South India Heritage & Backwater Journey: Bangalore, Mysore, Kerala & Coorg 9 days

Upon arrival at Bangalore Airport, meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Check-in is at the standard time of 12:00 hrs. Take some time to relax after your journey and settle into the hotel. Bangalore, known as the “Garden City of India,” offers a pleasant climate and vibrant atmosphere.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may enjoy the hotel facilities, take a short walk around the nearby surroundings or explore local shopping areas.

Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.

After breakfast, begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Bangalore. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, known for its rare plants and glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. Continue to Cubbon Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city.

Explore Bangalore Palace, known for its royal architecture and interiors, followed by Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, reflecting Indo-Islamic architectural traditions. Drive past Vidhana Soudha, one of Bangalore’s most recognizable government buildings.

The day combines Bangalore’s gardens, historic architecture and royal heritage before returning to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.

After breakfast, drive approximately 150 km / 3–4 hrs to Mysore through scenic countryside. En route, visit Srirangapatna, the former capital of Tipu Sultan. Explore Ranganathaswamy Temple and the historic ruins associated with the town’s past.

Continue to Mysore and check in at the hotel. Later, begin the city tour with Mysore Palace, renowned for its grandeur and intricate interiors. Visit Chamundi Hills for panoramic views over the city, followed by St. Philomena’s Church. Conclude the day at Devaraja Market, offering an opportunity to experience local life and surroundings.

Overnight at the hotel in Mysore.

After breakfast, drive approximately 225 km / 5–6 hrs towards Northern Kerala, entering a region known for its tranquil waterways and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, board your exclusive houseboat and begin the backwater cruise.

Sail through palm-lined canals, peaceful lagoons and village waterways while observing traditional life along the banks. Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board and relax on the deck as the houseboat moves through the serene surroundings.

Overnight stay on houseboat.

After breakfast on board, continue cruising through quieter backwater routes and villages. Step ashore to experience local culture, visit small temples and interact with villagers. Observe traditional fishing methods and everyday life along the waterways.

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine prepared on board while taking in the peaceful landscape. Spend time relaxing on the houseboat and experiencing the slower rhythm of life along the backwaters.

Overnight stay on houseboat.

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive approximately 130 km / 4–5 hrs to Coorg, situated in the Western Ghats. Enjoy scenic mountain views and lush greenery along the route.

Upon arrival, check in at your resort surrounded by coffee plantations. Begin exploring the region with visits to coffee, tea and spice plantations to learn about cultivation and processing. Continue to Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat for scenic views, followed by Omkareshwara Temple, known for its distinctive architecture.

Overnight at the hotel in Coorg.

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day exploration of Coorg. Visit Madikeri Fort to learn about the region’s history and enjoy its scenic surroundings. Continue to Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, one of the prominent Tibetan settlements in India. Experience its peaceful atmosphere and distinctive architecture.

Later, explore local markets or enjoy a plantation walk. The day combines cultural experiences, spirituality and the natural landscapes of Coorg before returning to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Coorg.

After breakfast, drive approximately 260 km / 6 hrs towards Bangalore. En route, visit Shravanabelagola, an important Jain pilgrimage site. Climb Vindhyagiri Hill to see the impressive Gomateshwara Statue, a major monolithic landmark.

Continue through scenic countryside towards Bangalore. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. The evening is at leisure, with an opportunity to explore local markets or enjoy some relaxation.

Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Bangalore Airport for your onward journey. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some leisure time for shopping or relaxation before departure.

The tour concludes after exploring South India’s heritage, Mysore’s royal landmarks, Kerala’s backwaters, Coorg’s plantation landscapes and Shravanabelagola.