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Karnataka & Kerala: A Tapestry of Cultures

Explore Spiritual Heartlands, Serene Forests, Coffee Trails, and Hidden Beaches

Destination Highlights

Journey through Karnataka and Kerala, where majestic palaces, lush coffee plantations, serene forests, and sun-kissed coasts unfold in harmony. This thoughtfully curated route blends cultural depth, colonial histories, culinary gems, and immersive traditions. Discover two diverse regions intertwined by heritage, nature, and soulful coastal rhythms

Coastal Towns

Stroll through charming seaside towns rich in colonial history and local culture.

Timeless Architecture

Marvel at historic structures with grand architecture and intricate carvings.

Forest Escapes

Unwind in serene forest reserves with opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Cultural Immersion

Delve into local traditions, crafts, heritage walks, and age-old rituals.

Vacation Style

Contrasting landscapes

A seamless trail from misty hills and coffee estates to coastal shores.

Slow Travel with Purpose

For mindful explorers who relish unhurried moments

Hidden Stays

Handpicked eco-conscious retreats, heritage homes, and coastal hideaways

Culinary Trails

Taste flavours from local kitchens, markets, and home-cooked meals.

Experiences for the Five Senses

Timeless Bazaars

Meander through Mysore’s bustling markets, filled with fragrant spices, vibrant silks, and centuries-old shops. Engage with local vendors, uncover culinary gems, and learn stories woven into the city’s colourful fabric. The walk offers a vibrant slice of Mysore’s living heritage and an authentic window into local life. 

Duration: 2 hours
Inclusions: Guided walk, local tastings, shopping recommendations

Why Experience This: To discover authentic local flavours and crafts while experiencing Mysore’s cultural heartbeat.

Sacred Tibetan Crossroads

Visit Bylakuppe, the second largest Tibetan settlement in the world, where vibrant monasteries, prayer wheels, and fluttering flags create a peaceful enclave. Explore monastic life, savour Tibetan cuisine, and interact with the community, gaining unique insights into a beautifully preserved culture amidst Karnataka’s green landscapes. 

Duration: Half day
Inclusions: Guided visit, monastery entry, interaction with monks 

Why Experience This: Because it offers an unexpected cultural pocket far from Tibet’s homeland.

Bandipur’s Green Retreat

Stay in a sustainable homestay near Bandipur National Park where wildlife roams freely and nature takes centre stage. Savour home-cooked regional dishes, walk through forest trails, and engage with your hosts on local conservation efforts, enjoying an intimate, earth-conscious experience that leaves a positive impact. 

Duration: Overnight
Inclusions: Accommodation, forest walks, homemade meals

Why Experience This: For experiencing sustainable travel in harmony with nature and local traditions.

Cooking with a Celebrity Chef

Step into the kitchen of a renowned celebrity chef in Kozhikode and delve into the art of traditional Malabari cooking. Discover secret family recipes, master spice blending, and savour the joy of creating Kerala’s signature dishes while listening to culinary stories that bring the coastal cuisine to life. 

Duration: Half day
Inclusions: Cooking session, all ingredients, meal with the chef

Why Experience This: To create regional delicacies guided by a local culinary master in an intimate setting.

Stories by the Sea

Embark on a guided heritage walk through Mahe and Thalassery, where French and British influences linger in coastal lanes, colonial houses, and ancient ports. Uncover tales of spice trade, cultural mingling, and local legends that shaped these picturesque seaside towns along the Malabar coast. 

Duration: 2-3 hours
Inclusions: Guided heritage walk, refreshments

Why Experience This: To unravel coastal stories where French, British, and local cultures converge.

Serenity on the Backwaters

Glide through the tranquil backwaters of Nileshwar on a private houseboat, passing palm-lined canals, sleepy fishing villages, and lush rice fields. Spend the day gently cruising through Kerala’s timeless waterways, enjoying fresh meals on board and soaking in the peaceful rhythm of village life. 

Duration: Full day 
Inclusions: Private houseboat, meals, crew services

Why Experience This: To unwind on peaceful backwaters, a signature Kerala experience away from crowds. 

Healing in Kerala’s Heartland

Immerse in Kerala’s ancient Ayurvedic traditions with personalised treatments crafted to heal and rejuvenate. From soothing oil massages to herbal therapies, the experience is tailored to your body’s needs and set within serene wellness spaces that honour centuries-old holistic practices. 

Duration: 3-4 hours
Inclusions: Ayurvedic consultation, customised therapy, herbal teas

Why Experience This: To embrace natural healing traditions unique to Kerala’s cultural and medical heritage. 

Festivals to Experience

FAQs

Bengaluru and Kozhikode serve as the primary entry points for this itinerary. International travelers can fly into Bengaluru, while domestic arrivals can choose either Bengaluru or Kozhikode. From there, private transfers or pre-arranged vehicles make onward travel to Mysuru, Bandipur, Mahe, and Nileshwar seamless, ensuring a comfortable start to your slow travel journey. This approach allows you to maximize your time exploring each destination without worrying about logistics.

Travelers can choose to extend their journey to Coorg, Wayanad, Bekal, or Ooty, each offering a distinct experience. Coorg is known for its lush coffee plantations and misty hills, Wayanad for dense forests and wildlife, Bekal for its historic fort and serene beaches, and Ooty for its charming hill station vibe. These additions allow you to personalize your itinerary, adding culture, nature, and scenic beauty while keeping the pace relaxed and immersive.

Accommodation is carefully selected to enhance your travel experience. Expect boutique homestays, eco-lodges, heritage hotels, and plantation retreats. Each property is chosen to immerse you in local culture, natural surroundings, and comfort, with options for interconnecting or family-friendly rooms for group or family travel.

Yes. The itinerary is designed for all traveler types. Families can enjoy wildlife and cultural experiences, couples can explore serene backwaters and heritage sites, and solo travelers can benefit from customizable experiences and flexible pacing to dive deeper into the destinations.

The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Expect mist-covered hills, coffee and spice plantations, dense forests, waterfalls, and endemic wildlife. From birdwatching to trekking, this range offers an unparalleled mix of adventure, nature, and sustainable travel experiences that highlight India’s ecological richness.

Bandipur National Park is teeming with wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species. Safari vehicles are assigned on a pro-rata basis through Jungle Lodges and Resorts, with jeep safaris being limited and van safaris offered as an alternative. Staying at the government run Jungle Lodges increases your chances of securing a jeep safari. Early morning and late afternoon safaris provide the best opportunities for wildlife sightings and photography, making Bandipur a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Mahe offers a serene riverside town experience with French colonial charm, colorful markets, and a laid-back coastal vibe. It is perfect for experiencing local cuisine, strolling along quiet streets, and exploring a lesser-known corner of Kerala, away from the tourist crowds. Its blend of heritage, food, and tranquility makes it a must-visit stop on the itinerary.

Yes, the itinerary includes a visit to Nileshwar backwaters. Unlike the crowded backwaters of Alleppey, Nileshwar is wider, less commercialized, and offers an authentic experience of Kerala’s waterways. Travelers can enjoy serene canoe rides, watch traditional fishing practices, and soak in the peaceful rural landscapes.

This journey is sustainable and immersive, covering lesser-visited destinations in Kerala and Karnataka. It combines wildlife, heritage, culture, and local experiences, allowing travelers to connect with nature and communities while avoiding the usual tourist trails. The slow travel approach ensures meaningful engagement with each destination, leaving a lasting impression.

Yes, we provide both tailor-made and DIY options. Tailor-made itineraries allow complete customization based on your pace, interests, and travel style, while our DIY option comes with a planning fee to guide you with a detailed itinerary and suggestions. Both approaches ensure you experience Mumbai and Aurangabad exactly the way you want.

Foreign travellers require a visa to enter India, which can typically be obtained online as an e-Visa. Travel insurance is recommended for health and travel contingencies. Connectivity is generally good in cities and popular tourist areas, though remote or rural destinations may have limited network coverage. For detailed guidance on visas, insurance, and connectivity, please refer to our India destination page.

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