Best of South India: Cultures of Karnataka & Kerala
A private, tailor-made 15-day journey covering Bangalore, Hassan, Mysore, Ooty, Cochin. Designed day by day by Anant Bharata's local experts and fully customisable to your dates and pace.
Destinations covered
- Bangalore
- Hassan
- Mysore
- Ooty
- Cochin
- Munnar
- Periyar
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival in Bangalore
Upon arrival in Bangalore, meet your representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or explore the local area. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
Day 2 · Bangalore City Tour
Today, explore Bangalore with a half-day guided tour. Visit: • Tipu Sultan’s Palace: A reflection of Mughal-inspired architecture and royal heritage • ISKCON Temple: A blend of modern and traditional Dravidian architecture • Lal Bagh Botanical Garden: Famous for its year-round blooming red roses, begun by Hyder Ali in 1760 • Vidhan Soudha: Seat of the state legislature, an imposing Neo-Dravidian architectural marvel Overnight stay in Bangalore. (B)
Day 3 · Bangalore – Hassan (195 km / 5 hrs)
Drive to Hassan, named after the local deity Hasanamba. On arrival, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore: • Belur’s Chennakeshava Temple: Built in 1117 AD, an architectural masterpiece filled with intricate carvings • Halebid’s Hoysaleswara Temple: Twin shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the 12th century Overnight stay in Hassan. (B)
Day 4 · Hassan – Mysore (115 km / 3.5 hrs)
After breakfast, proceed to Mysore. En route, visit: • Srirangapatna: Former capital of Tipu Sultan, featuring significant monuments • Daria Daulat Bagh (Summer Palace): Tipu Sultan’s teakwood palace with beautiful frescoes Continue to Mysore and check in at your hotel. Later visit: • Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas): A grand Indo-Saracenic royal residence • Chamundi Hills: Home to Chamundeshwari Temple and the giant Nandi statue Overnight stay in Mysore. (B)
Day 5 · Mysore – Ooty (160 km / 4 hrs)
Travel to Ooty, often referred to as the “Queen of Hill Stations.” Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, this charming town is known for tea gardens, colonial-era buildings, and a pleasant climate. Overnight stay in Ooty. (B)
Day 6 · Ooty – Cochin (295 km / 7 hrs)
Drive through scenic hill and forest landscapes toward the port city of Cochin (Kochi). Upon arrival, check in and relax. Overnight stay in Cochin. (B)
Day 7 · Cochin City Tour
Explore Cochin’s rich colonial history with visits to: • St. Francis Church: The oldest European church in India • Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Known for mural paintings from the Ramayana • Jewish Synagogue: Built in 1568, adorned with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers • Spice Market and Jew Town: A vibrant hub of aroma and history • Chinese Fishing Nets: A legacy of 14th-century Chinese trade In the evening, attend a performance of Kathakali, Kerala’s traditional dance-drama. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 8 · Cochin – Munnar (140 km / 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Munnar, a tranquil hill station famed for its rolling tea plantations and mist-covered hills. Check in and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature. Overnight stay in Munnar. (B)
Day 9 · Munnar Exploration
Today’s sightseeing includes: • Tea Estates: Visit sprawling plantations with stunning landscapes • Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (
Day 10 · Munnar – Periyar (Thekkady) (130 km / 3 hrs)
Drive to Periyar, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the evening, take a guided spice plantation tour. Overnight stay in Periyar. (B)
Day 11 · Periyar – Kumarakom (145 km / 4 hrs)
Start early with a boat safari on Lake Periyar for wildlife viewing. After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a serene village by Vembanad Lake, known for its backwaters and bird sanctuary. Overnight stay in Kumarakom. (B)
Day 12 · Kumarakom – Houseboat Cruise (Thottapally)
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory birds like Siberian storks and local species. Later, board your traditional houseboat (Kettuvallam) for an overnight cruise through the peaceful Kerala backwaters. Overnight on Houseboat. (B, L, D)
Day 13 · Thottapally – Kovalam (170 km /
Thottapally – Kovalam (170 km / 4 hrs) Disembark the houseboat in the morning and drive to Kovalam, a popular beach destination with calm waters and Ayurvedic wellness centers. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach. Overnight stay in Kovalam. (B)
Day 14 · Kovalam – Leisure Day Day free
Kovalam – Leisure Day Day free to enjoy the beach, indulge in water sports, or opt for rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatments. Overnight stay in Kovalam. (B)
Day 15 · Departure from Trivandrum
After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your onward flight. Tour ends with wonderful memories of South India’s diverse cultures and landscapes.
Every detail is tailor-made to your dates, pace and interests — your quote is shared on enquiry.
💬 Plan this trip on WhatsApp Send an enquiryMore Kerala tours
Backwaters of Kerala Tour · Charming Kerala Tour · Serene Kerala Tour with Houseboat Experience · all Kerala tours →