A Scintillating Southern India Odyssey
Tour Introduction
This adventurous road journey reveals a wide range of the special wildlife, sights, scenery and experiences to be enjoyed in the south of India. With its heady mix of historic cities, verdant national parks, cool hill stations, colonial train rides, waterway cruises and sunny seaside sojourns, this remarkable tour certainly has all one could wish for. You should return home replete with fond memories and clear impressions of the warm peoples and multiple attractions to be found in India’s southern states. You should also see a good amount of wildlife, especially in Nagarahole, the most rewarding reserve in the south, where you have ample time for viewing. Variety is the spice of life: a tried and tested adage that clearly holds true here.
Full Itinerary
Met on arrival in Bangalore and transfer by your private driver to the hotel. Rest of the day to relax.
Staying at 37th Crescent Hotel. Includes No Meals.
Drive to Mysore, and check in to your hotel. Afternoon guided city tour.
Staying at Mysore Southern Star Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to Nagarahole and check in to your lodge. Afternoon shared safari through the park. Nagarahole is southern India's most rewarding wildlife park: you might even see a tiger.
Staying at Kabini River Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day of morning and afternoon shared activities within the park, which take the form of game drives or boat rides.
Staying at Kabini River Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day of morning and afternoon shared activities within the park, which take the form of game drives or boat rides.
Staying at Kabini River Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Drive to Ooty, the “queen of hill stations” situated in the Nilgiri mountain range of Tamil Nadu at a fresh altitude of 2268m. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the area.
Staying at Taj Savoy Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Visit a tea plantation and later walk through the Government Botanical Garden, created in 1848.
Staying at Taj Savoy Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Drop off at Ooty railway station and board the Blue Mountain Railway for the 4.5 – 5 hour journey to Mettupalayam. After the scenic train ride, meet your driver and continue to Coimbatore.
Staying at The Residency Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to Munnar. After check in, go for an afternoon walk in Eravikulam National Park.
Staying at Windermere Estate. Includes All Meals.
Morning walk in Eravikulam. Afternoon walk part of Top Station valley trail.
Staying at Windermere Estate. Includes All Meals.
Drive to the coastal town of Cochin (Kochi), historic capital of Kerala state.
Staying at Brunton Boatyard. Includes Breakfast.
Half day tour of Cochin, including Jew Town, Dutch museum, Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon Kathakali dance performance.
Staying at Brunton Boatyard. Includes Breakfast.
Drive to embarkation point at Alleppey and board a luxury converted rice barge to cruise the fabled inland waterways of Kerala.
Staying at Spice Routes Premium Houseboat. Includes All Meals.
Disembark in the morning and transfer to the coast and your beach hotel. Rest of day at leisure.
Staying at Marari Beach Resort. Includes All Meals.
Day at leisure to relax by the pool or beach.
Staying at Marari Beach Resort. Includes All Meals.
Day at leisure to relax by the pool or beach. Perhaps book a therapeutic treatment in the hotel's Ayurvedic spa.
Staying at Marari Beach Resort. Includes All Meals.
Morning transfer to Cochin airport. Connect with your international flights home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Hotel 37th Crescent
Overview
A comfortable, modern hotel well located in central Bangalore, close to the racecourse and with easy access to the airport and stations. The hotel’s 60 stylish, well-equipped rooms are categorised as deluxe, deluxe double, semi suites and suites.
The hotel has two restaurants: 37 China Town, offering oriental dishes; and Aromas of the South, serving southern Indian cuisine. There is also The Spoon coffee shop and the Strawberry Moon lounge and jazz bar.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Rooms are equipped with French windows, well-stocked minibars, tea and coffee facilities, Wi-Fi, and safety deposit boxes.
The hotel provides 24 hour room service, on call doctor, travel desk, laundry service, fitness centre and conference facilities. There are also two restaurant, a bar and a coffee shop.
Optional Activities
Explore Bangalore city, including cultural and religious attractions or shopping centres. The hotel is particularly well located for the race course, Bangalore golf course or the Vidhana Soudha.
Hotel Southern Star Mysore
Overview
Set within four acres of mature gardens in the heart of Mysuru, Southern Star offers a comfortable and well‑located base close to both the railway station and Mysore Palace. The hotel has 106 contemporary rooms across several categories, from well‑appointed superior rooms to larger club rooms and elegant suites, all designed for a relaxed and convenient stay in the city.
Facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, a lounge bar and a pastry shop. The main restaurant, La Gardenia, serves international cuisine throughout the day, while an open‑air poolside venue offers regional dishes in a more informal setting. With its central location and leafy grounds, Southern Star Mysuru works well as a comfortable overnight stop or a base for exploring the city’s cultural highlights.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
The hotel has a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, business centre, travel desk, three large banquet/meeting halls, indoor and outdoor restaurants, lounge bar and a pastry shop. Rooms are equipped with free WiFi, television, tea and coffee facilities, mini bar and bottled mineral water.
Optional Activities
From the well-located hotel, guests can explore the attractions of the Mysore area. These may include: Mysuru Palace; Brindavan Gardens; Ranganthittu bird sanctuary; Jaganmohan Palace or Mysuru Zoo.
Kabini River Lodge
Overview
Set beside the serene backwaters of the Kabini River and bordering the wildlife‑rich Nagarahole National Park, Kabini River Lodge offers one of South India’s most atmospheric nature‑based stays. Once the hunting retreat of the Maharaja of Mysore, the lodge has evolved into a celebrated eco‑tourism property known for its heritage character, tranquil setting and exceptional access to wildlife.
Guests stay in a choice of comfortable rooms, cottages and tented cottages, all set within leafy grounds and equipped with modern private facilities. The historic main building houses a relaxed restaurant and bar, while daily safaris by jeep or boat provide superb opportunities to encounter elephants, deer, birdlife and, with luck, the region’s big cats along the river and forest edges.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
14 colonial‑style double rooms, six twin‑bedded cottages, five tented cabins, private bathrooms with hot water, restaurant, bar, lounge, conference room, laundry service.
Local Wildlife
The 247 square-mile park of dry deciduous forest, grassy swamp and riverine habitat supports an astonishing array of wildlife, including 250 bird species, tiger, leopard, elephant, wild dog (dhole) and gaur. It is among the best of India’s wildlife reserves.
Optional Activities
Game drives and boat safaris in the National Park.
Savoy Ooty
Overview
The Savoy, Ooty, is a charming heritage retreat set amid six acres of manicured gardens in the cool, misty Nilgiri Hills. Established in 1829, the property’s Victorian‑era architecture and cottage‑style accommodations evoke the elegance of the British colonial period, offering an idyllic escape in one of South India’s most celebrated hill stations.
The hotel provides sweeping views of the Blue Mountains, a tranquil atmosphere, and easy access to Ooty’s natural beauty. Guests can enjoy refined dining at the hotel’s heritage restaurant, relax in the gardens, or unwind with wellness therapies and leisurely activities. With its blend of history, character, and contemporary comfort, the Savoy is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding tea estates, forests, and mountain landscapes.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Internet access, laptops and printers for hire, Ayurvedic spa centre, nature trails, snooker table, car hire, horse riding, call-out doctor, fitness centre, board games, badminton, table tennis, cycling, trampoline, cricket, volleyball, basketball, yoga and karaoke.
Optional Activities
Take a boat trip on Ooty Lake, drive or climb up Doddabetta Peak – the highest point of the Nilgiris, visit the award winning rose garden or Government Botanical Gardens, look around the Tribal Research Centre Museum or St. Stephen’s Church. There are also many great shopping destinations in town, including lovely chocolate shops, tea shops and local craft markets.
The Residency Towers
Overview
The Residency Towers Coimbatore is one of the city’s most recognisable hotels, offering modern comfort with quick access to both the airport and the railway station. Recently refurbished, it continues to stand as a benchmark for understated elegance and warm South Indian hospitality.
Guests can choose from a wide range of dining experiences, including The Pavilion’s global cuisine, the lively Bike & Barrel Pub, the poolside Afghan Grill, Chin Chin’s oriental specialities, the Library Bar, the Club Lounge, and Baker’s Corner for fresh desserts and baked treats. Accommodation is available across four room categories—Executive Deluxe, Club Premium, Suite and the Presidential Suite—each offering a consistent set of essential amenities designed to ensure a relaxed and comfortable stay in Coimbatore.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Complimentary Wi‑Fi, buffet breakfast, minibar, tea/coffee maker, in‑room safe, hair dryer, LED TV, swimming pool, fitness centre, laundry services, 24‑hour front desk.
Optional Activities
Visiting temples, exploring local parks, visiting nearby wildlife sanctuaries.
Windermere Estate
Overview
Set at 1,600m in the cool highlands of Munnar, Windermere Estate is a peaceful retreat surrounded by tea gardens, cardamom plantations and mist‑covered mountains. Created by Dr. Simon in the 1990s with the intention of feeling like a welcoming family home rather than a hotel, the estate still reflects that ethos today, with a warm, unhurried atmosphere and a strong connection to the landscape.
Accommodation is limited to just 18 rooms across three categories: Garden Rooms with verandas overlooking the grounds, larger Estate Rooms with high wooden ceilings and valley views, and two spacious Planter’s Villa Suites that can be taken individually or together. Meals are served in the Barn restaurant, with lunch available on request, and the thatched Tea Shack provides a charming spot for afternoon tea or sunset views.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
En suite rooms with modern comforts, Wi‑Fi in public areas, landscaped gardens, walking trails, cosy lounge and library, dining room serving fresh local cuisine, and a thatched tea hut overlooking the valley.
Optional Activities
Guided estate walks, longer guided treks to viewpoints, visits to local tea factories and museums, independent birdwatching, exploring Munnar’s markets and local culture.
Brunton Boatyard
Overview
The Brunton Boatyard Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel, set in a colonial mansion on the site of the Victorian boatyard of Geo Brunton and Sons. Echoing its history, the hotel’s interiors are an eclectic blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influence. In the town of Fort Cochin – which is in fact the oldest European settlement in India – there is plenty to explore and see from the hotel.
The Brunton Boatyard has 22 rooms, all with en-suite bathroom, each of which face towards the sea to give excellent views. Guests can dine at History Café, a multi cuisine restaurant echoing the hotel’s diverse influences, the Terrace Grill (closed in Monsoon season) serving fresh local seafood, or pick up a light snack and a cocktail and the Armoury Bar. As well as on site dining options, guests can find authentic local culinary delights within the town.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, grill, and coffee shop/bar. Business centre, gym, yoga centre, bicycles, swimming pool; and wifi. All rooms have a safe, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, drinking water and toiletries.
Optional Activities
The main attractions of this establishment is the harbour cruise, touring the historic Fort Cochin, visiting the Spice Market and walking to the Chinese fishing nets.
Spice Route Houseboat
Overview
The Spice Route Houseboats are beautifully furnished traditional vessels which were once used as rice barges but now operate as comfortable cruise boats plying the famous inland waterways of Kerala.
The boats are large with modern amenities and a cosy ambience and decorated with resplendent furnishings and traditional Keralan decor.
The glass-paneled rooms offer guests unobstructed views of the countryside. Each room has a private bathroom with modern facilities and quality toiletries. There is a kitchen on board where the chef freshly prepares all the delicious meals.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathroom, dining room, on board kitchen, air-conditioning.
Marari Beach Resort
Overview
With the aim of offering total relaxation to guests, Marari Beach Resort is designed to mimic the traditional lifestyle of Indian seaside villages. The reception building is large and airy, featuring exquisite local craftsmanship in the thatched roof. The activities on offer are curated especially to encourage cultural education, as well as relaxation and separation from daily life.
Rooms are simply designed and decorated using locally made furnishings and crafts, yet still featuring modern amenities to make your stay comfortable. Harking back to traditional village life, showers are open air allowing you to wash under the sun or stars. The villas either have their own private plunge pool or garden views.
A particular highlight of a stay at Marari Beach is the nightly visit from the ‘Chaiwallah’, a villager who has been serving tea for over 50 years. Guests have the opportunity to observe his special pouring style, and to taste the wonderful Chai tea which he makes.
The cuisine on offer predominantly features traditional Keralan recipes, although international options are also available should they be desired. Its seaside location makes this the ideal place to try beautiful fresh fish, and a local seafood favourite on offer is the Fisherman’s curry – served traditionally in a clay pot with a leaf spoon.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Huge swimming pool, yoga centre and ayurvedic treatments, bicycles, badminton, tennis and beach volleyball facilities and a library.
Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer, bottled drinking water, and safety deposit box.
Room categories: Deluxe Garden Villa with Private Pool, Garden Villa with Pool, Garden Villa.
Optional Activities
Yoga, martial arts classes, nature walks, organic cookery and traditional dance demonstrations.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
No flights included.
Best Visited:
September to May
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
James Gilpin
Area Specialist
Add a few more nights at the beach resort for extended relaxation.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Naturalist guides were brilliant. We seem to have been given the best one in each place. Had same one for whole of stay in each place. Cultural guides gave just enough information and then left you to ask questions about what interested you which is what we like. They did not seem to have a set patter. Helpful about photographic sites – i.e. good position to take photos.
[OVERALL STANDARD OF SERVICE] Excellent isn’t good enough. In every place we were treated like royalty. Totally relaxed and felt totally safe but not smothered.
[WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS] 11 tigers, innumerable rhino, wild elephants, buffalo, otters, hog and swamp deer, and wild boar. Birds at Keoladeo excellent. Watched leopard and three cubs at Siana for 1.5 hrs of exceptional viewing.
An outstanding holiday which far exceeded our expectations. Many people would enjoy it I’m sure.
