10-Day Scenic South India Train Journey: Bandipur, Kodaikanal, Munnar & Isha Foundation

Day 1: Arrival and Bandipur Wildlife

Bandipur, India on May 24, 2025

9:00AM

Arrival & Check-in

Arrive in Bandipur early morning by train or road. Check-in at Tiger Trails Bandipur, a cozy jungle lodge close to the park, ideal for wildlife lovers.
INR5000, 1h

10:30AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with fresh coffee and homemade chutneys at Tiger Trails restaurant.
INR400, 1h

11:45AM

Bandipur National Park Safari

Join a jeep safari through Bandipur National Park. Spot elephants, deer, and possibly tigers in this well-preserved wildlife sanctuary (park open 6AM-6PM).
INR1500, 3h

3:00PM

Lunch at Jungle Lodges

Lunch at Jungle Lodges Bandipur Restaurant offering local cuisines and refreshing beverages.
INR600, 1h

5:00PM

Leisure Walk & Bird Watching

Evening stroll near the lodge to enjoy bird watching and serene forest views before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Lodge

Enjoy a South Indian thali dinner with a variety of curries at the lodge's restaurant under stars.
INR700, 1h

Day 2: Travel & Explore Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, India on May 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Early breakfast at lodge before checking out for transfer to Mysore by road to catch train to Kodai via Madurai.
INR400, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Mysore Train Station

Road transfer taking approximately 3.5 hours to Mysore for train connection to Madurai (train duration ~10h).
INR1200, 3h30m

12:00PM

Train Mysore to Madurai

Board afternoon train from Mysore to Madurai for onward journey to Kodaikanal by road (train time approx 10 hours overnight).
INR800, 10h

10:00PM

Arrival Madurai & Night Drive

Upon arrival, take taxi to Kodaikanal (approx 3 hours). Stay at Sterling Kodai Lake - well known for comfortable rooms and a serene lake view.
INR2000, 3h

Day 3: Kodaikanal Sightseeing

Kodaikanal, India on May 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a continental or South Indian breakfast at Sterling Kodai Lake with a peaceful lake backdrop.
INR500, 1h

9:00AM

Kodaikanal Lake Boating

Rent a pedal boat or rowboat on the beautiful man-made Kodaikanal Lake open from 8AM to 6PM for relaxing and scenic views.
INR300, 1h

10:30AM

Coaker's Walk and Bryant Park

Stroll along scenic Coaker’s Walk and visit Bryant Park for botanical gardens and seasonal flowers.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Cloud Street

Savor a delicious Western and Indian fusion menu at Cloud Street cafe, popular for fresh ingredients and lake views.
INR700, 1h

2:30PM

Pillar Rocks and Guna Cave

Visit the stunning Pillar Rocks viewpoint and mysterious Guna Cave, a great spot for photographs and nature appreciation.
INR100, 2h

6:00PM

Return and Leisure at Hotel

Relax at the hotel or explore local markets for handmade chocolates and souvenirs.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at La Fiesta

Enjoy a vibrant dinner with local Tamil cuisine and international dishes at La Fiesta restaurant.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 4: Transfer and Explore Munnar

Munnar, India on May 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Breakfast at hotel before check-out and road transfer (approx 7 hours) to Munnar, passing picturesque hill scenery.
INR600, 1h

8:00AM

Drive Kodaikanal to Munnar

Travel by road through western Ghats, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
INR3500, 7h

3:00PM

Arrival & Check-in at Munnar

Check-in at Parakkat Nature Hotels & Resorts, known for scenic gardens and comfortable stay near Munnar town.
INR4000, 1h

4:30PM

Tea Estate Visit

Visit a nearby tea estate and factory to learn about tea production and enjoy fresh tea tastings (open until 6PM).
INR150, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Dine at Rapsy Restaurant serving authentic Kerala delicious meals with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
INR600, 1h

Day 5: Munnar Highlights Exploration

Munnar, India on May 28, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast buffet to fuel your nature-filled day.
INR450, 1h

9:00AM

Eravikulam National Park

Visit Eravikulam National Park (open 8AM-4:30PM), home to Nilgiri Tahr and stunning hill vistas.
INR300, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a filling vegetarian South Indian meal at Saravana Bhavan, a well-known chain with authentic taste.
INR400, 1h

2:00PM

Mattupetty Dam & Boating

Explore Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride to admire the reservoir and surrounding tea plantations (open 9AM-5PM).
INR250, 2h

5:00PM

Echo Point Visit

Head to Echo Point to experience natural echoes and breathtaking sunset views amidst hills.
INR50, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel or Local Eatery

Choose dinner at your resort or try traditional Kerala Sadya at local renowned eateries.
INR700, 1h

Day 6: Journey to Isha Foundation

Coimbatore, India on May 29, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Have an early breakfast, then board a train from Aluva (approx 1.5h taxi from Munnar) to Coimbatore (approx 2h by train).
INR600, 1h

8:00AM

Travel to Aluva Station

Drive from Munnar to Aluva railway station to catch the train towards Coimbatore.
INR1000, 1h30m

9:30AM

Train Aluva to Coimbatore

Train journey approximately 2 hours to Coimbatore, the gateway to Isha Foundation.
INR300, 2h

12:00PM

Arrival at Coimbatore and Transfer

Take a taxi from station to Isha Yoga Center, approximately 1-hour drive; check into on-campus guest houses or nearby hotels.
INR1500, 1h

1:30PM

Lunch at Isha Café

Eat at the onsite Isha Café, offering simple, sattvic vegetarian food supporting the center’s wellness philosophy.
INR400, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Dhyanalinga & Temple Grounds

Explore the mystic Dhyanalinga yogic temple and surrounding gardens; a peaceful spiritual experience (open 8AM-6PM).
Free, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Guesthouse

Dinner at the guesthouse featuring local vegetarian cuisine prepared with organic ingredients.
INR500, 1h

Day 7: Isha Foundation Activities

Coimbatore, India on May 30, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast

Simple and nutritious breakfast at Isha Café to energize for the day’s spiritual activities.
INR350, 1h

8:00AM

Yoga and Meditation Sessions

Participate in guided yoga and meditation sessions offered at the foundation to rejuvenate mind and body.
INR1000, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at Isha Café

Enjoy wholesome organic meals prepared on site, with fresh seasonal ingredients.
INR400, 1h

1:00PM

Explore Isha Shopping Store

Browse the Isha store for spiritual books, yoga accessories, and handicrafts made by local artisans.
Free to browse, 1h

3:00PM

Volunteering or Sadhguru Talk

Attend scheduled talks by Sadhguru or participate in volunteer activities if available (check schedule upon arrival).
Donation-based, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner & Rest

Light dinner at guest house and rest after a spiritually fulfilling day.
INR500, 1h

Day 8: Relaxation & Local Sightseeing

Coimbatore, India on May 31, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast

Start with breakfast at the guesthouse to prepare for local outings.
INR350, 1h

9:30AM

Marudamalai Temple Visit

Visit the scenic and ancient Marudamalai Temple, about 12 km from Coimbatore, nestled in a lush hill area.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Enjoy the famous Chettinad cuisine known for its spicy and aromatic dishes.
INR600, 1h

2:00PM

Visit VOC Park & Zoo

Relax in VOC Park and Zoo in Coimbatore town for a leisurely stroll and animal sightings (open 9AM-5PM).
INR50, 2h

5:00PM

Shopping at Brookefields Mall

Shop souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts in Coimbatore’s largest shopping mall.
Free to enter, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Hari Bhavanam

Dine at Hari Bhavanam, well known for vegetarian Tamil and South Indian dishes.
INR550, 1h

Day 9: Return Journey Begins

Coimbatore to Mysore Bandipur on June 1, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Breakfast at guesthouse prior to check-out for train or road transfer towards Bandipur via Mysore.
INR350, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Mysore

Road trip approx 3h30m from Coimbatore to Mysore; relax and enjoy scenic Western Ghats journey.
INR1500, 3h30m

12:00PM

Lunch in Mysore - RRR Restaurant

Famous for Mysore-style biryani and South Indian thali in a traditional ambiance.
INR600, 1h

2:00PM

Relax and Sightsee Mysore Palace (Afternoon visit)

Visit Mysore Palace (open 10AM-5:30PM), a majestic royal palace with impressive architecture and royal collections.
INR200, 2h

5:00PM

Transfer to Bandipur

Evening short drive (approx 1 hour) back to Bandipur lodging to conclude the trip amidst nature.
INR800, 1h

7:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Lodge

Enjoy a special dinner with local flavors to reminisce the journey in the forest lodge.
INR800, 1h

Day 10: Departure

Bandipur, India on June 2, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast & Checkout

Early breakfast and check-out to arrange onward transport to nearest train/bus stations.
INR400, 1h

8:00AM

Departure

Travel to your preferred destination or airport from Bandipur, completing your scenic and spiritual 10-day tour.
Varies, Varies