Sensation of South India Tour

– 17 Nights / 18 Days Bangalore to Kerala

Royal Heritage, Hill Stations, Tea Plantations, Kerala Backwaters & Coastal Beaches

The Sensation of South India Tour is a private 17-night journey for travellers who prefer to explore South India at a relaxed pace. Travelling from Bangalore (Bengaluru) to Trivandrum, the route combines royal cities, colonial hill stations, living temples, tea plantations, peaceful backwaters and Kerala's beautiful coastline across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

After Bangalore, the journey continues to the royal city of Mysore, known for its magnificent palace and colourful markets, and then climbs into the cool Nilgiri Hills to Ooty, where tea gardens, forests and mountain views contrast with the busy cities. In Tamil Nadu, Madurai and its Meenakshi Amman Temple reveal the region's enduring traditions.

The route then enters Kerala, with the spice plantations of Thekkady (Periyar), the rolling tea estates of Munnar and the colonial waterfront of Kochi. An overnight houseboat on the backwaters of Alleppey is followed by three relaxed nights on the palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam, before the tour ends at Trivandrum airport.

More than a sightseeing itinerary, this journey balances culture, nature, heritage and relaxation, with a private chauffeur-driven vehicle and flexible sightseeing throughout. It can be tailored to your pace, interests and hotel preferences.

Itinerary – 17 Nights Sensation of South India Tour

• Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore (Approx. 35–40 km | 1–2 hrs from the airport)
  On arrival at Bengaluru International Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Known as India's Garden City and Silicon Valley, Bangalore blends modern innovation with colonial-era charm. After check-in, relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood or simply unwind at the hotel. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
• Day 2: Bangalore Sightseeing
  After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Karnataka's vibrant capital. Visit the landscaped Lalbagh Botanical Garden, continue to Cubbon Park, admire Bangalore Palace, visit the Bull Temple and drive past the Vidhana Soudha, one of India's grandest legislative buildings. The day offers an introduction to Bangalore's heritage, gardens and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
• Day 3: Bangalore → Mysore (Approx. 150 km | 3.5–4 hrs)
  After breakfast, drive through Karnataka's countryside to Mysore, the former capital of the Wodeyar dynasty. After check-in, visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, then Chamundi Hills, home to the revered Chamundeshwari Temple and panoramic city views. Continue to St. Philomena's Church and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this royal city in the evening. Overnight stay in Mysore.
• Day 4: Mysore → Ooty (Approx. 125 km | 4–5 hrs)
  After breakfast, drive to Ooty, the celebrated Queen of Hill Stations. The route passes through the forests of Bandipur National Park, where deer, peacocks and occasionally elephants may be seen along the roadside. As the road climbs into the Nilgiri Hills, the landscape changes to forests, valleys and tea gardens. Arrive in Ooty and check in. The evening is free to stroll through the local markets and enjoy the cool mountain air. Overnight stay in Ooty.
• Day 5: Ooty Sightseeing
  After breakfast, discover the colonial charm and natural beauty of Ooty. Visit the Government Botanical Garden, home to exotic flowers and centuries-old trees, then Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, for panoramic mountain views. Spend time at Ooty Lake, where boating is available, and visit a tea factory and museum to learn about the region's tea-growing heritage. Overnight stay in Ooty.
• Day 6: Ooty → Madurai (Approx. 270 km | 6.5–7.5 hrs)
  After breakfast, leave the misty Nilgiri Hills behind and head for Madurai. The road descends through scenic mountain roads before entering the fertile plains of Tamil Nadu, and the landscape changes from tea-covered hills to temple towns and farmland. On arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Madurai.
• Day 7: Madurai Sightseeing
  After breakfast, explore one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, famous for its colourful gopurams, intricate sculptures and spiritual atmosphere, then the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Walk through temple streets lined with flower vendors, traditional shops and local markets that offer a glimpse of daily Tamil life. Overnight stay in Madurai.
• Day 8: Madurai → Thekkady (Periyar) (Approx. 140 km | 4–4.5 hrs)
  After breakfast, drive towards Kerala, crossing the Western Ghats into one of India's most famous spice-growing regions. The journey features winding roads, forested hills and cardamom plantations. On arrival in Thekkady, check in at your hotel. Later, explore the local spice plantations or markets and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around Periyar Tiger Reserve. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
• Day 9: Thekkady (Periyar) Exploration
  Enjoy a leisurely day amid Kerala's natural beauty. Optional activities include a boat cruise on Periyar Lake, where elephants, deer and wild boar are occasionally seen along the shore. You may also visit spice plantations, go on a guided nature walk, try bamboo rafting or watch a traditional Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance. This extra day allows a deeper experience of Thekkady's ecosystem and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
• Day 10: Thekkady → Munnar (Approx. 110 km | 3.5–4 hrs)
  After breakfast, continue through the Western Ghats to Munnar. The scenic drive passes tea plantations, valleys, waterfalls and mountain viewpoints. On arrival, check in and relax amid the cool climate and greenery. The evening is free to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Day 11: Munnar Sightseeing
  After breakfast, explore Kerala's most famous hill station. Visit Eravikulam National Park (subject to seasonal opening, and usually closed in February and March), the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake, all set among rolling tea estates and mist-covered mountains. Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Day 12: Munnar → Kochi (Approx. 130 km | 4–5 hrs)
  After breakfast, descend from the hills and drive to Kochi, Kerala's historic maritime gateway. Influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, Arab and British traders for centuries, Kochi presents a fascinating blend of cultures. On arrival, check in at your hotel, then enjoy a relaxed walk through the lanes of Fort Kochi. Overnight stay in Kochi.
• Day 13: Kochi Sightseeing
  After breakfast, explore Kochi's colonial and cultural landmarks. Visit Fort Kochi, the iconic Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace (the Dutch Palace), and walk through the Jewish Quarter, where spice warehouses and heritage buildings reflect centuries of international trade. Overnight stay in Kochi.
• Day 14: Kochi → Alleppey Houseboat (Approx. 60 km | 1.5–2 hrs)
  After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board your traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise through the backwaters, passing coconut groves, paddy fields, village homes, churches and temples along the waterways. Watch local life unfold as fishermen cast their nets and children wave from the banks. Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board. Overnight stay on the houseboat.
• Day 15: Alleppey → Kovalam (Approx. 160 km | 4–5 hrs)
  After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and continue to Kovalam, Kerala's most famous beach destination. On arrival, check in at your beach resort and spend the evening on Lighthouse Beach, with the Arabian Sea, local cafés and one of Kerala's most beautiful sunsets. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
• Day 16: Kovalam at Leisure
  After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day by the sea. Spend time on the beaches, try an optional Ayurvedic therapy or take a short excursion to nearby Trivandrum. The peaceful coastal atmosphere makes Kovalam an ideal place to slow down and unwind. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
• Day 17: Kovalam Beach or Poovar Backwaters
  Enjoy another day at leisure. You may relax on the beach, visit the Poovar backwaters, explore nearby coastal villages, enjoy an Ayurvedic wellness treatment or simply unwind beside the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
• Day 18: Kovalam → Trivandrum Airport (Approx. 15 km | 30–45 mins)
  After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward journey. Your journey through South India ends with memories of royal cities, ancient temples, misty hill stations, spice plantations, colonial heritage, tranquil backwaters and Kerala's beautiful coastline.

Please Note: Driving distances and times are approximate and may vary with road conditions, traffic, weather and sightseeing stops. The itinerary can be customised to match your pace, interests and preferred hotel category.

What's Included in the Sensation of South India Tour

This private journey is arranged from arrival in Bangalore to departure from Trivandrum, with comfortable transport and local support throughout, so you can enjoy every destination without worrying about logistics.

• 17 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels, boutique properties and a beach resort, based on your preferred comfort level
• 1-night traditional Kerala houseboat stay in Alleppey with meals on board
• Daily breakfast at all hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur for all transfers and intercity travel
• Airport transfers in Bangalore and Trivandrum, and all sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Tolls, parking charges, driver expenses and applicable government taxes
• Local assistance and support throughout the journey

Not Included

• International flights
• Indian visa fees
• Lunches and dinners, except on the houseboat
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Camera fees and personal expenses
• Optional activities such as boat cruises, bamboo rafting, performances and Ayurvedic treatments

Customise Your Sensation of South India Journey

Every traveller experiences South India differently. This itinerary can be personalised to match your pace, interests and preferred style of travel.

• Add extra nights in Bangalore, Ooty, Munnar, Kovalam or any other stop on the route
• Upgrade to luxury resorts, boutique hotels or heritage properties
• Include private guides, spice plantation visits, cultural performances or local walking tours
• Add Ayurveda treatments, yoga retreats or extra beach days in Kerala
• Adjust the route, duration or arrival and departure cities to suit your plans

Best Time to Visit South India

• November to February: The best season, with comfortable weather for sightseeing, hill stations and backwaters, and calm seas for Kovalam's beaches. Ooty and Munnar can be cold in the evenings, so bring warm layers.
• October and March: Also suitable. Madurai can see rain from October to December, and temperatures begin to rise in March.
• April to May: Ooty and Munnar are pleasantly cool, but Madurai is very hot and the coast is hot and humid.
• June to September: The monsoon turns Kerala lush and green, with waterfalls at their best, but heavy rain can interrupt sightseeing, the sea at Kovalam is rough and swimming is not advisable.

Winter gives the most reliable weather for a route that combines hill stations, backwaters and a beach finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to South India?
Yes. It balances cities, hill stations, backwaters and beaches at a relaxed pace, with a private vehicle and a flexible schedule.

How long are the drives each day?
Most drives are between three and five hours. The longest is Ooty to Madurai (about 6.5–7.5 hours), and stops are built in along the way.

What is the weather like in Ooty and Munnar?
Both are in the hills and are noticeably cooler than the plains. From November to February evenings can be cold, so bring a warm jacket. During the monsoon, expect mist and rain.

Can I swim at Kovalam?
Yes, in the calm season from roughly November to March, in the areas marked for swimming. During the monsoon the sea is rough and swimming is not advisable, although the beach and Ayurvedic treatments can still be enjoyed.

Does the tour include the Kerala backwaters?
Yes. An overnight stay on a traditional houseboat in Alleppey is included, with meals on board.

Can I customise the itinerary?
Yes. Hotels, destinations, number of nights and the overall pace can all be adjusted.

Is private transport provided throughout?
Yes. A private, air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven vehicle is provided for the whole journey, including airport transfers.

Why Choose Premium India Tours

• Thoughtfully designed private journeys across South India
• Experienced chauffeurs and local support throughout the journey
• Handpicked hotels chosen for comfort, character and location
• Flexible itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style
• Transparent pricing with dedicated support before and during your journey

Our goal is simple: to create a seamless and memorable journey through South India, so you can enjoy every destination without worrying about the logistics.