Discover the wildlife, mountains, tea plantations, forests and cultural heritage of southern India on this 21-Day South India Tour Package through Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Beginning at Kochi International Airport and ending at Bengaluru International Airport, this private South India tour travels through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Western Ghats. The journey includes Thattekkad, Periyar, Munnar, Chinnar, Ooty and the Nilgiris, Masinagudi, Mudumalai and Mysore before concluding in Bengaluru.
Unlike a fast-paced sightseeing itinerary, this 20-night, 21-day South India wildlife and nature tour allows more time in the important nature destinations. Experience birdwatching in Thattekkad, the forests of Periyar, Munnar's tea-covered mountains, the contrasting dry landscape of Chinnar, the Nilgiri Hills around Ooty and Coonoor, and the wildlife-rich forests of Mudumalai and Masinagudi.
The journey then continues to Mysore, combining nature with Karnataka's royal and architectural heritage.
With a private vehicle and an experienced driver throughout the tour, the itinerary can be customised according to the interests of couples, families, senior travellers, birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Arrive at Kochi International Airport, where our representative will meet you and introduce you to your private driver. Drive to Thattekkad, one of Kerala's most important birding destinations, situated along the Periyar River and surrounded by the forests of the Western Ghats.
Check in at your nature resort and spend the remainder of the day relaxing amidst the peaceful surroundings. Overnight at Thattekkad.
Early morning explore the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Accompanied by a local naturalist, explore the forest trails in search of endemic and regional birdlife. The forests around Thattekkad are particularly rewarding for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
Return to the resort for breakfast and relaxation. In the late afternoon, enjoy another guided birding or nature walk through the surrounding forest and riverside habitats. Overnight at Thattekkad.
After breakfast drive through the beautiful countryside towards Periyar, passing plantations, villages and the forested landscapes of the Western Ghats. Arrive at Thekkady and check in at your hotel. Later visit a spice plantation to learn about Kerala's pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and other tropical spices. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Thekkady.
Early morning proceed for a nature-based activity inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Depending on interests and availability, choose from guided nature walks, bamboo rafting or other authorised eco-tourism programmes. Periyar's forests support elephants, gaur, sambar, wild boar, giant squirrels, several primates and rich birdlife.
Return to the hotel and relax. In the evening, you may attend a Kalaripayattu performance, Kerala's traditional martial art. Overnight at Thekkady.
After breakfast drive to Munnar, travelling through cardamom plantations, mountain roads, waterfalls and tea-growing country. Arrive in Munnar and check in at your hotel.
Later enjoy a leisurely introduction to the tea country or take a short walk around the surrounding plantations. Overnight at Munnar.
After breakfast visit Eravikulam National Park, famous for its rolling montane grasslands and the endangered Nilgiri tahr. Continue with visits to the Tea Museum / tea factory and some of Munnar's scenic viewpoints. Learn about the history of tea cultivation and the transformation of these high ranges into one of India's best-known tea-producing regions. Overnight at Munnar.
Today is dedicated to experiencing Munnar at a slower pace. Enjoy a guided tea plantation or nature trek through the hills. Walk through tea estates, patches of shola forest and mountain landscapes while learning about the ecology and plantation culture of the region. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the resort and cool mountain climate. Overnight at Munnar.
After breakfast drive towards Chinnar, passing through the beautiful Marayoor region. The landscape changes dramatically as you travel from Munnar's lush tea-covered mountains into the comparatively dry forests of Chinnar. En route, explore Marayoor, known for its sandalwood forests, ancient dolmens and rural landscapes. Arrive at Chinnar and settle into your nature accommodation. Overnight at Chinnar / Marayoor.
Early morning enjoy a guided trek in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Chinnar's dry deciduous and thorn-scrub habitats are quite different from the wetter forests elsewhere in Kerala, making this an interesting stop for wildlife enthusiasts. Explore the sanctuary with a local forest guide and look for birds, butterflies and wildlife. Afternoon at leisure or take another short nature walk around the region. Overnight at Chinnar / Marayoor.
After breakfast leave Kerala and continue into Tamil Nadu, travelling towards the Nilgiri Hills. The journey takes you through changing landscapes as you climb towards Ooty (Udhagamandalam), one of South India's best-known hill stations.
Arrive and check in at your hotel. Evening free to relax and enjoy the cool Nilgiri climate. Overnight at Ooty.
After breakfast explore Ooty and its surroundings. Visit the Government Botanical Garden, scenic viewpoints and the historic areas of this former colonial hill station. Explore the beautiful Nilgiri landscape with its tea estates, eucalyptus forests and mountain scenery. Where operationally convenient, a section of the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway can also be incorporated into today's programme. Overnight at Ooty.
Today explore Coonoor and the Nilgiri countryside. Visit tea-growing areas and enjoy a leisurely walk through the plantations. Visit scenic viewpoints and experience the quieter side of the Nilgiris away from the busy centre of Ooty. A visit to a tea factory can be included to understand Nilgiri tea production and enjoy a tasting. Return to Ooty in the evening. Overnight at Ooty.
After breakfast descend from the upper Nilgiris towards Masinagudi and Mudumalai. This is a spectacular transition from cool mountain country into the forests of the Nilgiri Biosphere landscape.
Check in at your wildlife lodge. In the late afternoon enjoy a naturalist-led activity around the lodge or designated forest areas. Overnight at Masinagudi / Mudumalai.
Early morning explore the Mudumalai landscape, one of South India's important wildlife habitats. The forests are home to Asian elephants, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar and a remarkable variety of birds, with the possibility of seeing other wildlife depending entirely on luck and natural conditions. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Spend the afternoon relaxing before another nature or wildlife experience in the evening, subject to local forest regulations. Overnight at Masinagudi / Mudumalai.
A second full day in the region allows you to experience the forest without rushing. Start early with a guided birdwatching or nature walk in permitted areas. The combination of forest, scrub and foothill habitats makes this region rewarding for birdlife. Return to your lodge for breakfast. Spend the middle of the day at leisure and enjoy another naturalist-led activity towards evening. Overnight at Masinagudi / Mudumalai.
After breakfast drive to Mysore (Mysuru). The journey takes you from the forests into Karnataka's cultural heartland. Arrive at Mysore and check in at your hotel. Later visit the colourful Devaraja Market, where stalls selling flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices and traditional products provide an interesting glimpse into everyday Mysore life. Overnight at Mysore.
After breakfast enjoy a full-day exploration of Mysore. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of South India's most celebrated royal residences. Continue to Chamundi Hills and Chamundeshwari Temple for panoramic views over the city. Later visit St. Philomena's Cathedral and explore some of Mysore's traditional neighbourhoods. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Mysore.
After breakfast take an excursion to Somanathapura, renowned for its intricately carved Hoysala temple architecture. Spend time exploring the temple and surrounding countryside before returning to Mysore. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration, shopping for Mysore silk and sandalwood products or simply relaxing at the hotel. Overnight at Mysore.
Early morning visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, an important wetland and riverine bird habitat near Mysore. Subject to conditions, enjoy a boat ride to observe waterbirds and other wildlife along the Cauvery River. Continue to Srirangapatna, the historic island town closely associated with Tipu Sultan. Visit some of its important historical monuments before returning to Mysore. Overnight at Mysore.
After breakfast drive to Bengaluru. On arrival, depending on time and interest, enjoy an orientation tour of the city with visits to places such as Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park and a drive past Vidhana Soudha.
Check in at your hotel. The evening is free for shopping, dining or relaxation. Overnight at Bengaluru.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your international flight departure time, the morning is at leisure.
Later transfer to Bengaluru International Airport for your onward flight. Tour ends with wonderful memories of South India's Western Ghats, wildlife, tea country, Nilgiri mountains and royal heritage.
| Validity | Price (INR) |
| 15 Jan 2026 – 31 Mar 2026 | On request |
A good 21-day South India itinerary can combine Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This itinerary starts at Kochi and covers Thattekkad, Periyar, Munnar, Chinnar, Ooty, the Nilgiris, Masinagudi, Mudumalai and Mysore before finishing at Bengaluru.
Yes. Twenty-one days provides enough time to combine several destinations in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka without changing hotels every night. It also allows longer stays in important nature and wildlife destinations.
The itinerary travels through Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The tour begins at Kochi International Airport in Kerala and finishes at Bengaluru International Airport in Karnataka.
The principal destinations are Thattekkad, Periyar/Thekkady, Munnar, Marayoor, Chinnar, Ooty, Coonoor, the Nilgiris, Masinagudi, Mudumalai, Mysore and Bengaluru.
Wildlife and nature are major components of the itinerary. The programme includes Thattekkad, Periyar, Chinnar and the Mudumalai–Masinagudi landscape, along with Ranganathittu near Mysore.
Yes. Thattekkad, Periyar, Chinnar, Mudumalai, Masinagudi and Ranganathittu provide opportunities for birdwatching. Specialist local naturalists can be arranged where available.
Yes. The itinerary includes three nights in Munnar, providing time for Eravikulam National Park, tea experiences, scenic sightseeing and a plantation or nature walk.
Yes. Three nights are allocated to Ooty and the Nilgiri Hills, including an excursion to Coonoor and the surrounding tea country.
Yes. The itinerary includes four nights in Mysore, allowing time for Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Somanathapura, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Srirangapatna.
The itinerary can be operated as a private customised tour with a dedicated vehicle and driver, rather than as a fixed group departure.
Yes. The number of nights, hotel category, activities and sightseeing programme can be adjusted according to travel dates, interests and preferred travel style.
The route can work well for senior travellers because it includes several multi-night stays instead of daily hotel changes. Walking and wildlife activities can also be adapted according to individual comfort and mobility.
Depending on the destination and natural conditions, travellers may have opportunities to see elephants, gaur, deer, monkeys, giant squirrels, Nilgiri tahr and numerous bird species. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
The appropriate private vehicle depends on the number of travellers. Comfortable cars and larger vehicles such as Innova Crysta, Kia Carens, Tempo Traveller and Force Urbania can be used according to group size and requirements.
