HIGHLIGHTS:

• Begin your journey in Mumbai, one of India’s most dynamic cities, known for its colonial-era buildings, lively coastal drive, and vibrant marketplaces, all explored with the assistance of a local guide.
• Visit the historic Gateway of India, which once welcomed British royalty and later marked the symbolic end of colonial rule in 1948.
• Enjoy a guided ferry ride to the Elephanta Caves, an ancient rock-cut temple complex that offers a glimpse into the early forms of Hindu and Buddhist art.
• Travel from Mumbai to Bangalore with a domestic flight included in your tour package, ensuring a comfortable and time-saving transition between regions.
• Discover Bangalore, the garden city of India, where you will explore Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, ISKCON Temple, and the iconic Lal Bagh Botanical Garden with entry fees and guide assistance covered.
• Stay in carefully selected hotels in each city, offering modern amenities, breakfast, and dinner as part of the package, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout the tour.
• Visit Mysore, a city famous for its palatial architecture, with guided tours of the grand Mysore Palace and the beautifully illuminated Brindavan Gardens.
• Take a short drive to Srirangapatna, the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, where stories of resistance and regional pride are preserved in the ruins.
• Climb up to Chamundi Hills for panoramic views of Mysore and a chance to visit the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple, a key pilgrimage site.
• Experience Bandipur National Park, one of India’s oldest tiger reserves, where guided safaris provide a chance to see elephants, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy scenic drives through forested roads and coffee estates on your way to Coorg, known for its distinct Kodava warrior culture and lush green landscapes.
• Explore Coorg’s unique charm with visits to spice gardens, waterfalls, and cultural landmarks, all arranged with the assistance of your tour manager.
• Ascend into the misty Nilgiri Hills to visit Ooty, once a colonial summer escape, with visits to its botanical garden and charming churches included.
• Head to the coastal city of Cochin, known for its blend of European, Arab, and Indian influences. Visit historical sites such as Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church with a professional guide.
• Relax in Munnar, a peaceful hill town surrounded by tea estates and cool breezes, where you will enjoy nature walks, plantation visits, and a trip to Eravikulam National Park to spot the rare Nilgiri mountain goat.
• Spend a day at Thekkady, home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will enjoy a guided boat ride across Lake Periyar and spot bison, elephants, and birds.
• Visit Kumarakom, a scenic village set beside the backwaters and Vembanad Lake, where you will explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and experience village life first-hand.
• Experience an unforgettable overnight cruise on a traditional Kerala houseboat in Alleppey, complete with freshly cooked local meals and views of everyday life along the water canals
• Arrive in Quilon and enjoy leisure time on its quiet beaches lined with tall palm trees and shimmering waters, a perfect retreat after long travel days.
• Unwind on the golden beaches of Kovalam, where clear skies, gentle waves, and coastal beauty offer the ideal space to rest and reflect.
• Take a full-day excursion to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of India, where the three oceans meet and where you can visit the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the temple of the Virgin Goddess.
• End your journey in Trivandrum with visits to Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Shri Chitra Art Gallery, and Napier Museum, offering a final glimpse into the deep cultural fabric of South India.
• Throughout the journey, enjoy personalized support from a dedicated travel coordinator, air-conditioned private vehicles with experienced drivers, and on-ground guidance to make your experience smooth and enriching.

Important notes for Exotic South India with Backwaters

• All travellers are required to carry a government-issued photo identification card such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s license during the journey.
• It is recommended to reach the departure airport at least two hours before flight time for smooth check-in and baggage clearance.
• Entry tickets for monuments, parks, and heritage sites are included only where mentioned in the itinerary; additional sites may require personal payment.
• Some religious and heritage sites may enforce a strict dress code, such as covered shoulders and full-length trousers or skirts, which visitors should follow respectfully.
• During the houseboat stay in Alleppey, electricity is often powered by generators, and air conditioning runs only during fixed evening hours.
• Luggage should be packed in soft bags or medium-sized suitcases to allow easier handling in vehicles and accommodation.
• Most hotels on this tour provide complimentary breakfast and dinner, while lunches can be explored locally or arranged upon request.
• Hotel check-in times in most destinations begin from noon or 2 PM, and early check-in requests may depend on availability or extra charges.
• Wildlife sightings in Bandipur and Thekkady are based on nature and timing, so no guaranteed sightings can be promised.
• Photography is allowed in most destinations, but at certain temples, monuments, or museums, taking photos may be restricted or chargeable.
• It is advisable to carry a light jacket or shawl for evenings in hill stations like Munnar, Ooty, and Coorg, where temperatures may drop significantly.
• While most areas have network coverage, some remote hill or forest zones might experience mobile signal drops or weak internet connections.
• Tap water should be avoided; only drink sealed bottled water which will be provided during road journeys and hotel stays.
• For senior travellers or those with limited mobility, the itinerary involves moderate walking, and steps may be present at heritage sites and temples.
• Insect repellent is strongly advised for forest zones and backwater areas, especially in Thekkady and Bandipur.
• While the tour includes transportation in private vehicles, seatbelts may not be available in all back seats due to vehicle types in remote regions.
• If you are taking any prescription medication, carry it along with a copy of your prescription, especially in areas where pharmacies are not nearby.
• During monsoon months, roads in hilly regions may be slippery or delayed due to rain, so it is advised to wear anti-slip shoes.
• Cultural etiquette in temples may include removing footwear, not taking photos inside sanctums, and refraining from loud conversation.
• In case of emergency, all major destinations have hospitals and basic medical services nearby; contact your travel coordinator immediately for assistance.

Best time to go for Exotic South India with Backwaters

The ideal time to take the Exotic South India with Backwaters tour is between October and March, when the weather across most destinations remains mild, dry, and comfortable for travel. During these months, temperatures in hill stations like Ooty, Coorg, and Munnar remain cool and refreshing, while coastal towns such as Alleppey, Kovalam, and Cochin offer pleasant sea breezes and lower humidity. The skies are generally clear, making it perfect for sightseeing, nature walks, houseboat cruises, and temple visits without discomfort.

The months of December and January are especially recommended for travellers interested in festivals and cultural celebrations. The summer months from April to June can be hot and humid in lowland regions such as Trivandrum and Kumarakom.

Monsoon season from June to September is not ideal for road travel in remote or hilly areas due to possible delays caused by rain.

In summary, October to March is the most favourable period to enjoy the full itinerary comfortably. Families, honeymoon couples, solo travellers, and seniors all find this season the most rewarding in terms of weather, accessibility, and cultural engagement.