Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Gallery

What's included

Accommodation

Price

from £2708 /pp

was £3185
Flights included
Dates Available

January 2027 - November 2028
Duration

20 days
Depart From

3 airports
Excursions & Visits

14 included
Meals

36 included
Ways to pay

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan and pay from £217.38 per month.

Kerala & India's Beautiful South with Two-night Mahabalipuram Beach Extension

Explore an idyllic land of ancient ports, labyrinthine backwaters, and forested uplands dotted with temples and tea plantations before relaxing by the beach in Mahabalipuram.

Discover the colours and scents of Kerala – known affectionately by its inhabitants as God’s Own Country – and temple-dotted Tamil Nadu on a leisurely journey through India’s spectacular south. Travel from the cool heights of the Western Ghat hill stations to the dusty Mysore Plateau, the evocative setting of E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India. Conclude your holiday with an extended stay by the sea in Mahabalipuram, where tranquil beaches and ancient shore temples offer the perfect finale to your southern exploration.

Houseboats On Backwaters In Alleppey, Kerala, India

Cruise through Alleppey’s verdant backwaters on a traditional thatched houseboat

Chinese fishing nets at sunset in Kochi, India, silhouetted against the glowing sky and calm water

Marvel at the Chinese fishing nets along Kochi’s harbour

Take in the garden city of Bangalore and explore the elegant Summer Palace, a former residence of Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan

Explore Periyar’s famous wildlife sanctuary in the foothills of the Western Ghats

Your tour manager will meet you as you arrive in Bangalore, and our coach will transfer to your welcoming hotel in this thriving city where modern developments surround the colonial remnants, parks, and green spaces of what was once known as the Garden City. Enjoy the chance to rest and relax before your first dinner at the hotel.

After an early breakfast, you’ll head out for a sightseeing tour of Bangalore. Highlights will include the vast Vidhana Soudha state ‘capitol’ – India’s largest civic building – the 16th-century Bull Temple, with its massive, granite Nandi bull, and the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan.

Following the tour, you’ll travel across the plain to historic, charming Mysore, pausing en route to take in the island of Srirangapatna. The island was once the stronghold of the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, who was finally defeated by the future Duke of Wellington. Here, in 1799. An important Hindu temple draws pilgrims from across the sub-continent.

This morning’s tour begins with a short journey to an ornate temple atop the Chamundi Hills before returning to take in Mysore’s spectacular, domed Maharaja’s Palace. This fusion of architectural styles has a striking interior whose highlight is the magnificent royal wedding hall. You’ll also see the Jaganmohan Palace, with its collection of Indian paintings and carvings, and visit the Railway Museum.

This afternoon, re-board the coach for another short journey, this time to Somnathpur, where the Keshava Vishnu temple is one of the finest examples of the intricate style favoured by the region’s 13th-century Hoysala rulers. Return to Mysore, to take in the extraordinary sight of the illuminated Maharaja’s Palace, this evening.

Board the coach for the memorable scenic journey into the foothills of the Western Ghat mountains. You’ll pass the forests of the Bandipur National Park, and, by afternoon, you will have arrived in the Queen of Hill Stations, Udhagamandalam (or Ooty is it’s more often and briefly called). Spend the evening in this idyllic location, discovering the Kew-inspired Botanical Gardens, Gothic St Stephen’s Church, and crumbling colonial splendour.

Board the historic, narrow-gauge Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway to journey down through the spectacular hills to the plantation town of Coonoor for lunch. Tour a tea factory before returning to Ooty, where you'll visit the quintessentially British botanical gardens and St Stephen's Church, as well as the local market.

After a leisurely morning, perhaps making use of your hotel’s facilities, you’ll head to Coimbatore Station and board the early afternoon Ernakulam Express, which will speed you in air-conditioned comfort into Kerala. Spend the next two nights here, in Kochi, the ancient trading seaport once known as Cochin.

Today, you’ll enjoy an included guided tour of historic Kochi. See the exquisite murals of "Dutch" Mattancherry Palace, the ancient Jewish synagogue, and Fort Cochin – home to the famous Chinese fishing nets that have become one of India’s most-photographed sights. Elsewhere in the city, historic St Francis Church overlooks a village green straight from a genteel English scene.

This evening, see for yourself the intricate choreography, glorious costumes, and colourful make-up of a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Travel the short distance to Alleppey, and board a traditional, thatch-roofed Kettuvallam houseboat to lazily cruise a labyrinth of canals and waterways, lined with coconut groves, rice fields, and dotted with temples. This landscape of tiny islands is home to fishermen, buffalo farmers, and coconut growers.

This evening, enjoy a guided walk through a traditional Keralan village.

Bidding farewell to your floating home, you’ll journey up into a lush, rolling landscape dotted with tea and spice plantations, to Periyar. You’ll spend two nights here, close to the famous wildlife sanctuary. Check in to your hotel, then join your guide to explore a spice plantation and learn the mysteries and history of Indian tea and spices, which are grown in abundance on the slopes of the sanctuary.

Enjoy dinner and a cooking demonstration at the hotel at the end of a fascinating day. This evening, you can also choose to go on an optional tour to Kalaripayattu in Periyar. Here, in a small venue with stadium seating, you'll be able to watch a traditional Indian martial arts performance.

Rest and relax in the cool surroundings of your hotel this morning or join our optional guided excursion into the Wildlife Sanctuary, in search of the endangered mammals (elephants, palm civets, giant squirrels, and – for the lucky few – tigers and leopards) and 250-plus bird species that make it their home.

This afternoon, complete your visit to Periyar with a boat ride on serene Periyar Lake. Sightings of elephants and colourful birds are possible here, too; though glimpses of the elusive tigers and leopards are the preserve of the very fortunate few.

Journey east into Tamil Nadu, heading down onto the southern plains to spend the next two nights in Madurai. One of Asia’s oldest cities, Madurai stands on the banks of the River Vaigai and is famed for its extraordinary temples. Soak up the atmosphere of this unforgettable metropolis, which is dominated by the vast, colourful Meenakshi temple.

Today’s guided sightseeing tour introduces Madurai’s Old City, where the ornately carved façade, colonnades, shrines, and quartet of towering gopurams of the Meenakshi temple are the breath-taking highlight. Marvel at the continual ceremonies and devotions, take in the bustle of the temple markets, and stroll the labyrinth of corridors and walkways.

This evening, head back out of the hotel to discover the city’s narrow, bustling streets and colourful market by cycle-rickshaw.

A scenic journey through a landscape of rice-paddies and irrigated fields takes you to Pondicherry, a town of decidedly Gallic leanings that boasts an authentic Hôtel de Ville, where French is still widely spoken and where the "gendarmes" patrolling the beachfront promenade still wear kepi berets.

Enjoy an overnight stay here, in a town that forms one of the backdrops to Yann Martel’s enchanting novel, Life of Pi.

This morning, pay a visit to the Pondicherry Museum, with its diverse collection of artefacts, before you join a cycle rickshaw ride through the colonial French Quarter.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.

Journey north to coastal Mahabalipuram to check into a beach-facing resort. A sightseeing tour then includes a visit to the extraordinary, 8th-century Shore Temple.

This afternoon, rest and relax on the beach for a few hours before enjoying dinner at the resort.

Pancha Rathas in Mahabalipuram, India, on a sunny day, with intricately carved stone temples and a tree framing the view

The colourful Meenakshi Hindu Temple in Madurai, featuring intricate carvings and vibrant statues

Tea plantations cover rolling green hills near a winding river, with forested slopes and mountains in the background near Munnar, Kerala, India

View from the lounge area of a Kerala houseboat sailing on the river, showing calm waters, lush greenery, and palm trees along the banks

Two people in a canal boat on the Kerala Backwaters at sunset, with a pink house and palm trees lining the banks, and warm light reflecting on the calm water

View from a canal boat on a river in Kerala, with the trees lining the banks, bathed in golden light

A light brown wicker houseboat on calm water in Kerala, with palm trees on the banks and clear blue skies overhead

Exterior pool at ITC Hotels in Mahabalipuram at sunset, with silhouetted palm trees reflected in the water

The outdoor pool at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Mahabalipuram, glows at sunset, surrounded by palm trees and reflecting the warm orange sky

Visit Mysore’s beautifully illuminated Maharaja’s Palace

Venture into Mahabalipuram’s temples and relax on its beachfront

Experience India’s French colonial gem, Pondicherry

Travel to Ooty, the queen of the hill stations, and take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Glide through Kerala’s striking mountain landscapes aboard an express train to Kochi

Spend time relaxing by the beach of Mahabalipuram in a five-star resort

16 nights' hotel half-board accommodation at hotels in Bangalore (1 night), Mysore (2), Ooty (2), Kochi (2), Periyar (2), Madurai (2), Pondicherry (2), Mahabalipuram (3), plus one night’s full-board accommodation on a traditional Keralan houseboat, plus two nights on the aircraft
Tour of Bangalore
Tour of Mysore
Tour of Kochi
Visit to a spice plantation in Periyar
Madurai city tour
Tour of Pondicherry
Tour of Mahabalipuram
Tour of Chennai
Porterage at all hotels
Return flights to Bangalore and from Chennai via Dubai
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
The services of a friendly, experienced tour manager on the tour
Tipping is included for airport and hotel porters, restaurant and monument staff, naturalists, and rickshaw drivers. Tipping is at your discretion for your tour manager, driver, and driver’s assistant
All mandatory local taxes and charges

Dates & Prices

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan.

Departure point	Departure date	Price (per person)	Availability
Glasgow	January 2027 - November 2028	from £2830.00 pp	16 dates available
Glasgow	21 Jan 2027 Thursday 20 days 09 Feb 2027 Tuesday	from £3073.00 was £3615.00
Glasgow	28 Jan 2027 Thursday 20 days 16 Feb 2027 Tuesday	from £3073.00 was £3615.00
Glasgow	25 Feb 2027 Thursday 20 days 16 Mar 2027 Tuesday	from £3145.00 was £3700.00
Glasgow	15 Apr 2027 Thursday 20 days 04 May 2027 Tuesday	from £2830.00 was £3329.00
Glasgow	16 Sep 2027 Thursday 20 days 05 Oct 2027 Tuesday	from £2929.00 was £3445.00
Glasgow	14 Oct 2027 Thursday 20 days 02 Nov 2027 Tuesday	from £3141.00 was £3695.00
Glasgow	04 Nov 2027 Thursday 20 days 23 Nov 2027 Tuesday	from £3141.00 was £3695.00
Glasgow	11 Nov 2027 Thursday 20 days 30 Nov 2027 Tuesday	from £3141.00 was £3695.00
Glasgow	13 Jan 2028 Thursday 20 days 01 Feb 2028 Tuesday	from £3541.00 was £4165.00
Glasgow	10 Feb 2028 Thursday 20 days 29 Feb 2028 Tuesday	from £3541.00 was £4165.00
Glasgow	02 Mar 2028 Thursday 20 days 21 Mar 2028 Tuesday	from £3541.00 was £4165.00
Glasgow	27 Apr 2028 Thursday 20 days 16 May 2028 Tuesday	from £3192.00 was £3755.00
Glasgow	21 Sep 2028 Thursday 20 days 10 Oct 2028 Tuesday	from £3396.00 was £3995.00
Glasgow	12 Oct 2028 Thursday 20 days 31 Oct 2028 Tuesday	from £3541.00 was £4165.00
Glasgow	09 Nov 2028 Thursday 20 days 28 Nov 2028 Tuesday	from £3541.00 was £4165.00
Glasgow	16 Nov 2028 Thursday 20 days 05 Dec 2028 Tuesday	from £3541.00 was £4165.00
London Gatwick	January 2027 - November 2028	from £2708.00 pp	16 dates available
London Gatwick	21 Jan 2027 Thursday 20 days 09 Feb 2027 Tuesday	from £2949.00 was £3469.00
London Gatwick	28 Jan 2027 Thursday 20 days 16 Feb 2027 Tuesday	from £2949.00 was £3469.00
London Gatwick	25 Feb 2027 Thursday 20 days 16 Mar 2027 Tuesday	from £3145.00 was £3700.00
London Gatwick	15 Apr 2027 Thursday 20 days 04 May 2027 Tuesday	from £2708.00 was £3185.00
London Gatwick	16 Sep 2027 Thursday 20 days 05 Oct 2027 Tuesday	from £2929.00 was £3445.00
London Gatwick	14 Oct 2027 Thursday 20 days 02 Nov 2027 Tuesday	from £3141.00 was £3695.00
London Gatwick	04 Nov 2027 Thursday 20 days 23 Nov 2027 Tuesday	from £3141.00 was £3695.00
London Gatwick	11 Nov 2027 Thursday 20 days 30 Nov 2027 Tuesday	from £3141.00 was £3695.00
London Gatwick	13 Jan 2028 Thursday 20 days 01 Feb 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
London Gatwick	10 Feb 2028 Thursday 20 days 29 Feb 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
London Gatwick	02 Mar 2028 Thursday 20 days 21 Mar 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
London Gatwick	27 Apr 2028 Thursday 20 days 16 May 2028 Tuesday	from £2873.00 was £3379.00
London Gatwick	21 Sep 2028 Thursday 20 days 10 Oct 2028 Tuesday	from £3077.00 was £3619.00
London Gatwick	12 Oct 2028 Thursday 20 days 31 Oct 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
London Gatwick	09 Nov 2028 Thursday 20 days 28 Nov 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
London Gatwick	16 Nov 2028 Thursday 20 days 05 Dec 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
Manchester	January 2027 - November 2028	from £2779.00 pp	16 dates available
Manchester	21 Jan 2027 Thursday 20 days 09 Feb 2027 Tuesday	from £3022.00 was £3555.00
Manchester	28 Jan 2027 Thursday 20 days 16 Feb 2027 Tuesday	from £3022.00 was £3555.00
Manchester	25 Feb 2027 Thursday 20 days 16 Mar 2027 Tuesday	from £3145.00 was £3700.00
Manchester	15 Apr 2027 Thursday 20 days 04 May 2027 Tuesday	from £2779.00 was £3269.00
Manchester	16 Sep 2027 Thursday 20 days 05 Oct 2027 Tuesday	from £2929.00 was £3445.00
Manchester	14 Oct 2027 Thursday 20 days 02 Nov 2027 Tuesday	from £3141.00 was £3695.00
Manchester	04 Nov 2027 Thursday 20 days 23 Nov 2027 Tuesday	from £3141.00 was £3695.00
Manchester	11 Nov 2027 Thursday 20 days 30 Nov 2027 Tuesday	from £3141.00 was £3695.00
Manchester	13 Jan 2028 Thursday 20 days 01 Feb 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
Manchester	10 Feb 2028 Thursday 20 days 29 Feb 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
Manchester	02 Mar 2028 Thursday 20 days 21 Mar 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
Manchester	27 Apr 2028 Thursday 20 days 16 May 2028 Tuesday	from £2873.00 was £3379.00
Manchester	21 Sep 2028 Thursday 20 days 10 Oct 2028 Tuesday	from £3077.00 was £3619.00
Manchester	12 Oct 2028 Thursday 20 days 31 Oct 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
Manchester	09 Nov 2028 Thursday 20 days 28 Nov 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00
Manchester	16 Nov 2028 Thursday 20 days 05 Dec 2028 Tuesday	from £3221.00 was £3789.00

Exterior view of Greenwoods Hotel in Periyar, nestled among trees and greenery, with warm lighting highlighting the traditional building as dusk falls

Kerala & India's Beautiful South with Two-night Mahabalipuram Beach Extension Hotels India You'll be staying in a series of well-located hotels, all of which will be of a four- and five-star standard.

Kerala and India's Beautiful South

India

Discover the best of Kerala and South India on our escorted tour. Flights included. ATOL protected. Rail Scenery & Nature

Cruise through Alleppey’s verdant backwaters on a traditional thatched houseboat
Marvel at the Chinese fishing nets along Kochi’s harbour
Take in the garden city of Bangalore and explore the elegant Summer Palace, a former residence of Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan

18 days from £2,329 pp

was £2,739 pp

Flights included
Dates Available

September 2026 - November 2028
Duration

18 days
Depart From

3 airports
Excursions & Visits

14 included
Meals

32 included

Explore

1920 Adobestock 249602800 Traditional Houseboat, Kerala

Highlights of India - From the Golden Triangle to Kerala

India

From the historic cities of the Golden Triangle to Shimla and the Himalayan foothills, this amazing journey captures India in a nutshell Scenery & Nature History & Culture

Fly to Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ and head for the former Rajput capital, Amber and its fort
Explore the tiger-rich wilderness of Ranthambore National Park with morning and afternoon safaris
Stay overnight on a traditional Kerala houseboat and glide through the tranquil backwaters

21 days from £4,088 pp

was £4,809 pp

Flights included
Dates Available

November 2026 - November 2028
Duration

21 days
Depart From

1 airport
Excursions & Visits

19 included
Meals

40 included

Explore

India - Tigers, the Taj Mahal and Goa Beach

India

A well-balanced combination of the cities of the Golden Triangle, the tiger-rich wilderness of Ranthambore, and the tranquil coastline of Goa. Book today! City / Central Beach & Coast

View the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River and visit Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri, one of the biggest stepwells in the world
On a guided tour, see the famed monument of love, the UNESCO-listed Taj Mahal
Journey on morning and afternoon safaris in search of tigers in Ranthambore National Park

13 days from £2,703 pp

was £3,179 pp

Flights included
Dates Available

September 2026 - February 2027
Duration

13 days
Depart From

1 airport
Excursions & Visits

10 included
Meals

23 included

Explore

British citizens require passports when travelling overseas and this must be valid for six months beyond the date you return. If you are not a British citizen, you may need a visa for the country/countries you are visiting (please contact the respective embassies to check and to apply).

In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC

"Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?"

Mon, Wed, Thu

Tue

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon - Fri

Sat

Sun

Dates Available

Duration

Depart From

Excursions & Visits

Meals

Kerala & India's Beautiful South with Two-night Mahabalipuram Beach Extension

Dates Available

Duration

Depart From

Excursions & Visits

Meals

Dates Available

Duration

Depart From

Excursions & Visits

Meals

Dates Available

Duration

Depart From

Excursions & Visits

Meals

Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC

1914 translation by H. Rackham