Private journey · 13–14 nights
Ghats to Coast: From Mysuru’s Palaces to the Kerala Shore
Two weeks from Bengaluru to Kochi: Mysuru, the forests of Nagarhole, the Nilgiri hills at Ooty, Fort Kochi, a night on the backwaters and an unhurried beach finish at Marari.
Duration
13–14 nights
Starts
Bengaluru
Ends
Kochi
Travel style
Private car with driver
Journey overview
Forest, hills, heritage and the coast
Ghats to Coast is a Karnataka Kerala tour for travellers with around two weeks, with a stretch in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu along the way. It starts in Bengaluru, spends time in royal Mysuru and the forests of Nagarhole, climbs to Ooty, then descends to the Kerala coast for Fort Kochi, a night aboard a houseboat near Alleppey and a quiet beach finish at Marari.
Most stops are two nights. A single overnight in Coimbatore breaks the journey from the hills to the coast, so no driving day is too long.
Who it suits
Who this journey suits
A classic two-week holiday that balances sightseeing with time to unwind.
- Couples from the UK, Europe, North America and Australia with about two weeks
- Travellers who want wildlife, hills, heritage and the coast in one trip
- Rail enthusiasts keen to ride the Nilgiri toy train
- Anyone who would like to end their holiday on a quiet beach
Highlights
Ghats to Coast highlights
Royal Mysuru
The palace, Chamundi Hill and Srirangapatna, at an easy pace.
Nagarhole
Forest drives in one of South India’s best-known national parks, subject to availability and park rules.
The Nilgiri hills
Tea estates, cool air and a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train.
Fort Kochi
Chinese fishing nets, colonial streets, Mattancherry Palace and the old Jewish quarter.
A houseboat night
Drift along the Alleppey backwaters and spend the night on the water.
Marari beach
Two quiet days by the sea to end the journey.
Day by day
Your 13-night journey, 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
You are met at Kempegowda International Airport and driven to your hotel. Keep the day for rest and adjusting to the time difference; a short walk nearby is plenty.
Overnight: Bengaluru
Day 2 · Bengaluru to Mysuru
Drive to Mysuru (approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops), with a stop at Srirangapatna on the way. Check in and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Mysuru
Day 3 · Mysuru
Tour Mysuru Palace, browse the Devaraja Market and drive up Chamundi Hill for views over the city. St Philomena’s Cathedral is an easy addition.
Overnight: Mysuru
Day 4 · Mysuru to Nagarhole
Drive to the edge of Nagarhole National Park (approximately 2–3 hours). Rest after lunch, then head out on an afternoon forest drive, subject to availability and park rules.
Overnight: Nagarhole
Day 5 · Nagarhole
Rise early for a morning in the forest. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the birdlife and scenery are part of every drive. The afternoon is yours to rest or take a second outing.
Overnight: Nagarhole
Day 6 · Nagarhole to Ooty
Drive south through the forests of Bandipur and Mudumalai and up into the Nilgiri hills (approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops). Forest roads here have night-time restrictions, so this is a daytime drive. Vehicle e-pass requirements and ghat-road restrictions should be checked for your travel dates; the final route, which may run via Gudalur, depends on the rules in force at the time.
Overnight: Ooty
Day 7 · Ooty and the toy train
Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train between Ooty and Coonoor (tickets subject to availability), with your driver meeting you at the other end. Spend the afternoon among Coonoor’s tea estates or in Ooty’s Botanical Garden.
Overnight: Ooty
Day 8 · Ooty to Coimbatore
Descend from the hills to Coimbatore (approximately 2–3 hours). After checking in, you could visit the Adiyogi statue at the Isha Yoga Centre on the city’s western edge in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Coimbatore
Day 9 · Coimbatore to Kochi
Cross into Kerala and drive to Kochi (approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops). Settle into Fort Kochi and watch the sunset by the Chinese fishing nets.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 10 · Kochi
Explore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry on foot: St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, the spice warehouses and the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town (check opening days). In the evening, you could watch a Kathakali performance.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 11 · Kochi to the backwaters
Drive to Alleppey (approximately 1.5–2 hours) and board your houseboat around midday. Cruise past villages, paddy fields and coconut groves, then spend the night moored on the water.
Overnight: Houseboat, Alleppey
Day 12 · Alleppey to Marari
Leave the houseboat in the morning and take the short drive to Marari. The rest of the day is for the beach.
Overnight: Marari
Day 13 · Marari
A free day by the sea. Optional extras include a village cycle ride or an Ayurvedic massage.
Overnight: Marari
Day 14 · Depart from Kochi
Transfer to Cochin International Airport (approximately 1.5–2 hours) for your onward flight.
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:
- Adding a 14th night at Marari or in Ooty
- Running the route in reverse, from Kochi to Bengaluru
- 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 roads into and out of the Nilgiris have many hairpin bends. If anyone in your party is prone to travel sickness, we plan extra stops and an unhurried pace on those days.
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 Ghats to Coast
24/7 Guest Support
English-Speaking Drivers
Airport Meet & Greet
Private Guides on Request
Senior-Friendly Planning
Plan this journey
Plan your Ghats to Coast 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.
Coffee, Hills & Backwaters
12–13 nights from Bengaluru to Kochi: Coorg, Wayanad, Munnar, Thekkady and the Alleppey backwaters.
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.