Grand South India Hills & Heritage Explorer (8 Nights, 9 Days)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore - The Garden City

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Bangalore (Bengaluru) Airport or Railway Station. Our representative will warmly greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel. Check-in and relax.

Afternoon: Begin your exploration of Bangalore, India's "Garden City" and tech hub.

Lal Bagh Botanical Garden: Stroll through the sprawling Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, renowned for its beautiful glass house, rare plant species, and annual flower shows.

Cubbon Park: Enjoy the greenery and tranquility of Cubbon Park, a vast lung space in the city center.

Vidhana Soudha: Drive past the majestic Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the Karnataka state legislature, a magnificent example of neo-Dravidian architecture (exterior view only).

ISKCON Temple Bangalore: Visit the grand ISKCON Temple Bangalore, a modern architectural marvel and a significant spiritual center.

Night: Overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 2: Bangalore - Coorg Transfer (Via Mysore's Royal Charms & Jain Heritage)

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Bangalore hotel and embark on a scenic drive towards Coorg.

En Route Mysore & Shravanabelagola: Make a significant stop at the royal city of Mysore (Mysuru), known for its opulent palaces and vibrant gardens.

Mysore Palace: Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace), the opulent residence of the Wodeyar dynasty, famous for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo): Explore the well-maintained Mysuru Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals and birds.

St. Philomena's Church: Admire the grandeur of St. Philomena's Church, a beautiful neo-Gothic structure.

Brindavan Gardens: In the evening (if time permits), witness the mesmerizing musical fountain show at Brindavan Gardens (located near Krishnarajasagara Dam).

Chamundeshwari Temple: Visit the ancient Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills, offering panoramic views of Mysore city.

Melody World Wax Museum: (Optional, if time permits) A unique museum featuring wax statues based on music.

Shravanabelagola: Make a special detour to Shravanabelagola (approximately 1.5-2 hours from Mysore), a renowned Jain pilgrimage site, to marvel at the towering High Gommateshwara statue (Bahubali statue), a magnificent monolithic sculpture. Note: This visit involves climbing many steps.

Night: Continue your drive to Coorg (Kodagu), the "Scotland of India." Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the cool, refreshing air. Overnight stay in Coorg.

Day 3: Coorg Sightseeing - Coffee Plantations & Natural Beauty

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing in the picturesque Coorg region.

Abbey Falls: Witness the cascading beauty of Abbey Falls, nestled amidst coffee and spice plantations.

Omkareshwara Temple: Visit the unique Omkareshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a blend of Islamic and Gothic architectural styles.

Madikeri Fort: Explore the historic Madikeri Fort, housing a palace, a church, and a museum.

Raja's Seat: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and misty hills from Raja's Seat, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.

Talacauvery & Bhagamandala: Drive to Talacauvery, the origin of the River Cauvery, a sacred pilgrimage site. Nearby, visit Bhagamandala, known for its confluence of rivers and ancient temples, including the Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple.

Brahmagiri Hills: (Optional, for trekkers) Witness the scenic beauty of Brahmagiri Hills.

Night: Overnight stay in Coorg.

Day 4: Coorg - Ooty Transfer (The Queen of Hill Stations)

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Coorg hotel and begin your scenic drive to Ooty (Udhagamandalam), the popular "Queen of Hill Stations" in the Nilgiri Mountains.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Ooty, check into your hotel.

Late Afternoon: Begin your exploration of Ooty's natural beauty.

Pykara Lake & Waterfalls: Visit Pykara Lake, offering boat ride facilities (optional, at extra cost), and the scenic Pykara Waterfalls.

Stone House Ooty: Drive past Stone House, the first bungalow built in Ooty.

Deer Park: (Optional) Visit the small Deer Park located near Ooty Lake.

Night: Overnight stay in Ooty.

Day 5: Ooty Sightseeing - Gardens, Peaks & Tea

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Ooty.

Ooty Lake: Enjoy a refreshing boat ride (optional, at extra cost) on Ooty Lake, a popular recreational spot.

Doddabetta Peak: Drive to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiri Hills, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Rose Garden: Stroll through the vibrant Rose Garden, home to thousands of varieties of roses.

Botanical Gardens: Explore the meticulously maintained Botanical Gardens, showcasing a diverse collection of flora.

Afternoon:

The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum: Learn about the tea-making process from leaf to cup at The Tea Factory & The Tea Museum, and enjoy a refreshing cup of Nilgiri tea.

Night: Overnight stay in Ooty.

Day 6: Ooty - Kodaikanal Transfer (The Princess of Hill Stations)

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Ooty hotel and begin your scenic drive to Kodaikanal, lovingly known as the "Princess of Hill Stations."

En Route: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes as you descend from Ooty and ascend to Kodaikanal.

Kumbakkarai Falls: (Optional, if time and route permit) You might make a stop at Kumbakkarai Falls, a beautiful waterfall en route.

Berijam Lake: (Permit required, often restricted access, check local regulations) While Berijam Lake is beautiful, access is highly restricted and often requires special forest permits not typically included in standard tours. Your itinerary will primarily focus on the accessible Kodaikanal attractions.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Kodaikanal, check into your hotel. Enjoy the cool, refreshing climate.

Night: Overnight stay in Kodaikanal.

Day 7: Kodaikanal Sightseeing - Misty Hills & Serene Lakes

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Kodaikanal, exploring its misty hills and charming natural spots.

Kodaikanal Lake: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride (optional, at extra cost) on the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, the centerpiece of the town. You can also cycle or walk around its periphery.

Coaker's Walk: Take a refreshing walk along Coaker's Walk, a beautiful paved pedestrian path offering stunning panoramic views of the plains below.

Bryant Park: Stroll through Bryant Park, a well-maintained botanical garden showcasing a variety of flowers and plants.

Pillar Rocks: Marvel at the majestic Pillar Rocks, three giant rock pillars standing shoulder-to-shoulder, offering breathtaking views.

Green Valley View Point (Suicide Point): Enjoy panoramic views of the Vaigai Dam and surrounding valleys from Green Valley View Point.

Pine Forest: Wander through the enchanting Pine Forest, a popular spot for photography.

Guna Caves (Devil's Kitchen): Explore the mysterious Guna Caves, known for their unique rock formations (access might be limited for safety).

Bear Shola Falls: Visit Bear Shola Falls (best during monsoon season), a beautiful waterfall amidst dense forest.

Kurinji Andavar Temple: Visit the Kurinji Andavar Temple, dedicated to Lord Muruga, offering great views of the Vaigai Dam and the distant Palani Hills.

Night: Overnight stay in Kodaikanal.

Day 8: Kodaikanal - Bangalore Transfer & Overnight Stay

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Kodaikanal hotel.

Day: Begin your comfortable, full-day transfer back to Bangalore (approximately 10-12 hours journey, depending on traffic and stops). This is a significant travel day, offering diverse landscapes from hill country to plains.

Evening: Upon arrival in Bangalore, check into your hotel. The evening is free for relaxation after the long journey.

Night: Overnight stay in Bangalore.

Day 9: Bangalore Departure

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Bangalore hotel.

Day: Our representative will assist you with your timely transfer to Bangalore Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying beautiful memories of your extensive South Indian hills and heritage adventure.

Inclusions:

8 Nights Accommodation (2N Bangalore, 2N Coorg, 2N Ooty, 2N Kodaikanal) on Twin Sharing Basis

Daily Breakfast at hotels

Comfortable Private Vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary

All applicable taxes

Exclusions:

Airfare/Train fare to and from Bangalore

Lunch & Dinner (unless specified)

Entry fees to monuments, museums, parks, gardens, waterfalls, and attractions (e.g., Mysore Palace, Zoo, Abbey Falls, Botanical Gardens, Tea Factory, Ooty Lake, Kodaikanal Lake boat rides, etc.)

Charges for optional activities like elephant rides, jeep safaris, specific tours, etc.

Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, medical emergencies, etc.

Any additional sightseeing or activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Travel insurance