India South Beyond the Waters
From the palaces of Mysore to the backwaters of Kerala, a journey between Bengal tigers and tea gardens.
Duration
14 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
This circuit combines heritage and nature in South Inde. Departure from Bangalore, the country's technological hub, then heading to Mysore to discover the sumptuous Maharaja's Palace. Next stop in the Western Ghats, through the Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai parks, the largest wildlife reserve in South Inde, ideal for observing elephants, tigers and primates during several safaris. Next stop at Ooty, a famous hill station accessible by the mythical Toy Train, before crossing the Kerala border. Visit to the natural sanctuaries of Eravikulam and Periyar, with a boat trip on the lake to observe local birdlife. The journey ends with a night on Kerala's waters to Alleppey, followed by the discovery of Cochin, an ancient merchant city with the scent of spices, once linked to maritime trade with the Arab world.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to India's Silicon Valley
Upon our arrival in Bangalore, we are transferred to our hotel. Officially known as Bengaluru, this city is the capital of Karnataka. With a population of approximately 8.42 million, it is renowned for its pleasant climate throughout the year. Bangalore is also distinguished by its altitude, which makes it the highest metropolis in Inde. It is notably called the "Silicon Valley of Inde", due to the massive presence of information technology (IT).
It is also home to a large number of renowned Indian and multinational institutions, in addition to being the home of the Kannada film industry.
Trip to Mysore
Bangalore (Bengaluru) → Mysore (Mysuru)
After breakfast, we drive by road to Mysore, famous for its enchanting palaces. On the way, we visit Srirangapatna, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan known for his struggle against British rule. His summer palace is located in a picturesque setting on an island formed by two branches of the Cauvery River with several monuments related to the sultan's rule scattered around it. After the visit, we resume our journey to Mysore. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
We start the tour of Mysore by visiting the Maharaja Palace, an incredible architecture blending Hindu and Saracenic styles with a plethora of arcades, domes, turrets, colonnades and magnificent sculptures. We also visit Chaumundi hill with its temple dedicated to Durga.
On the road leading to the temple stands a gigantic monolithic Nandi bull, sculpted from a single piece of granite in 1659. Known for its sandalwood, Mysore is also famous for its printed silks and furniture inlaid with ivory and beautiful sculptures.
Visit to Nagarhole National Park
Mysore (Mysuru) → Nagarhole National Park
After breakfast, we head to the Nagarhole National Park. Along the way, we stop at the Tashi Lhumpo Monastery. The park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. Declared the thirty-seventh Project Tiger Reserve in 1999 and notably part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The UNESCO committee is considering inscribing it as a World Heritage site. This park is covered with dense forest, abundant with small streams, hills, valleys and waterfalls: the ideal habitat for a large number of tigers, Indian bison and elephants.
Safari in Nagarhole Jungle.
This morning we set off for a safari in the Nagarhole jungle. The park, famous for its big cat with black stripes: the elusive Bengal Tiger, was established in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary, and then designated a National Park twenty years later. The park is fed by a perennial water reservoir, formed in 1974 following the construction of a dam on the Kabini river. It is home to all the wildlife of the Nilgiri hills: Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Indian bison, leopard, Asian elephant, wild boar, deer, wild dog and porcupine, not to mention tigers.
Free afternoon.
On the way to the tiger's lair
After breakfast, we head towards Bandipur. Check-in at our hotel upon arrival.
Afternoon in the park. The Bandipur National Park is one of many reserves located in the forest area between the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri mountains. It is located in the southern state of Karnataka and covers a forest area of 865 square kilometers. It was declared a national park in 1974 and subsequently became one of nine projects for tiger preservation under "Project Tiger".
On the Road to Queen of Hill
Today, we are heading to Ooty (Ootacamund). Upon our arrival, we bask in the beauty of this mountain station. Ootacamund is also known as Ooty, the Queen of hill stations, and is located in the heart of the Nilgiri hills. An additional attraction for tourists, the mountain train journey that winds its way through numerous curves and terrifying tunnels, and progresses along vertiginous ravines dominated by lush vegetation, streams and tea gardens.
Explorer Ootacamund (Ooty)
In the morning, we enjoy a trip aboard the famous "Toy Train.
In the afternoon, we set off to explore Ootacamund (Ooty). We visit the Botanical Garden of Ootacamund, built in 1847 and located at 2,400 meters altitude, occupying an area of 22 hectares of land with some 650 species of plants and trees. We also visit Doddabetta Peak which is at 2,623 meters altitude and only 10 kms from Ooty. It is the highest point in the district, making it the best observation point of the city.
Direction Munnar
After breakfast, we head to Munnar, a mountain station located at the confluence of the mountain streams of Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala. The town is surrounded by wild jungle often humid and cold for most of the season. During British rule in India, it was developed to cultivate tea. Sometimes called the "Switzerland" of India for its natural environment and Old-World architecture. A city of images, winding streets, trekking opportunities and vacation facilities make Munnar the perfect destination for a unique experience.
Check-in at the hotel upon arrival and the rest of the day is free to relax.
Discover Munnar
Today, we visit the Eravikulam National Park which was created for the preservation of the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Ibex, currently endangered. This park is home to the largest population of Tahr in the world. It is also a refuge for Atlas moths, elephants, sambhars, gaurs, langurs, tigers and leopards. It is composed of rolling meadows and fields of breathtaking exotic flowers. Anamudi, the highest peak south of the Himalayas, dominates the sanctuary.
On the way to Thekkady
In the morning, we travel through beautiful and lush countryside to reach the hilltop at Thekkady, a small town near the Periyar National Park, India's most fascinating wildlife sanctuary.
Thekkady is the cradle of spice culture. After lunch, we stroll around these spice gardens where we can discover the different varieties of the region. We will have time to explore the bazaar and its many shops selling cardamom, vanilla, pepper, chili, turmeric and many other spices.
Night aboard a boat
Periyar (Thekkady) → Alappuzha (Alleppey)
After breakfast, we head towards Alleppey. Also named Alappuzha, the town is a must-visit place for cruising on backwaters in Kerala. We board our houseboats and begin our cruise along the backwaters of Kerala, one of the highlights of the trip. These charming vessels are decorated and transformed into comfortable cruise ships. We wind through waterways flanked by lush tropical vegetation revealing magnificent tropical birds and idyllic small villages. We spend the night aboard our boat in the middle of the famous Vembanad Lake.
On the Way to Cochin
Today, we have breakfast on board while sailing continues to our destination. Ashore, we resume our journey to Cochin.
After checking in at the hotel, the day is free.
Let's tour Fort Kochi
Today, we visit the Fort of Kochi. This edifice was founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and is surely the first European colony to have settled in India. Our visit will be guided by the aromas of tea and spices, discovering colorful warehouses, aged bicycles and hand-painted trucks filled with merchandise, as well as food stalls present in every corner. In the afternoon, we visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi. A visit to the Jewish Synagogue from the 16th century is also on the program, as well as a visit to the Saint Francis Church - the resting place of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. We explore the city of Kochi, its bazaars and the old port area. In the evening, an optional visit to watch a performance of Kathakali, a classical dance form unique to Kerala concludes the day.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- The travel package indicated above is not valid during the period: From December 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027. There will be a supplement for Christmas and New Year during this period.
- Indian visa fees
- Lunch and Dinner during the trip except full board at Nagarhole, Bandipur and Alleppey
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and drinks
- Photo and camera usage rights on tourist sites
- Insurance for baggage loss and repatriation, as well as rescue expense insurance
- Tips for the driver and other staff
- Other services not included in the "What's Included" column
Included
- Accommodation for 09 nights in the mentioned hotels or similar in double room with breakfast
- 04 nights in Full Board at the hotel in Nagarhole, Bandipur and in a houseboat in Alleppey
- All land transfers included in the programme in a private vehicle with air conditioning, with an English-speaking driver
- Private Jeep Safari in Nagarhole National Park
- The safari on a shared seat basis in Jeep in Bandipur National Park
- "Toy Train" in Ooty
- Entrances to the monuments mentioned in the program
- English-speaking guides in cities as described in the program (Up to 05 pax)
- The English-speaking guide throughout your journey in India (From 06 pax)
- Government taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to India for a tourist stay. Entry rules may evolve, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter India, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist Visa – e-Visa (Tourist eVisa)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter India. There is no visa exemption for a tourist stay.
The most common solution is the Tourist eVisa, available online on the official Indian government portal. It is available for several durations:
Tourist eVisa 30 days (double entry),
Tourist eVisa 1 year (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit),
Tourist eVisa 5 years (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit).
The application must be submitted online at least 4 days before your arrival date and at most 120 days before. The eVisa is linked to your passport and is available only at certain designated airports and ports of entry.
Arrival and Immigration
When passing through immigration, Indian authorities may ask for:
confirmation of your eVisa (printed document or digital version),
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
the address of your first accommodation in India.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is officially mandatory to enter India from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada, except in the case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever (a yellow fever vaccination certificate will then be required).
As a preventive measure, health authorities generally recommend the following vaccinations:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
tetanus-poliomyelitis,
rabies (depending on planned activities),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on regions and length of stay).
Antimalarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions you visit and the time of year. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport and their own eVisa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims notification procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. The e-visa can be applied for online before departure (approximately 25 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and you must have two blank pages available. We guide you through the process. Before booking, verify the specific conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (600-900 euros round trip) are additional. India offers incredible diversity of experiences at varying price points.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Tropical Kerala
India's Thousand Faces Expert, based in New Delhi
India can surprise, disorient or amaze you all in one day. My role is to help travelers find their own pace to truly enjoy the country.
— Mandeep
