Introduction to South India

The south Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the most prominent tropical states worth visiting. We recommend that one week in each state will be ideal to experience the real value of your visit in these three remarkable states.

Kerala - sited in the south west corner of India is the fastest developing seaside tourist regions (after Goa) of India. This, India's most densely populated region has a distinctive charm. Travellers are drawn to Kerala by its attractive palm-lined beaches-Kovalam  and its quieter neighbouring backwater resorts. The backwaters allow the visitor to catch a glimpse of Keralan village life, while the festivals are marked by great elephant marches, snake boat races and colourful-Kathakali dances. High level of education and healthcare has given Kerala an enviable reputation elsewhere in India. Its unique balance of Hindu, Muslim and Christian sets it apart from other states. Indeed , Kerala was selected by "National Geographic Traveller" magazine as one of its 50 "destinations of a lifetime". Our advice is to start your journey from Cochin (Kochi) in the north to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) in the south. Cochin is the capital of Kerala and most of the historic buildings are in Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Santa Cruz Cathedral. Your next stop is Periyar the Wild Life Sanctuary, tea plantations and followed by the hills of Munnar, spend a night or two on a house boat in the backwaters of Kollam and Alleppey and, finally, reach the white sandy beach resorts around Kovalam (See our itinerary).

Karnataka - sited Northwest of Kerala is the state where North and South India truly meet. From Bandipur, a wildlife sanctuary at the southern tip, to Bijapur in the North and including the famous IT capital, Bangalore (meaning baked beans),the entire state of Karnataka is a delight.There are temples so amazingly decorated that they appear to be lace or carved ivory (Somnathpur, Belur and Halebid),distinctive Muslim tombs(Gumaz and Gol Gumaz )and finally impressive palace at Mysore. This is the land where father and son Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan fought East India Company armies over two generations.

Tamil Nadu – at the extreme south west corner of India lies this state, least invaded by foreigners except a small presence of the French in Pondicherry. Tamil Nadu, once known as the Coromandel coast, has a local language over 2000years old and poetry dating back to before the birth of Christ. It also boasts some of the most remarkable temple architecture (at Madurai) in India, and with a living tradition of music and dance, is culturally very rich. Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is the capital of Tamil Nadu. Temple towns and historic sites are dotted across the plains, while the hill stations of the Western Ghats (Ooty) are within easy reach. The wealth of its culture, the open friendliness of Tamil people and the wide range of beautiful green landscapes make Tamil Nadu one of the most rewarding states to visit.

We can arrange a tailormade holiday in one state or combination of three state holidays as you like.

Come, India awaits your footprints