Introducing India

India is an intriguing yet overwhelming place. It is a melting pot of several religions, several hundred languages, and several million people. Due to its staggering size, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a trip there. Luckily a helping hand isn’t far away. We’ve stripped India back to basics, compiling a list of India’s highlights and more importantly, how, where and when to see them. Exploring the nooks and crannies of its cities, discovering its ancient charm, experiencing its age old rituals, and falling under the spell of India’s irrepressible charm makes for an adventure you will never forget.

Kerala and the South Itineraries

Southern India offers an extraordinary variety of things to do and fascinating places to see – from the impressive forts and temples in Chennai and Madurai, to the stunning plantations of Paradisa and the tranquil canals of the backwaters. Imagine India can design your tailor-made luxury holiday to Southern India to fit around your exact requirements.

Life on the backwaters

There is nothing more tranquil than an exploration of Kerala’s Backwaters, made up of winding canals, rivers and huge lakes. The best way to travel this region and to be truly immersed in its way of life is by spending time on a kettuvallam (houseboat). From the moment you get on board you are transported to India’s very own Venice, where the atmosphere is serene and the landscape enchanting.

Homestays & Havelis in India

Enjoy a sneak peek into daily life in India by staying at a haveli or in a homestay. If only for a few nights, you will be shoehorned into a family, enjoying traditional Indian hospitality, sampling home cooked food and exploring the path less travelled. Staying at one of these unique lodgings will give you an incredible insight into real India, and you will be welcomed with open arms by hosts whose wealth of local knowledge knows no bounds. Coming in all shapes and sizes, from plantation bungalows to historic houses, majestic forts and charming cottages, a short stay in one of these unique properties allows you to immerse yourself in India rather than simply visit it.

Kerala and the South

The southern states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are home to exquisite temple towns, tranquil backwaters, sandy beaches, colourful cities, tea plantations, green rolling hills and a rich cultural heritage. Scenically diverse and brimming with colonial and historic treasures, Kerala and the South is a delight the explore, where the pace of life is slowed to a leisurely stroll.

Located in India’s Deep South, coastal Kerala is famous for its vast network of backwaters, linking lakes and lagoons just shy of the coastline. There is much to explore, with over 900km of waterways combining to form this exceptional system. A slow-paced cruise in a traditional houseboat is an indulgent immersion into life in Kerala, and a must for anyone visiting the region.

Kerala’s vast coastline is speckled with gorgeous warm water bays. Marari is a lovely beach retreat and our recommendation if you’re looking for solitude and tranquillity. Kovalam is slightly more frequented, but have some lovely beaches, great water-sport facilities and the option of early morning yoga. Escape to cooler climes at Munnar hill station and trek Anamudi, the highest peak in Southern India, or explore the picturesque landscaped charm of Ooty.

Despite its relaxed feel, there is much to do and see in this region that would keep even the most restless traveller occupied. A city many consider to be the jewel of Kerala, Cochin has a unique colonial history, with a culture shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Arab and Japanese influences. Continue on this south India cultural exploration to the Tamil Nadu temple town of Madurai, home to the internationally acclaimed Meenkashi temple.

Karnataka’s cities of Mysore and Bangalore are great for exploring, the former boasting an array of historic temples and colourful markets, and the latter a cosmopolitan city bursting with restaurants and shops.

Away from India’s mainland, lie the Andaman Islands, an archipelago consisting of 300 idyllic and pristine islands. With white sandy beaches, colourful corals and bountiful sea life, the islands offer the perfect beach retreat in the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal.

We recently sent our travel specialist Cherylle out to southern India, to experience the laid-back atmosphere of this part of the country. Here, she tells us all about her trip…


To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916

Did you know?

The Keralan backwaters are an interconnected labyrinth of canals, lakes, inlets which are estimated to be about 900km long in total.

Did you know?

The name Kerala is said to derive from the word Keram which means coconut tree in Malayalam, it is therefore known as "The Land of the Coconuts."

Cochin, Kerala and the South, India

Malabar House, situated in one of the many Dutch colonial buildings in Cochin, is an award-winning luxury boutique hotel with just 17 rooms that makes a stylish and peaceful honeymoon sanctuary in the heart of the city’s hustle and bustle.

Malabar House

Munnar

Situated near Munnar in Kerala’s Western Ghats, amongst some of South India’s most stunning scenery, the Windermere Estate is a plantation retreat that offers glorious views, superb hospitality and all the comforts of (a very British) home.

Windermere Estate

Kovalam, Kerala, India

Enviably positioned between Kerala’s tranquil backwaters and Kovalam’s surf, Vivanta by Taj is a unique hotel that offers both families and couples high-end luxury facilities and contemporary style for a wonderfully relaxing beach stay.

Vivanta By Taj Kovalam

Backwaters, Kerala and the South, India

Situated on an island in the sleepy backwaters, Philip Kutty’s Farm is a wonderful and authentic homestay, oozing charm and providing guests with a magical culinary experience and a personal and highly rewarding insight into rural Keralan life.

Philip Kutty's Farm

Kovalem, Kerala, India

With a dramatic cliff-top setting overlooking the Arabian Sea by one of Kerala’s most loved beaches, the Leela Kempinski Kovalam offers opulent amenities, impeccable service and a superb location for enjoying a relaxing and luxurious beach stay.

The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach

Madurai, India

The Heritage Madurai is a tranquil oasis set among verdant gardens in Tamil Nadu’s famous temple city. Oozing quintessential colonial finesse, the Heritage is the city’s top hotel and makes a very comfortable base for experiencing the wonders of Madurai.

Heritage Madurai

Backwaters, Kerala and the South, India

Spending a night on a private houseboat is a tranquil way to explore the magical backwaters of Kerala and is a must on any Keralan adventure with your very own crew to cook traditional Keralan meals and to ensure you have the most enjoyable stay on board.

Houseboat Lakes and Lagoons

Mararikkulam, Kerala, India

Built in the style of a local fishing village on the golden palm-fringed beaches and surf of the famed Spice Coast, Marari Beach is a superb place to relax at the end of a visit to Kerala, with everything on hand to do as little or as much as you choose.

Marari Beach Resort

Cochin, Kerala and the South, India

An oasis of quiet calm and discreet service located just steps away from Fort Cochin’s famous cantilever fishing nets, The Old Harbour is a small luxury colonial-style hotel that oozes charm and makes a great option for families and couples alike.

Old Harbour Hotel

Thekkady and Periyar National Park, India

Nestled in the foothills of Kerala's Western Ghats, Spice Village is a delightful retreat with beautiful cottages and abundant spice gardens. Located near Thekkady, it is ideal for both relaxing and embarking on wildlife safaris in Periyar National Park.

Spice Village

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Combine 2 or more Leela Hotels for a minimum of 4 nights and save up to 15%. Leela is a collection of deluxe hotels offering unparalleled luxury and the very best Indian hospitality.

Save up to 15% at Leela Hotels

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Cochin, India

Explore Cochin with a photographer guide who will take you to the perfect spots to capture the soul of the city on your camera.

Photography tour of Cochin

Cochin, India

Visit Kumbalangi Village, a miniature fishing village near Kochi, for a typical Keralan village experience. Explore its natural beauty and observe fishermen using traditional Chinese nets.

Visit to Kumbalangi Village

Backwaters, India

Alleppey is the heart of Kerala’s backwaters. Touring the town by foot can open your eyes to its history as well as witnessing beautiful countryside scenery and experiencing modern market life.

Alleppey by foot

Chennai, India

The Chennai dance tradition tour takes you to the Kalakshetra Foundation and gives you an insight into how Chennai is trying to keep the traditional values of dance, music and arts and crafts alive.

Chennai Dance Tradition Tour

Madurai, India

An early morning walking tour from 6am of Madurai town. Immerse yourself in local culture and interact with local people as they begin their days work.

Early morning walking tour of Madurai town

Cochin, India

Enjoy a classical Indian dance drama which originated in Kerala in the 17th Century. Famous for its elaborate costumes and even more over-the-top characters, it offers a wonderful nights' entertainment along with music and percussion.

Watch a Kathakali Performance

Mysore, India

An early morning cycle tour of Mysore to watch the city waking up and coming to life, by cycling through busy markets and residential areas.

Mysore cycle tour

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