Day 1: Fly to Bengalaru via Dubai

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bengalaru (Bangalore) (N)

Day 2: Srirangapatna • Mysore

Refresh at the LaLit Bengalaru, before travelling to Mysore for 2 nights at the Radisson (or similar). En route, make a pit stop at the island fortress of Srirangapatna, the former capital of south India’s most powerful 18th-century rulers. (L)

Day 3: Mysore

Take a walking tour visiting some of Mysore’s architectural wonders. Tour the Maharajah’s Palace, the largest in India, which combines Hindu and Saracenic architecture. Afternoon at leisure to relax. In the evening, experience a food tour of Mysore’s celebrated gastronomical delights including Mysore Masala Dosa. Return to the Maharajah’s Palace this evening to see it illuminated by over 100,000 light bulbs. (B)

Day 4: Nagarhole National Park

Travel to Kabini for an overnight stay at the Serai Kabini (or similar). The prey density of Nagarhole National Park is one of the highest in Asia including tigers, leopards and wild dogs. Afternoon boat safari in search of the park’s endemic wildlife. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Nagarhole National Park • Wayanad

Optional early morning 4×4 safari*. Travel to Wayanad for 2 nights at Wayanad Wild (or similar). Wayanad is an area of outstanding natural beauty with tropical forests, valleys, waterfalls and sprawling plantations. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Wayanad

Spend the morning at your leisure. Enjoy an interactive Keralan cooking class and lunch. Take part in a guided nature walk following elephant trails. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Coonoor

Enjoy the leisurely drive to the hill station of Coonoor. Enjoy lunch on the terrace of the Taj Savoy. Afternoon tour of the botanical gardens in Ooty, filled with more than 1,000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees. Continue to Coonoor for 2 nights at the Gateway Hotel Coonoor. (B, L)

Day 8: Ooty

Ride the Blue Mountain Railway to Ooty, a scenic narrow gauge train that runs across plains, plantations and the verdant hills of the Nilgiri mountains. Visit a planters house for afternoon tea and a walk through the tea plantation. (B)

Day 9: Kochi

Travel to Coimbatore and enjoy lunch before boarding the train to Ernakulam. Transfer to the Eighth Bastion (or similar), located in the heart of Fort Kochi for 2 nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the local area. (B, L)

Day 10: Kochi

Today, visit some of the highlights of this enchanting port, taking in the architectural styles that reveal Arab, Jewish and European influences. View the remarkable, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, explore the 16th-century Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, the Church of St Francis and the world’s oldest active Jewish synagogue in historic Jew Town. Wander through markets and visit the vibrant Dhobi Ghats. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio to see a traditional performance. (B)

Day 11: The Backwaters

Drive to the backwater region of Kerala this morning. En route, enjoy a backwater cruise by shikara boat through narrow canals. This cruise explores these picturesque waterways, revealing boats carrying loads of coir, copra and cashews and, along the water’s edge, numerous churches and markets. Stay for 2 nights at the Coconut Lagoon (or similar). (B)

Day 12: The backwaters

Day at leisure. (B)

Day 13: Fly to London 

Morning transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)