Uncover the contrasts of peaceful freshwater lakes, ancient temples, fragrant tea plantations and lively cities in the storied surroundings of southern India and Kerala

A journey of mystical locations and destinations rich with heritage lies ahead as your holiday begins today at London Heathrow. Meeting the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travellers, we board a direct flight to Bengaluru, ready to start this exploration of India's most beautiful southern states.

Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu occupy a large section of southern India as it tapers to a point between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Blending ornate Hindu temples, enthralling monuments, tropical beaches, exciting cities and graceful tea plantations, these states showcase the variety of life in India.

Our plane lands in Bengaluru this morning. Dubbed the 'IT Capital of India' and formerly called Bangalore, this city of more than eight million people provides our first look at this lively country. We check in to our hotel for the night, then you have free time to explore our new surroundings before dinner together at our five-star hotel.

Bengaluru is known for its gardens, including Lalbagh Botanical Garden, which is spread over 240 acres and has the largest collections of rare plants in India. It also has a famous glasshouse, an aquarium, a lake and the Lal Bagh Rock - one of the oldest rock formations on earth. We also stop at Tipu's Palace, built entirely of teakwood. It was constructed as the summer residence of Tipu Sultan and is embellished with pillars, arches, and balconies.

Returning to our hotel this evening, we sit down to a welcome meeting and our first dinner together.

This morning, we have a walking tour of Bengaluru, including the Vindhana Soudha. Built after Indian independence, this grand legislative building incorporates several styles of historic architecture, including decorative finials and domes.

This afternoon, we visit the 18th-century Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens. With more than 2,000 species of flora and Victorian-era buildings, we view ancient and native trees, flowers and displays. Later, we continue to Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, viewing the intricately carved pillars and ornate arches of this stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture constructed entirely from teakwood.

As we leave the palace, we journey by coach to Mysuru through lush countryside and rural villages. Ruled by the Wadiyar Rajas of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1957, our historic destination is famed for its palaces and atmospheric bazaar. Our hotel is the five-star Radisson Blu Plaza on the edge of the city centre, near the sprawling zoo and lake with views of the Chamundi Hills.

Waking up in Mysuru, we enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide. Exploring cultural icons, we begin with a visit to one of the most spectacular sights in the city - Mysore Palace. A beautiful and intricately decorated building, this early 20th-century palace showcases Hindu, Muslim, Gothic and Rajput architectural influences. We also see St Philomena's Church before leaving Mysuru to travel to nearby Srirangapatna, known for its ornate temples and forts and, poignantly, the site of the final battle in the Anglo-Mysore wars in 1799 between the British East India Company and local leader Tipu Sultan.

There is free time for lunch before we head to Chamundi Hill, a sacred peak topped by the striking Sri Chamundeswari Temple and its towering 130-feet-high gateway. Our last visits take us to a unique Hindu temple dedicated to Nandi, Shiva's bull, where we find a massive carved stone sculpture in the shape of the bull, and to the local market.

Dinner is served back at our hotel this evening.

Leaving Mysuru after breakfast, we travel south by coach. Passing through Bandipur National Park and the expansive Mudumalai Tiger Reserve - both home to majestic and elusive tigers- we arrive in the Nilgiri town of Ooty, where we spend two nights.

On arrival in the 'Queen of Hill Stations', your afternoon is free to begin sightseeing independently. Situated amid the Blue Mountains, named after a blue flower which blossoms every 12 years on the 'Nilgiris', we are surrounded by forested foothills and verdant tea plantations. Ooty is a picturesque paradise for nature lovers, and you could join a cruise on one of the nearby lakes, walk through the gardens, or visit a tea plantation.

Our hotel overlooks the Nilgiri Hills and is just as interesting to discover as our surroundings, with its beautiful entrance hall of swirling staircases and mock Tudor façades. However, you spend your afternoon, join your travel group for dinner at the hotel this evening.

An emerald blanket coating rolling hills surrounds Ooty, and we get to know this beautiful landscape on a guided sightseeing tour. Our first destination is the Botanical Garden, a popular and expansive haven that blooms with more than 600 varieties of flora in terraced beds. One of the most popular areas is the Italian Garden, with colourful annuals and a lily pond.

From here, we travel up the second-highest peak in southern India - Doddabetta (meaning Big Mountain in the local Kanada language). From this excellent vantage point adorned with fluttering eucalyptus trees, we admire views across the undulating terrain of northwest Tamil Nadu and its tiered tea plantations.

Our excursion continues with lunch in a colonial-era hilltop hotel before we visit St Stephen's Church. Constructed in 1830, this striking pale-yellow-hued church contains impressive stained-glass windows and a colourful depiction of the Last Supper. After a trip to discover the local market, we return to our hotel in time for dinner this evening.

Today is a highlight of the holiday - two rail journeys through the Nilgiri Mountains. The Ooty toy train winds past dense forests as the track carves through tunnels and passes over bridges, opening to views of misty mountains and sprawling tea plantations. Quaint, colourful stations and isolated colonial mansions dot the line on our way to Coonoor. Here, we enjoy a walking tour of this hill town and visit a tea factory. This area has produced tea for more than 150 years and is particularly renowned for its variety with a distinctively dark colour and strong aroma.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue our journey on the steam-hauled Nilgiri Mountain Railway through forest-covered hills to Mettupalayam. The section between Coonoor and Kallar is the steepest railway in Asia, and the jaw-dropping views as the train clings to the mountainside are befitting of such an accolade. From Mettupalayam, we board a coach to the city of Coimbatore, where dinner is served after we check in for an overnight stay.

There is a free morning for you to explore Coimbatore, a fast-growing city that has been a hub of textile and automobile manufacturing since the early 1900s. One of Coimbatore's most famous sons, GD Naidu, developed India's first electric motor and is referred to as the 'Edison of India'. His influence on the country's motoring industry is honoured at the Gedee Car Museum near our hotel, where you can find a collection of innovative cars from around the world.

Early this afternoon, we board the Intercity Express with a packed lunch for a journey to Kochi in Kerala. An important city on the historic spice route, modern Kochi sits across numerous islands dissected by picturesque waterways parallel to the Malabar Coast. Our five-star hotel nestles beside Vembanad Lake with great views of these tranquil backwaters. We enjoy dinner here together this evening.

Formerly called Cochin, this destination has a long and varied history that we uncover on a guided sightseeing tour.

We begin at Paradesi Synagogue - the oldest active synagogue in India. This understated building contains some fascinating treasures, including historic Torah scrolls decorated in gold and silver, as well as a rug gifted by Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie. Continuing to Fort Kochi, we learn about the colonial influence of this historic coastal district. While here we see the subcontinent's oldest European church, St Francis'. Built in 1503, this was the original burial site of Vasco da Gama. Our tour also takes in the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace, Hill Palace - the former residence of the Cochin Maharaja - and Dhobi Khana public laundry.

We return to the hotel with a free afternoon to have lunch locally or relax, and then before dinner this evening, we watch a Kathakali dance performance. This Keralan tradition combines colourful costumes with traditional music played by local musicians.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure. Relax by the pool, indulge in a beauty treatment at the onsite spa, or take a stroll along the harbour.

Later, we transfer by coach to Alleppey to board a luxury houseboat on a cruise through the tranquil backwaters. This network of lagoons and canals is home to water lilies, lotus flowers and water hyacinths, with towering pines and teak trees lining the shore. These routes, once used to transport spices and rice between Cochin and Kuttanad, are now awash in natural beauty and more than 150 species of birds.

We glide across Vembanad Lake - India's longest freshwater lake - before entering a maze of canals and rivers on our way to Kumarakom. Lunch, tea and coffee are served as we drift through these scenic waterways towards our hotel for the next two nights. Our hotel is on the lakeshore and offers a slice of paradise in this spectacular region. We settle in with dinner on arrival.

You have a free morning to relax at our hotel. You could linger over a leisurely breakfast, take in our beautiful surroundings while swimming in the lakeside pool, unwind with a herbal massage at the hotel's Ayurveda Centre (payable locally), or wander through the delightful Butterfly Garden. If you want to get back out on the backwaters, there are canoe rides and kayaks to explore Coconut Lagoon's canals, or a sunset cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the lake (all payable locally).

Later this afternoon, a Kumarakom Village guided walk introduces us to this cluster of small, picturesque islands around the Vembanad Lake. The village is well acclaimed for its backwaters, delicious cuisine and greenery.

A Shikhara boat ride takes us across a scenic lake to Manjira village and we discover traditional and modern coconut tree climbing, coir-making, and coconut leaf weaving. In a coconut grove, we taste some coconut water and the famed Kerala beverage, toddy, fresh out of the pot, before returning to our hotel for dinner.

Leaving our sublime setting, we travel inland by coach to Thekkady. We climb into the Ghat Mountains, with the road winding through dense vegetation. An authentic taste of rural southern Kerala, we can spot occasional roadside stalls selling locally grown bananas, mangoes, jackfruit and papayas. Reaching the route's summit, the views reveal a deep green landscape that matches the Indian flag.

On the approach to Thekkady, we can begin to understand why this pretty town is so famous. Miles of spice plantations adorn the hills and valleys, rich with green cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger and turmeric. Our unique accommodation is a recreation of a traditional tribal village that blends with the incredible scenery.

We have free time for lunch ahead of a Periyar Lake boat ride, during which we explore the environment's diverse flora and exotic birds. This body of water is located in a large wildlife sanctuary, and we sail among the remains of a submerged forest, admiring wildlife, including elephants, bison, sambar deer and, if we're lucky, tigers.

A coach transfer takes us back to our hotel in time for dinner.

An excursion to one of Thekkady's famed spice plantations awaits this morning after breakfast. We enjoy an aroma-filled walking tour with an expert guide who helps us uncover the secrets of southern India's flavourful spices. An area that has grown and exported some of the world's most popular spices for centuries, the air is punctuated with fragrant swirls of garlic, vanilla, cloves and nutmeg as we learn how each spice is cultivated. We also have the opportunity to purchase authentic seasonings for our spice racks back home.

Departing Thekkady, we descend the Ghat Mountains by coach, crossing back into Tamil Nadu. Our destination today is Madurai - one of the oldest cities in India and the capital of the important Pandya dynasty until the 14th century.

Our hotel is a venerable former country club and a stunning example of the 'tropical modernism' style of architecture. Resembling an Indian take on an English bungalow with attached pavilions, the focus is on blending comfort and nature. We enjoy dinner in these stunning surroundings after checking in for two nights.

With more than 2,500 years of history, ancient Madurai has been dubbed 'the city that never sleeps'. This morning, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Madurai with a local guide. On our exploration, we view the impressive 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace. An austere exterior hides an ornate courtyard lined by monumental pillars topped with intricately designed arches.

Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the astonishing Meenakshi Amman Temple is our next destination. This remarkable Dravidian-style temple is dedicated to the wife of Shiva, the goddess Meenakshi, and has long been a pilgrimage site. Inside, we find the magnificent Thousand Pillar Hall and its 985 ornately carved columns, as well as the sacred Golden Lotus Pond. However, it is the stunning gateway towers, or gopuram, that catch the eye. These 14 towers dominate Madurai's skyline with their colourful carvings and pyramidal shape. We also see the Gandhi Memorial Museum before returning to our hotel with an afternoon at leisure to relax or continue exploring the area independently. We reconvene for dinner this evening.

Early this morning, we head to Madurai's airport for a short internal flight to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. This modern metropolis on the Bay of Bengal, formerly known as Madras, was an important colonial port. Chennai's architecture and culture have Portuguese, Dutch, French and British influences, while being firmly rooted in local aesthetics.

On arrival, we get to know the city on a sightseeing tour featuring a Madras War Cemetery and Marina Beach - the second-longest urban beach in the world and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. We explore the striking Gothic revival San Thome Cathedral Basilica, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century over what was believed to be the tomb of Thomas the Apostle. After visiting the Dravidian-style Kapaleeshwarar Temple, we soak up the kaleidoscopic colours and fragrances of the city's flower market in George Town. We check into our grand five-star hotel in time for dinner this evening.

A day at leisure in Chennai reveals a choice of options. You could join an optional excursion this morning to Mamallapuram (payable locally). Located on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake south of Chennai, this ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its remarkable collection of 7th and 8th-century Hindu monuments built by the Pallava dynasty. Some of the most important structures include the seafront Shore Temple, consisting of three ornate granite shrines, and the Descent of the Ganges - a giant, open-air rock relief detailing how the sacred river came to Earth.

Alternatively, explore the sights of Chennai, including Fort St George - the first British fortress in India. The fort was completed on St George's Day in 1644 and now contains a museum displaying relics of British rule in India. Nearby, St Mary's Church dates from 1680 and is known as the 'Westminster Abbey of the East'.

We leave our hotel for the airport in the late afternoon to begin our overnight journey home via Delhi.

From the Mysore Palace to Chennai's Coromandel Coast, we have uncovered the abundant beauty of southern India. The tea plantations of the Nilgiri Mountains and the aromatic spices of Thekkady delighted our senses, while the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and a Keralan backwater cruise showcased stunning scenery. We also explored the fascinating cities of Kochi, Madurai and Chennai, discovering a rich history through beautiful religious structures and evocative colonial architecture from the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Each stop revealed a mystical, vibrant and colourful land.

Flying in to London Heathrow via Dubai, our holiday comes to a close as we arrive back in London early this morning.

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the world's steepest rack-and-pinion railways and travels across an ambitious route established by the British over a century ago. The narrow-gauge, cogwheel-driven Blue Mountain Express is now UNESCO World Heritage listed and is the only one of its kind in the whole of India. During our journey, we enjoy views of thick, jungle-like forests, the emerald tiers of local tea plantations and dramatic, rocky terrain that gives way to beautifully lush valleys dominated by towering eucalyptus trees.

Located in the heart of Chennai's business and commercial district, the 5-Star Taj Coromandel is one of the city's best-known landmarks. The superb hotel has a large, landscaped swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa and wellness centre boasting two hot tubs. There's also a couple of restaurants to choose from, a bar where you can enjoy a relaxing drink and a sun terrace from which to admire the views over the city. Room facilities include a flat-screen television and DVD player, bathrobes and slippers, tea & coffee making facilities, a mini bar and free Wi-Fi.

In the centre of the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, the 5-Star Vivanta Coimbatore is intrinsically modern in style and atmosphere. The hotel features a lounge boasting scenic views of Coimbatore, a large outdoor pool, spa treatments and a 24-hour fitness centre. Three restaurant dining experiences are offered, and private meals are bookable with the executive chef, Vijayan. Rooms feature a large LCD television, telephone, electronic safe, high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary tea & coffee making facilities, a mini bar filled with healthy food and drink options, room service and an en suite bathroom.

In Kochi, we stay at the beautiful 5-Star Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, set amidst landscaped gardens that offer a lovely view over Kochi harbour. There's a choice of five on-site restaurants and eateries, each serving delicious cuisine ranging from Thai to Italian. There's also a jetty bar, a 24-hour gym, a beauty salon and an outdoor swimming pool. The rooms include a television, tea & coffee making facilities, an in-room safe and free Wi-Fi.

Our hotel in Kumarakom is the beautiful, 4-Star Coconut Lagoon. This delightful establishment is located on the verdant shores of the azure Vembanad Lake, making this the perfect place in which to relax after a day of exploring. The restaurant at the resort offers traditional Keralan food in an authentically decorated and airy setting, while the rooms are decorated in neutral tones with beautiful wooden accents characteristic of the region.

Perched atop Pasumalai Hill, near the historic city of Madurai, the 5-star Gateway Hotel Pasumalai offers a luxurious retreat in a stunning colonial setting. Once the residence of a 19th-century British textiles magnate, this elegant property features whitewashed period buildings nestled within 62 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, where resident peacocks roam freely. The spacious guest rooms, adorned with either classic or modern interiors, come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, a TV, and a minibar. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and an Ayurvedic treatment centre. Local and international dishes are served at VISTA restaurant. The charming Harvey's Lounge Bar offers imported liquors and a billiard table.

The 5-Star Radisson Blue Plaza in Mysuru offers guests stunning views of the Chamundi Hills and boasts a fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool. Each room is air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, and has tea & coffee making facilities, a safe, ironing facilities, a hairdryer and a television.

Our base in Ooty is the 3-Star Fortune Sullivan Court Hotel. Set in a former colonial estate, it's just a short walk to many of the city's most popular attractions, while on site you'll enjoy amenities such as a 24-hour restaurant, an elegant bar, a gym and a games room. The landscaped gardens are perfect for an evening stroll, while the guest bedrooms all come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, mini bars, safes and tea & coffee making facilities.

Surrounded by mountains and spice plantations, the unique, 4-Star Spice Village Resort boasts modern amenities in a quiet, natural setting. Check in and enjoy a delightful herbal tea, that you can custom make yourself, and enjoy the leisure facilities on offer here. These include tennis and badminton courts, an outdoor pool and a library. There's also a restaurant and a bar where you can relax in an authentic setting. The rooms are en-suite and are traditionally decorated with elephant grass roofs, and feature coffee making facilities and a mini bar.

Twenty acres of gardens, lush with tropical plants and centuries-old trees, surround the 5-Star Taj West End in Bengaluru. Guests can enjoy ancient Indian healing treatments at the on site wellness centre, and there is a range of dining experiences from which to choose, including a restaurant serving delicious Indian cuisine. Colonial elegance is found in every corner of this property, including in the well-appointed guest rooms which include free Wi-Fi, flatscreen LED TVs, electronic safes, tea & coffee-making facilities and complimentary toiletries.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.