South India Explorer - Heritage, Hills & Houseboats

Arrive at Bangalore International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Later, explore the city of Bangalore (Bengaluru) on an evening orientation tour, discovering a place where historic 18th-century palaces and lush gardens sit comfortably alongside stylish shopping districts, bustling cafés, and a lively nightlife scene.

If you’re feeling adventurous, we can arrange a curated pub crawl as Bangalore is famed as India’s craft beer capital, boasting some of the country’s best bars.

Accommodation: The Paul Bangalore, a first-class all-suite modern hotel in the heart of the city.

Travel to Mysore (Mysuru), a city renowned for its royal heritage and cultural splendour, nestled beneath the sacred Chamundi Hills. En route, visit the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatnam and enjoy a tranquil rowboat ride through the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, home to a variety of migratory and native birds.

Explore the grand Mysore Palace, an architectural marvel known for its ornate halls and stained glass domes. Visit the temple atop Chamundi Hills dedicated to the city’s guardian goddess and admire the impressive Nandi Bull statue. Wander the lively Devaraja Market, full of spices, fresh produce, and colourful flower garlands, offering a vivid glimpse of daily life.

Accommodation: The Metropole Hotel, a heritage hotel exuding old-world charm, once a royal residence and now a boutique stay.

Travel to Kabini, located on the edge of Nagarhole National Park, one of India’s best-preserved wilderness areas. Spend two nights at a stylish jungle lodge perfectly positioned for wildlife exploration. Over the next days, enjoy four safaris by jeep, motorboat, and canoe, spotting elephants, Indian Bison, Sambar Deer, and playful Macaques. With luck, you may encounter elusive Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs, or Black Panthers.

Birdwatchers will appreciate the over 250 species present, including Malabar Trogons, Hornbills, and Crested Serpent Eagles, which fill the forest canopy with colour and song.

Accommodation: Kaav Safari Lodge, an intimate, eco-conscious safari retreat.

Journey to Wayanad, a peaceful highland sanctuary in the Western Ghats. Stay on a 400-acre coffee estate surrounded by forested hills and fragrant breezes. Explore a network of walking trails ranging from gentle strolls to longer hikes, revealing the area’s diverse landscapes from sweeping valleys to hidden forest clearings.

Enjoy nature walks, village visits, and rich birdlife with over 120 species recorded here. Watch for the Crested Serpent Eagle, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, and Racket-tailed Drongo. A specialist birding guide can be arranged to enrich your experience.

Accommodation: Tranquil Resort, a peaceful plantation hideaway surrounded by coffee plantations and birdsong.

A short drive takes you to Calicut where you board the train to Cochin. Check in to a boutique hotel that combines colonial history with modern comfort. Over two days, explore Fort Cochin and Mattancherry with a private guide. Wander through spice-scented lanes, watch the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and visit landmarks such as St. Francis Church, the mural-adorned Dutch Palace, and the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.

Browse the antique and artisan shops along Jew Street before enjoying a private sunset cruise across the harbour. In the evening, experience a Kathakali dance performance and witness the performers’ intricate makeup rituals. For a truly authentic encounter, join a private cooking class and dinner with a local family to discover Kerala’s culinary heritage.

Accommodation: Malabar House, a stylish heritage boutique hotel in the heart of Fort Cochin.

Travel to Alleppey, often called the ‘Venice of the East’, and board your private, air-conditioned houseboat for a two-night cruise through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters. Glide along palm-lined canals and shimmering rice paddies as village life unfolds on the banks. Your friendly crew prepares delicious Keralan meals using fresh, local ingredients.

Sail across Lake Vembanad, stopping at riverside hamlets to watch fishermen casting nets and children cycling to school. Enjoy meals served on deck as the gentle pace of the waterway sets the rhythm. At sunset, the boat anchors in a peaceful spot, offering a serene moment to gaze at the stars as the houseboat rocks gently.

Accommodation: A private one-bedroom, air-conditioned houseboat, combining traditional design with modern comfort.

Disembark from your houseboat and head to Mararikulam, a relaxed fishing village north of Alleppey. This peaceful retreat is ideal for unwinding after your journey. Spend your days lounging on the beach or beside the pool, enjoy morning yoga, or indulge in authentic Ayurvedic spa treatments.

Optional excursions include visits to the local fishing harbour, nearby temples, markets, and surrounding villages, offering further insight into Kerala’s coastal way of life.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort, an eco-conscious seaside retreat set amid coconut grove, offering a deep connection to Kerala’s natural rhythms.

At the arranged time, transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight, taking with you treasured memories of South India’s majestic cities, wild landscapes, and tranquil waterways.

Price Guide:

From £3,690 per person (October to April)
From £3,190 per person (May to September)

Prices are based on two guests sharing and exclude international flights. These are guideline rates and may vary depending on travel dates, room category, exchange rate fluctuations, and peak holiday periods such as Christmas, New Year, or regional festivals.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

What’s Included in Your Tailor-Made Journey with Authentic India Tours

• A dedicated Travel Consultant to plan and manage every detail of your holiday
• Private car and driver at the destination for all your transfers and tours.
• Your own English-speaking local guides for insightful, personal experiences
• A selection of unique and meaningful experiences, handpicked by our expert team.
• Entrance to museums, monuments, national parks and key cultural and historical sites included in your itinerary.
• Accommodation includes full board aboard the houseboat and at Kaav Safari Lodge in Kabini, while all other stays are on a bed and breakfast basis, with carefully selected hotels featured throughout the itinerary.
• 24/7 in-country support, so you’re always in safe hands.

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets
• Travel insurance & Visas
• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
• Meals other than those mentioned in the above meal plan
• Camera & video fees at national parks, museums & monuments

The prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this South India Explorer tour itinerary, please call Authentic India Tours on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this tour is just an example to help inspire you.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.