South India & Kerala trips

The coastal city of Cochin is a must-see destination during your India holiday, and the perfect place to start off your South India adventure. A melting pot of cultures and religions, it’s an intriguing mix of mosques, churches, Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish Quarter and remains of the British Raj. We’ll arrange a guided tuk-tuk tour as a fun introduction to this charming city.

Sleep aboard a wooden houseboat as you drift through tropical backwaters and spot wild elephants in the untamed jungle of exotic Kerala. During this trip, you’ll travel from Fort Cochin into Periyar National Park, where you’ll set off on a walking safari through the jungle and learn about Keralan cuisine with a spicy cooking class. Next, you’ll spend a night aboard a classic Kerala houseboat, drifting through the tiny canals under starry skies.

You can explore the palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat but for a more local perspective why not stay in a welcoming homestay. Spend your days dozing in a hammock, discover your surroundings by bike and kayak and enjoy homecooked Keralan meals.

A small town nestled in emerald tea plantations, the hill station of Munnar is no doubt worth a stop to unwind for a couple of days. The magnificent views of this region and the cool mountain air are two of the many reasons to add in a stay here. You can enjoy your time exploring the forests, valleys and the jade green tea estates. You’ll also learn about the history of tea-growing in this area, and then get to sample the different brews on offer.

Nowhere else in India can you see so many impressive temples than in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It’s a region rich in tradition and spiritualism, attracting devotees and pilgrims from across the country. Soak up the spiritual atmosphere of India’s sizzling south on this six-day journey from Madurai to Chennai.

Explore mystical temples and wander through tea plantations en route to tropical Kerala. Stay in traditional accommodation, breathe in heady spices and go hiking and cycling in Wayanad. It’s a brilliant taste of the sizzling south. Beginning in booming Bangalore, you’ll travel to the dazzling city of Mysore, peppered with gorgeous palaces, spice markets and silk traders. Next you’ll try your hand at tea-picking in the green hills before crossing into atmospheric Fort Cochin.

Thattekad is home to over 300 species of birds. It’s well worth a visit to see an incredible diversity of birdlife including some rarely seen species. It’s not just for twitchers! As well as bird watching there’s a host of outdoor activities available including kayaking, cycling and nature walks. You’ll be staying in the heart of the forest in a very comfortable tented camp.

Be enchanted by the boulder-strewn riverbanks, tumbledown temples and banana plantations of Hampi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surreal and spellbinding, it’s a place that takes hold of many travellers. Wander between giant boulders, amble amongst rice paddies and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. You’ll spend three days exploring the ruins and we’ve included a tour with a local guide.

Stretch out on tropical beaches and snooze under coconut palms on the golden coast of Kerala. Swing in a hammock, grab a massage and soak up the sunshine. Sleep in a traditional wooden bungalow set directly on the sand, take barefoot strolls at sunset and let your worries melt away. During this trip, you’ll spend two nights on a quiet beach tucked away from Kovalam’s touristy main strip. It’s a peaceful place looking out over the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean, backed by rice paddies and rustling palms. Try an Ayurvedic treatment or simply collapse in a sun lounger – It’s up to you.

Marari is the place for an authentic beach break in India. It’s a friendly fishing village, lined with palm trees and an idyllic and tranquil beach. It’s the perfect place to end your India trip, so kick back and take it easy. Spend your days relaxing in a hammock, taking a refreshing dip in the pool or just lazing on the beach. Pure bliss!

Lying just off India’s east coast, the Andaman Islands boast white sand beaches, pristine jungle interiors and fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities. Yet they’re little-visited by tourists. It’s a lengthy journey to get to this picture-postcard archipelago, but well worth the effort.

Taste truly authentic Mumbai street food with its unique blend of herbs and secret spices, on an evening tour through this incredible city. Witness the buzz of activity surrounding Minara Masjid, observe vendors cooking up all sorts of meats sizzling away on their tavas and stroll through the lanes of Bhendi Bazaar. You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in the popular Colaba district, walking distance to the famous Gateway of India.

Discover the archaeological heritage of India on this trip to the UNESCO world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. The Ellora Caves document the coexistence of the three major religions Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The older Ajanta Caves were an enclave for Buddhist monks, and is now known for its unique collection of rock paintings. Revel in the silence and the coolness of the caves, and take a journey to a time long forgotten.

Meet the modern face of India in Bangalore, a trendy gateway to the south. Packed with leafy parks, coffee shops and progressive technology, it’s an urban taste of the future. Here, you can wander along the shady streets and soak up the booming vibe before continuing your journey into the south. Bangalore is a business hub with a heart. Known as India’s ‘Garden City’, it’s peppered with green parks filled with hipster young professionals. Here, tradition nudges up against the New World, as hi-tech companies jostle with wandering cows and street stalls set up outside boutique restaurants.

Take a barefoot breather on the golden beaches of tiny, tropical Goa. A Portuguese colonial pocket with a rich culture and a gorgeous coastline, it’s a fascinating place with more than a touch of paradise. Wander through the rice paddies, stumble upon white-washed churches and snooze in the sunshine. Sleep in a bamboo cottage on the edge of a lagoon or a cosy boutique resort tucked between swaying palms. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be treated to fragrant spiced local cuisine, endless sandy beaches and exotic sunshine.