This exceptional tour concentrates predominantly on the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India, providing a varied insight into their Dravidian roots and princely and colonial past.Start the tour exploring Chola dynasty and their architecture in Shore temples head to words the Coromandel coast and the small town of Pondicherry, with its relaxed atmosphere and proliferation of French colonial architecture. Travel to the exotic temple towns of Thanjaure and Madurai. Later enter state of Kerala which is famous for the Malabar cost of South India. It presents a breathtaking vista of silent valleys clothed in the richest green. High in the backdrop of the western ghats are tea and spice plantations, whilst down on the coast nestle palm-fringed beaches.

Tour the stunning Shore temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; visit the temple of Anantasayana or ‘reclining Vishnu’; see Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Pandava Rathas, the Varaha Cave, Krishna’s Butterball; Relax by the beach.

A visit to the living museum of Dakshinachitra provides an insight into the architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India. Tour the 10acre campus which is recreated to depict 4 South Indian states – Kerela, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andra Pradesh. Explore heritage houses, interact with village artisans, witness folk performances and participate in village activities with locals

Explore the quaint French town built by France Joseph Duplex, Visits its colonial buildings and its most popular edifice – the Aurobindo Ashram; visit the famous temples of Vedapureswarar, Varadaraja Perumal and Manakula Vinayakar.

Thanjavur was once the cultural capital of the country. The cultural, architectural and scholarly pursuits of rulers like the Cholas, Nayaks and Maratha who nurtured art and culture, are reflected in the great monuments like the Grand Anaicut, the Big Temple and Serfoji Mahal Library. Visit to Chidambaram & Gangaikondacholapuram where you will find Chidambaram Thillai Natarajah Temple, a Hindu temple built by the Chola dynasty to honor Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance. Admire the bejeweled image of Nataraja partaking in Bharatanatyam, a cosmic dance that symbolises the motion of the universe. Next, visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the city of the Chola Rajendra-I, who was once a capital of this powerful dynasty. Visit the magnificent three storey high

Gangaikondacholapuram temple that is surrounded by a huge fort-like wall. Visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of the Brihadeshvara Temple or Bull Temple – home to India’s largest lingam; enjoy the natural splendor that surrounds the Panchanatheesvarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Madurai Known to be the epicenter of cultural activity, it has a history that is both dynamic and sometimes mind-boggling. This city is surrounded by glorious mountains and famous for the jasmine flowers that are transported all over India. Visit the thousand pillared Madurai Meenakshi Temple; the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple; Koodal Alagar Temple; Thirumalai Nayak Mahal; Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist Complex; Gandhi Museum.

Munnar Explore this beautiful Hill station panoramic town. Drive to Matupetty Dam and Kundala Dam; visit Echo Point via sprawling tea plantations; end at Top Station to view lush mountainsides. Enjoy a drive through winding lanes, a picture-perfect town and scenic Tea plantations; see exotic forest and grassland flora. Do a trek to the top on a paved path. Back in the city, visit the Tea Museum

Explore nature at its best with a cruise in Alleppey (Alappuzha), tagged the ‘Venice of the East’ and the hub of Kerala’s backwaters. A visit to Kerala is incomplete without experiencing a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat cruise. Meander emerald waterways in the comfort of Kettuvalloms, an improvisation on the once large country boats. Glide through a maze of inland waterways and lagoons, via a watery world of villages, mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves. Traditional houseboat with modern accommodations – fully furnished with single/double rooms, sundeck, balcony, kitchen, bathroom and a 3-man crew – a cook, guide and oarsman. Experience God’s Own Country meandering narrow backwater pathways on the Vembanad Lake via canals, paddy fields, villages, markets, etc on the Alleppey/Kumarakom/Fort Kochi Backwaters. Visit famous temples, churches, ancestral homes; stroll through busy markets, rice fields, meet the locals, etc. Enjoy local cuisine on board, served on traditional banana leaves. Drop anchor overnight…sleep to the sounds of the still of the night with gentle waves swishing.

Queen of the Arabian Sea Cochin (Kochi), is a commercial town comprising mainland Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, Mattancherry, Fort Cochin, Vypeen and Bolghatty Island. Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish Synagogue, a Dutch Palace, Portuguese architecture and Bolghatty Palace enrich Kerala’s heritage. Enjoy murals and antiquities at the Dutch Palace & Cemetery; appreciate the stunning views of the harbour at Fort Kochi; explore Matancherry, the Pardesi Synagogue, Jewish town, St. Francis Church with the grave of Vasco da Gama; stroll through the spice and antique markets and see the Chinese fishing nets. Optional enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performances or even a kaleidoscope of martial arts and traditional dance forms of Kerala.