Welcome to Bengaluru (Bangalore), the vibrant capital of Karnataka and the gateway to your journey through Southern India.

Upon arrival at Bengaluru Airport, you will be met by our local representative in the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you time to relax following your overnight flight or begin exploring the surrounding area at your own pace.

Often referred to as India's "Silicon Valley", Bengaluru is renowned for its thriving technology sector whilst also being known as the "Garden City" thanks to its many parks and green spaces. Over the coming days, you'll discover a fascinating region rich in culture, heritage and natural beauty.

Overnight stay in Bengaluru.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey to Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka's historic royal city, located approximately 150 km from Bengaluru. The drive takes around three hours, excluding comfort and sightseeing stops.

En route, visit the historic town of Srirangapatna, once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore and closely associated with the legendary ruler Tipu Sultan. Subject to opening hours and local conditions, your sightseeing may include the revered Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the elegant Daria Daulat Bagh (Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan), the Gumbaz Mausoleum, and the impressive Srirangapatna Fort.

Continue to Mysuru, a city celebrated for its royal heritage, grand architecture and cultural traditions. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Depending on your arrival time and the day of the week, you may wish to visit the magnificent Mysore Palace. The palace is particularly striking when illuminated on selected evenings, whilst a sound and light show may also operate on certain dates, subject to the official schedule.

Overnight stay in Mysuru.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the royal city of Mysuru (Mysore), renowned for its magnificent palaces, historic landmarks and cultural heritage.

Your sightseeing begins at the iconic Mysore Palace, one of India's most celebrated royal residences. Subject to opening hours, admire its distinctive architecture, which combines Hindu, Mughal, Rajput and Gothic influences, and discover the beautifully preserved halls and royal interiors that reflect the city's regal past.

Continue to Chamundi Hills, overlooking the city, where you'll visit the revered Chamundeshwari Temple, an important place of worship dedicated to the patron deity of the former Mysore royal family. The hill also offers panoramic views across Mysuru, weather permitting.

Your tour concludes with a visit to the impressive St. Philomena's Church, one of the largest churches in India. Inspired by the famous Cologne Cathedral in Germany, its striking Neo-Gothic architecture makes it one of Mysuru's most recognisable landmarks.

Overnight stay in Mysuru.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your scenic journey towards Ooty (Udhagamandalam), one of Southern India's best-known hill stations, nestled in the picturesque Nilgiri Hills.

Travelling through the forests of Bandipur National Park, continue into neighbouring Mudumalai National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's important protected wildlife reserves. Subject to local operating conditions, enjoy an included jeep safari, offering the opportunity to explore the park's diverse landscapes. Whilst wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the reserve is home to a variety of species, including elephants, deer, gaur, monkeys and, more rarely, tigers and leopards.

Lunch is available en route at your own expense before continuing your journey into the cool mountain landscapes of the Nilgiris.

Upon arrival in Ooty, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Ooty.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the beautiful Nilgiri Hills, visiting the charming hill stations of Ooty, Lovedale and Coonoor. This picturesque region, where the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu meet, was once a popular summer retreat during the British colonial era.

Your sightseeing includes visits to the historic St. Stephen's Church, one of Ooty's oldest churches, and the renowned Government Botanical Garden, home to a diverse collection of plants, colourful gardens and mature trees.

Continue to Coonoor, a charming hill station renowned for its tea plantations and cool mountain scenery. Subject to opening hours and local operating conditions, your sightseeing may include Sim's Park and time to explore the surrounding tea-growing region before returning to Ooty.

Later, experience a journey on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway celebrated for its remarkable engineering and mountain landscapes. Please note: Train tickets are subject to availability and are generally released by the railway authorities closer to the travel date. If train tickets cannot be secured or services are unavailable due to operational reasons, maintenance or other circumstances beyond our control, the journey will be undertaken by road instead.

Overnight stay in Ooty.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey through the scenic landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills towards Vythiri, a peaceful hill town nestled in Kerala's beautiful Wayanad district.

En route, subject to local conditions and time permitting, visit the popular Needle Rock Viewpoint, offering panoramic views across the surrounding hills and valleys, weather permitting. Continue through the region surrounding Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Kerala's important protected forest areas, before visiting the picturesque Pookode Lake and the intriguing Chain Tree, both closely associated with the local history and folklore of Wayanad.

Known for its rolling hills, forests, tea and spice plantations, Wayanad offers a wonderful contrast to the bustling cities visited earlier in your journey. Upon arrival in Vythiri, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Vythiri.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and make the most of your peaceful surroundings in the heart of Wayanad.

You may wish to spend time enjoying your resort's facilities or simply unwind amidst the tranquil natural setting. Depending on your chosen accommodation and local operating conditions, a selection of resort activities, such as guided nature walks or short walks through the surrounding area, may also be available. Please note that any resort activities are subject to availability and may vary by property.

Alternatively, take the opportunity to relax before continuing your journey through Southern India.

Overnight stay in Vythiri.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey south to the vibrant port city of Kochi (Cochin), one of Kerala's most historic and cosmopolitan destinations. The drive offers an opportunity to experience the ever-changing landscapes of the region as you travel from the hills of Wayanad towards Kerala's picturesque coastline.

Upon arrival in Kochi, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to relax after your journey or take the opportunity to explore the local surroundings at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast, meet your guide and set out to explore the historic city of Kochi (Cochin), a fascinating destination where centuries of Indian, European and Middle Eastern influences have shaped its unique character.

Subject to opening hours and local operating conditions, your sightseeing includes visits to the historic Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), the Paradesi Synagogue in the heart of Jew Town, the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried, and the impressive Santa Cruz Basilica, renowned for its beautiful interiors and architecture.

This evening, experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance, one of Kerala's most celebrated classical art forms. Combining elaborate costumes, expressive facial expressions, intricate hand gestures and storytelling, Kathakali offers a fascinating insight into the region's rich cultural heritage.

Overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel to Alleppey (Alappuzha), often referred to as the gateway to Kerala's famous backwaters. Upon arrival, board your traditional Kerala houseboat and settle into your comfortable accommodation for an unforgettable overnight cruise.

Originally used to transport rice and other produce through Kerala's extensive network of waterways, these traditional kettuvallams have been thoughtfully converted into floating accommodation, offering a unique way to experience the region's tranquil backwaters.

As your houseboat cruises through the scenic canals and waterways, enjoy views of peaceful villages, coconut groves, paddy fields and everyday life along the water's edge. Please note that the cruise route and duration are subject to local navigation regulations, water levels and operational conditions.

Lunch and dinner are included today and will be freshly prepared and served onboard as you relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Kerala's backwaters.

Overnight onboard your Kerala houseboat.

After breakfast, disembark your Kerala houseboat and continue your journey south towards the popular coastal resort of Kovalam.

En route, enjoy an included boat ride on the tranquil Poovar backwaters, where palm-fringed waterways, lush vegetation and peaceful surroundings create a memorable contrast to Kerala's coastline. Please note that boating is subject to local weather and operating conditions.

Continue to Kovalam, one of Kerala's best-known seaside destinations, renowned for its crescent-shaped beaches, swaying coconut palms and relaxed atmosphere. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Kovalam.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in the popular coastal resort of Kovalam.

You may wish to relax at your hotel, take a stroll along the beach, or explore the local area at your own pace. Optional activities and water sports may also be available locally, subject to availability, weather conditions and local operating schedules.

Whether you choose to simply unwind or make the most of your free time, today offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Kerala's coastline.

Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Today, bid farewell to Kovalam as you check out of your hotel and transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your return flight home.

As your journey through Southern India draws to a close, take with you lasting memories of its royal heritage, tranquil backwaters, scenic hill stations, beautiful coastline and vibrant cultural traditions.

We hope you have enjoyed your holiday with Lumle Holidays and look forward to welcoming you on another unforgettable adventure in the future.