Karnataka Hills

Arrive at Bangalore Airport, where our representative will meet and assist you with the transfer for your city sightseeing tour.

Begin the day with a visit to the HAL Aerospace Museum, one of the most interesting places in Bangalore for aviation enthusiasts. Considered among the best aero-engineering museums in India, the museum displays fascinating exhibits such as the pilotless target aircraft “Lakshya,” ejection seats with parachutes, and ATC surveillance radars. Visitors can also explore the Sustainability Park, which showcases working models of windmills, biogas plants, and solar-powered systems, offering a glimpse into renewable energy technologies. After exploring the museum, guests can enjoy a meal at the open-air dining area located within the museum premises (meal cost not included).

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open on all days)
Entry Fee: INR 50 per person

Next, visit the magnificent Bangalore Palace, which is spread across an impressive 45,000 acres. The palace architecture reflects a unique blend of Indian, Scottish, and Gothic styles and features elegant Roman arches, decorative pillars, and vine-covered walls. Inside the palace, visitors can explore 35 beautifully designed rooms featuring carved wooden walls, fountains, stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and paintings by famous artists such as Raja Ravi Varma. One of the most remarkable attractions inside the palace is the mother-of-pearl-studded dining table that once belonged to the Diwan of Mysore.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Open on all days)
Entry Fee: INR 230 for Indian Nationals & INR 460 for Foreign Nationals

After sightseeing, check in to the hotel and freshen up before continuing the tour.

Later proceed to visit the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (if interested). Exploring the fascinating world of science, planets, and astronomy here is one of the best experiences for families visiting Bangalore. Guests can watch sky-related movies at the Sky Theatre, learn about the “Dawn of the Space Age,” and see spacecraft launch presentations at the Mirror Dome. The Science Park also features life-size and interactive exhibits related to space and astronomy, making it both educational and entertaining.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: INR 50 per person for adults & INR 30 per person for children

Continue to Vidhan Soudha, a grand architectural landmark often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of South India” because of its magnificent design and pristine white appearance. It is the largest legislative building in India. The architecture blends Dravidian, Rajasthani, South Indian, and Indo-Saracenic styles, and the structure is decorated with beautifully carved granite pillars, walls, and domes. The building is surrounded by well-maintained gardens, fountains, and colorful flowers, making it an impressive sight.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM on weekdays (Closed on weekends and holidays)
Entry Fee: No entry fee

Finally, visit the famous ISKCON Temple, known for its impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The temple complex features a gold-plated flag post, intricate stone carvings, fountains, waterfalls, arches, flowering gardens, and a large amphitheatre. Visitors can also explore the Vedic Museum and exhibitions, where spiritual and cultural knowledge is presented in an engaging way. The temple regularly hosts songs, recitals, prayer sessions, and spiritual lectures.

Timings: 7:15 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:15 PM – 8:30 PM (Open on all days)
Entry Fee: No entry fee

Overnight stay in Bangalore.

(The itinerary may change depending on your time, travel schedule, and the location of the hotel.)
(Entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly wherever applicable.)

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and start a little early as you proceed towards Mysore. On the way, visit some interesting attractions.

If time permits, visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a historic garden dating back to the 17th century. It was developed as an initiative by Tipu Sultan and is known for its beautiful layout filled with colorful flower beds, peaceful ponds, and lush greenery. One of the most fascinating highlights of Lalbagh is the 3,000-million-year-old rock, considered among the oldest rock formations in the world. The garden is home to more than 1,000 exotic plant species, many of which were brought from regions such as Afghanistan and Persia. Visitors can also spot several birds including Brahminy kite, pond heron, and mynas. Lalbagh frequently hosts popular flower shows, and visitors can enjoy boating on the lake as well as folk dances and music concerts organized during the second and fourth weekends.

Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Open on all days)
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person

Continue the journey and visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, also known as Dariya Daulat Bagh, which means “Wealth of the Sea.” This beautiful palace once served as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and has fascinated visitors for many years. Tipu Sultan himself described it as the “Abode of Happiness” and the “Envy of Heaven.” Built on a raised stone platform, the palace features elegant teakwood pillars and artistic interiors, making it one of the most interesting historical places to see during a Mysore tour. The construction of the palace was originally started by Hyder Ali Khan in 1778 and was later completed by Tipu Sultan in 1784 AD.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM on weekdays & 08:30 AM – 5:30 PM on Sundays
Entry Fee: INR 15 per person for Indian Nationals & INR 200 for Foreign Nationals

Later arrive in Mysore and check in to the hotel. Freshen up and by around 5:00 PM, proceed to visit the beautiful Brindavan Gardens to witness the famous sound and light show.

Brindavan Gardens is considered one of the finest terrace gardens in the world and is located about 12 km northwest of Mysore city. The garden is known for its illuminated fountains, botanical park, and wide variety of plants. The idea to beautify the area around the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS Dam) was initiated by Sir Mirza Ismail, who served as the Diwan of Mysore State. The dam, built across the Cauvery River, is named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. The design of Brindavan Gardens was inspired by the famous Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir, which were created in the traditional Mughal style. The garden features a beautiful arrangement of fountains, terraces, water channels, parterres, lawns, and flower beds, creating a grand and scenic atmosphere.

Timings:
Weekdays – 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Weekends – 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Illumination Timings:
• January to September: Weekdays 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM & Weekends 7:00 PM – 8:55 PM
• October to December: Weekdays 7:00 PM – 8:55 PM & Weekends 7:00 PM – 8:25 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person

Overnight stay in Mysore.

(The itinerary may change depending on your time, travel schedule, and the location of the hotel.)
(Entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly wherever applicable.)

Today morning after breakfast, start the day early with a visit to the magnificent Mysore Palace, and later proceed towards Ooty.

The present structure of Mysore Palace was completed in 1912 and continues to mesmerize visitors with its magnificent architecture. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace beautifully blends Hindu, Islamic, Rajput, and Gothic architectural elements, creating a grand and unique appearance. Surrounded by a beautifully designed garden, the palace is a three-storeyed structure built with stone and marble domes. It also features a five-storeyed tower rising to a height of 145 feet. One of the most striking features of the palace is the deep pink marble domes placed on top of the grey granite building, which were designed by Henry Irwin. The grand entrance portico features seven large arches, where the central arch is flanked by two smaller arches and supported by tall decorative pillars.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Sound & Light Show Timings:
07:00 PM – 07:40 PM on weekdays (Monday to Saturday), except Sundays, National Holidays, and State Festivals.

Illumination Timings:
• 07:00 PM – 07:45 PM on Sundays, National Holidays, and State Festivals
• 07:40 PM – 07:45 PM on weekdays (Monday to Saturday) after the Sound & Light Show

Entry Fee: INR 40 per person for Indian Nationals & INR 200 per person for Foreign Nationals

Note: Entry is from the Varaha Gate of Mysore Palace.

Facilities available at Mysore Palace:
Free Wheelchair Facility
Free Camera Custody Counter
Free Stand for Footwear
Drinking Water
Clean Toilets
Government Approved Guides

Another attractive feature of the Mysore Maharaja Palace is the number of special events organized here. The world-famous Mysore Dussehra Festival is celebrated with great grandeur on the palace grounds. During this grand festival, stages are set up where many famous artists perform cultural programs. On the 10th day, known as Dashami, a spectacular parade featuring beautifully decorated elephants takes place from the palace grounds. The festive atmosphere in Mysore during this time is truly special and something every traveler should experience at least once. The festival generally takes place in October or November. During the celebration period, the palace is illuminated with more than 96,000 lights for nearly two months, adding unmatched beauty to this historic monument.

After the palace visit, continue the journey towards Ooty. En route, you may visit Bandipur National Park, located in Karnataka, South India, which is well known for its rich wildlife and natural beauty. The park spreads across 874 square kilometers and is home to many endangered species of animals and plants. Bandipur National Park, together with Mudumalai National Park, Wayanad National Park, and Nagarhole National Park, forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is the largest protected area in South India and also the region with the highest population of wild elephants in South Asia.

The park is situated on the Mysore–Ooty highway, making it a popular stop for tourists traveling between the two destinations. The park has a significant population of tigers and elephants. It is jointly managed by the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and the Tamil Nadu side of the forest area is known as the Mudumalai Reserve. Bandipur National Park has also been recommended for recognition as a heritage site.

Safari Options:

Bus Safari: 6:30 AM & 9:00 AM, and 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Approx. Cost: INR 100 per person + entry fee INR 250 per person

Elephant Safari: 10:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Jeep Safari: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Approx. Cost: INR 3000 per jeep (minimum 6 persons) + entry fee INR 250 per person

(Safari timings and duration may change depending on season, weather conditions, crowd, and vehicle availability.)
overnight stay in Ooty.

(The itinerary may change depending on your time, travel schedule, and hotel location.)
(Entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly wherever applicable.)

Today morning after breakfast, start early as the day will be full of sightseeing. Proceed to explore some of the most famous attractions of Ooty.

Botanical Garden: The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty is a large and beautifully maintained garden spread across 55 hectares. It is one of the most popular attractions in the region and houses more than 650 species of flowers, plants, and trees, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Government Museum: Established in 1989, this museum aims to preserve and promote the culture and heritage of Ooty. It showcases an impressive collection related to history, tribal life, art, crafts, sculptures, and ecological artifacts of the region. The museum also highlights items associated with the Toda tribe, one of the indigenous communities of the Nilgiris. It is well known for giving visitors insight into the cultural and historical background of Udhagamandalam.

Wax World Museum: Located inside a 130-year-old colonial mansion near Ooty Lake, the Wax World Museum displays realistic wax statues of famous personalities from Indian history. It is a great place to visit with family and children.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Thread Garden: A unique artificial garden where beautiful flowers, plants, and landscapes are created entirely using thread, canvas, and wire. It is one of the most creative attractions in Ooty and draws visitors for its artistic craftsmanship.

Doddabetta Peak: Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills, located at an altitude of 8606 feet. The peak offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. A Telescope House at the top allows visitors to observe the scenic beauty of the Nilgiri range more closely.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM.
If time permits, you may also visit the Honey and Bee Museum nearby.

In the evening, visit Ooty Lake, where you can enjoy activities like boating, horse riding, cycling, and a mini train ride (activities available at additional cost).

Overnight stay at Ooty.

(The itinerary may change depending on your time, travel schedule, and hotel location.)
(Entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly wherever applicable.)

Today morning after breakfast, you can choose any one of the following activities for the day, as both options require almost the entire day.

Option 1 : Nilgiri Mountain Railway & Coonoor Visit
Enjoy a scenic journey on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty to Coonoor, one of the most beautiful train routes in South India. The toy train passes through lush green hills, tea plantations, tunnels, and charming bridges, offering spectacular views of the Nilgiri mountains.

After reaching Coonoor, proceed to visit popular viewpoints such as Lamb’s Rock and Dolphin’s Nose, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys, tea gardens, and surrounding hills. These viewpoints are famous for their scenic beauty and photography opportunities.

OR

Option 2 : Day Trip to Pykara Lake & Mudumalai National Park (Vehicle cost extra)

Pykara Lake:
Pykara is a small village known for the beautiful Pykara Lake and Pykara Waterfalls. Located about 21 kms from Ooty on the Ooty–Mysore Road, the place is famous for its natural beauty, surrounded by pine forests and scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy speedboat rides on the lake, walk through the peaceful pine trees, or spend time with family in a serene picnic setting. The area also features well-protected sholas, Toda tribal settlements, grassy meadows, and wildlife habitats.

Nearby attractions include Pykara Dam, Pykara Falls, and the reservoir, which draw many tourists throughout the year. There is also a Forest Rest House and a Boat House with a restaurant available for visitors.

Famous For: Speedboat rides
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Average Cost: INR 100 per person

Mudumalai National Park:
Located in the Nilgiri district on the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Mudumalai National Park is one of the earliest forest ranges declared as a National Park in India. Situated on the Ooty–Mysore route, the park can be accessed from both Ooty and Mysore. The park was recently declared a Tiger Reserve and is home to around 50 tigers, along with elephants, deer, birds, and many other wildlife species.

Safari Options:

Jungle Safari: Approximately 1 hour ride

Bus Safari:
Timings – 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Cost – INR 350 per person

Jeep Safari:
Cost – INR 4200 per trip (for 4 persons)

(Tickets can be purchased from the reception at Theppakadu.)

Elephant Safari:
Duration – 30 minutes
Timings – 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM & 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost – INR 1200 per person

(Bookings are made at the reception.)

In the evening, return to Ooty and enjoy some free time for shopping in the local markets.
Overnight stay at Ooty.

(The itinerary may change depending on your time, travel schedule, and hotel location.)
(Entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly wherever applicable.)

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed towards Kodaikanal. The journey is a long and scenic hill drive where you will descend from one hill station and climb up another through winding roads and beautiful landscapes.

Kodaikanal is a charming hill town located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by granite cliffs, dense forests, valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and rolling grassy hills, it is one of the most peaceful and scenic hill stations in South India. Situated at an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level, the town is centered around the beautiful star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, which is bordered by lush evergreen forests. The ideal time to visit Kodaikanal is from March to early June, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.

En route, enjoy a photo stop at the famous Pine Forest.

Pine Forest:
The Pine Forest is one of the most scenic and picturesque attractions in Kodaikanal. It is considered an important heritage site of the town and was created due to the efforts of Mr. Bryant, who planted these pine trees in 1906. The tall pine trees standing close together create a magical atmosphere, making it a popular spot for photography and nature lovers. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as hiking, horse riding, and nature walks here (available at additional cost).

After enjoying the scenic stop, continue the journey towards Kodaikanal. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax after the long drive.

Overnight stay at Kodaikanal.

(The itinerary may change depending on your time, travel schedule, and hotel location.)
(Entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly wherever applicable.)

Today morning after breakfast, start early for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kodaikanal, exploring some of the most scenic viewpoints and attractions in the hill station.

Guna Caves (Optional):
The Guna Caves in Kodaikanal have an interesting history. It is believed that the Pandavas once used these caves for cooking, which is why they were originally known as Devil’s Kitchen. The name later changed to Guna Caves in the 1990s after the Tamil movie Guna was filmed here.

The caves are surrounded by three massive rock pillars and thick Shola forest, making the area both mysterious and beautiful. Due to safety concerns, visitors are not allowed inside the caves anymore, but the site can still be viewed from a distance while walking through the nearby forest area.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (All Days)

Pillar Rocks View Point:
Pillar Rocks are three massive rock formations rising around 400 feet above the ground. These towering pillars create a dramatic and scenic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The place is also associated with a romantic local legend, which adds to its charm.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person | Camera: INR 20

Green Valley View Point:
Green Valley View offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the Vaigai Dam and the lush green valley below. The viewpoint is famous for its breathtaking scenery and thick mist that often surrounds the hills. Due to the height and narrow pathways, visitors are advised to be cautious while exploring the area.

India’s First Wax Museum:
This small but interesting museum features wax statues depicting The Crib, The Last Supper, and several internationally known personalities. The museum also showcases statues of Indian saints and famous personalities such as Adi Shankara, Sai Baba, Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Krishna with Gopikas, along with representations of Indian musicians and Veerappan, the sandalwood smuggler.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 per person

Vattakanal Waterfalls:
Located amidst a peaceful forest, Vattakanal Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Kodaikanal. During the monsoon season, the waterfall becomes even more spectacular with a strong flow of water. Visitors can relax near the falls, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and taste local snacks sold by nearby vendors. Hiking around the waterfall area is also possible, but it is advisable to wear non-slippery footwear.

Overnight stay at Kodaikanal.

(The itinerary may change depending on your time, travel schedule, and hotel location.)
(Entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly wherever applicable.)

This morning after breakfast, leave around 9:00 AM for another day of sightseeing in Kodaikanal, exploring some of the town’s famous viewpoints, parks, churches, and shopping areas.

Coaker’s Walk:
Coaker’s Walk is a scenic one-kilometer paved pathway along the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and lush green hills. Walking along this path while enjoying the cool breeze and breathtaking landscapes is a unique experience. The Telescope House here provides a closer and clearer view of the valley below (chargeable). The weather here remains pleasant throughout the year, though winters can be cold and foggy due to the high altitude.
Timings: 07:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person | Camera: INR 30 | Telescope House: INR 20

Bryant Park:
Bryant Park is a beautifully maintained botanical garden known for its wide variety of plants, flowers, and shrubs. The park houses over 325 species of plants and is a favorite destination for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts. The famous Annual Horticulture Show held in May attracts visitors from across the world. The park is also known for its sacred Bodhi Tree.
Timings: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 per person | Camera: INR 50 | Video Camera: INR 100

Lutheran Church:
Built in 1932, the Lutheran Church of Kodaikanal is an impressive structure designed in Gothic architectural style. The church is decorated with beautiful stained-glass windows, modern paintings, and murals depicting the life of Jesus Christ, making it an attractive place for both spiritual visitors and architecture enthusiasts.
Timings: 07:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Kodai Chocolate Factory:
Established in 1999, the Kodai Chocolate Factory is one of the well-known places in Kodaikanal famous for producing homemade chocolates, aromatic oils, and coffee products. Their chocolates are 100% vegetarian and available in many delicious flavors. Visitors can also explore nearby stores like Pot Luck, Cloud Street, Chocolate Factory, and SG Cottage Industries to try and purchase different varieties of chocolates.

Anna Salai Market:
Anna Salai Market is a lively local market where visitors can shop for a variety of products including fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade chocolates, handicrafts, shawls, jewellery, bone and walnut items, and products made of leather and brass. The market also sells organic products like jams, pickles, creams, incense sticks, breads, and baked items, along with fragrant oils and balms at affordable prices.

Chettiar Park:
Chettiar Park is a beautiful garden filled with a wide range of colorful flowers and plants, making it a perfect place for photography. The park also features the famous Kurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years, covering the hills with a spectacular purple hue when they blossom.
Timings: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person | Still Camera: INR 25

Upper Lake View Point:
Upper Lake View Point offers a stunning view of the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, which was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge. The viewpoint provides a beautiful contrast of the lake surrounded by lush green hills, making it an excellent location for photography. At the lake, visitors can also enjoy activities like boating, cycling, and horse riding.

Overnight stay at Kodaikanal.

(The itinerary may change depending on your time, travel schedule, and hotel location.)
(Entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly wherever applicable.)

This morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed towards Coimbatore. Enjoy a scenic drive through the hills as you travel from Kodaikanal to Coimbatore.

On arrival, you will be dropped at Coimbatore Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey back to your hometown with wonderful memories of your trip.