India6 days
South India: Bangalore, Mysore & Ooty — 6 Days
Palace, garden and hill station circuit across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, including a heritage toy train ride through the Nilgiri Hills
This six-day circuit moves through three distinct South Indian settings: Bangalore's urban markets and gardens, Mysore's palace heritage and fragrant flower markets, and Ooty's cool elevation and colonial-era infrastructure. The route traces a path southwestward from the Deccan Plateau into the Western Ghats, ending with a narrow-gauge toy train descent through the Nilgiri Hills to Coonoor. Most days involve city-based sightseeing by car or local transfer; the toy train ride on Day 5 is the primary change in pace and transport mode.
Highlights
- Devraja Flower Market in Mysore, a working market filled with marigolds, jasmine and banana flowers
- Mysore Palace
- Brindawan Garden, a terraced garden overlooking the Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir
- Heritage toy train ride through the Nilgiri Hills
- Botanical Gardens in Ooty
- Chamundi Hills near Mysore, accessible by road with views across the city
- Tea gardens and plantations in the Coonoor region
Day by day
1Arrival in BangaloreBangalore airport · MG Road · Commercial Street
Arrival at Bangalore airport and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled. Bangalore's central markets — including MG Road and Commercial Street — are within reach for those wishing to walk or shop. Overnight in Bangalore.
2Bangalore to MysoreBangalore · Bangalore to Mysore · Mysore · Lacquerware Craft Complex at Tatekere
Morning sightseeing tour of Bangalore, covering the city's main attractions. Later proceed to Mysore. The Lacquerware Craft Complex at Tatekere, a centre for traditional wooden crafts, lies on the route and may be visited if time permits. Arrival in Mysore in the afternoon; check-in and remainder of day at leisure. Overnight in Mysore.
3Mysore: Palace, Gardens & MarketsDevraja Flower Market · Mysore Palace · Brindawan Garden · Chamundi Hills · Mysore Zoo · Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation
Early-morning visit to Devraja Flower Market, a open-air market where flowers are sold daily for temple offerings and local use. Full-day sightseeing of Mysore follows: Mysore Palace, Brindawan Garden, Chamundi Hills, and Mysore Zoo. Optional evening visit to Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation, a government silk-weaving facility. Overnight in Mysore.
4Mysore to OotyMysore to Ooty · Botanical Gardens · Dodda Betta · Ooty Lake
Morning you will be driven to Ooty. Arrival in Ooty by midday; brief leisure time, then afternoon sightseeing including the Botanical Gardens, Dodda Betta (a hill with panoramic views), Ooty Lake and related attractions. Overnight in Ooty.
5Ooty to Coonoor via Toy TrainOoty railway station · Nilgiri Toy Train · Sim's Park · tea gardens · Dolphin's Nose viewpoint
Transfer to Ooty railway station for the scenic Nilgiri Toy Train ride through the hills to Coonoor. Afterwards, visit Sim's Park, the tea gardens and Dolphin's Nose viewpoint.
6Coonoor to Bangalore & DepartureCoonoor to Bangalore · Bangalore airport or railway station
Morning checkout and you will be driven to Bangalore. Transfer to Bangalore airport or railway station at the appropriate time for onward travel. Tour ends.