For good reason, South India is famous for its hospitality, natural beauty and vibrant culture.

Travelling at an easy pace, this is a comprehensive loop of the three southern most states, covering what we think are the quintessential experiences of the South.

Day 1 Bangalore

On arrival in Bangalore, you will be met by our local staff and transferred to your hotel. The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's high tech hub. A modern, cosmopolitan city, it has a lively bar and cafe culture and provides ample shopping opportunities. [Image: flickrPrince].

Day 2 Mysore

Morning short tour of Bangalore and afternoon drive 3 hours to Mysore, en route visiting Sri Rangapatanam, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan. On arrival in Mysore, check into your hotel. Later in the afternoon there is the option to visit the Brindavan gardens, a short drive out of the city.

Day 3 Mysore

Spend the day with a local guide, with a visit to Mysore Palace, the lively fruit and vegetable market and a sandalwood factory. Mysore is a laid back town, so a wander through its central streets and a chai stop is highly recommended. Sunday evening the lights of the palace are switched on – this is worth timing your visit for. [Image: KarthM].

Day 4 Wayanad

After breakfast drive 4 hours to Wayanad. In the afternoon visit Edakkal cave, where 5000-year-old pre-historic rock carvings are found. The local Keralan style cuisine at the guest house is some of the best food you are likely to have in South India. Sometimes dinner is served in a candle lit cave!

Day 5 Wayanad

Before breakfast, take a jeep to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where there is a good chance to see elephants, deer and bison. Afternoon free to relax and enjoy the view over the surrounding countryside from your private balcony.

Day 6 Kannur

Morning drive 5 hours to Kannur. This beautiful coastal area sits outside the usual tourist trail, with genuine hospitality at local homestays and resorts a highlight. In the afternoon visit the historical sites of this small township.

Day 7 Kannur

A full day to enjoy the beautiful beaches and small fishing villages which dot the coast. Attend a performance of the local Hindu dance ritual, called Theyyam, which is a blend of ancient local tribal beliefs and the 'newer' (more than 1500 years old) influence of Hinduism.

Day 8 Cochin

Today there is the option to transfer to the station to board a Cochin bound train (6 hours) or drive 9 hours to Cochin.  Fort Kochi has been in the hands of the Dutch, British, Portugese and Chinese, with each having influenced the appearance of the area in subtle yet unmistakable ways.

Day 9 Cochin

With virtually no traffic, Fort Kochi is the perfect place to explore on a bike, or do nothing but enjoy the character of a heritage hotel. Nearby are India’s oldest church and the famous Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon enjoy a private harbour cruise; afterwards watch a demonstration of Kathakali, a traditional Keralan dance performance. [Image: spisharam].

Day 10 Alleppey

After breakfast, drive 2 hours to the backwaters near Alleppey and board a private houseboat. All meals will be prepared in traditional Keralan style from local ingredients by the three crew members. It’s a fantastic experience to sit back in a cane chair on the deck and watch life unfold on the backwaters. Overnight on board your private houseboat.

Day 11 Pala

After breakfast on board you will arrive at Kumarakom and begin the scenic 3 hour drive into the foot hills of the Western Ghats (the mountain range that is the spine of South India). Arrive at Palai and check into a secluded and peaceful homestead set amongst spice and rubber plantations.

Day 12 Pala

Full day to enjoy your surroundings at the homestead. There are various walks, fresh water swimming, and opportunities to see working elephants and explore the extensive plantations with your host. In the afternoon, ask your host if you can watch the evening meal being prepared.

Day 13 Madurai

Drive 6 hours from Palai to Madurai, with a stop in Periyar for lunch. Arrive in Madurai late afternoon and check into your hotel. It’s nice to walk after a long drive, and Madurai is a perfect place for a casual stroll. Its small enough to wander from your hotel without fear of getting lost, as many of the roads lead to its famous temple.

Day 14 Madurai

Morning visit to the Meenakshi Temple with an expert local guide. This is one of the most awe-inspiring temples to visit in the whole of India, where weddings, worship and commerce happen side by side. It’s also worth visiting the Gandhi museum, tailor’s market, and Nayak Palace. Otherwise take you own time to explore the streets and bazaars.

Day 15 Tanjore

After breakfast drive 5 hours to Tanjore. The temple here at Tanjore is a marvel of design and construction, and demonstrates the highly evolved culture of the Chola empire that ruled 1000 years ago when the temple was built. Afternoon visit to the temple with a local guide.

Day 16 Pondicherry

After breakfast drive 5 hours to Pondicherry and check into your hotel. Pondicherry is famous for its fabulous high quality French-influenced restaurants, beautiful heritage buildings – some of them now boutique hotels – and quality hassle-free shopping.

Day 17 Pondicherry

Day free for wandering the laid back French Quarter or diving into the busy ‘Tamil Quarter’. Options for the day include visiting the Aurobindo ashram, the UN sponsored 'utopian society' at Auroville, a day trip to Gingee Fort - or just give over to your urge to shop, shop, shop.

Day 18 Mahabalipuram

Drive 2 hours to Mahabalipuram. After lunch at your seaside hotel, take an afternoon guided tour of the town's 'open air museum' with its famed 7th century World Heritage Monuments including the Shore Temple, Five Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance.

Day 19 Chennai

Morning free at the beach. After checkout and lunch, drive 2 hours to Chennai and transfer to the airport for flight home or to onward Indian destination for further travel.