Tropical Kerala & South India is gentle and laid back compared to the north. The region is home to some stunning architecture, ancient temples, lush backwaters and sandy beaches.
The most popular here is Kerala which with its fertile natural landscape and unhurried pace of life is an obvious place to unwind. The days can be spent cruising the canals in the backwaters on a private houseboat & sampling some fiery fish curries.
Kerala also offers opportunities of exploring the architecture of Fort Cochin, hiking through the tea plantation of Munnar, walking through the spice plantations or simply relaxing on the glorious beaches of North Kerala. Moving northwards is the lavish palace Mysore in the state of Karnataka.
The region boasts of coffee plantations of Coorg, archaeological wonders of Hampi and national parks of Nagarhole & Bandipur, home to tigers, leopards and elephants.
The South Eastern tip of India is undiscovered Tamilnadu with its ornate temples, traditional dance forms, festivals and food. From here the landscape changes to the French colony of Pondicherry with its whitewashed buildings and French cafes.
The hills of Tamilnadu are famous for its Blue Mountain Railway affectionately known as ‘Toy Train’ in Ooty. The breezy coastal town of Mahabalipuran is a good base to relax after a long trip or start exploring the region.
Tell us more about your India travel plans, and we'll create a tailor-made holiday, just for you.
Call us: 01442 617 777
IDEAS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TO INDIA:
CLASSIC KERALA
9 NIGHTS
Kochi / Munnar / Thekkady / Alappuzha / Mararikulam
Tropical Kerala is India's most tranquil and unhurried state. The region has an abundance of tea plantations, forested hills, swaying palms and backwaters. The southern state is an excellent introduction to India. This classic journey begins in the historic city of Cochin with its colourful spice markets to the rolling hills and tea plantations of Munnar. From here travel to the spice plantations of Periyar, where some rare wildlife can be spotted. Explore the backwaters on a rice barge before staying on one of the most famous beaches for relaxation.
KERALA - A FAMILY ADVENTURE
10 NIGHTS
Kochi / Kerala / Kumarakom / Alappuzha / Mararikulam
This holiday to tropical Kerala meanders slowly through the lush countryside. From the port city of Cochin, to the lovely homestay in rural Kerala run by a local family, you will visit farm lands, visit villages, enjoy cooking demonstrations and much more. Head to the backwaters to stay in a village, before boarding your private houseboat to experience the unhurried life along the banks. Finally relax on the sandy beaches of a fishing village.
CLASSIC GOLDEN TRIANGLE & KERALA
17 NIGHT
New Delhi / Agra / Jaipur / Kochi / Thekkady / Alappuzha / Kumarakom / Mararikulam
This classic Golden Triangle and Kerala holiday combines the unforgettable cities and sights of the celebrated Golden Triangle in the north, with exploration of one of the country’s most beautiful and lush states, Kerala, in the south.
KERALA & THE MALDIVES
10 NIGHTS
Kochi / Munnar / Thekkady / Alapuzha / Maldives
Travelling across the most beautiful state of Kerala, followed by a relaxing stay on the pristine beaches of the Maldives this holiday is perfect for both exploration and relaxation. Start your travels from the bustling port city of Cochin, head up to the hills of Munnar with its rolling tea estates to explore the tea plantations and beautiful valleys. From Munnar drive down the western ghats to Periyar Tiger Reserve and its spice gardens. Next stay on a private houseboat on the backwaters and witness some of the spectacular scenery. The last few days are spent on the white sandy beaches of the Maldives.
SOUTH INDIA - TOY TRAIN, BACKWATERS & BEACHES
12 NIGHTS
Mysore / Kabini Forest Reserve / Ooty / Coonoor / Kochi / Alappuzha / Mararikulam
Travelling through one of the most historic & beautiful regions of India, this is a memorable journey from princely Mysore to the beautiful spice town of Kochi. Start in Mysore exploring the palaces before spending time chasing wildlife in the Nagarhole National Park - arguably the finest in south India. From here drive up in the hills to the charming colonial settlement of Ooty. Wander through the tea estates that surround the hill station before travelling on the famous ‘Toy Train’ down the western ghats. From Cochin head towards the tranquil backwaters to cruise on your private houseboat and finally relax beside the Arabian Sea on the beautiful Keralan coast.
CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH INDIA
16 NIGHTS
Mysore / Kabini Forest Reserve / Wayanad / Thalassery / Kochi / Thekkady / Alappuzha / Mararikulam
Indian food is as diverse as its culture & heritage and this journey is an 'insider's experience' to the amazing diversity and flavours of southern India with a culinary passage through a variety of cuisines that differ from region to region. Into On this tour sample some of the most spectacular sights, learn cooking practices passed on from one generation to the other, trek through the spice plantations, shop in the local markets for key ingredients and learn to cook some very traditional dishes. Start in the historical Mysore and continue through the western ghats into Kerala and its backwaters. Each day on this tour provides a fascinating peek into the culinary traditions. Before relaxing on the shores of Arabian Sea.
EXPLORING HAMPI & THE DECCAN PLATEAU
10 NIGHTS
Aurangabad / Hyderabad / Hampi / Bangalore
Located away from the popular tourist trails, Aurangabad, Hyderabad and Hampi are amazingly diverse that only a few people visit. This journey of rediscovery visits the hidden gems of Ajanta & Ellora in Aurangabad, followed by opulent palaces and atmospheric markets of the Old city in Hyderabad. A heady mix of history and culture, this special itinerary travels to the ancient city of Hampi where remarkable empires flourished and declined. The architectural legacies can still be seen even today and are explored on this holiday.
KARNATAKA & NORHTERN KERALA
11 NIGHTS
Mysore / Wayanad / Kabini Forest Reserve / Coorg / Nileshwaram
The South Indian states of Kerala and Karnataka have a lot to offer including some very less visited parts. This tour combines these two fascinating states, their culture, wildlife and natural scenery at a leisurely pace. Start with the historical Mysore to the tranquil plantations in Wayanad before stopping in Nagarhole to chase leopards and trek in the hills in and around Coorg. From here, a journey down the hills to the beautiful coastal village of Neeleshwar is a perfect finale.
TEMPLE OF TAMIL NADU & KERALA BACKWATERS
10 NIGHTS
Chennai / Puducherry / Kumbakonam / Chettinad / Madurai / THekkady / Alappuzha / Kochi
South India has been known as a melting pot of religions and cultures. In this itinerary you unfold the mystical Tamil Nadu, its imperial past, Dravidian roots and rural gems before ending in the tropical Kerala. Begin by exploring the World Heritage Sites of Mahabalipuram, wandering in the streets of colonial Pondicherry and then travelling to the temple towns of Tamilnadu. These living temples reflect their glorious past and with thousands of pilgrims worshipping everyday they are a treat to visit. Explore the backwaters on a rice barge before relaxing in the historic city of Cochin.
Build Your Tailor-Made Holiday to India
As well as family holidays and luxury holidays, we've also built many different India itineraries for those who want to see the best parts the country has to offer.
The holiday itineraries above are examples of ones we have created previously, and give you a good idea on the time needed to see many of the idyllic places mentioned above. If you would like more information on a specific area, or a certain hotel, please get in touch with us.
Perfect for:
Adventure, culture, cities, beach, family
Time difference:
GMT+ 4.5 hours
When to go:
October to March
International Airports:
Mumbai(BOM)
Delhi(DEL)
Flight duration:
8 hours approx
Vaccinations:
Some are recommended or required by the Centres for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Tailored Journeys is about helping you explore one of the most fascinating and beautiful regions on earth, in style. Even if – especially if – you don’t know where to start, call us now to talk about creating your own Tailored Journey – and let the dream begin.
