Fort Kochi | Coimbatore - Nilgiri Toy Train - Ooty - Hassan*

Colonial coasts, temple towns & toy train trails

Easy

From sea-kissed spice streets in Fort Kochi to forest-wrapped train journeys through the Nilgiris — this itinerary is a perfect mix of South India’s culture, architecture and scenic highlands. Walk heritage lanes, shop silk in Coimbatore, ride the iconic toy train, sip tea in Ooty, and explore ancient Hoysala temple ruins in Hassan. Old-world charm at every bend.

One road. Many moments. Here’s how.

Day 1 – Arrive at Fort Kochi

Arrive at Kochi International Airport and transfer to a boutique hotel in Fort Kochi. Walk around the neighbourhood and explore the artsy colonial lanes on foot.

Day 2 – Fort Kochi Heritage Walk

Guided walking tour covering the Chinese fishing nets, Dutch cemetery, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica. Rest of the day is yours.

Day 3 – Spice Streets & Sunset Cruise

Explore Jew Town, Paradesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and Spice Market. Return for lunch and head out again for a sunset cruise over the Arabian Sea.

Day 4 – Culture & Kathakali

Morning to explore at your pace. Post-lunch, visit the Jain temple and attend a live Kathakali & Kalaripayattu performance before sunset.

Day 5 – Coimbatore Detour

Drive to Coimbatore (5 hrs). En route, visit Dhyanalinga Temple and Marudhamalai Murugan Temple. Evening optional visit to Cross Cut Road for saree shopping.

Day 6 – Nilgiri Toy Train to Ooty

Board the Nilgiri Toy Train from Mettupalayam. A slow, spectacular 3.5-hr ride to Coonoor and a scenic drive to Ooty. After lunch, visit Dodabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, tea factory & local market.

Day 7 – Ooty Explorations

A day for valleys, waterfalls, and tea gardens. Optional visits to Avalanche & Emerald lakes, Deer Park, Botanical Garden, tribal huts and churches. Customize based on your interests.

Day 8 – Hassan via Shravanabelgola

Early drive to Hassan with a stop at Shravanabelgola to see the towering statue of Bahubali. Check in to a rural-style resort and relax.

Day 9 – Temple Trail & Village Life

Guided tour of Halebidu and Belur temples — masterpieces of Hoysala architecture. Afternoon options: ayurvedic massage, bullock cart ride, cooking demo, or magic show.

Day 10 – Bangalore Wind Down

Drive to Bangalore (4 hrs) for a final night at a luxury hotel. Enjoy the spa, pool, or café before heading home.

Day 11 – Departure

Transfer to Bangalore International Airport. Tour ends.

Gallery

Old Dutch homes, temple carvings, forest train tracks, lakeside sunsets.

Breaking Down Each Location

Fort Kochi

About the Location

Sea breeze, colonial facades, spice-laden bazaars and quiet cafés. Fort Kochi is Kerala’s cultural postcard. It’s a town of stories — Vasco da Gama, Jewish traders, Kathakali masks and church bells all share the same air here.

Coimbatore

About the Location

A city known for its spiritual energy and silk legacy. Explore sacred temples, and if you’re feeling indulgent, shop the famed Kanchivaram silks at Cross Cut Road.

Nilgiri Toy Train

About the Location

A vintage blue train that winds through bridges, tunnels, tea estates and pine forests. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO treasure — part fairytale, part forest therapy.

Ooty

About the Location

Cool mountain air, echo points, tea estates, and lakes — Ooty has been the “Queen of Hill Stations” since British times. From tea tastings to tribal trails, there’s more than one way to fall in love with this hill town.

Hassan

About the Location

The understated hero of temple tourism in Karnataka. Explore the breathtaking sculptures at Halebidu and Belur and the spiritual calm of Shravanabelgola — all in a slow rural rhythm.