Explore South India

Set between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, southern India offers a colourful and contrasting mix of experiences. Sample the spicy local cuisine, explore ancient Dravidian temples, view elephants in the wild and relax on the region's scenic backwaters.

Essential Experiences:

• Visit the rock carved temples of Mahabalipuram

• Spend leisurely time in colonial Pondicherry

• Search for wildlife in Periyar

The tour: Commencing in Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu our South India tour visits the rock carved temples of Mahabalipuram and former French colony of Pondicherry before travelling inland to visit the astounding temples at Trichy and Madurai. We cross into the state of Kerala to visit the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, historic Cochin and take a cruise along the peaceful backwaters.

Accommodation: Hotel standards in India have improved markedly in recent years as the country's economic situation has improved. However, there can still be some variation in service levels, especially when you get away from the main cities. For this tour we have chosen properties that offer good standards of accommodation and well placed for discovering the sights.

» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO MAHABALIPURAM

Overnight flight from London to Chennai (formerly Madras) and transfer to Mahabalipuram for 2 nights.

» Day 3: MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast enjoy a morning tour of bustling Chennai, visiting Kancheepuram temples and a local silk weaving centre. During the afternoon explore the majestic Shore Temple and rock carvings of Mahabalipuram. (B)

» DAY 4: MAHABALIPURAM TO PONDICHERRY

Transfer along the coast to the former French colony of Pondicherry, which with its whitewashed buildings and coastal promenades exudes an almost Mediterranean atmosphere. During the afternoon time is at leisure to explore Pondicherry. (B)

» Day 5: PONDICHERRY

During your stay in Pondicherry we include a visit to the yoga and spiritual centre of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, as well as more time at leisure to explore. (B)

» Day 6: PONDICHERRY TO TANJORE

Travel inland to Tanjore, stopping en route to explore some of the regions temples, including the impressive Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram temples. (B)

» Day 7: TANJORE & TRICHY

After breakfast embark on a full day tour of Tanjore and historic Trichy. (B)

» Day 8: TRICHY TO MADURAI

Continue onwards to Madurai, the oldest inhabited city in India and home to some of the most incredible temples. On arrival into Madurai enjoy a visit to Sri Meenakshi temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the city's bustling bazaars. (B)

» Day 9 to Day 10: PERIYAR

Continue into neighbouring Kerala for 2 nights at the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar. We include a visit to a local spice plantation as well as a leisurely lake cruise in search of wildlife. The sanctuary is home to elephants, bison, sambars, langurs and a wide variety of exotic bird life. (B)

» Day 11: BACKWATERS CRUISE

Kerala is famous for the network of palm fringed lakes and shady canals that line the coast. Lined with small villages, cruising these backwaters in a converted rice barge offers an excellent insight into local life. (B,L,D)

» Day 12 to Day 14: COCHIN

Travel onwards to the coast for 3 nights in historic Cochin. Now officially known as Kochi, this historic city offers a fascinating mix of influences including Dutch, Portuguese & British. Here you can find churches, mosques & synagogues; traditional Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture. Set on the Arabian Sea, the city grew on the wealth generated by the spice trade and became the first European settlement in India when colonised by the Portuguese in 1503. During your stay we include a tour of this historic city and time at leisure to explore. (B)

» Day 15: COCHIN TO LONDON

Return flight to London. (B)