🌴 Beautiful Nest and Backwater Tour 13 Days / 12 Nights

Arrive in Mumbai, India’s most energetic metropolis, where colonial charm meets coastal elegance. After a warm welcome, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Begin your sightseeing with the Gateway of India, an iconic arch overlooking the Arabian Sea. Drive past the Marine Drive, known as the “Queen’s Necklace,” and explore the bustling Colaba Causeway for souvenirs and street eats. Visit Hanging Gardens and enjoy a spectacular sunset from Chowpatty Beach. Dinner can be enjoyed at a seaside restaurant offering fresh seafood and Mumbai’s famous street flavors. Spend the evening unwinding, soaking in the rhythm of this cosmopolitan city. Overnight stay in Mumbai.;

After breakfast, board your flight to Trivandrum, Kerala’s cultural capital, where palm trees sway beside golden shores. On arrival, transfer to the tranquil beach town of Kovalam. Check in to your seaside resort and spend the afternoon at leisure. Visit Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach, perfect for sunbathing or swimming in the gentle waves. Opt for a soothing Ayurvedic massage or enjoy sunset photography along the coast. In the evening, relish a delicious seafood dinner featuring Kerala’s coastal spices and flavors. Kovalam’s relaxed ambiance, soft sands, and rhythmic waves set the perfect tone for your South India journey. Overnight stay in Kovalam.;

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in honor of the great philosopher, and admire the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue standing tall over the waves. Explore the Gandhi Memorial, and take a stroll along the rocky shore to witness the spellbinding sunset that paints the horizon in gold and crimson hues. Return to Kovalam in the evening for a peaceful dinner at your resort. The day offers both spiritual reflection and breathtaking coastal views. Overnight stay in Kovalam.;

Depart for Varkala, a hidden coastal gem famed for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic sea views. Upon arrival, check in to your cliffside resort overlooking the Arabian Sea. Visit the Janardana Swamy Temple, an ancient pilgrimage site, and spend time relaxing at Varkala Beach, where the waves meet golden sands beneath towering cliffs. Indulge in yoga, Ayurvedic therapy, or explore the vibrant cafés perched along the coastline. As evening falls, walk along the cliff edge, enjoying cool breezes and local seafood delicacies. The tranquil atmosphere makes Varkala a perfect escape for peace and introspection. Overnight stay in Varkala.;

After breakfast, drive through lush landscapes to Kumarakom, a serene backwater village nestled along Vembanad Lake. Check into a beautiful lakeside resort surrounded by coconut palms. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for migratory species like herons, kingfishers, and egrets. In the evening, take a gentle sunset boat ride across the still waters, where reflections of palm trees and houseboats create postcard-perfect scenes. Enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner with coconut-rich flavors. Kumarakom offers the ideal combination of tranquility and nature’s melody, perfect for travelers seeking calm amid Kerala’s lush greenery. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.;

After breakfast, travel to Periyar (Thekkady), a lush green paradise famed for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. En route, pass scenic hills blanketed with tea gardens. Upon arrival, visit a local spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon cultivation. Later, enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you may spot elephants, sambar deer, and exotic birds along the banks. The cool air and fragrant plantations make Thekkady a refreshing retreat. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance or explore the local spice market. Overnight stay in Periyar.;

This morning, drive to Alleppey, the “Venice of the East.” Board your traditional Kerala houseboat for a memorable backwater cruise. As the boat glides through palm-fringed canals and emerald lagoons, watch local life unfold — fishermen casting nets, children waving from the banks, and women washing clothes by the water. Enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala-style lunch onboard, rich in coconut and spices. Relax on the sundeck with a book or camera as the setting sun bathes the waterways in golden light. This peaceful houseboat stay offers an unforgettable glimpse into Kerala’s rural charm. Overnight onboard in Alleppey.;

After breakfast, disembark your houseboat and drive to Cochin (Kochi), Kerala’s historic port city blending Indian and colonial cultures. Visit Fort Kochi, known for its cobblestone streets and European architecture. See the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, explore St. Francis Church, and stroll through Jew Town to visit the centuries-old Paradesi Synagogue. Stop by local spice shops and art galleries. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance show and enjoy coastal cuisine at a waterfront café. The city’s cultural energy and seaside charm make Cochin a fascinating stop on your journey. Overnight stay in Cochin.;

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the Western Ghats to Ooty, the “Queen of Hill Stations.” As you ascend, enjoy panoramic views of tea gardens, waterfalls, and forested slopes. On arrival, check in to your colonial-style resort surrounded by misty hills. Visit Ooty Lake for a peaceful boat ride and Doddabetta Peak for breathtaking valley views. In the evening, take a stroll along Charing Cross to explore local markets selling handmade chocolates and woollens. The mountain air and old-world charm make Ooty a picture-perfect retreat. Overnight stay in Ooty.;

Today, explore Coonoor, Ooty’s scenic twin town. Visit Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, and Dolphin’s Nose, which offer sweeping views of tea estates and valleys. Tour a tea factory to learn how Nilgiri tea is processed, and savor a freshly brewed cup. Return to Ooty in the afternoon to visit the Botanical Gardens, home to exotic plant species and vibrant blooms. Enjoy your evening with leisure walks through pine forests or cozy moments by the fireplace at your resort. The day captures the full beauty of the Nilgiris’ calm and charm. Overnight stay in Ooty.;

After breakfast, drive down to Mysore, the City of Palaces. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin your sightseeing with the grand Mysore Palace, a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Climb Chamundi Hills to visit the sacred temple and enjoy panoramic city views. Later, relax at the illuminated Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountains. Stroll through Mysore’s bustling markets for silk sarees, sandalwood products, and sweets. Dinner at a local restaurant completes the royal experience. Overnight stay in Mysore.;

Drive to Bangalore, the vibrant capital of Karnataka. En route, stop at Srirangapatna, the historic island fortress of Tipu Sultan. Upon reaching Bangalore, explore Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Cubbon Park, and the grand Vidhana Soudha. Shop for handicrafts at Commercial Street or enjoy modern cafés and fine dining in UB City. Known for its cosmopolitan culture and greenery, Bangalore offers a perfect blend of relaxation and urban charm. Overnight stay in Bangalore.;

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Bangalore Airport for your onward flight or return to Mumbai. Reflect on your incredible 13-day journey—from Kerala’s serene backwaters and misty hills to Karnataka’s royal elegance and modern rhythm. This unforgettable adventure leaves you with a heart full of memories, flavors, and moments of calm that capture the soul of South India.;