A classic combination of history, religion and wildlife: exploring colonial hill stations and backwaters, walking and cycling, makes it a perfect holiday.
Duration: 19 days
Best time: October to April
Highlights: day walks & camping in Western Ghats & Cardamom Hills; House Boat cruise through backwaters; cycling through spice & tea plantations; temples, local inhabitants and their cultures; jungle safaris in national parks; Kathakali dance & Ayurveda
Physical Challenge: overall moderate; entails a few long drives
Route: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Madurai – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Cochin – Ooty – Bandipur – Mysore – Hassan – Bangalore
