A Journey from Hyderabad to Cochin

Depart the UK for your flights to Hyderabad

Over the next two days, you will explore this fascinating city and ease into the Indian way of life with your local guide. You’ll experience the magical Falaknuma Palace with an orientation tour around the unusual blended Italianate and Tudor(!) architecture. Enjoy high tea at the Jade Terrace restaurant with breathtaking city views.

The following day will start with a guided heritage walk around the old city through its atmospheric archways and historical by-lanes. You will finish your morning with lunch at a local restaurant to sample the famous Hyderabadi biriyani and kebabs.

In the afternoon, you'll venture out to visit the magnificent monument that is Hyderabad's unique symbol: the Charminar. Often called 'The Arc de Triomphe of the East,' this beautiful structure derives its name from four intricately carved minarets that soar above the colourful shops and markets of Lad Bazaar.

This morning, you’ll drive to Hyderabad airport for your short flight to Bangalore, where you will enter the state of Karnataka. On arrival, you’ll be picked up by your driver, who will travel with you until you reach Cochin. (All costs for the driver, such as food and accommodation, are included, and if you have a day at leisure during your trip, your car is still available for use at no extra charge.)

You will drive to Mysuru (Mysore was the British name), which will take about four hours. If you wish, you can stop en route at Srirangapatna, the de facto capital of Mysore. On arrival, check in to your centrally located hotel. This evening, we can organise dinner at Lalitha Palace; its lovely views will give you a charming introduction to this area of India.

During your stay in Mysore, you will have a walking tour, unravelling the story of the city's heart where Maharajas lived a truly opulent lifestyle. Along with visiting the most iconic monuments, you’ll also have a chance to explore the surrounding area, including Chamundi Hill and Devaraja Market.

The trip to Nagarhole National Park takes 2 hours and is well worth it. It is one of a limited number of parks in India where you can see tigers, elephants, and leopards—there are even two (very elusive) black panthers. The park was declared a tiger reserve in 1999 and is a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Tigers are elusive, but the elephants are relatively plentiful, and this lovely park is home to much more wildlife. 

Over the next few days, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir and a morning and a late afternoon game drive in an open-top jeep. You’ll see the park from many different perspectives, and there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the gorgeous lodge.

This morning you will drive to Wayanad a mountainous area of northern Kerala. The journey will take around three hours. Spend the next three days exploring this beautiful area of the western ghats. Your bungalow-style accommodation is set amidst stunning coffee, spice and pepper plantations, and you’ll have ample time to go birdwatching, walk in the hills, have a traditional ayurvedic massage or relax by the beautiful pool.

Travel through the picturesque Nilgiri Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover the colonial charm of Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations. En route, you'll wind through tea plantations, dense forests, and rolling hills dotted with villages. Explore the serene Ooty Lake and the Government Botanical Gardens, and enjoy panoramic views from Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris. Visit the Hindu Temple at Elk Hill for spiritual tranquillity and learn about tea production at the Tea Factory and Museum, where you can sample freshly brewed Nilgiri tea.

On your final morning in the hills, experience the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train. This UNESCO-listed journey takes you through tunnels, bridges, and breathtaking landscapes before arriving at Mettupalayam. From there, a short drive will bring you to Coimbatore, where you will spend the night. Coimbatore is the gateway to the Western Ghats and offers a restful stop before you continue your journey to Cochin the following day.

You’ll be taken to the local train station to board the train for the journey to Cochin. The journey takes you through the plains of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On arrival, check into your lovely boutique hotel and, if time permits, take a sunset cruise around the Cochin harbour area.

The next two days will be spent exploring this intriguing city. As the oldest European settlement in India, Cochin (Kochi) features a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Portuguese churches, colourful Hindu temples, and even a synagogue, built in the 1560s in the old Jewish Quarter. Most sights of interest are found in the Fort Kochi area, including the Dutch-built Mattancherry Palace, spice markets and dilapidated colonial buildings.

There’s time to take a tuk-tuk around the backstreets of Fort Kochi, exploring a side not often seen by tourists. You can also take a local ferry across the harbour to Ernakulam, the business hub of modern-day Cochin. Finally, sample a traditional banana leaf meal for lunch at a local restaurant.

Today, you’ll travel to Cochin airport for your flight home, or perhaps you’d like to stay and go to the beach. Our tours are tailor-made, so changing them to suit your requirements is easy.