Majestic South Indian Expedition

On arrival at Bangalore airport, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative, then transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bangalore, including a visit to Tippu’s Summer Palace, a prime example of Indo-Islamic architecture and once the summer home of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Later, visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a historic garden in Bengaluru established during Hyder Ali’s rule and further enhanced with rare plants by his son Tipu Sultan, later managed by British superintendents before Indian independence. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, set out for Mysore, stopping on the way at Somnathpur to explore the renowned Prasanna Chennakeshava Temple. This temple, celebrated as one of the three premier examples of Hoysala architecture and a nominee for UNESCO World Heritage status, showcases exceptional artistry and intricate stonework. Continue your journey to Mysore and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Maharajah’s Palace—an architectural marvel featuring vibrant stained glass, ornately carved wooden doors, and elaborate mosaic floors. Next, head to the lively Devaraja Market, followed by a visit to the Chamundi Temple, which sits atop Chamundi Hill at 1,062 meters and offers sweeping views of Mysore. At the summit, after climbing 1,001 steps, discover the 12th-century temple housing a golden idol of Chamundi, the goddess revered by the Maharajas. Conclude your sightseeing with a cup of authentic local filter coffee before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Begin your day with a heritage walk to immerse yourself in the city’s unique charm. Stroll at your leisure, passing elegant colonial-era buildings, historic landmarks, and ancient temples, while learning the fascinating stories behind them. Enjoy the experience of a traditional Tonga ride, taking in the sights from a horse-drawn carriage.

In the afternoon, set out by car to explore Srirangapatna, located 16 kilometers from Mysore. This island fortress was once the stronghold of Tipu Sultan and the early seat of the Mysore Wodeyars. Here, you can visit notable sites such as Tipu’s mosque with its twin minarets built in 1787, the Daria Daulat Bagh—Tipu’s Summer Palace constructed entirely of wood and now a museum with remarkable artifacts and paintings related to Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan—and the Gumbaz, the mausoleum where Tipu Sultan, Haider Ali, and other royal family members are laid to rest. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast in the morning, set out for Coorg, a destination renowned for its timeless charm, vibrant local traditions, and lush coffee estates. Upon reaching, check in at your hotel. Later in the day, take a guided walk through a coffee plantation, including a tour of the processing facility to discover how coffee beans are transformed into a fresh cup. Spend the night at your hotel.

After breakfast, set out by car to explore Bylakuppe, a Tibetan settlement located about 40 kilometers from Coorg. Entry is subject to permission. This town is home to around 7,000 Tibetans and features several agricultural communities, numerous monasteries representing all major Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and multiple Buddhist universities for advanced studies. Continue your journey with a visit to Dubare Reserve Forest and Elephant Camp, where approximately 150 elephants are cared for and trained by naturalists. Return to your hotel in the evening to relax by a campfire, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

After having breakfast at the hotel, head to Kabini. Upon arrival, check into your hotel located on the outskirts of Nagarahole National Park. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the tranquil backwaters to observe aquatic birds and other wildlife along the water’s edge. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Early morning proceed for a Land Safari into the Nagarahole national park, accompanied by experienced drivers and naturalists. This area boasts of the highest density in Asiatic wildlife and is considered one of the best places in India to view the Asiatic elephants and gaur. Back to hotel and breakfast. After breakfast Check-out and proceed to Wayanad, Check-in hotel, evening enjoy a plantation walk. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to Uravu Craft Village, an initiative that fosters social enterprises by enhancing the value of local natural resources, particularly bamboo, often called “green gold.” Uravu runs comprehensive programs in the bamboo sector, including skill development in bamboo processing, setting up small businesses, marketing bamboo crafts, and promoting bamboo cultivation. Next, visit a pottery unit where you can further develop your creativity by learning to shape wet clay into elegant forms. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari through Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, which connects with the protected forests of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka to the northeast and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu to the southeast. This sanctuary, rich in biodiversity and forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, emphasizes scientific conservation while respecting the traditional lifestyles of local tribal communities. Muthanga is home to a significant elephant population and is recognized as a Project Elephant site. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, head to Neeleshwar and board your houseboat at the Nileshwar backwaters. Tucked behind the Hermitage, a maze of peaceful waterways nourishes the local rice fields before flowing out to the sea. Spacious and inviting houseboats, once traditional Kerala rice barges, now offer a serene and comfortable setting for leisurely cruises that rejuvenate the mind and lift the spirit. As you drift along, observe daily life unfolding at a gentle pace on the banks—locals washing clothes, fetching water, tending gardens, fishing with age-old nets, or making their way to temples. As evening approaches, flocks of local birds gather to settle for the night, and the sky is set ablaze with a stunning sunset. Spend the night on the houseboat, surrounded by tranquility.

After breakfast, check out and embark on a sightseeing trip around Bekal and Nileshwar, including visits to the Lotus Temple and Bekal Fort. Bekal Fort, which is around 300 years old, stands as one of Kerala’s largest and most well-maintained forts. This impressive circular laterite structure rises 130 feet above sea level and occupies a 35-acre promontory extending into the Arabian Sea. The tour continues with a stop at Anandasram, established by Swami Ramdas—affectionately known as Beloved Papa—in Kanhangad, South India, in 1931. The ashram’s guiding principle is universal love and service, rooted in the belief of divinity in all beings, welcoming everyone regardless of background, creed, or caste. Afterward, check in at your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a leisurely day, taking time to visit nearby villages and observe the vibrant Theyyam rituals held in local temples or sacred groves. The Theyyam season in Kerala starts with the Malayalam month of Thulam, typically in October or November, and continues until May. During this period, Kerala enthusiastically celebrates the arrival of the living deities. Quiet villages in North Kerala come alive with the dynamic energy and splendor of Theyyam performances. These rituals usually take place at night, featuring dramatic fire displays, striking costumes, elaborate face paint, masks, and energetic movements as performers embody the deities. The dancers, believed to be possessed by divine spirits, enter a trance through their powerful actions, invoking the presence of the gods. Crowds gather at temples and sacred groves across North Malabar to witness this ancient ritual artform and receive blessings from the dancing deity. Overnight stay.

Departure transfer to Kannur Airport and connect your flight to home.