Sacred South – Temples, Tigers, Ghats and Backwaters (Hike, Bike & Kayak)

Embark on a two-week active journey from the royal city of Mysore to Kerala’s serene backwaters and sun-drenched coast. Begin by exploring Mysore’s grand palace, colorful markets, and Chamundi Hill before heading into the wilds of Bandipur National Park for a dawn safari. From here, the pace quickens as you cycle through village backroads and take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway down the slopes of the Western Ghats. The adventure continues into the highlands of Munnar, where tea plantations roll endlessly across the hills. A trek to Meesapulimala, Kerala’s second-highest peak, brings pine forests, grasslands, and wide-open panoramas, balanced with leisurely rides around Anaerangal Lake. In Madurai, marvel at the vibrant Meenakshi Temple before pedaling on towards Thekkady, where spice plantations, a bamboo rafting and trekking experience in Periyar, and an evening Kalaripayattu martial-arts performance await. As the journey descends to the coast, cycle through Alleppey’s sleepy backwaters, paddle kayaks past canals and fishing villages, and unwind on a traditional houseboat as life drifts by on the riverbanks. The trip closes with coastal rides to Marari Beach for a laid-back resort stay and onward to Fort Kochi, where Chinese fishing nets, local markets and its colonial poise round out this unforgettable exploration of South India.

Highlights at a Glance

Explore Bangalore’s vibrant streets & Mysore’s grand palace
Cycle through rural Karnataka to Bandipur & join a wildlife safari
Ride heritage train & cycle the Nilgiris into Ooty & Pollachi
Trek to Meeshapulimala, the second-highest peak of South India
Discover Madurai’s iconic Meenakshi Temple
Cycle through spice country & explore Periyar by trek & bamboo raft
Kayak Alleppey’s canals & cruise the backwaters by houseboat
Relax at Marari Beach & cycle into historic Fort Kochi

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style : Active
A multi-adventure journey combining cycling, trekking, kayaking, bamboo rafting, cultural walks, and wildlife safaris. Perfect for those who enjoy exploring on two wheels and by foot.

Accommodation Style : Comfort Series
A curated mix of boutique heritage hotels, eco-lodges, plantation stays, houseboat accommodation, and coastal resorts.

Physical Rating : 3 – Moderate
Includes daily cycling stages (20–60 km), a full-day trek to Meesapulimala, kayaking, and bamboo rafting. Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness and an appetite for active exploration.

Trip Type : Small Group Journey
Limited group size for a more personal, immersive experience.

*Each itinerary can be exclusively customized as per specific requirements.
*Physical rating is graded on a scale of 1 to 5 in an ascending order of difficulty.
*The prices mentioned above are tentative and are subject to change. Please contact us for further information.

Day 1 - Bangalore | Arrival in Bangalore

Meals : Dinner

Activity : Arrival, Airport Pickup, Transfer to Hotel

Stay : Chancery Pavilion or Similar

Details

Welcome to South India. On arrival at Bengaluru’s airport, your Meluha Expeditions representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. During the short drive into the city you’ll catch your first glimpses of Bengaluru’s dynamic streets — tree-lined avenues, busy markets, and the mix of modern towers and colonial-era buildings that give the city its unique character. Check in and settle into your room at the hotel. This day is designed to be restful after travel; use the time to relax, recover from your journey, and review the trip briefing with your leader. If you arrive early and feel like stretching your legs, your leader can recommend a short walk or a nearby café to get a taste of Bangalore’s food and coffee culture before tomorrow’s transfer to Mysore.

Day 2 - Mysore | Transfer to Mysore

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Transfer, Sightseeing — Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills & Devaraja Market

Stay : Metropole or Similar

Details

After breakfast, begin your journey to Mysore, driving through the scenic countryside of Karnataka. On arrival, check in to your charming heritage hotel before stepping out to explore the city’s highlights. Your first stop is the Mysore Palace, an architectural masterpiece of the Indo-Saracenic style, richly adorned with murals, stained glass, and ornate domes that speak of royal grandeur. From here, continue to the Chamundi Hills, crowned by the Chamundeshwari Temple and offering panoramic views of the city below. Later, wander through the bustling lanes of Devaraja Market, a colorful hub of flowers, spices, and local crafts that offers a lively glimpse into everyday life in Mysore. Round off the day with a relaxed dinner, soaking in the old-world charm of this regal city.

Day 3 - Bandipur | Cycle to Bandipur

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Transfer out of city, 50 km cycling on flat & undulating backroads

Stay : Windflower or Similar

Details

After breakfast you’ll be chauffeured out of Mysore’s city limits to the morning’s cycling start point. Today’s approx. 50 km stage follows quiet country backroads and village lanes, offering an unfiltered view of rural Karnataka — fields of rice, millet and sugarcane, coconut palms, small temples and humble village homes. Expect friendly waves from locals, grazing livestock (cows, goats) and the occasional roadside market where life moves at an unhurried pace. The route is predominantly flat with some gentle undulations, making it an ideal day to settle into the rhythm of the pedals while taking in the countryside sights and sounds. Arrive in the Bandipur region by mid/late afternoon and check in to your tranquil retreat. Evenings here are peaceful — a good time to relax, sort your kit, and prepare for tomorrow’s activities in the forests surrounding Bandipur.

Day 4 - Ooty | Cycle to Ooty

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Morning safari at Bandipur, Cycling to Ooty via Tea Estates, Botanical Garden (Optional)

Stay : Accord or Similar

Details

Begin your day with an early morning safari in Bandipur National Park, a haven for elephants, deer, gaur, and if luck is on your side, perhaps even a tiger or leopard. Birdlife is abundant, with peacocks, parakeets, and raptors filling the forest canopy with movement and sound. After the safari, transfer to the cycling start point for a challenging yet rewarding ride into the Nilgiri Hills. Today’s 50 km route includes hilly terrain with long stretches climbing through eucalyptus groves, pine forests, and tea plantations. Along the way, you’ll pass villages perched on green slopes where life revolves around tea plucking and local markets. The changing altitude and landscapes make this a dramatic ride, rich with scenery. Arriving in Ooty, the “Queen of Hill Stations,” you’ll have time to relax at your hilltop accommodation. For those keen, there’s an optional visit to the Botanical Garden, home to an impressive collection of rare plants and century-old trees. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the cool climate and mountain air.

Day 5 - Pollachi | Cycle to Pollachi

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Heritage Train Ride, Downhill cycling, Transfer to Pollachi

Stay : The Banyan Tree Farm Stay or Similar

Details

Board the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway for a slow, scenic climb to Mettupalayam — a classic heritage ride that opens panoramic views of tea-clad slopes and forested hills. Disembark and prepare for an exhilarating downhill cycling stage of about 30 km, where the route descends through eucalyptus-scented valleys, roadside tea plantations and small village clusters. After the ride, transfer to Pollachi and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening unwinding in the rural calm — perfect for a gentle stroll through the farm or a relaxing cup of local filter coffee.

Day 6 - Munnar | Cycle to Munnar

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Cycling through plantations, Tea-factory visit

Stay : Olive Brook or Similar

Details

After breakfast set out on a 50 km ride that winds through sugarcane fields, coconut groves and vegetable plots, with occasional village scenes and roadside stalls. The ride gradually climbs as you approach the high ranges, offering ever-greener vistas and a sense of the region’s agricultural scene. En route, stop at a local tea factory to learn about tea processing and sample freshly brewed leaves — a neat window into Munnar’s plantation heritage. In the afternoon, complete the scenic vehicle transfer into Munnar’s high-altitude tea country and check in to your hotel. The evening is free to stroll through nearby tea gardens or relax at the property.

Day 7 - Munnar | Trek to Meeshapulimala

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Full-day trek to Meeshapulimala

Stay : Olive Brook

Details

This morning you’ll drive to the Silent Valley / Meeshapulimala trailhead to begin a full-day trek through misty pine forests that give way to wide, windswept grasslands. The route climbs steadily, rewarding effort with expansive panoramas of the Western Ghats and high-altitude vistas that feel refreshingly remote. Along the way you’ll encounter endemic flora and — with luck — wildlife such as the Nilgiri tahr. After completing the trek, return by road to Munnar and your hotel for a well-earned evening of rest.

Day 8 - Madurai | Cycle to Madurai

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Cycling along Anaerangal Lake, Transfer to Madurai, Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Stay : Fortune Pandiyan or Similar

Details

Set out after breakfast on a scenic ride through rolling tea plantations, following country lanes that offer wide valley views and a close-up look at plantation life. The route skirts the picturesque Anaerangal Lake, where tranquil waters provide a calm mid-ride pause. After the cycling leg, transfer to Madurai. On arrival, check in at your hotel and visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, an extraordinary example of Dravidian architecture — its ornate gopurams, sculpted panels and bustling temple precincts offer a vivid introduction to the city’s living spiritual traditions. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Day 9 - Thekkady | Cycle to Thekkady

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Cycling to Thekkady through plantations, Spice Plantation Visit

Stay : Treetop or Similar

Details

Today’s main activity is a scenic 60-kilometre ride that travels through rural villages, spice and tea plantations, and stretches of rolling countryside with views of the Western Ghats. The route combines flat and undulating sections — a full day in the saddle that showcases plantation life and local livelihood. After the ride you’ll transfer to Thekkady, check in to your hotel, and visit a nearby spice plantation to learn about local cultivation and processing of pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and other spices that define the region. Evening at leisure.

Day 10 - Thekkady | Explore Periyar National Park

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

Activity : Guided Hike in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Evening Kalari Performance

Stay : Treetop or Similar

Details

Spend the morning on a guided half-day trek through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a local naturalist, walking quiet forest trails that bring you close to the sanctuary’s varied flora and fauna. Getting to the trail and back is via a rope-assisted bamboo raft on Periyar Lake, watching for wildlife along the water’s edge and enjoying the forested landscape from a calm vantage point. Return to the resort to relax before evening, when you’ll attend a Kalaripayattu performance — Kerala’s ancient martial-art tradition — a cultural highlight that showcases skill, agility and local heritage. Dinner at your hotel.

Day 11 - Alleppey | Transfer to Alleppey

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Transfer to Alleppey, Sunset kayaking through canals & backwater villages

Stay : Emerald Isle or Similar

Details

After breakfast, depart for Alleppey, crossing verdant countryside en route to Kerala’s famed backwaters. On arrival you’ll set out for a guided sunset kayaking excursion through narrow canals and village waterways — paddling past thatched houses, paddy fields and mangrove-lined channels as daily life unfolds along the banks. The calm late-afternoon light makes this a superb time for birdwatching and photography. Return to your homestay-style accommodation, for dinner and an evening beside the water.

Day 12 - Alleppey | Cycling & Houseboat Cruise

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Cycling through backwater villages, Houseboat Cruise (overnight)

Stay : Houseboat

Details

Begin the day with a relaxed cycle through Alleppey’s backwater villages, pedalling quiet lanes that thread past verdant paddy fields, small duck farms and stilted village homes. This gentle ride offers close-up views of daily life along the canals and a calm, rural pace. Later, board your traditional Kerala houseboat at the Pallathuruthy boarding point and set off on a leisurely cruise through the interconnected rivers and lagoons. Enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala-style lunch on board as the boat drifts past palm-fringed banks and village scenes. In the evening the houseboat anchors in a peaceful stretch of water; dinner is served on board and you sleep aboard the houseboat, lulled by the quiet movement of the backwaters.

Day 13 - Marari | Cycle to Marari

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity : Cycling through Villages & Coastal Roads, Beach Leisure

Stay : Abad Turtle Beach or Similar

Details

This morning you’ll set out on a relaxed 30 km coastal ride from Alleppey toward Marari Beach, following flat, scenic lanes that pass through traditional fishing villages, saline marshes and palm-lined roads. The easy terrain makes for an unhurried day in the saddle, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, chat with locals, or enjoy roadside refreshments. Arrive at Marari Beach in the afternoon and check in to your beachfront resort. The remainder of the day is free to swim, stroll the long sandy shore, or simply unwind by the sea — a gentle, restorative pause after the backwater and hill-country sections of the trip. Evening at leisure at your beach resort.

Day 14 - Fort Kochi | Cycle to Fort Kochi

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Activity : Cycling through fishing villages & beaches, Fort Kochi Exploration

Stay : Dutch Bungalow or Similar

Details

Today’s final ride of roughly 45 km follows flat, scenic coastal roads through active fishing villages, palm-lined beaches and quiet back lanes. Expect close encounters with daily coastal life — colourful boats, fishermen repairing nets, and small village temples — as you pedal at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops en route. On arrival in Fort Kochi, check in at your Hotel and step out to explore the town’s layered history: stroll to the Chinese fishing nets, visit old churches and colonial lanes, and wander through spice-market streets that recall Kochi’s centuries-old trading past. The evening is yours to enjoy Fort Kochi’s cafes, galleries and waterfront atmosphere.

Day 15 - Fort Kochi | Departure

Meals : Breakfast

Activity : Departure

Stay : N/A

Details

After breakfast, based on your flight schedule, your Tour Leader will escort you to Cochin International Airport (COK) for your onward flight. Safe travels — carry with you the memories of temples, treks, paddles and coastal rides from the Sacred South.

The following services are included with this trip –

Accommodation on twin-sharing basis at boutique hotels, farm stays, eco-lodges and one overnight houseboat
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Tour Leader — accompanying English-speaking guide throughout the trip
Geared bicycles (Trek / Giant / Cannondale / Scott) with fitting and basic maintenance support
Air-conditioned traveler / mini bus for transfers, luggage and support throughout the trip
Support vehicle and support staff during cycling days and activities
Activities as mentioned (safaris, heritage train segment, trekking, bamboo rafting, kayaking, houseboat cruise, cultural visits)
Entry fees for forests, monuments, plantations, museums and other sites as listed
Permits & permissions for National Parks and protected areas where required
Snacks, beverages and refreshments during rides and excursions
Drinking water — available in sealed canisters
Equipment hire where applicable (helmets, basic cycle-tools, lifejackets/kayak gear)
All tolls, vehicle permits, parking charges and government taxes