Leave London Heathrow by British Airways non-stop flight to Chennai (Madras). Arriving around midnight, your Tour Manager will meet you and take you to the Trident Hilton

A leisurely morning is followed by a tour of the city this afternoon, taking in some of the highlights of its cultural heritage. This will include the strategically important Fort St George, the first fortress built by the British in India and the focus of the city’s original evolution. The Church of St Mary’s and St Thomas’s Basilica provide an insight into the city’s rich religious history, whilst a tour of the Kaplleswara Temple serves to highlight the ancient Dravidian style of architecture.

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Bangalore. From here we travel to Chikmagalur for our stay at the Taj Garden Retreat in the cool fertile foothills of the Babaudangiri Hills

This morning there will be a visit to Belur and Halebid to view the magnificent Hoysala temples, before an afternoon of leisure and an opportunity to visit a local coffee plantation.

Transfer to Mysore this morning where we stay at the Regalis Hotel. Afternoon tour of the city’s highlights, including the majestic Maharajah’s Palace and the Nandi Bull. The palace, built at the turn of the 20th century, is undoubtedly Mysore’s premier attraction, blending the diverging styles of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic together in a 3-storied edifice of grandiose opulence. If time allows there may also be the opportunity to take a small detour via the bustling fruit and vegetable market to see the local produce before returning to the hotel

A morning visit to Somnathpur, on the banks of the Kaveri River, takes in one of the last and greatest of the Hoysala monuments, the spectacular Kesava Temple. The tour also includes the island of Srirangapatnam, home to the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, as well as the 15th century fort and prison. Returning to the hotel in time for lunch (at your own expense), the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure.

An early morning drive brings you to Ootacamund today (frequently abbreviated to Ooty), a popular hill station located amidst the forested landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills, where we stay at the Hotel Savoy

Breakfast is followed by a tour of the town, taking in the local church, the botanical gardens (seasonal) and the artificial lake. After lunch there will be an opportunity to take a ride on the remarkable Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a narrow-gauge track that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon will include some sightseeing around the charming hill station of Coonoor before the return back to Ooty by road.

A long drive takes us to Cochin for our stay at the Taj Malabar, overlooking the attractive harbour.

Cochin has been described as The Queen of the Arabian Sea and this morning we visit some of the highlights of this captivating port, taking in the myriad styles that attest to Arab, Jewish and European influences. There will be time to explore the 16th century Portuguese built Mattancherry Palace and the Church of St Francis, before viewing the remarkable cantilevered Chinese fishing nets en route back to the hotel. This afternoon is free to enjoy more of the town at your leisure.

Journeying by road and boat to Alleppey, you will transfer to the Lake Palace Hotel. Afternoon cruise of the backwaters, taking in the rural idylls of village life, visiting Champakulam Church and seeing something of the traditional Snake Boats.

Continue through the intricate network of channels to Coconut Lagoon in time for lunch. This afternoon you will then transfer by road to Periyar and a stay at the Taj Garden Retreat

A morning cruise on Lake Periyar reveals some of the diverse natural beauty of this spectacular wildlife refuge. One of India’s 16 Project Tiger Reserves, Periyar is actually more famous for its elephant population and there is every chance we may see some of these magnificent creatures drinking at the water’s edge as well some of the huge variety of birdlife. There will also be an opportunity to visit a local spice plantation before continuing to Madurai after lunch, for a stay at the Taj Garden Retreat.

A morning tour of Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities, takes in the renowned Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalalnalk Palace and the water tank. The focal point of the city, the Meenakshi Temple is central to a city that can trace its history back two and a half millennia, taking in the golden ages of the Chola and Pandya dynasties and earning itself the enviable title of the ‘Athens of the East’. Important: Please note that Meenakshi Temple is currently under renovation work due to rain damage. The temple remains open but photography from the outside will be obscured due to the renovation work. The work is due to be completed by June 2009. The afternoon is free for further exploration of this colourful town.

Depart Madurai this morning and fly back to Chennai. On arrival we drive south of the city to Covelong for a relaxing stay at the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort, located by a sandy beach on the Bay of Bengal.

Free day with a range of optional excursions available, including a full day visit to Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram.

Fly in the early hours of this morning by British Airways non-stop flight to London Heathrow, arriving later the same morning.