Private journeys across India · Replies within 24 hours
Reviewed by Mirza Shadab Beg, Founder, Travelage India, Agra · Last updated 24 October 2026
Tell us your dates and we will tailor the details to you. No payment is taken now.
Short answer: nine days works well. Spend two nights in Hampi for the ruins, two in Coorg among the coffee estates, and two in the tea hills around Ooty, with the long drives broken at sensible points. You have your own luxury car and driver throughout.
This journey links three very different corners of the south: the boulder-strewn ruins of Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagara empire, the coffee hills of Coorg, and the tea country of the Nilgiris around Ooty. It suits travellers who want history and scenery in one trip, without the crowds of the main temple circuit.
You travel by private luxury car with a driver, with a local guide at Hampi. Drives are mountain roads, so we keep them to a sensible length, choose hotels with a view, and leave room for a slow morning in the estates.
Met at the airport and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. If you arrive early, a short visit to the Bull Temple and Lalbagh gives a first taste of the city.
Drive about 340 km (210 miles) to Hampi (six to seven hours) with stops on the way, or take a short flight to the nearest airstrip where available. Arrive in time for sunset over the boulders and the Tungabhadra river.
With a local guide, explore the Vittala Temple and its stone chariot, the royal enclosure, the Lotus Mahal and the elephant stables. Visit the Virupaksha Temple and Hampi Bazaar. In the late afternoon, climb a hill for the view, or take a coracle ride on the river where it is running.
Drive back about 340 km (210 miles) to Bengaluru (six to seven hours). The evening is free. If you prefer, we can arrange an overnight train or a short flight instead.
Drive about 250 km (155 miles) to Madikeri in Coorg (about five and a half hours), climbing into the Western Ghats. Check in to a coffee-estate stay and take an evening walk among the plantations.
Visit Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat in Madikeri, then take a guided walk through a coffee plantation to see how the beans are grown and dried. Optionally, visit the Tibetan settlement and the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe.
Drive about 230 km (145 miles) to Ooty (about six hours) through Bandipur and Mudumalai forest roads, where deer and sometimes elephants are seen. Arrive in the Nilgiri hills by afternoon.
Visit a tea estate and factory, the Botanical Garden and Doddabetta viewpoint. Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage line, between Ooty and Coonoor, subject to availability.
Drive about 90 km (55 miles) to Coimbatore airport (about three hours) for your onward journey.
Hill roads need care. Here is what we arrange so the drives feel easy.
The Coorg and Nilgiri roads are winding, so drives are timed for daylight and broken with comfort stops.
We choose stays among the plantations, with a walk and a tasting arranged for you.
A licensed guide explains the ruins at Hampi, where the context makes the visit.
Your guide is chosen for the language you prefer and the things you love. Ask for Japanese or Russian and we will arrange it where we can.
Here is every leg with its distance and likely drive time. Times vary with traffic and stops.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru to Hampi | about 340 km (210 miles) | 6 to 7 hours | Stops at roadside dhabas |
| Hampi to Bengaluru | about 340 km (210 miles) | 6 to 7 hours | Overnight train is an option |
| Bengaluru to Madikeri | about 250 km (155 miles) | 5.5 hours | Climb into the Western Ghats |
| Madikeri to Ooty | about 230 km (145 miles) | 6 hours | Bandipur and Mudumalai forest roads |
| Ooty to Coimbatore | about 90 km (55 miles) | 3 hours | Airport transfer |
A clear overview of what is included, how you are met, and what to expect. Tap a card to open it.
What is included in your journey
What is not included
Where and how your journey begins
Season, timing and what to pack
“Shadab is a tireless worker. He has arranged our trip according to our wishes. He has also managed to promptly overcome any inconvenience or mistake during the trip.”
“…He was very responsive and was always available when we had any questions. He also recommended hotels and places to stay. He was very flexible with providing guides only for the requested days.”
“Very awesome experience.. extremely professional and courteous, the chauffeur and the guides were very knowledgeable and knew the way to maneuver the system. They were highly flexible in adapting to any changes in my schedule.”
“I went to India alone and had an amazing experience with my tour guide, shiraz. He showed me all the beautiful places that india has to offer and even brought to places that was not initially planned after requesting it to make sure that I was completely satisfied with my tour.”
“I had an amazing time with Kishan (driver) and Bobby (guide). They both are very polite, nice and easy going. Bobby taught me so many facts and interesting things about Taj Mahal and India Culture in general.”
“Ali is a wonderful person and a fantastic & experienced driver! He keeps an immaculate car and is always very accommodating with any need, responsive and smiling. We felt comfortable and safe with him. Also a big shout out to Prahlad for his very interesting guided tour of Jodhpur!”
South India is large, so choose one region at a time. The highlighted row is the journey on this page.
| Journey | Time needed | How you travel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| South India Temples Tour | 9 days / 8 nights | Private luxury car, hotels | Tamil Nadu temples and the south coast |
| Hampi, Coorg & Ooty Tour | 9 days / 8 nights | Private luxury car, hotels | Ruins, coffee hills and tea country |
| 7 Days Kerala Tour | 7 days / 6 nights | Private luxury car, houseboat | Hills, tea and backwaters |
| 10 Days Complete Kerala Tour | 10 days / 9 nights | Private luxury car, houseboat | The whole of Kerala |
Cannot find your answer? Write to us and a specialist will reply personally.
Nine days covers all three at a steady pace. Hampi alone takes two days, and the hills need a day each. We can shorten the journey by dropping Ooty.
About 340 km (210 miles), roughly six to seven hours by road. A short flight to the nearest airstrip or an overnight train are options, and we arrange the one you prefer.
Yes. The site is spread over about 25 square km of ruins and boulders. One full day covers the main monuments, and a second day gives time for the quieter areas and the sunset.
October to March is dry and cool. June to September is the monsoon, with waterfalls at full flow and heavy rain, and March to May is warm.
A rack-and-pinion railway built in the early twentieth century, part of the UNESCO Mountain Railways of India. The ride between Ooty and Coonoor is about an hour, and tickets sell out quickly in the high season.
Yes. It is a mountain road through forest, and we plan it for daylight with a driver who knows it. Night travel is restricted in parts of the forest.
Yes. You have your own luxury car, driver and guides. Nothing is shared with other travellers.
Yes. Mysuru fits between Coorg and Ooty, and Ooty connects with Kerala through the hills. Tell us your dates and we shape the route.
Yes, with the right pace. Hampi involves walking on uneven ground and climbing steps, and the hill roads are winding. Tell us about mobility needs or motion sickness.
Send your dates through the form on this page. A Travelage specialist will reply with a tailored proposal within 24 hours.
Share when you plan to travel and what matters to you. A Travelage specialist will reply with a tailored proposal.
Your driver meets you at Bengaluru airport arrivals with a name board. Share your flight details and we confirm everything the day before.
9 days / 8 nights. Starts in Bengaluru and ends in Coimbatore, with a private luxury car and a local guide at Hampi.
Hampi is very hot from March to June. We start early, rest at midday and return for the soft light. Carry a hat, water and sturdy shoes.
October to February is the most comfortable. Coorg and the Nilgiris are green and wet in the monsoon from June to September, and some roads can be slow.
The road between Coorg and Ooty passes through Bandipur and Mudumalai. Stopping inside the forest is not allowed, and night travel is restricted.
Hotels and estates cook for vegetarian, vegan and other diets with notice.
