Touch down at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) and meet your representative for a smooth, pre-arranged airport transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure—unwind after your flight or take a gentle orientation stroll to get a feel for Bengaluru (Bangalore), India’s garden city and tech capital.

For the ultimate Indian indulgence, your day blends gastronomy, scenic drives, and heritage. After breakfast and check-out, meet your chauffeur for an air-conditioned journey to a beautiful wine-producing vineyard in Channapatna, roughly 60 km south-west of Bengaluru. Here, you’ll relish the strong floral and fruity notes across different varietals. Your expert guide ensures the experience flows effortlessly—from the first pour into your ice-cool glass to a clear explanation of age-old and modern winemaking processes and pairing principles.

Following the tasting, continue by road to the royal city of Mysore, pausing at the storied island town of Srirangapatnam on the Cauvery River. Once the seat of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, this fortified capital dominated southern India in the 18th century until the climactic British campaign in 1799. Feel the past come alive as you view the massive ramparts, battlements, and surviving gates of the fort.

Drive on to Mysore and check-in to your hotel—your gateway to palaces, markets and the cultural soul of Karnataka.

After breakfast, arrive at the magnificent Mysore Palace. Discover a royal heirloom in marble as the morning sun strikes the domes, radiating like pink pearls. A jewel on Southern India’s treasure trail, this finest example of Indo-Saracenic architectural brilliance is among India’s grandest royal buildings. Entering through the Doll’s Pavilion and the Elephant Gate, you’re transported to a lavish era where opulent halls shimmer with stained-glass ceilings and a golden elephant howdah stands like an unused portal to the world of the Maharajas of Mysore.

Your afternoon exploration of the City of Palaces continues at the Chamundeswari Temple atop the Chamundi Hills. Named for a deity revered for centuries by the Mysore rulers, the temple rewards those who climb the steps with its remarkable tower and granite statues, including the beautiful 16-foot statue of Nandi, gifted by Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar in 1659. Also included is a drive to St. Philomena’s Church. Constructed in 1936, it is believed to be one of the oldest churches in India and its Neo-Gothic architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, check out and drive about 14 km from Mysore to the serene Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary on the banks of the River Cauvery. Spanning over 40 acres, this verdant haven shelters exquisite resident and migratory species—look for shag, white ibis, darter, peafowl, pond heron, wild duck, open-billed stork, painted stork, kingfisher, cattle egret and the elegant river tern among many others.

Continue to the stately Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel—Mysore’s second-largest palace—built in the early 20th century for the exclusive stay of the Viceroy of India. Its pure white façade, Renaissance-inspired architecture, sweeping staircases and landscaped gardens make a splendid setting for photographs and a glimpse into royal hospitality.

After lunch, depart towards the forests en route to Ooty. First enter Bandipur National Park—once the private game reserve of the Mysore Maharajas—then cross into the adjoining Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (about 12 km from Bandipur). This connected wilderness between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats spans roughly 880 km² and supports over 100 species of mammals (including tiger, Asian elephant, leopard and sloth bear) and more than 350 bird species.

Enjoy an afternoon Jeep Safari in Mudumalai, scanning riverbanks and teak forests for wildlife and birdlife with your naturalist driver.

Post-safari, ascend to Ooty (Udhagamandalam), the celebrated “Queen of Hill Stations”. Established in the early 19th century as the summer headquarters of the Madras Government—memorialised as “Snooty Ooty”—the town rests amidst sprawling sholas and tea gardens at about 7,000 ft, offering a refreshingly cool climate. Check in to your hotel on arrival.

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Ooty (Udhagamandalam), famed as the “Queen of hill stations” and capital of the Nilgiris. One of India’s most popular mountain resorts, the Blue Mountains offer picturesque picnic spots and cool air—once a beloved British-era summer retreat.

Morning: Visit the celebrated Botanical Garden in Ooty and a working Tea Factory. Continue to Lovedale (founded 1812), used by the British to escape the plains’ heat. Like Ooty, Coonoor and Wellington, Lovedale still retains its colonial flavour—old-world cottages, bungalows and a Gothic church set the tone.

Afternoon: Proceed to Coonoor, renowned for Nilgiri tea. At ~1,850 m above sea level, this misty hill station links to Ooty and Mettupalayam via the ingenious Nilgiri Mountain Railway, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The surrounding slopes are beautifully carpeted in emerald tea plantations, studded with tall shade trees and interspersed with waterfalls. Enjoy lunch, then visit Sim’s Park and nearby Coonoor tea estates.

Depart from Coonoor to return to Ooty. On arrival, you will be picked up from the Ooty Railway Station and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast, check out of Ooty and set off towards Vythiri in the lush Wayanad district. Your first stop is the dramatic Needle Rock View Point near Gudalur, a sweeping vantage over rolling Nilgiri ridgelines and forested valleys. Continue south into Kerala to visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where moist deciduous forests shelter elephant herds, gaur, sambar and a rich chorus of birdlife.

In the afternoon, stroll the tranquil shores of Pookot Lake (also spelled Pookode) before pausing at the storied Chain Tree, a local landmark entwined with Wayanad’s folklore. Arrive later for afternoon check-in at the wildlife resort, with time to breathe in the cool, green air of the Western Ghats.

Wayanad—a green paradise cradled by the Western Ghats—forms Kerala’s emerald borderland. Clean, pristine and steeped in history and culture, this verdant hill region lies about 80 km inland from Kozhikode, carpeted in tea & coffee plantations, dense forests and wildlife corridors. Geographically perched on the southern rim of the Deccan Plateau, its chief glory is a procession of lofty ridges, rugged terrain and deep valleys threaded with tangled jungle.

After enjoying your breakfast, today is at leisure in the cool, green embrace of Wayanad. Unwind at the resort or choose from enriching in-house resort activities such as a guided nature walk with a naturalist or a gentle trek to nearby hillocks, soaking up forest sounds, birdsong and Western Ghats vistas. In the evening, an engaging cooking demonstration offers a delightful window into local flavours—an immersive way to round off a relaxed day. Note: This is a day at leisure; all activities (nature walk, hillock trek and cooking demonstration) are optional and subject to availability; pre-book at the resort if desired (supplements may apply).

Check out at 09:00 and depart for Kochi. En route, pause at the panoramic Lakkidi View Point, where undulating Western Ghats and deep valleys unfold in spectacular fashion. Continue your drive south to arrive in Kochi (Cochin) by evening and relax at your hotel.

Kochi is a cosmopolitan harbour city with an irresistible cultural blend—think iconic Chinese fishing nets, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, white-washed Portuguese houses and evocative remnants of the British Raj. It’s a delightful base to linger, especially in Kerala’s finest homestays and heritage accommodation.

Unlock Kochi’s history on a guided city tour into the heart of this magnificent harbour town. Begin at the gigantic Chinese fishing nets (cheenavalas), said to date from 1350 and still in use today—an iconic silhouette against the Arabian Sea.

Continue to the wonderful St. Francis’ Church, considered India’s oldest church, built by Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco da Gama was once buried here before his remains were taken to Lisbon, adding a poignant layer to this serene landmark.

Relax in the shade as you drive to the Jewish Synagogue, built over 400 years ago in the historic quarter, then discover the impressive architecture and beautiful murals of the Dutch Palace—a showcase of Kerala’s royal legacy and colonial-era artistry.

After breakfast, depart for Alleppey (Alappuzha) to begin your enchanting one-night cruise on an air-conditioned Kerala backwater houseboat. Settle into your floating villa and ease into the rhythm of the backwaters as palms and canals slide by. From the deck, watch for iconic Chinese fishing nets, emerald paddy fields, village life and artisans weaving coir; pass rustic buildings, ancient temples and dense coconut groves while the crew navigates tranquil waterways.

Your onboard chef will serve three freshly prepared meals during the cruise, showcasing local flavours and seasonal ingredients. As dusk colours the lagoons, relax to the sounds of birdlife and gentle water, then retire to your private cabin for a restful night on the water.

After breakfast, depart from Alleppey and travel south to coastal Kovalam. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—stroll the crescent-shaped beaches, watch the surf roll against the rocky promontory, or simply unwind beneath swaying coconut palms as the Arabian Sea shimmers.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kovalam. Drift between the golden arcs of Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach, pause for fresh Kerala seafood and coconut water, or unwind by the pool beneath swaying palms. If you fancy something extra, book a soothing Ayurveda treatment, join a gentle yoga session, or take a calm catamaran ride (seasonal) along the Arabian Sea. As evening falls, stroll the promenade and watch the sun sink behind the rocky promontory.

Savour your last full day at leisure in Kovalam. Drift between Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach, linger over fresh Kerala seafood and coconut water, or unwind by the pool beneath swaying palms. For a restorative finale, consider a gentle Ayurveda treatment or an evening yoga session before a golden-hour stroll along the rocky promontory.

As dusk settles, toast your journey with a farewell dinner at your own cost overlooking the Arabian Sea. Watch the lighthouse beam sweep across the surf and the sky blaze with colour—an unforgettable final night in coastal Kerala.