South India

Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka are the vibrant epicentres of the magical south: it’s the pulsating heart of India where the magnificence of the Chola legacy, in Tamil Nadu, with their stunning Temples cities is without parallel. The architecture is eclectic – colours shout and blur into a melange of sheer vivacity. The delicate Rock Temple at Mahalibalipuram and the graceful Arjuna’s Penance show a softer side.

Contrasting sharply are the cool Hill Stations – Kodai, Ooty, Munnar - lying amidst lush green Tea and Spice plantations, so soothing to the eye, after the heat and glare of the Tamil plains. Here, National Parks protect endangered species and visitors can trek with Naturalists experiencing the real wilderness.

The relaxed Backwaters of Kerala and pure white sands of the coast, were made in heaven – as the locals say ‘Kerala is Gods own Country’! Take a slow cruise along the shores of the Backwaters, perhaps fish for your supper or see a local farm. Visit Cochin with its wonderful maritime history and colourful Colonial and International past.