Between Karnataka and Kerala
In the Footsteps of Karnataka's Elephants to the Enchanted Backwaters of Kerala
Duration
13 days
From
€2,570/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Family, senior
The spirit of travel
This twelve-day journey reveals the gentleness of southern Inde, between spice-scented hills, coconut-lined beaches and living traditions. By bicycle, boat and on foot, discover blazing landscapes from Karnataka to Kerala.
The itinerary begins in Mysore and its royal palace, visited more than the Taj Mahal, before heading to Kabini, a forest reserve home to some of the country's highest waterfalls. At the Dubare camp, witness the training of elephants for the Dasara parade, guided by their mahouts.
Then heading to the Kerala coast, to Neeleshwar Hermitage, a haven of calm and refined simplicity. A train journey leads to Palakkad, where Kalamandalam is located, a leading center of Indian performing arts. The journey ends in Kochi, a former Portuguese trading post where Chinese fishing nets, a four-hundred-year-old synagogue and British remnants stand side by side.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
visit to Mysore
In the morning, we embark on a guided tour of Mysore. We then proceed to Srirangapatna (the historical capital of Tipu Sultan who was known for his struggle against British rule), where we visit Daria Daulat Bagh, the Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. It is situated in a picturesque setting on an island formed by two branches of the Cauvery River. The island is home to a multitude of monuments relating to the sultan's reign. We then return to Mysore to visit the Maharaja's Palace, a harmonious blend of Anglo-Indian architectural styles, with an abundance of magnificent arcades, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures. We also visit Chamundi Hill, where there is a temple dedicated to Durga. On the road leading to the temple stands a gigantic monolithic Nandi Bull, carved from a single piece of granite in 1659. Known for its sandalwood, Mysore is also famous for some of India's finest crafts, such as printed silk work, inlaid furniture design and ivory carving.
Mysore - Kabini, road transfer
Mysore (Mysuru) → Kabini
1h30 of driving takes you to the Kabini Reservoir lake. We leave the car to continue by bicycle to our hotel (10 km by bike). This gives us a different perspective on the environment. After lunch, A boat ride on Kabini lake offers the opportunity to observe wildlife from the nearby Nagarhole national park. Wild elephants, Indian bison, deer come to drink. Night at the hotel.
Kabini, safari
Morning dedicated to visiting Kabini Forest Reserve. A natural paradise, one of the most renowned in Karnataka, it is home to numerous wild animals: elephants, deer, wild boars, pheasants and peacocks, primates, eagles and cormorants. Tigers and leopards also share the territory, but they move mainly at night to hunt. Return to the hotel after sunrise, for a good breakfast. Free time to enjoy the pool and extensive views of the river. In the afternoon, another bicycle ride to visit the preserved villages surrounding the reserve.
Kabini - Coorg, road transfer
After a good breakfast, drive to Bylakuppe, home to a large Tibetan community. Established in 1956, it houses about 50,000 people. Six different Buddhist temples allow worship to be practiced. The most famous, the Namdroling monastery, is nicknamed the Golden Temple. After a traditional Tibetan lunch, the road continues towards Coorg. With its lush valleys and abundant forests, the Coorg valley seems straight out of Rudyard Kipling's famous novel, The Jungle Book. Upon arrival, do the Jeep Safari in an open jeep.
Coorg, Dubare (Elephant camp)
Short 30-minute transfer to reach the elephant nursery in Dubare. Elephants learn to recognize orders given by their Mahout (elephant handler). The handler feeds them from a young age. In the afternoon, optional coracle ride on the lake, a small round boat made with buffalo skin or bamboo. You can also discover coffee and spice plantations.
Remark - Coracle Ride depends on the water level in the lake.
Dubare (Elephant camp) - road transfer to Neeleshwar Hermitage
We leave Karnataka to reach the Malabar coast in Kerala. Gradual descent from the hills towards the long sandy beaches lined with coconut trees of the coast. Stop to visit the Bekal Fort. Built in 1650 on a promontory battered by the waves, it valiantly resists the ravages of time. In the evening, we attend the Theyyam, the dance of the gods, unique to this region of northern Kerala. Dressed in amazing costumes featuring all shades of red and magnificent masks, the artists display their talent before ecstatic crowds. Inspired by episodes from sacred Hindu texts, the dances are performed in many temples between November and February, attracting a large audience. Arrival at the paradise site of Neeleshwar Hermitage. Away from the roads, charming fully equipped bungalows welcome you for two nights. You can choose between the beach and the spa to relax.
Neeleshwar - Backwaters Cruise
Less known than the canals of Kerala in Allepey, the Valiyaparamba canals offer an intimate 25 km cruise. Visits to villages living from coconut fiber production. Used in the manufacture of a resistant natural twine, but also to make stuffing for mattresses. Colorful houses hide among the palm trees lining the waterfront. Meal on board our boat. Visit to a small island where many monkeys roam. In the middle of the forest, a sanctuary stands, dedicated to the gods of the Nagas. Return to the hotel.
Neeleshwar - Palakkad, railway transfer
Palakkad - Kalamandalam (institute of dramatic arts)
The prestigious institute Kalamandalam whose building in itself, through its architecture, deserves a visit. An essential establishment for those who want to learn the arts specific toKerala. Complex choreographies of Kathakali (emblematic dance of Kerala) or the enchanting Mohiniyattam (dance of the enchantress), but also the art of sacred theater, Koodiyattam. The costumes, sophisticated makeup, and carefully studied postures make these major arts, very little known in the West. We attend a Mohiniyattam performance, practiced exclusively by women. Lunch at Cheruthuruthy in an enchanting setting. Return to our accommodation where we share with our hosts the secrets of this ancient residence (exclusively vegetarian cuisine, no alcohol is served) Note: the institute is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, during the New Year period, from March 20 to the end of May, during the Poonam festival in September). Avoid traveling on these dates.
Palakkad - road transfer to Kochi (Cochin)
Final road transfer to reach the former Portuguese trading post. Hotel check-in.
Today, we visit the Fort of Kochi. This building was founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and is certainly the first European settlement to establish itself in India. Our visit will unfold to the scents of tea and spices, discovering colorful warehouses, aged bicycles and hand-painted trucks filled with merchandise, as well as food stalls found in every corner. In the afternoon, we visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift to the Raja of Kochi. A visit to the 16th century Jewish synagogue is also on the program, as well as a stop at 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.
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, 2019 to January 10, 2020. There will be a surcharge for Christmas and New Year during this period.
- Indian visa fees
- Lunch and Dinner during the trip except full board in Coorg
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and beverages
- Photography and Camera Usage Rights at Tourist Sites
- Insurance for baggage loss and repatriation, as well as rescue expenses insurance
- Tips for the Driver and Other Staff
- Other services not included in the "Price includes" column
Included
- Accommodation for 09 nights in the mentioned hotels or similar in double room with breakfast
- 2 nights with full board at the hotel in Coorg
- All ground transportation included in the program in a private air-conditioned vehicle, with English-speaking driver
- Entrance fees to the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
- Mohiniyattam Dance Performance in Palakkad
- Boat ride on Lake Kabini
- Cycling Trek at Kabini
- A shared seating safari in an open-air truck at Kabini
- "Coracle Ride" at Dubare
- An open Jeep safari in Dubare Forest
- Elephant interaction activities at Dubare elephant camp
- The cruise with lunch on the backwaters at Neeleshwar
- Lunch at The River Retreat, Cheruthuruthy
- Lunch at Bylakupee
- First class air-conditioned train tickets for the next leg: (Neeleshwar – Palakkad)
- 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 Inde
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
