Private journey · 12–13 nights
Coffee, Hills & Backwaters: Coorg, Munnar and Kerala’s Waterways
From the coffee estates of Coorg to the tea slopes of Munnar and the backwaters near Alleppey: a green, unhurried route across Karnataka and Kerala.
Duration
12–13 nights
Starts
Bengaluru
Ends
Kochi
Travel style
Private car with driver
Journey overview
Plantations, tea hills and slow water
This South India hills and backwaters tour follows the greenest side of the south: coffee estates in Coorg, the forests and caves of Wayanad, the old quarter of Fort Kochi, the tea-covered slopes of Munnar, the spice gardens around Thekkady and a night on the backwaters near Alleppey.
It suits travellers who would rather spend time outdoors than tick off monuments. The main stops (Coorg, Wayanad, Kochi and Munnar) are two nights each, and the plan leaves room for slow mornings, short walks and plenty of rest.
Route summary
- Bengaluru — 1 night
- Mysuru — 1 night
- Coorg — 2 nights
- Wayanad — 2 nights
- Kochi — 2 nights
- Munnar — 2 nights
- Thekkady — 1 night
- Alleppey houseboat — 1 night
- Marari or Kochi — 1 night
The day-by-day plan below is the recommended 13-night version. A 12-night variation is also possible, depending on your pacing and departure flight: you leave the houseboat and transfer straight to Cochin International Airport instead of spending a final night at Marari or in Kochi.
Who it suits
Who this journey suits
A nature-led journey for travellers who like cool hills, gardens and water.
- Couples and honeymooners looking for scenery and quiet stays
- Families who want cooler hill air and a night on a houseboat
- Nature lovers, walkers and anyone curious about coffee, tea and spices
- Repeat visitors who have already seen the major monuments
Highlights
Coffee, Hills & Backwaters highlights
Coorg coffee estates
Plantation walks, waterfalls and misty viewpoints in Karnataka’s coffee country.
Wayanad
Forested hills, the ancient rock engravings of the Edakkal Caves, lakes and reservoirs.
Fort Kochi
A walkable old quarter shaped by Portuguese, Dutch and British traders.
Munnar
Rolling tea estates, a tea museum and cool mountain air.
Thekkady
Spice gardens and the forests around Periyar Lake.
Alleppey and Marari
A night aboard a houseboat, then a quiet stretch of beach.
Day by day
The recommended 13-night plan, day by day
Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic and stops. Every day can be adjusted to your flights and pace.
Day 1 · Arrive in Bengaluru
Your driver meets you at Kempegowda International Airport and takes you to your hotel. The day is kept free so you can rest after the flight; a gentle late-afternoon walk in Lalbagh Botanical Garden is optional.
Overnight: Bengaluru
Day 2 · Bengaluru to Mysuru
Drive to Mysuru (approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops) and visit Mysuru Palace in the afternoon. Spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mysuru
Day 3 · Mysuru to Coorg
An optional early visit to Chamundi Hill, then drive to Coorg (approximately 3–4 hours), stopping at the Golden Temple in the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe.
Overnight: Coorg
Day 4 · Coorg
Walk through a working coffee plantation, then visit Abbey Falls and Madikeri town. Watch the sun set from Raja’s Seat.
Overnight: Coorg
Day 5 · Coorg to Wayanad
Cross into Kerala and drive to Wayanad (approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops) through forest and plantation country. Relax at your stay.
Overnight: Wayanad
Day 6 · Wayanad
Climb to the Edakkal Caves to see their ancient rock engravings (a steep walk; closed on Mondays, and daily entry may be limited, so we go early), then visit Pookode Lake or the Banasura Sagar reservoir. Gentler alternatives are easy to arrange.
Overnight: Wayanad
Day 7 · Wayanad to Kochi
A dedicated travel day and the longest drive of the journey (approximately 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and stops). We set off in the morning, stop regularly along the way and keep the day free of sightseeing, arriving in Kochi in time to rest.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 8 · Kochi
Explore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry at an easy pace: the Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace and the antique shops of Jew Town. An evening Kathakali performance is optional.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 9 · Kochi to Munnar
Drive into the Western Ghats (approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops), passing waterfalls and spice gardens as the road climbs into tea country.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 10 · Munnar
Visit the tea museum, walk among the tea estates and drive out to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Eravikulam National Park is an option outside its seasonal closure.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 11 · Munnar to Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady (approximately 3–4 hours) through cardamom hills. In the afternoon, walk through a spice garden to see pepper, cardamom and cinnamon growing.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 12 · Thekkady to the backwaters
Drive down to Alleppey (approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops) and board your houseboat. Houseboat boarding is generally scheduled around midday, subject to the operator, so departure from Thekkady is planned around the confirmed boarding window; a later arrival may reduce cruising time. Spend the afternoon gliding through the backwaters and the night on the water. Boat category, cruise length, meals and other inclusions are as stated in your quotation.
Overnight: Houseboat, Alleppey
Day 13 · Alleppey to Marari
Leave the houseboat in the morning and continue to Marari for a final night by the beach, or to Kochi if you prefer to be close to the airport. On the 12-night variation, today is your departure day instead.
Overnight: Marari or Kochi
Day 14 · Depart from Kochi
Transfer to Cochin International Airport for your flight home or onward.
End of journey
Vehicle options
Choose a vehicle for your group
Every journey is private, with your own chauffeur-driven vehicle throughout. We suggest a category based on the size of your party and how much you are carrying.
Sedan
A comfortable choice for couples and small families travelling light.
SUV / Innova-type
More space and a higher seat for families and small groups.
Urbania / Tempo Traveller
For larger families and small groups who want to travel together.
Minibus / coach
For bigger groups, celebrations and multi-family trips.
Vehicles are booked by category; the exact model or similar is confirmed subject to availability. Compare categories on our fleet page, or see car and coach rentals with driver if you only need transport.
Hotel options
Hotels are optional
Choose the arrangement that suits you. Both follow the same route and pace.
Vehicle and driver only
You book your own accommodation, and we plan the route, timings and daily driving around where you are staying.
Vehicle, driver and hotels
We suggest places to stay based on comfort level, location, budget and availability, and include them in one quotation.
Make it yours
Flexibility and customisation
Use this plan as a starting point. Common changes include:
- Starting in Kochi and finishing in Bengaluru instead
- A 12-night variation that flies home straight after the houseboat
- Extra nights in Mysuru, Thekkady or at Marari if you have more time
- Adding or removing nights at any stop
- Swapping a stop for one that better suits your interests
- Adding airport transfers at either end of your trip
- Continuing to other parts of India, with ground services arranged through vetted partners
Private guides can be arranged for selected heritage, cultural and city visits.
Senior & family pacing
Travelling with seniors or young children
We can plan slower mornings, shorter driving days, fewer stops and an extra night where it helps. Tell us about any mobility needs when you enquire so we can suggest suitable stays and visits.
The Edakkal Caves involve a steep climb, and we can replace them with gentler stops. The hill roads to Munnar and Thekkady have many bends, so we plan regular breaks.
Inclusions & exclusions
What your quotation covers
Inclusions and exclusions are confirmed in your quotation based on the selected route, vehicle, hotel option and travel plan.
Your quotation sets out:
- The vehicle category and driver arrangements
- Whether hotels are included and, if so, their comfort level and locations
- Your day-by-day route and timings
- Any guides, entry tickets or activities you ask us to arrange
Pricing & payment
Pricing depends on route, vehicle category, dates and travel requirements, so every booking starts with a tailored quote. A booking is confirmed once the required advance payment is received and South Zone Holidays issues confirmation in accordance with the agreed quotation and service availability. The advance amount and balance terms are stated on your quotation. We accept international credit and debit cards, bank transfer and UPI.
5% GST applicable. GST invoice available.
FAQ
Questions about Coffee, Hills & Backwaters
24/7 Guest Support
English-Speaking Drivers
Airport Meet & Greet
Private Guides on Request
Senior-Friendly Planning
Plan this journey
Plan your Coffee, Hills & Backwaters journey
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and anything you would like to change. We will reply with a suggested plan and a tailored quote.
Ghats to Coast
13–14 nights from Bengaluru to Kochi: Mysuru, Nagarhole, Ooty, Fort Kochi, a houseboat night and Marari.
Karnataka Classic
10–12 nights from Bengaluru to Hampi: Mysuru, Kabini, Coorg, the Hoysala temples and the ruins of Hampi.
Wildlife Triangle
7–9 nights from Bengaluru: Kabini, Bandipur and the BR Hills, paced around the forest day.
Planning a South India Trip or Need a Vehicle?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you want to go. We reply with a clear plan and quotation — no obligation.