A journey through Northern Kerala & Karnataka

Around Cochin and the southern backwaters has long been where most guests visit Kerala. In recent years, though, a real buzz has grown around northern Kerala and southern Karnataka. This route is especially popular with travellers returning to India. Here you simply get a more varied experience. So you explore historic Mysore, stay in a treehouse and look for tiger in Nagarhole. Then you walk the coffee hills of Coorg before ending on untouched beaches. As ever, it is private and tailored to you.

The Appeal of the Road Less Travelled

Admittedly, the roads here are a little bumpier. In return, though, you see very few other tourists. Indeed, that is the main draw. So you truly feel off the beaten track. Happily, new boutique hotels have opened in recent years. As a result, you return each evening to a genuinely comfortable room.

Mysore: Palaces and Markets

Fly into Bangalore, where your driver takes you on to Mysore. En route, pause at Srirangapatna, the seat of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. The British stormed it in 1799, ending Tipu’s rule over the region. So it is a fascinating place to walk around. In Mysore itself, start with the markets, among the most colourful in the south. Then explore the magnificent Amba Vilas Palace, built for the Wodeyar rulers in 1897.

Wayanad: A Treehouse in the Hills

Next, drive west into the pretty region of Wayanad. Here you stay at Tranquil Plantation, where you can even sleep in a treehouse. There are walks across the estate to suit every level. One, aptly named ‘Cliffhanger’, leads to spell-binding views. So it is a wonderful spot to slow down and explore on foot.

Kabini and Nagarhole: Wildlife

Then turn north towards Kabini. You can choose a shorter, bumpier road, or a longer, flatter one. For a real glimpse of timeless India, we suggest the former. Along it, farmers still plough with bullocks. On arrival, the Kabini River sits beside Nagarhole National Park. So you can take a boat safari that evening, then jeep and boat safaris the next day. There is tiger here, plus leopard, a strong elephant population and many birds.

Coorg: The Coffee Hills

From Kabini, continue to Coorg, also known as Kodagu. Set in the Western Ghats, it is stunningly beautiful. Rolling coffee and orange plantations cover the hills. A favourite walk explores Madikeri, with its fort and temple. From there, you can stroll up to Abbey Falls through the coffee. Interestingly, there is also a Tibetan community that settled here in the 1950s.

The Beach: Northern Kerala

Finally, drop down to the coast for three nights. You might stay at Neeleshwar Hermitage or a similar retreat. So spend your days at leisure on quiet beaches. If you wish, explore the local backwaters, far less touristy than those further south. For history lovers, the forts at Bekal and Chandragiri are close by.

How You Travel

Naturally, the whole journey is private. So you have your own driver and expert local guides. Where it helps, we plan the routes to balance comfort with adventure. Meanwhile, you end near Bangalore, with its excellent flight connections. As a result, even this remote route feels easy.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, the cooler, drier months from October to March suit this region best. By contrast, the monsoon brings heavier rain to the Ghats. So we usually favour the drier window. Either way, we advise on the ideal timing for your dates.

A Living History

History runs richly through this route. At Srirangapatna, you trace the rise and fall of Tipu Sultan. In Mysore, the Wodeyar dynasty ruled for centuries. Meanwhile, a Tibetan community has made Coorg its home since the 1950s. So your guide weaves these threads together as you travel. As a result, the region feels layered and alive.

A Different Side of the South

What makes this trip special is its variety. First come palaces and colourful markets. Then follow treehouses and wildlife safaris. Soon after, the coffee hills of Coorg appear. Finally, quiet beaches bring a restful close. So the route never feels repetitive. Above all, it shows a South India few visitors ever reach.

Designed Around You

As with all our trips, this route is only a starting point. So we can adjust the pace, the hotels and the stops. Equally, we can combine it with southern Kerala for longer. In the end, the journey is shaped entirely around you.

Wildlife and Wild Country

Nagarhole is the wild heart of this journey. So the safaris are a real highlight. By jeep or by boat, you look for leopard, elephant and deer. Meanwhile, the birdlife is wonderfully rich. With luck, a shy tiger may even appear. Either way, the forest feels gloriously untouched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this trip best for?

Above all, it suits travellers returning to India who want something different. Equally, it rewards anyone craving wildlife, hills and quiet beaches. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.

How likely am I to see a tiger?

Tigers are present in Nagarhole but shy, so sightings are occasional. Even so, leopard, elephant and abundant birdlife make every drive worthwhile.

Can it be combined with southern Kerala?

Yes, easily. If you have not seen the south, the two pair into a longer Kerala tour. We will shape the route around you.

When is the best time to travel?

Generally, October to March is most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates. Simply share your interests, and we will craft the rest.