Breathe in the Misty Freshness of Ooty

Enveloped in the lushness of the Nilgiris, Ooty—Queen of the Hills, is a celebrated tourist hub known for its exotic tea plantations, charming colonial abodes and scenic nature vistas.

 

To soak in the vibe of this hill station, ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train, trek to the Doddabetta peak, juggle museum tours and garden visits, and enjoy boat rides on Lake Pykara. The gorgeous panorama from the Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint and the cascading Catherine Waterfalls are a nature lover’s delight and a must-visit. Oh! Do not miss stocking up on woollens and home-made chocolates at Ooty’s Main Bazaar when here.

Greet the Wildlife at Bandipur

Erstwhile hunting grounds of Mysore’s rulers, Bandipur in Karnataka is famous for the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. A magnet for wildlife enthusiasts, Bandipur will make your heart skip a beat with its piercing silence and prowling tigers.

 

While braving a tiger safari is a definite must in this jungle, you will also love touring the jungle on jeep safaris. Treat yourself to the carpeted green while waving to dangling monkeys and langoors, taking exciting elephant rides and pausing to catch your breath when a family of bears cross your path. Oh! A quick tour of the nearby Mudumalai National Park is recommended if you want to spot the elusive Indian leopard!

Stroll Through the Lush Coffee Plantations of Chikmagalur

Famous for being home to the legendary Baba Budangiri mountain range, Chikmagalur is as famous for its coffee culture as it is for its picture-perfect vistas.

 

Make the most of your trip by trekking to the Z Point and covering enthralling trails across the caves of Baba Budangiri ranges. Revel in the gushing roars of Hebbe Falls, enjoy the adrenaline rush while conquering the rapids of the Bhadra River, and cool off with a tour of the Coffee Yatra Museum.

Surrender to the Serene Charm of Coorg

Locally known as Kodagu, Coorg is popularly called the ‘Scotland of the East’. It is famous for its salubrious climate, aromatic coffee plantations and riveting water sports.

 

Fall in love with the town while trekking through the Brahmagiri Hills, explore local history at the Madikeri Fort and Raja’s Seat, admire the elegance of the Namdroling Tibetan Monastery, spend an afternoon playing with elephants at Dubare, and enjoy spectacular sunsets by the Abbey Falls.

 

For an adventurous take, hike to the Tadiandamol Peak, try exciting water sports at the Barrapole and Kakkabe rivers, and head out for challenging night jeep safaris.

 

Travel Back in Time at Mysore

Blessed with ample natural beauty and abundant architectural finesse, Mysore is a time capsule set in the heart of Karnataka.

 

Fall in love with the enthralling architecture of the famous Mysore Palace, offer your prayers at the Chamundeshwari Temple, admire the Gothic architecture of St. Philomena’s Cathedral and dance around colourful fountains at the Brindavan Gardens. Standing testimony to Mysore’s rich history, the age-old Devaraja Market calls shopaholics for buying silks, spices and sandalwood handicrafts.

 

You can also immerse in the beauty of nature at the famous Chamundi Hills and by the Karanji Lake here.

Discover the Rich Wildlife of Kabini

If swinging on elephant trunks and playing with the jungle giants find a place in your bucket list, head to Kabini in Karnataka!

 

This quaint forest reserve offers comfortable jungle stays and wildlife safaris. Sign up for its famous elephant safaris, look for brooding tortoises nestling by the pristine Kabini River, go boating in the clear waters and capture vivid pictures of colourful peacocks at the wildlife sanctuary. The nearby town of Kutta is a coffee lovers’ paradise and offers delightful crop-to-cup experiences.

Capture the Magic of India’s Cultural Milieu at Hampi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is a legendary temple town perched on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.

 

While you will love visiting the fascinating temples here, make sure to offer your prayers at the famous Virupaksha Temple, take signature Hampi pictures by the Stone Chariot, marvel at the musical pillars of the Vittala Temple and trek the Anjaneya Hill for worshipping at the revered Monkey Temple.

 

For a dash of local flavour, do not miss taking a coracle ride down the Tungabhadra to Anegundi, shopping at the Hampi Bazaar and saying hello to fluffy bears at the nearby Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary.

Sign up for a Nature-steeped Holiday in Wayanad

An important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Wayanad is nature’s playground in Kerala. Brimming with spectacular mountain vistas and exotic wildlife, this lush hill station greets you with aromatic coffee and cardamom plantations.

 

While taking up nature trails and plantation hikes are a must, make sure to spend some time in the lap of nature at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and by the Pookode Lake. Hike for rewarding views to the Neelimala View Point, conquer the Chembra Peak and indulge in adventure sports. A tree house stay and a traditional Ayurvedic massage would just add on to your vacation here!