Travelling through three states in Southern India, the trip takes you to some of historical and pictorial sites including little visited North Kerala. Starting in the metropolitan city Chennai where you visit the extraordinary collection of rock art in Mahabalipuram; we travel into Kerala stopping at Cochin; travelling through the serene backwaters; trying an ayurvedic massage at a stunning resort; and then continue to the North to see a performance of Theyyam; walk on the unspoilt beach at Kasergod; trek in the eco friendly Wynad; and finally we head into Karnataka where we stay overnight in a National Park; travel to Mysore to see one of the finest art palaces in Southern India as well as some of the oldest temples; we end in the Indian Silicon Valley, the city of Bangalore.

Day 01
Arrive Chennai and transfer to your hotel.

Day 02 Chennai
A full day tour of the landmarks of Chennai.

Day 03 Chennai/Mahabalipuram
Driving along the coast, you visit the heritage village of Dakshin Chitra and the extraordinary rock art at Mahabalipuram. Strewn along the coast are outstanding cave temples and the piece de resistance of this collection is the Shore Temple which you see at sunset.

Day 04 Cochin
Take a flight to Cochin and transfer to your hotel. In the evening visit the theatre to watch a performance of Kathakali.

Day 05 Cochin
Tour of the land marks of Cochin including a walking tour of the Heritage Zone and a visit to a school of Kalaripayyatu the ancient Kerala martial art.

Day 06 Cochin / Alleppy
Drive to Alleppy and board a houseboat for a tour of the backwaters. The tour takes you through narrow canals opening out in enormous lakes. This is a rare opportunity to view the unique lifestyle of the backwaters.

Day 07 Alleppy / Kollam / Pulinkuddi
Disembark after breakfast and drive to an Ayurvedic beach resort. You have a free day to soak up the pleasure of the beach and an ayurvedic massage.

Day 08 Pulinkudi / Trivandrum / Thalassery
You have a free day at the resort with an option in the morning to visit Kanniyakumari at the very tip of India where the three oceans meet. Later you transfer to Trivandrum station and take an overnight train to Thalassery.

Day 09 Thalassery
An attractive fishing village, the center of the Moplah community, you arrive early morning and transfer to a private home with beautiful ocean views. Later you visit the fishing village and in the evening drive to a temple to watch a ritual dance.

Day 10 Thalassery / Bekal
Driving along the coast to Bekal which has an ancient fort, the largest and best preserved in Kerala which offers a panoramic view of the coastline. You have time at the fort and to visit the unspoilt beach

Day 11 Bekal / Wynad
In complete contrast to the scenery and sights of the last view days, you drive to the hills of Wynad. In afternoon you visit some of the scenic places around Kalpetta including the rather unusual chain tree.

Day 12 Wynad
Carrying a picnic lunch you go on a gentle trek today through the hills and plantations to the Meenmutty falls.

Day 13 Wynad / Mudumulai National Park
Today you leave Kerala and drive into the state of Karnataka to the Mudumulai National Park. For most of the drive you will travel through tea plantations and forested area. Overnight at your forest lodge.

Day 14 Mudumulai / Mysore
Morning visit to the park and then depart for the princely city of Mysore, a city of tree lined avenues. Later in the afternoon you visit the Amber Palace, one of the finest in terms of art in Southern India.

Day 15 Mysore / Bangalore / Chennai
A short drive in the morning takes you to the tiny village of Somnathpur to see the stunning Hoysala temple. Returning to your hotel you drive to Chamundi hill to see the enormous Nandi Bull. After an early lunch, drive approximately 3 hours to Bangalore airport for a flight to Chennai for your onward flight home.