Highlights of Southern India

Our tour of South India starts in Chennai. Capital of India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, the city is one of the country's most important economic hubs, partly due to its role in the development of the automotive industry. For those arriving in time, our tour leade...

This morning we'll drive to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, approximately a two-hour drive from Chennai. The sanctuary is a protected area and an important breeding ground for large migrating birds such as herons, cormorants, storks, ibises, pelicans as well as other sma...

We'll have an early start this morning as we leave Pondicherry and travel to Tiruchirappalli to discover the Srirangam Hindu Temple. Located on an island, at the confluence of the Kaveri and Kollidam Rivers, the temple complex is one of the largest in India and is ded...

This morning we'll return to the 16th century Meenakshi Temple for a closer look around. The temple features imposing gopurams (monumental gates) and dominating colourful towers that rise above the chaotic exuberance of the seemingly endless throngs of pilgrims. We'll...

Today we'll drive west towards Thekkady and the state of Kerala. The drive is around five hours through an ever-changing landscape. As we enter the Western Ghats Mountain range, watch as rolling hills and spice plantations pass by the window and the terrain becomes ev...

This morning we'll drive to the Kerala Backwaters, a network of low-lying waterways, lagoons and rivers running parallel to the Arabian Sea. Often lined with tropical plants and palm trees they are a haven for a variety of birdlife and local villages dot the shores. ...

After disembarking our houseboat, we'll drive to the fort town of Kochi. With a beautiful natural harbour that earned it the title of 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The town was founded on trade from Jewish and Arab spice traders in the first century AD. Its prosperity a...

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll head to Kochi's Mattancherry Palace to explore the colonial gem. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it underwent extensive renovations by the Dutch some hundred years later, which earned it its name as 'The Dutch Palace'. T...

Today we have a long drive ahead of us as we head north-east back into the state of Tamil Nadu and the city of Coimbatore. On the way, we'll stop in Palakkad to admire the 18th century fort. Unlike sandstone examples seen in India's Northern state of Rajasthan, Palakk...

Early this morning we'll travel towards Coonoor to board the toy train along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Built by the British in the late 19th century to negotiate an otherwise difficult terrain, an old locomotive will pull us up the hill through dense green forest ...

Today is dedicated to searching for wildlife with both morning and afternoon drives in Bandipur National Park. The park was once the hunting ground for the Maharajah of Mysuru but is today a thriving nature reserve made up primarily of dry deciduous forest. Some of th...

Early this morning we'll have the option to take one final drive in the park in search of wildlife. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we drive north towards Mysore. So called the 'City of Palaces', Mysuru is today renowned as the cultural capit...

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll take a visit to Mysuru's Devaraja market. This vibrant market is a constant hive of activity as locals barter with sellers for the best deal. The market is a photographer's paradise with fruit, vegetable, flower, and spice stalls oft...

Arriving in Chennai very early this morning we'll make a quick stop for a traditional south Indian dosa breakfast. These thin flat crepes are made from rice batter and often served with a side of chutney, potatoes and lentil sambars. Following breakfast, we'll travel ...