Garden City, Royal Capital & the Queen of the Nilgiris
A 6-day introduction to South India's most enduringly popular hill-and-heritage circuit — Bangalore's gardens and colonial-era landmarks, Mysore's royal Wadiyar-dynasty palaces and silk-weaving tradition, and Ooty's tea-covered Nilgiri hills, reached by the UNESCO-listed mountain railway.
The journey opens with a day in Bangalore — Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, and the Vidhana Soudha — before continuing to Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, for two nights covering Mysore Palace (illuminated every Sunday evening), Chamundi Hills, and Brindavan Gardens.
From Mysore, the route climbs into the Nilgiri Hills to Ooty — the 'Queen of the Nilgiris' — for two days exploring its Government Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, and Ooty Lake, with the option of riding the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway for at least part of the ascent or descent.
Six days at a comfortable pace, blending Karnataka's royal heritage with the cool, tea-scented air of one of South India's most beloved colonial-era hill stations.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to Bangalore! On arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, one of India's finest botanical gardens, and Cubbon Park, a sprawling green space at the heart of the city. Drive past Vidhana Soudha, the seat of Karnataka's state legislature, and the Bangalore Palace, modelled on England's Windsor Castle.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Mysore (150 km, ~3.5 hours). On arrival, check in to your hotel. In the evening, visit Mysore Palace — one of India's most ornate royal residences, especially spectacular on Sunday evenings and public holidays when illuminated by close to 100,000 light bulbs.
After breakfast, a full day exploring Mysore. Chamundi Hills, with its temple to the goddess Chamundeshwari and panoramic views over the city. Brindavan Gardens, a terraced garden below the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, with a popular evening musical fountain show. Devaraja Market, a colourful, century-old bazaar selling flowers, spices, and sandalwood. Optional visit to a sandalwood and silk-weaving factory.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Ooty (approximately 130 km, ~3.5-4 hours), climbing into the Nilgiri Hills through Bandipur's forested corridor — keep an eye out for wildlife along this stretch. On arrival in Ooty, check in to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to acclimatise to the cooler mountain air.
A full day exploring Ooty, the 'Queen of the Nilgiris'. The Government Botanical Gardens, laid out in 1848, with a fossilised tree trunk over 20 million years old. Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in the Nilgiris, for panoramic views. Ooty Lake for a relaxed boat ride. Optional ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the historic 'toy train' that climbs through 16 tunnels en route to Ooty. Visit a working tea factory to see the production process.
A relaxed final morning — perhaps last-minute shopping for Nilgiri tea and homemade chocolate. After breakfast, check out and drive to Coimbatore Airport (the nearest, approximately 90 km) or back to Bangalore Airport (approximately 270 km) for your departure flight. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 5 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Bangalore
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Toy train tickets (optional, payable locally — subject to availability)
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at attractions
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
October to March offers the most comfortable temperatures across Bangalore, Mysore, and the Western Ghats hill stations (15–28°C), with good wildlife visibility at Bandipur as water sources concentrate animals near remaining waterholes by March-April. The monsoon (June–September) turns Coorg and Wayanad spectacularly green but can affect road access and safari operations.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the balance of time between destinations, add Kabini or Nagarhole, or extend any stop. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
October to March offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–28°C) for the ghats, boat rides, and temple queues. April–June is hot on the Gangetic plain (up to 42°C); the monsoon (July–September) raises the Ganges considerably, which can affect ghat access in both cities.
The new Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir draws very large crowds, particularly on weekends and during festivals such as Ram Navami and Diwali. We schedule darshan with queue time built into the itinerary; carrying a valid photo ID is recommended, as security screening is in place at the main temple complex.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, add Lucknow, or swap Chitrakoot for additional time in Prayagraj. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
