South India Karnataka Royal Heritage & Malabar Coast Kerala Explorer
15 Nights/ 16 Days
South India Heritage & Nature Tour covering Bangalore (2N), Mysore (1N), Coorg (2N), Bekal (2N), Thalassery (2N), Calicut (2N), Wayanad (2N), Kannur (2N)
Embark on an immersive 16-day cultural and nature tour across the vibrant southern states of Karnataka and Kerala. Starting from the bustling cosmopolitan city of Bangalore, this journey takes you through the royal heritage of Mysore, the misty coffee plantations of Coorg, the serene coastal charm of Bekal and Thalassery, and the rich historical and cultural legacy of Calicut. Continue to the lush green rainforests and waterfalls of Wayanad, and end with a coastal cultural immersion in Kannur, home of Theyyam and pristine beaches. This tour is perfect for international travelers looking to explore South India’s history, natural beauty, culinary depth, and warm hospitality.
Tour Highlights
- Garden City exploration in Bangalore
- Royal palaces, silk & sandalwood in Mysore
- Coffee estates, waterfalls & local Kodava culture in Coorg
- Romantic fort views and backwaters in Bekal
- Culinary trails and colonial stories in Thalassery
- Malabar spice port history in Calicut
- Wildlife, caves & tribal culture in Wayanad
- Theyyam performances & drive-in beaches in Kannur
Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore – Explore the Garden City
Arrive at Bangalore International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After a quick check-in and brief rest, begin your discovery of Bangalore — the Silicon Valley of India that beautifully blends modernity with colonial charm and a rich botanical heritage.
Evening is free for leisure or optional shopping at Commercial Street or UB City Mall, ideal for international travelers looking for Indian crafts or high-end brands.
Overnight stay in Bangalore.
Day 2: Bangalore Local Sightseeing – Culture, Crafts & Spiritual Spaces
After breakfast, continue exploring Bangalore with a focus on its cultural heritage and vibrant spiritual sites.
Begin your day with a visit to the Start your afternoon with a visit to Lalbagh Botanical Garden, one of India’s most famous horticultural parks known for its exotic flora, glasshouse modeled on London’s Crystal Palace, and serene walking trails. Continue to Cubbon Park, a sprawling green oasis in the heart of the city surrounded by colonial-era architecture.Next, explore Vidhana Soudha, an imposing legislative building built in neo-Dravidian style, and the Bangalore Palace, inspired by England’s Windsor Castle, with its Tudor-style architecture and lavish interiors. National Gallery of Modern Art, which showcases modern Indian art in a colonial mansion surrounded by gardens. If you’re interested in silk and handicrafts, a guided stop at the Karnataka Handicrafts Emporium (Cauvery) is ideal for sourcing authentic sandalwood items, traditional Mysore silk, and rosewood inlay work.
Evening at leisure — you can opt for a food tour or enjoy Bangalore’s thriving craft beer scene with a visit to a local microbrewery.
Day 3: Bangalore – Mysore (Drive – approx. 3.5 hrs) | Royal Heritage, Palaces & Gardens
After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel in Bangalore and begin your scenic drive to Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, known for its opulent palaces, royal history, silk, and sandalwood. En route, make a stop at Srirangapatna, the island fortress town of Tipu Sultan. Here you can explore historical attractions like the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace (Daria Daulat Bagh), and the Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali.
Continue onward to Mysore and check in to your hotel by afternoon. After a brief rest, begin your city tour with the magnificent Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) – a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture and one of the most visited landmarks in India. Admire the stunning stained-glass ceilings, ornate arches, carved rosewood doors, and the royal durbar hall.Afterward, head to Chamundi Hill to visit the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple and get panoramic views of the city. On the way down, stop at the Nandi Statue, one of the largest in India.In the late afternoon, explore St. Philomena’s Church, a beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral, and then take a walk through the lively Devaraja Market, a colorful and aromatic blend of flowers, spices, fruits, and incense – a great place for photography and local interaction.
In the evening, visit Brindavan Gardens, located below the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam. Witness the famous musical fountain show that lights up the night with synchronized music and dancing water.Overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 4: Mysore – Coorg (Drive approx. 3.5 hrs) | Coffee Trails, Abbey Falls & Raja’s Seat
After breakfast, check out from your Mysore hotel and begin your drive toward Coorg (Kodagu), famously known as the “Scotland of India”. The journey takes you through scenic countryside, forested roads, and charming villages. En route, enjoy a stop at Bylekuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India. Here, you’ll visit the Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) – a serene and colorful Buddhist monastery with giant golden statues, prayer flags, and chanting monks.
Continue to Coorg and check in to your nature resort or heritage coffee estate stay. After a refreshing break and lunch, head out to explore Abbey Falls, a picturesque waterfall nestled within a private coffee estate surrounded by spice plantations. A short walk through plantations leads you to the falls, which are especially beautiful during and after the monsoon.
Later in the evening, visit the popular Raja’s Seat, a garden with a view that once served as a sunset point for Coorg’s kings. The sweeping views of mist-covered hills and valleys are simply stunning at dusk.
Overnight stay in Coorg.
Day 5: Coorg Local Exploration – Madikeri Fort, Coffee Experience & Dubare Elephant Camp
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Dubare Elephant Camp, located on the banks of the River Cauvery. This is a highlight for nature lovers, where you’ll get a chance to interact with elephants — watch them being bathed, fed, and trained by their mahouts. You can even participate in the elephant bathing ritual (subject to availability).
Next, continue your exploration with a visit to the historic Madikeri Fort, built by the Kodavas and later rebuilt by Tipu Sultan and the British. The fort complex includes a palace, museum, and a chapel, offering views of the town and glimpses into Coorg’s colonial past.
Walk across to Omkareshwara Temple, a 19th-century temple blending Islamic and Gothic styles — a rare architectural find dedicated to Lord Shiva. The peaceful pond and surroundings make this a calming spiritual stop.In the afternoon, visit a local coffee plantation for an immersive farm-to-cup experience. Learn about how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted. You’ll get to sample freshly brewed Arabica or Robusta varieties and even buy some estate-grown coffee beans or essential oils.
Evening at leisure. You can relax by the bonfire, enjoy the mountain air, or take a nature walk around your resort. Overnight stay in Coorg.
Day 6: Coorg – Bekal – From Hills to Coast
(Drive: approx. 5 hrs)
After breakfast, check out and drive down through the Western Ghats to Bekal, a tranquil seaside destination in northern Kerala. On arrival, check in to your luxury beach resort or backwater property near Bekal Fort.Spend your afternoon at the iconic Bekal Fort, one of the largest forts in Kerala, built in the 17th century. The fort is set dramatically against the Arabian Sea, offering panoramic coastal views. Walk along its well-maintained ramparts and explore the observation towers, ancient trenches, and bastions. It’s an ideal spot for photography and sunset watching.
In the evening, unwind at Bekal Beach or your resort. Optional activities include a sunset boat ride on the backwaters or a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.Overnight stay in Bekal.
Day 7: Bekal – Valiyaparamba Backwaters & Cultural Experiences
After breakfast, head toward the serene Valiyaparamba Backwaters, one of Kerala’s least explored and most beautiful waterways. Enjoy a private boat cruise through palm-lined canals, lush islands, and peaceful villages — a more offbeat and authentic alternative to the Alleppey experience.
Return to the resort for lunch and relax by the beach or pool. In the afternoon, visit the Ananthapura Lake Temple, the only lake temple in Kerala, known for its crocodile guardian and spiritual ambiance.
Optional: Book a traditional Ayurvedic therapy session in the evening at the resort spa.
Overnight stay in Bekal.
Day 8: Bekal – Thalassery – Colonial & Culinary Stories(Drive: approx. 2.5 hrs)
Check out and drive south to Thalassery, a historic coastal town known for its British colonial legacy, Mappila cuisine, and spice trade heritage.
Visit the Thalassery Fort, built by the British East India Company in the 18th century, overlooking the sea. Then head to the Gundert Bungalow, the home of Hermann Gundert, the German missionary who compiled the first Malayalam-English dictionary.
In the afternoon, indulge in a Moplah cooking demonstration or meal at a traditional home or heritage property. Thalassery is the birthplace of the world-famous Thalassery Biryani – known for its unique use of small-grain Kaima rice and mild spices.Evening free to walk along the pier or Thalassery beach.Overnight stay in Thalassery.
Day 9: Thalassery – Theyyam, Handlooms & Local Living
Rise early to attend a seasonal Theyyam performance (Nov–May), a vibrant ritual dance with painted faces, drums, and fire – offering a deep dive into the region’s living spiritual traditions.
Later, visit a handloom weaving center in nearby Chirakkal or a Kalari (martial art) training center. These local arts are deeply rooted in Malabar culture and make for insightful interactions.
Evening at leisure or optional river cruise.Overnight stay in Thalassery.
Day 10: Thalassery – Calicut – The Spice Port City(Drive: approx. 2 hrs)
Check out and drive to Calicut (Kozhikode), the historical port where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. Visit Kappad Beach, marked by a monument celebrating this historic landing.
Explore the Pazhassiraja Museum, showcasing Malabar’s history, art, and coins. Then visit the SM Street, one of the oldest commercial streets in India — perfect for spice, banana chips, and local textiles.
Evening at Beypore Port, visit the ancient shipyard known for building traditional wooden boats (Uru).Overnight stay in Calicut.
Day 11: Calicut – Spice Markets, Temples & Cultural Immersion
After breakfast, visit the bustling spice markets in Valiyangadi and local bazaars. Continue to Tali Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kerala, known for its intricate woodwork and calm atmosphere.
Optional experiences include:
Cooking class with a local chef
Traditional Kerala massage
Visit to a local cultural center or art gallery
Evening at leisure.Overnight stay in Calicut.
Day 12: Calicut – Wayanad – Misty Hills & Tribal Culture
(Drive: approx. 3.5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Wayanad, a lush highland district known for its forests, waterfalls, and tribal communities. Check into a nature resort, treehouse, or luxury plantation stay.
In the afternoon, visit Pookode Lake for a short paddle-boat ride. Then continue to Lakkidi Viewpoint, one of the highest in the region offering breathtaking views of the hairpin roads and valleys below.
Evening free to relax or enjoy a campfire at your resort.Overnight stay in Wayanad.
Day 13: Wayanad – Edakkal Caves, Waterfalls & Wildlife
After breakfast, hike up to the Edakkal Caves, famous for Neolithic-era petroglyphs and panoramic views. The walk takes about 45–60 minutes uphill, so bring walking shoes.
Later visit Soochipara Waterfalls, a three-tiered fall surrounded by tea estates and forest trails. For those interested in wildlife, you can optionally visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in the evening for a guided jeep safari.Optional tribal village visit and interaction with local artisans.Overnight stay in Wayanad.
Day 14: Wayanad – Kannur – Back to the Sea
(Drive: approx. 3.5 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Kannur, a coastal town rich in history, colonial trade, and traditional arts. Check in to your beach resort or heritage homestay.
Visit the St. Angelo Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, offering sea views and historical insights. In the evening, enjoy the sunset at Payyambalam Beach or Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach, Asia’s longest drive-in beach.Overnight stay in Kannur.
Day 15: Kannur – Theyyam & Local Experiences
If in season, wake early for a Theyyam performance at a village shrine (different from Thalassery). Each Theyyam ritual is unique with mythological backstories, music, and traditional fire dances.
Later, visit the Arakkal Museum — showcasing the legacy of Kerala’s only Muslim royal family. You can also explore local weaving centers or take part in a handloom workshop.
Evening free for leisure or Ayurvedic spa treatments.Overnight stay in Kannur.
Day 16: Departure from Kannur International Airport
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kannur Airport for your onward journey. Tour ends with memories of serene hills, coastal forts, temple rituals, and the unmatched beauty of South India’s culture and landscapes.
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