Stunning South India & Kerala

For centuries Kochi has been the principal port and trading post for the south-west. Spend time exploring the series of islands, old spice warehouses and churches in Fort Kochi, an area retaining its colonial charm. Evening boat cruises provide the perfect opportunity to see the iconic fishing nets that hover over the water.

For a great introduction to city life in the South, look no further than Kerala’s capital Trivandrum. Although it is a great springboard to the nearby beachside resort of Kovalam, Trivandrum also has more than its share of attractions, ranging from Victorian museums in glorious neo-Keralan buildings to the busy centre with pagoda-shaped buildings and narrow, winding lanes.

For sweeping beaches, the small town of Bekal in Kerala’s far north is ideal. As well as resorts catering to life’s comforts, there are still plenty of off-the-beaten-track adventures to be had. Discover the beauty of the backwaters, a network of shimmering waterways that crisscross the region, ideal for cruises and stays onboard authentic houseboats.

A major centre for coffee and spice production, Coorg is made up of a rural expanse of emerald landscapes. Dubbed the ‘Scotland of India’, due to its highland terrain and cool climate, it is fantastic for trekking in the rainforest or simply ambling down little-trodden paths.

It only takes a sunset stroll along Marina Beach to realise that Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is a city of today, with layers of cosmopolitan glamour in the form of luxury hotels, smart boutiques, stylish restaurants and bars. Of course you do not have to look far to find the heritage and traditions of South Indian art and religion.

In this former French colony you will find traditional areas with quiet, cobbled streets lined with colonial townhouses, in contrast to the newer parts of town which are far more typically southern Indian. Hotels, restaurants and ‘lifestyle’ shops radiate a French influence while just outside the city is Auroville, one of the most famous ashrams in India.

Also known as the ‘City of Pearls’, it has seen centuries of great prosperity and innovation. Today, the city is laced with ancient Islamic monuments, including ornate tombs, mosques and palaces, some weathered and enchanting. The west of the city has seen an emergence of a new decadence, with a culture of fine food and stylish hotspots.

One of the foremost cities of the south, Bengaluru is blessed with a gentle climate and a burgeoning social scene. Though there are some lovely parks and striking Victorian architecture, it also offers a chance to experience the new face of India. Nowadays Bengaluru rivals Mumbai as the nation’s most progressive city.