Spectacular Southern India

Arrive at the airport and board your flight to Mumbai today. Upon arrival on Day 2 in Muscat, take an internal flight to the thriving, modern metropolis of Bengaluru in the centre of Southern India. You are met at the airport by your local Indian Tour Manager, who will accompany you for the duration of your tour. From Bengaluru, transfer by coach to the nearby city of Mysuru. Crowned by a stunning UNESCO World Heritage royal palace, Mysuru's charm lies in its magnificent monuments, its buzzing bazaar and its wonderful culture. Check into your hotel here, before dinner later in the evening.

Mysuru's enchanting beauty is uncovered today on a guided tour through the city streets. Visit the glorious Royal Palace, the reverent St. Philomena's Church and the remarkable town of Srirangapatna. The ancient buildings here are excellent examples of Hindu religious architecture. Your afternoon is spent in the Chamundi Hills where you see the marvellous Bull Temple and the bustling local market.

You depart Mysuru today, travelling by coach further south through Indian countryside and rural scenery. The rolling hills and unique landscapes, animals and people of Southern India are on full display as you pass farmlands, towns and villages on your way to the town of Ooty amongst the Nilgiri hills. Nearby is the enormous Ooty lake, with its pure glistening blue water. Check into your hotel on arrival before enjoying time at leisure to get acquainted with your stunning new surroundings.

This morning, you board a coach for a full day guided tour of Ooty and its impressive panoramas. Ooty is a popular resort, with a number of protected parklands, tea gardens and plantations, all well worth a visit. During your time, you discover the comprehensive Botanical Gardens and ascend the mighty Doddabetta Peak, the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills. In the afternoon, you continue to explore St Stephen's Church and Ooty's enchanting local market.

From Ooty station, board a diesel toy train taking you through the hills along to the town of Coonoor. Hidden among numerous tea estates whose green roots and orchards stretch across this region, Coonoor is vibrant, verdant and varied. On arrival into Coonoor, you embark on a walking tour which visits a local tea factory followed by lunch at a local hotel. After lunch, you are treated to a journey on a steam toy train. Chugging along its rail route, your train takes us on a nostalgic trip back through the tea fields and undulating hills, to Mettupalayam. From here, you travel to Coimbatore and check into your hotel. On Day 7, you travel from Coimbatore on to Cochin by express train, before arriving at your hotel later this evening for dinner.

Today, you enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Kochi, uncovering the splendid Dutch Palace and the grand Jewish synagogue. Later in the afternoon, you are at leisure before a Kathakali dance performance in a local theatre. Dressed in marvellous colourful outfits, in fantastic headgear your performers delight with an intricate dance.

Drive to Alleppey today for a cruise on board an authentic houseboat on the glittering Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a lunch on the boat, as you take in the oasis-like views of this striking lagoon, one of the largest in India. On Day 10 you travel to Thekkady where you pay a visit to a tea plantation before experiencing an Indian martial arts display in a Kalaripayattu performance. This evening, you check into your hotel in the Periyar National Park.

The Periyar National Park is one of India's best areas for outstanding natural beauty. With lakes split by soaring hills, and rolling rivers curbed by enormous dams, there is much to see here with wildlife including elephants, tigers, and monkeys. Your day here is spent visiting a spice plantation, before a boat safari with a local expert. On board you discover the myriad of aquatic, land and airbased animals which call this corner of the world home.

You leave Periyar today, travelling north-west to Cherai Beach in Kerala. This golden stretch of sandy coast off the Arabian Sea, enjoys a splendid climate and ecological protection, making it one of India's best beaches. On arrival, you check into your resort hotel, and the rest of the day and Day 13 are spent relaxing on this wonderful shoreline. You may wish to venture out into the deep green countryside or alternatively, just head down to the beach for sundrenched sands and splendid views.

Your time in India comes to an end today as you transfer to Cochin Airport for your journey back to London via Mumbai.