Raft along on the Kaveri River
Float along a river by raft through bird-filled bamboo forests and past tea gardens.
This family-friendly journey to South India is brimming with activities to satisfy even the most adventurous of children.
A beautiful combination of private river cruising, wildlife safaris and child-friendly, insightful experiences amongst working plantations guarantees a holiday packed with variety. We have been mindful to avoid one-night stays where possible to prevent constant repacking.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
View the wildlife of Nagarhole National Park
Go on safari in Nagarhole National Park – home to tigers, leopards and black panther.
Go wild in the Western Ghats
Discover nature at it’s best in the lush, tropical hills of the Western Ghats.
Watch a Kathakali dance performance
Be enchanted by the traditional Keralan art of Kathakali during your stay in Cochin.
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Why we like it
Thinking about visiting India with your family? Not sure where you should start? Look no further than the easy-going, laid-back region of Kerala as having all the ingredients for a fully engaging, educational and immersive experience that will keep all ages happy and fulfilled.
This holiday itinerary suggestion is tailored to suit a family group travelling together. Hotels are hand-picked to make sure that the facilities and location suit your requirements and offer a range of activities.
Guides and naturalists are chosen from a small pool of experts and matched to your age group and interests. Kids can be engaged by young, dynamic Keralans who speak excellent English and know all the coolest shops and hangouts and who can give insight into special interests such as dance, music, art or cooking.
Keralan food is some of the most delicious and diverse in the country with a wide range of fresh fish dishes and non-spicy curries on offer. Many of the hotels offer exceptionally high standards of European cuisine, making sure that all palettes are catered for.
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Day 1
Bangalore
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Day 2
Bangalore - Mysore
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Day 3
Mysore
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Day 4
Mysore - Coorg
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Day 5
Coorg
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Day 6
Coorg - Nagarhole National Park
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Day 7
Nagarhole National Park
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Day 8
Nagarhole National Park - Sultan's Battery
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Day 9
Sultan's Battery
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Day 10
Sultan's Battery - Calicut - Cochin
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Day 11
Cochin
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Day 12
Cochin - Kumarakom
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Day 13
Kumarakom
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Day 14
Kumarakom - Cochin
Day 1
Bangalore
A buzzing metropolis, Bangalore is one of India’s most modern cities, with a growing cafe and foodie culture.
Day 2
Bangalore - Mysore
Mysore are towns famous for their various temples, palaces, lakes and forts. Mysore is also known as the cultural capital of Karnataka.
Day 3
Mysore
Day 4
Mysore - Coorg
Coorg is located on the slopes of the Western Ghats. A hilly location, Coorg is famous for its coffee and paddy fields, mild climate and lush surroundings
Day 5
Coorg
Day 6
Coorg - Nagarhole National Park
The park covers parts of the Kabini River making it possible to view wildlife from a boat and by private jeep within the core area.
Day 7
Nagarhole National Park
Day 8
Nagarhole National Park - Sultan's Battery
Day 9
Sultan's Battery
Day 10
Sultan's Battery - Calicut - Cochin
Day 11
Cochin
Wander the streets of ram shackled Fort Kochi with its mixing pot of cultures and religions illustrating a fascinating past.
Day 12
Cochin - Kumarakom
Located on the shore of Lake Vembanad, Kerala’s largest lake, is an unhurried backwater with a good share of top end accommodations.
Day 13
Kumarakom
Day 14
Kumarakom - Cochin
More Details
Palaces and Markets of Bangalore and Mysore
Arriving into the state of Karnataka, Bangalore and Mysore provide a great introduction to Southern India. Mysore is the cleanest city in India. Small and manageable it punches well above its weight with the magnificent city palace and colourful markets, famous for the flowers on sale. Your guide has been hand-picked to be in tune with the pace and style in which you like to move. Ask them to take you to one of Mysore’s famous sweet stalls where you can try ‘pak’ the pride of the city.
Walking and Wildlife in the Western Ghats
The lush hills around Coorg are home to South India’s largest population of Tibetan Buddhists as well as plenty of wild elephants. Visit Bylakuppe’s colourful monasteries for a blast of Buddhism before hiking, biking or trying your hand at India’s second-longest zip line.
Coorg is home to coffee plantations. Experience planters’ life first-hand on the “Worker’s Trail”. We can arrange a coracle ride (a local circular fishing craft made from woven reeds) or a rafting adventure on the Kaveri River.
Southern India Safari in Nagarhole National Park
At Nagarhole National Park wildlife takes centre stage. Southern India’s hidden gem this park should be on everyone’s itinerary. The Asian elephant is majestic and prolific, while the tiger although elusive is seen more often than not. Between safaris, there is plenty to do, with plenty of lodges to choose from offering large swimming pools, mountain bikes to race around on, fully staffed kid’s clubs and nature trails to explore.
Sleep in a tree house at Tranquil, Sultan's Battery
Stay 35ft off the ground in the Treehouse. Not just any old treehouse either – think Home & Gardens interiors with soft furnishings, big comfy beds and home comforts. The views are incredible but the real highlight of your stay will be your hosts, the Dey Family who are quick to pour a gin and tonic and invite you into their home. There is plenty to keep you occupied with walking routes and a beautiful pool to relax by.
Mesmerising Kathakali Dance Performance
‘Kathakali’, an important genre in Indian classical dance drama is from the south Indian state of Kerala. The story in ‘Kathakali’ is communicated to the audience through excellent footwork and impressive gestures of face and hands complimented with music and vocal performance. Kathakali can be distinguished from other Indian dance forms by the intricate and vivid make-up, unique face masks and the costumes worn by the dancers and also from their style and movements that reflect age-old martial arts prevalent in Kerala. Experience such a performance during your stay in Cochin. We will book your tickets to see a show.
The Quintessential Keralan Backwater Cruise
The backwaters that snake inland from the Arabian Sea are justifiably one of Kerala’s biggest draws with swaying coconut palms lining the banks of narrow canals, women washing clothes outside brightly coloured houses, children shrieking and waving as you glide past and Brahminy kites wheeling overhead. Despite ever-growing numbers of houseboats plying these waterways, a day spent aboard your own is a wonderful experience. Lunch is a treat (eating in this part of the world is an unbridled joy) with dish after dish appearing to festoon the table. Take your time and enjoy.
Hit the Beach
If you have a few more days to spare, we recommend a beach extension to Mararikulam, where fishermen haul the daily catch across wide empty expanses of sand. Marari Beach Resort boasts south India’s largest swimming pool, a spa, and acres of space to let off steam. The seafood here is incredible and if you are feeling creative join the chefs in the kitchen.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £3,855 Per person
When to travel
India in January
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
India in February
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
India in March
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
India in April
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
India in May
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
India in June
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
India in July
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
India in August
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
India in September
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
India in October
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
India in November
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
India in December
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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