12 Days - Backroads Of Kerala & Karnataka

Welcome to India! Arrive in Cochin, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of Fort Kochi - a coastal town steeped in history and character. This part of the city is known for its laid-back charm, colonial-era architecture, and tree-lined streets dotted with art cafés, antique shops, and spice warehouses. It’s a place where history isn’t hidden in museums but woven into the fabric of daily life.

For centuries, Cochin served as a vital port on the Indian Ocean trade routes, attracting merchants and settlers from around the world. Arab traders arrived with goods and ideas, Chinese fishing nets still line the harbour, and the Portuguese, Dutch, and British each left their mark on the city’s churches, forts, and civic buildings. These layers of influence have shaped a rich and diverse cultural identity that is unique to Cochin.

Often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, the city gained prominence due to its strategic location and booming spice trade, particularly in black pepper and cardamom. Today, it offers visitors a fascinating blend of the old and the new - from bustling local markets and centuries-old synagogues to contemporary art galleries and relaxed seaside promenades. Your time in Fort Kochi is not only an introduction to South India but also an immersive experience into the global history that helped shape it.

This morning, set out on a guided tour of historic Fort Kochi, a compact and atmospheric area where colonial and local heritage sit side by side. Begin with a visit to the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a legacy of early trade with China and still operated by local fishermen using age-old techniques. Continue on to the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry - originally built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch - with its impressive murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics.

Wander through the narrow lanes of ‘Jewtown’, once home to a thriving Jewish community, where antique shops and spice markets fill the air with the scent of cinnamon and cardamom. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, dating back to 1568, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, known for its ornate chandeliers and hand-painted floor tiles from China.

In the afternoon, unwind with a private cruise on Cochin’s harbour, a scenic way to view the city’s colonial waterfront and the busy shipping channels that once connected Cochin to the world. As evening falls, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance - a classical art form of Kerala known for its elaborate costumes, expressive gestures, and storytelling through movement and facial expression. It’s a captivating introduction to the region’s rich artistic heritage.

After breakfast, set off on a two-hour drive to Alleppey, passing through a landscape of lush greenery, small villages, and coconut groves. Along the way, stop to visit a local coir factory, where you’ll see how coconut husk is processed and spun into rope, mats, and other useful products - a traditional cottage industry that still plays an important role in the rural economy of Kerala.

Continue on to the jetty at Alleppey, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ for its intricate network of canals and backwaters. Here, you’ll board a traditional Kerala houseboat, known locally as a kettuvallam. Once used to transport rice and spices, these boats have been beautifully converted into floating homes, complete with a crew to look after you.

Begin a leisurely cruise through the serene backwaters, drifting past rice paddies, coconut palms, and small villages where life moves at a slower pace. As you glide through the canals and across the vast Vembanad Lake, enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala-style lunch on board, made with local ingredients and regional flavours.

In the afternoon, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to your backwater accommodation in Kumarakom - a peaceful retreat set on the edge of the waterways, offering a chance to unwind and take in the unique rhythms of life along Kerala’s famed backwaters.

There’s something about the pace of life in the Kerala backwaters that encourages you to slow down - and today is yours to do just that. With no scheduled activities, you’re free to unwind and soak up the peaceful surroundings of Kumarakom, one of the most scenic and laid-back corners of the region.

You might choose to spend the morning by the pool, listening to the sounds of birds and the rustle of palm leaves in the breeze. The area is a haven for birdlife, so a gentle walk through the local village or a visit to the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary can be a rewarding way to spot egrets, herons, kingfishers and even the occasional migratory species.

If you’re after something more restorative, indulge in an Ayurvedic massage or treatment - a tradition deeply rooted in Kerala - offered by many local resorts and wellness centres. You can also take a short canoe ride through the narrower backwater canals for a closer look at village life, or simply sit with a cup of chai as fishermen cast their nets nearby.

After breakfast, begin your journey north with a scenic four-hour drive to Trichur (also known as Thrissur), often referred to as the cultural capital of Kerala. The town holds a special place in the state’s artistic and spiritual life, known for its vibrant festivals, classical music, and dance traditions. It’s home to several renowned institutions that preserve and promote Kerala’s rich heritage in the performing arts, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and traditional percussion ensembles like chenda and mridangam.

Trichur’s streets are centred around the sacred Vadakkunnathan Temple, and the town itself has long served as a meeting point for scholars, artists, and spiritual seekers. Throughout the year, the city hosts numerous cultural events, most famously the spectacular Thrissur Pooram festival, although even outside festival time, there’s a palpable sense of tradition in the air.

This afternoon, you’re free to take it easy and settle into your hotel. You might choose to relax by the pool, stretch your legs with a walk around the grounds, or enjoy a cool drink at the riverside restaurant, taking in views of the gentle flowing water and surrounding greenery. It’s the perfect way to unwind after the drive and ease into the local pace before exploring more of Trichur’s cultural offerings.

This morning, visit the renowned Kerala Kalamandalam, a respected institution dedicated to preserving and teaching Kerala’s classical performing arts. Set in a peaceful rural setting, the school offers a unique insight into disciplines such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, and traditional percussion. You’ll have the chance to observe students in training, gaining an appreciation for the years of discipline and dedication that go into mastering these intricate art forms. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Kerala-style lunch on the campus, often served on a banana leaf and featuring a delicious selection of local vegetarian dishes.

In the afternoon, continue your journey with a three-hour drive to Calicut (Kozhikode), a historic port city once at the heart of the spice trade. Along the way, stop to visit a traditional wooden shipbuilding yard, where craftsmen still construct urus - large wooden trading vessels - using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Kerala’s maritime heritage.

Upon arrival in Calicut, check in to your beachside resort. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax - perhaps take a walk along the shore, enjoy the sea breeze, or unwind with a drink as the sun begins to set over the Arabian Sea.

Today offers a variety of activities to choose from, depending on your interests and energy levels. You might begin with a visit to Kerala’s oldest spice bazaar - a vibrant, aromatic market that has stood at the centre of global trade for centuries. It was here that Chinese, Arab, and later European traders came in search of Malabar’s prized spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The narrow lanes are still filled with the rich scents of spice, and the market remains a lively hub of commerce and conversation.

Another option is to visit the nearby beach where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first set foot on Indian soil in 1498, marking the start of Europe’s long and complex relationship with India. The beach is not only historically significant but also a lovely spot to relax - ideal for a swim or simply to sit and watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea.

For a slower-paced day, you may opt for a traditional Ayurvedic massage, drawing on Kerala’s ancient healing practices to help restore balance and ease tension. Alternatively, join a local cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare classic Keralan dishes using fresh, local ingredients and time-honoured techniques - a delicious way to engage with the region’s culinary culture.

After breakfast, set off on a scenic three-hour drive to Wayanad, a hilly region in northern Kerala known for its cool climate, lush greenery, and rich biodiversity. As you ascend into the Western Ghats, the landscape shifts dramatically - thick forests, mist-covered hills, terraced rice paddies, and coffee and spice plantations define the region. Wayanad is one of Kerala’s most naturally beautiful areas, offering a refreshing contrast to the lowland coast.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, nestled in a peaceful setting surrounded by rainforest and rolling hills. In the afternoon, take a trip to Pookot Lake, a serene freshwater lake encircled by forest and walking trails. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs, enjoy a quiet paddleboat ride, or simply take in the birdlife and natural scenery.

If you prefer to stay close to the hotel, you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings - perhaps with a book on the verandah or a walk through the nearby plantation. The cool air and dense greenery of Wayanad make it an ideal place to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Start the day early with a morning visit to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Kerala’s most important protected areas. The sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and home to a wide variety of wildlife. While sightings can never be guaranteed, there’s a fair chance of spotting elephants, deer, langurs, and if you’re lucky, perhaps even a sloth bear or leopard. The sanctuary is also rich in birdlife, and your guide will help point out various species as you explore by jeep or on foot, depending on the zone.

Afterwards, continue to Edakkal Cave, a fascinating archaeological site perched high in the hills. Reaching the cave involves a moderately steep walk - but it’s well worth the effort. Inside, you’ll find ancient rock engravings believed to date back over 6,000 years, offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric human life in the region. The carvings depict human figures, animals, and symbolic markings, and the site is considered one of the few examples of such early civilisation in South India.

The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your hotel. You might take a gentle walk through nearby plantations, enjoy an Ayurvedic treatment, or simply sit back and take in the views of the forested hills and cool mountain air.

After breakfast, begin your journey inland with a four-hour drive to Mysore, one of Karnataka’s most charming and historically significant cities. Set at the base of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore has a distinct atmosphere - relaxed and refined, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, stately architecture, and a proud royal heritage. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore, the city played a key role in southern India’s history and was notably one of the first places in the world to adopt electric street lighting, well ahead of its time.

After checking in to your hotel, head into the centre of town for a relaxed afternoon wander. Stroll through the bustling local markets, where stalls brim with fragrant flowers, colourful powders, silk sarees, and the city’s famed sandalwood products. You might pause for a cup of masala chai at a roadside stall - a perfect way to take in the everyday rhythm of Mysore life. The city offers a pleasant contrast to the denser pace of other Indian cities, with its slower tempo, friendly locals, and strong sense of tradition.

Today is a full day of exploring Mysore, a city steeped in royal history, artistic heritage, and vibrant local life. Begin with a visit to the iconic Mysore Palace - an extravagant, larger-than-life structure that blends Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic architectural styles. Its opulent interiors are filled with stained glass, intricately carved doors, vivid murals, and ornate ceilings. While some may call it kitsch, it’s undeniably grand and full of character - and an absolute must-see. If you’re lucky enough to be in Mysore on a Sunday evening, you’ll witness the palace illuminated by nearly 100,000 bulbs, a spectacular sight that draws both locals and visitors.

Next, head to the lively Devaraja Market, one of the most colourful and photogenic spots in the city. This bustling market is a feast for the senses - fresh flowers piled high in vivid mounds, pyramids of fruit, spices, incense, and vendors calling out in a lively mix of languages. It’s an excellent place to experience the energy of daily life in Mysore.

Continue up Chamundi Hill to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the city’s guardian goddess. Nearby, stop at the massive monolithic statue of Nandi the bull - carved from a single piece of stone and standing as a silent sentinel overlooking the city.

Round out the day with a visit to a silk weaving factory, where you can see the intricate process behind Mysore’s famous silk sarees. Watching the looms in motion is mesmerising, and it’s a great chance to appreciate the skill and tradition behind one of India’s most treasured textiles.

In the afternoon, begin your journey to Bangalore with a relaxed three-hour drive through the Karnataka countryside. Along the way, stop to explore Srirangapatna, a historic riverside town that was once the stronghold of Tipu Sultan, known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’. Here you’ll visit his summer palace, set within peaceful gardens and adorned with intricate frescoes and teakwood pillars. The site offers fascinating insight into Tipu Sultan’s resistance against British colonial forces and the strategic importance of this region during the 18th century.

After your visit, continue on to Bangalore, Karnataka’s bustling capital and a major hub for India’s technology and start-up industries. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home, or to your next destination if you're continuing your travels in India. Whether heading home or moving on, you'll take with you vivid memories of South India’s landscapes, culture, history, and hospitality.