise a hands-on cooking class in a local home. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Day 8 – Cochin to Periyar National Park
After two nights you’ll leave the coast behind and travel inland once again. Your destination is Thekkady, which is the base for exploring Periyar National Park. You will be staying in a cosy guesthouse and the rest of today is free to spend as you wish. Your accommodation is within walking distance of small shops (mainly selling spices) and places to eat. If you would like to do something more active, we can arrange bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake. Spot wildlife on the shore as you paddle through the water.
Day 9 – Trekking in Periyar National Park & Keralan cooking class
Today you will head on a trekking tour in Periyar National Park. This expansive protected park is home to several species of deer, Indian bison, wild boar, langur monkeys and an abundance of birds and reptiles. But it’s best known for its wild elephants. Periyar is also an important tiger habitat and the population is gradually growing here, although you’ll be very lucky to spot one. You’ll spend a morning in the park, trekking through the forest with one of the park’s patrolmen who is an expert on the flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants grazing in the tall grass.
In the evening, you will be introduced to the spicy cuisine of Kerala during a cooking workshop at a local Thekkady restaurant. The restaurant’s experienced chef demonstrates how to prepare a traditional Keralan dish, explains the important spices and local ingredients he uses and shares his tips. We guarantee the delicious aroma will make your stomach growl! And once the dishes are prepared, it’s time to sit down and enjoy dinner.
Day 10 – Overnight on a Keralan houseboat
This morning you’ll depart the hills and head to Alleppey, which is the hub of Kerala’s famous backwaters. Here you’ll board a traditional houseboat to explore this picturesque region from the water. The labyrinth of tiny canals is fringed by palms on all sides and as you float along you’ll pass small villages, hidden temples, lush paddy fields and rice barges. You’ll see the local people go about their daily work, women in colourful saris washing their laundry, fishermen waiting patiently with their nets and children playing in the water and waving from the banks. Full board is included on the boat and the crew will conjure up delicious Indian dishes for you. Tonight you’ll sleep aboard your houseboat, moored alongside the river bank.
Just like hotels, houseboats come in different styles and comfort levels. We’ve selected an affordable but charming boat with all the necessary comforts (your cabin has an en-suite bathroom with a hot water shower). But if you’d like a bit more space and luxury, then just let us know and your Travel Specialist will arrange an upgrade.
Days 11 & 12 – R&R on Marari Beach
After bidding farewell to your houseboat crew, you’ll be transferred along the coast to the peaceful, palm-fringed, Marari Beach. It’s the perfect place to end your India trip, so kick back and take it easy. You can head to the beach and take a dip, as the sea here is warm and ideal for swimming. Otherwise, relax in your hammock reading a book, or sunbathe by the pool, the choice is yours.
Day 13 – Depart India
Take a final stroll along the beach and a dip in the pool before your driver arrives to take you to Cochin airport (about one hour’s drive) in time for your homebound flight. If two nights on the beach isn’t long enough, just ask your Travel Specialist to add an additional night or two to your travel plan.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Wildlife and Waterways of Kerala - In Style accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary, select our In Style option below.