Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through our "Sandalwood, Backwater & Spice Route" itinerary, crafted to unveil the essence of South India's cultural and natural wonders. Begin your adventure in Bengaluru, where you'll delve into the city's vibrant charm with visits to Lal Bagh Garden, Vidhana Soudha, and Bangalore Palace & Fort.
Traverse to the majestic city of Mysore, where a captivating heritage walk unveils its rich history and cultural tapestry. Explore the regal Chamundi Hills and the opulent City Palace, then venture to Nagarhole National Park, a haven for diverse wildlife.
Cruise the serene backwaters of Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat, and unwind amidst the tranquil shores of Mararikulam. Conclude your odyssey in the captivating city of Kochi, steeped in colonial heritage and adorned with picturesque landscapes.
From bustling cities to tranquil backwaters, this itinerary promises an unforgettable voyage through the heartland of South India's beauty and charm.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 6 days before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.itinerary. Activity
3 Time jeep safari in Nagarhole National Parks with a forest department naturalist.
Lunch
Government taxes.
Bottled drinking water in the car.
NOTE: Jeep safaris are subject to availability and once booked, they cannot be amended or canceled.
Dinner
14 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
Breakfast
English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
Assistance on arrival at the airport.
Any flight ticket.
Camera charges at monuments if any.
Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.
Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
Good to know
Hotels used or similar
Bangalore x 1 nights
3* - Ramada/ The Rialto
4* - Fortune Select JP Cosmos/ Lemon Tree Premier Ulsoor Lake
5* - ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection/ ITC Windsor a Luxury Collection
Mysore x 2 nights
3* - Southern Star/Sandesh The Prince
4* - Fortune Park JP Palace/ Grand Mercure
5* - Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden/The Windflower Resort & Spa
Kabini / Nagarhole x 2 nights
3* - Kabini Lake View Resort / Kabini Springs Resort
4* - Red Earth / The Peepal Tree
5* - The Serai Kabini/ Waterwoods Lodges & Resorts
Vythiri x 1 nights
3* - Thejas Resorts / Grassroot
4* - Abad Brookside Lakkidi / The Woods Resorts
5* - Vythiri Village Resort/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
Ooty x 2 nights
3* - Monarch Hotel/ Hotel Darshan
4* - Fortune Resort Sullivan Court/ Sinclairs Retreat
5* - Savoy - IHCL SeleQtions
Kochi/Cochin x 2 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien
Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat
4* - Premium Houseboat
5* - Luxury Houseboat
Mararikulam x 3 nights
3* - EL Oceano Beach Villas/ La Plage Marari
4* - Abad Turtle Beach Resort/ Marari Sands Beach Resort
5* - Xandari Pearl/ Marari Beach Resort
What to expect
Day 1 Bengaluru
-
Bengaluru
On arrival at Bangalore airport assistance and transfer to hotel. (Hotels check in time 1200hrs afternoon early check in subject to rooms availability, confirm early check in can be pre-booked at additional cost)
-
Bengaluru
4 hours
Half day city tour visiting Lal Bagh Garden, Vidhana Soudha and Bangalore Palace & Fort.
Day 2 Bengaluru - Mysore (150kms/ 3hrs approx)
-
Mysuru (Mysore)
4 hours
Breakfast at hotel drive to Mysore check in at hotel. Afternoon two-hour heritage walk in the city, which starts at the bustling town hall, visits the colorful devaraja market and ends at the magnificent jagan mohan palace. During the walk you will uncover secrets and stories of Mysore and why it holds such a special place in our hearts.
Day 3 Mysore
-
Mysuru (Mysore)
8 hours
Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Mysore which has a lot to offer. First stop the Chamundi Hills, site of the Chamundeswari Temple and Nandi Bull as well as the vast City Palace, which was re-built by Henry Irwin during 1897 in an indo-saracenic style. The palace contains astonishing wall paintings, authentic stained glass work and ornamented doors. Excursion to visit the temple complex at Somnathpur and the exquisite Keshava Vishnu temple, one of the finest in India, along with Srirangapatnam where Tipu Sultan was killed in battle against an East India Company army including Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington.
Day 4 Mysore - Kabini/ Nagarhole (90Kms/ 2hrs approx)
-
Nagarhole National Park
4 hours
Breakfast at hotel drive to Nagarhole National Park. Southern India’s finest reserve, Nagarhole is home to the tiger, bison, elephant, panther and sloth bear and has over 250 diverse species of birds. Check in at resort followed by lunch.
-
Nagarhole National Park
3 hours
Afternoon safari in the national park. Dinner & overnight in resort.
Day 5 Kabini/ Nagarhole
-
Nagarhole National Park
6 hours
Breakfast at resort. Explore Nagarhole with an early morning and an evening game safari in the company of an expert naturalist. Established in 1955, Nagarhole is a beautiful reserve and predominately consists of lush deciduous forests covering a large area to the north of the Kabini River. lunch, dinner & overnight in resort.
Day 6 Kabini/ Nagarhole - Sultans Battery/ Wayanad (80Kms/ 2hrs approx)
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Sultan Battery
4 hours Admission ticket included
Breakfast at resort drive to Sultan’s Battery, a small town at the Western Ghats and at the centre of a region, which produces some of India’s premium coffee, cardamom and vanilla. Arrive & check in at resort. Enjoy the local essence of Tranquil and the surrounding area. If feeling superbly energetic, you can opt for exploring the area with numerous walking trails through the grounds including a challenging hill trek to Look Out Rock. Dinner & overnight at resort.
Day 7 Sultans Battery/ Wayanad - Ooty (135Kms/ 3hrs approx)
-
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
4 hours
Breakfast at resort proceed to the hill station of Ooty. The capital of the Nilgiri ‘Blue Mountain’ district, Ooty boasts a temperate climate that once enticed the British to escape the summer heat of plains. Here they whiled away their time with endless socialising, bridge parties and Tiffin, which gave the town the catchy nickname of ‘Snooty Ooty’. Check in at hotel and rest time to relax.
Day 8 Ooty
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Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
8 hours
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy the town and visit the well-maintained botanical gardens, which have over 1,000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees. also take a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway that winds its way down through spectacular scenery and breathtaking views to the nearby town of Coonoor.
Day 9 Ooty - Kochi (300Kms/ 6hrs approx)
-
Kochi (Cochin)
4 hours
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Kochi check in at hotel. Founded by Vasco-da-Gama in 1502, Kochi quickly developed into a principle port and the centre of the spice trade on the Malabar Coast. A picturesque town of dilapidated buildings, vibrant bougainvillea and a languid palm-fringed harbour, Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers have all influenced this charming city.
Day 10 Kochi
-
Fort Kochi
6 hours
Breakfast at hotel. Smell of the seawater and fish, hung over nets and locals on the beach – today we explore the Fort Kochi. Starting on foot, begin the day at the church of St Francis, the oldest European church in India, then walk to the town’s waterfront – site of the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the many fish stalls. Later visit Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi, and the town’s fine synagogue. The area here is also known for its many antique and souvenir shops. End the day with a mesmeric sunset cruise around the bustling harbour.
Day 11 Kochi - Alleppey (60Kms/ 1.3hrs approx)
-
Alleppey Backwaters
4 hours
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Alleppey the Kerala backwaters to join a private houseboat for a night cruise. Authentic and comfortable, all meals are cooked on board and the boat is staffed with a captain, a deck hand and a cook. Spend the remainder of day cruising the picturesque and peaceful backwaters.
-
Alleppey Backwaters
4 hours Admission ticket included
Explore the backwaters that entails a network of lakes, coconut shaded canals and estuaries – tiled and thatched cottages bright with hibiscus dot the embankments and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets hung over the water’s edge. Witness local life with children swimming and playing in the water, women attending to their daily chores and men fishing from their canoes. Lunch, dinner & overnight in houseboat.
Day 12 Alleppey - Mararikulam (20kms/ 30min approx)
-
Marari Beach
4 hours
After breakfast disembark houseboat and drive to Marari and check in at a Beach Resort for a three-night stay. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach.
Day 13 Mararikulam
-
Mararikulam
4 hours
Breakfast at hotel, day free and easy to relax on the beach and connect with yourself.
Day 14 Mararikulam
-
Marari Beach
4 hours
Breakfast at hotel, day free and easy to relax on the beach and connect with yourself.
Day 15 Mararikulam - Kochi (75kms/ 2hrs approx)
-
Kochi (Cochin)
4 hours
Breakfast at hotel. As per your flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 6 full days before the start time: 100% refund.
Cancel between 2 and 6 days before the start time: 50% refund.
Cancel within 2 days of the start time: 0% refund.
Times are local to the experience (Asia/Kolkata).
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Sandalwood, Backwater & Spice Route
How long does Sandalwood, Backwater & Spice Route take?
It takes about 15 days.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What's included?
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.itinerary. Activity
- 3 Time jeep safari in Nagarhole National Parks with a forest department naturalist.
- Lunch
- Bottled drinking water in the car.
- NOTE: Jeep safaris are subject to availability and once booked, they cannot be amended or canceled.
- Dinner
- 14 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
What's not included?
- Any flight ticket.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Which places does it visit?
It visits Bengaluru, Mysuru (Mysore), Nagarhole National Park, Sultan Battery, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Kochi (Cochin), Fort Kochi, Alleppey Backwaters.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Agora Voyages OPC Pvt. Ltd.
