Inside Kerala and Karnataka
14 Days Starting in BENGALURU and ending in KOCHI
Visiting: Bengaluru, Hassan, Madikeri, Mysuru, Kabini, Kozhikode, Cheruthuruthi, Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Backwater Cruise, Kochi, Vaikom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KBW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$4306 (USD)Tour Overview
An ever-increasing number of holiday-makers are coming to Kerala, India’s most literate state, to enjoy its wonderful beaches and legendary hospitality. However there is so much more to this diverse area than many of its visitors ever realise and this trip aims to dip below the surface of Keralan society to discover something of its food, traditions and artistic contributions, be that in dance, craftwork or even its own unique martial art, Kalarippayattu.Neighbouring Karnataka is much less-visited and yet within its southern region can be found some of the subcontinent’s most impressive temples and sculptures dating back over 800 years. Dividing these two states are the Western Ghats, an imposing ridge of strikingly beautiful mountains which we will explore from both Kerala and from a coffee and spice plantation in Coorg on the Karnatakan side.This is a great trip for those that demand more of their trips than just sun, sea and sand. Come and discover the true delights of two of South India’s most welcoming states.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Bengaluru (Bangalore); Drive To Hassan
Location: Bengaluru, Hassan
Accommodation: Resort, Resort
Accommodation Name: Hoysala Village Resort or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The joining point of the trip will be at Bangalore International Airport this morning, the capital of Karnataka. We drive straight out of the city westwards towards Hassan, named after the Hindu goddess Hassanamba and famous for the many temples and monuments in the area. After a chance to relax and freshen up at our comfortable resort, we head out to nearby Shravanabelagola after lunch to see the Gomateswara temple. This Jain temple is famous for the Bahubali Statue, supposedly the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world at 58 feet in height, carved out of a single block of granite.
Day 2 : In Hassan
Location: Hassan
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Hoysala Village Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we spend the full day exploring the striking Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid, constructed when this region was part of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries. The sheer quantity of the carvings in itself would be enough to impress, but when combined with the masterful detail and intricacy of the actual carvings, these structures will be sure to leave a lasting impression. We return to our resort late this afternoon for a second night.
Day 3 : Hassan - Coorg
Location: Hassan, Madikeri
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat Eco-lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing Hassan this morning we head to Coorg, the rarely visited coffee and spice growing region. Not only is Coorg a stunningly beautiful area but it is also home to the Kodavas, whose origin is believed to be in Kashmir or even in Kurdistan. Here we stay in an eco-lodge on an organic plantation set in the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats. All proceeds from our stay go to an environmental NGO dedicated to nature by promoting organic farming. This afternoon we will have a tour around the plantation with the local staff for a chance to learn about their work and the crops they grow. This evening we can enjoy a pre-dinner drink around the campfire.
Day 4 : Coorg - Mysore
Location: Madikeri, Mysuru
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Metropole or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning can be spent participating in an optional walk in the plantation and surrounding countryside, or you may wish to simply relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful spot. After lunch we will drive on to Mysore, one of the country’s cultural gems. Depending on what time we arrive, there may be time for an orientation walk before dinner.
Day 5 : In & Around Mysore
Location: Mysuru
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Metropole or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Long known for its festivals and palaces, Mysore can boast one of the most opulent and iconic buildings in Southern India, the stunningly ornate Mysore Palace. Originally built in the 14th Century, the palace of today is the result of a significant redesign by the British architect, Henry Irwin. A wonderful fusion of European and Indian influences, the palace is still the official residence of the Wodeyar dynasty, the royal family of Mysore. We take a walking tour around the city this morning, taking in the palace and the markets before driving out to the hills that surround the city. The Chamundi Hills are home to the impressive Sri Chamundeswari Temple and the sacred Nandi bull, one of the largest of its kind and carved from a single piece of rock. We’ll also stop off at the nearby impressive Srirangapatnam with its 18th Century remains of Tipu Sultan’s Fort, Palace and Mausoleum.
Day 6 : Mysore - Kabini
Location: Mysuru, Kabini
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Kabini River Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s journey takes us on to Kabini, our base on the edge of the Nagarahole National Park. This afternoon, once we have settled into our rooms, there will be the chance to head out on safari to spot some of the local wildlife that includes Asian Elephant, Samba Deer, Langur Monkeys plus over 250 species of birds.
Day 7 : Kabini - Calicut
Location: Kabini, Kozhikode
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Kadavu Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before breakfast this morning we will embark on another safari in the Nagarahole National Park in the hope that we may see tiger or leopard, the two species of big cat that are resident in the park. Later we depart for Calicut, across the border in Kerala, an important trading centre and the place where Vasco de Gama first set foot on the Indian Subcontinent in 1498. This evening should be a tour highlight as we visit a Kalari, a special Keralan gymnasium, to witness kalarippayattu - a distinct martial arts discipline dating back over 1500 years.
Day 8 : Calicut - Cheruthuruthy
Location: Kozhikode, Cheruthuruthi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: River Retreat or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head south towards Cheruthuruthy on the Nila River. After a traditional lunch we will have the opportunity to meet some local artisans, including potters, weavers and toymakers. This evening there may be the opportunity to watch a performance of local folk song and dance.
Day 9 : Cheruthuruthy - Kumarakom
Location: Cheruthuruthi, Kumarakom
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Backwater Ripples Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We hope to make an early morning visit to a Kalamandalam – a performing arts centre - which prides itself on maintaining and teaching the great arts and traditions of Keralan society for which it is famed. We then drive south towards the famous Keralan backwaters and will spend the night in Kumarakom.
Day 10 : Kumarakom - Alleppey – Backwater Cruise
Location: Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Backwater Cruise
Accommodation: Houseboat x two nights
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we drive to Alleppey to take to the waters of this most beautiful and unique of landscapes. Boarding our traditional houseboats, we will spend the next two days cruising the waterways and channels that honeycomb the coastal plains running parallel to the Arabian Sea. A unique ecosystem that is home to a rich variety of aquatic life, the backwaters present us with a time-honoured image of an India long forgotten. Scattered villages survive amongst the labyrinthine channels much as they have for generations. Kettuvallams, Keralan houseboats, once negotiated these canals carrying rice, grain and even royalty through the backwaters. Today they provide us with an ideal way to appreciate the tranquillity and tradition of this part of southern India. We’ll pass isolated communities, and gardens of hibiscus and vegetables, as well as hopping off the boats to visit interesting sights en route. Our evenings will be spent moored up besides the lapping shores of these idyllic backwaters. Having two nights aboard our private chartered houseboats enables us to venture further into the backwaters - catching a glimpse of life rarely seen by foreign visitors to Kerala.
Day 12 : Alleppey - Kochi (Cochin)
Location: Alappuzha, Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Xandari Harbour or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembarking our boats this morning, we drive to Kochi, the glittering ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. The oldest European settlement in India, Kochi is a vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences and home to the oldest church and synagogue in the country. Built on commerce the city began to prosper with the arrival of Jewish and Arab traders. With the later arrival of the Portuguese, and then the Dutch and English, Kochi went on to become a vibrant settlement - incorporating a rare fusion of European and Asian traditions and styles. Today we will take a walking tour around the historic old streets of Fort Cochin and the red-tiled riverfront of Mattancherry, once the old capital’s main market area and the centre of the Malabar spice trade. The city is also famous for its Chinese fishing nets, which are made from teak and bamboo. The huge cantilevered nets are a legacy of some of the earliest visitors to the Malabar Coast. Similarly, the city is renowned for its Santa Cruz Basilica and the Church of St. Francis, the oldest European church in India, where the body of Vasco de Gama was held before being returned to Portugal. This evening we will enjoy a sunset cruise on the harbour before learning to cook a traditional Keralan dinner with a local family.
Day 13 : Kochi – Vaikom - Kochi
Location: Kochi, Vaikom, Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Xandari Harbour or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head into rural Kerala to get a feel for everyday village life, spending time with the people of Vaikom. There’ll be opportunities to witness and perhaps even take part in various activities including rope and basket-making, toddy-tapping, mat-weaving and for the more active, canoeing and coconut-tree climbing! This is a great way to experience life beyond the beach resorts for which Kerala is usually known. Returning to the town tonight, we’ll enjoy our final dinner together and a chance to reflect on our experiences.
Day 14 : Tour Ends In Kochi (Cochin)
Location: Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast at our hotel. Those on our suggested flights will depart early for the airport.
What's Included
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MEALS
13 x Breakfasts, 13 x Lunches, 13 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses and boats.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for India.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional.
This is one of our few trips where vegetarians will be very well catered for!
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for India.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Want a private tour?
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Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
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Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
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Dates & Availability
Sunday - Saturday
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.