Southern India, comprising the four states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and “God’s own country” Kerala, stands in vivid contrast to its neighbours with a distinct identity. Despite the continuous flow of people and ideas between North and South India over the last four thousand years and more, each of the four states has its own major language, and collectively the region has its own cultural traditions of literature, art, architecture and music. Some of Hinduism’s most important schools of philosophy have had their origins in the far south, yet Christianity pre-dates some of them.

In the backdrop of this cultural and ethnic diversity looms an even greater expanse of beautiful scenery. At the juncture of the Western and Eastern Ghats stand the Nilgiris (blue hills) rising gently to over 2,500 metres; their verdant hillsides comparable to beauty of the alpine meadows and the snowy heights of the Great Himalayas. Overlooking the plains of Tamil Nadu to the east and the narrow coastal strip of Kerala and Karnataka to the west Nilgiri mountains provide respite and sanctuary from the heat and dust of the Indian summer.

Visit the delightful hill stations – Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Munnar and the more popular Ootcamund (Ooty) and enjoy the best of a low latitude-high altitude climate. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Nizam’s Hyderabad, Tipu Sultan’s Mysore and discover the Vijayanagara’s ancient kingdom of Hampi. Explore the interiors of the Malabar Coast and delve deeper and further up in the highlands of the Western Ghats to visit the aromatic Nilgiri tea gardens and the coffee & cardamom plantations. Relax & enjoy the breathtaking sunrises & sunsets of the coastal region of Kovalam and Kanyakumari. Treat yourself to the invigorating Ayurvedic massages and energise your soul in the living temples of Tamil Nadu. Savour the sea food delicacies and learn about the history of the traders, warriors and missionaries, who landed at the historical ports of Cochin, Calicut, Madras & Vishakapatnam.

Pick up a few exotic artefacts, while shopping for the best handicrafts and sculptures, as well as incenses and spices. And do not forget to take that lifetime cruise in the backwaters of Kerala in traditional rice boats & also track game on Elephant safaris in the tropical jungles of Periyar, Bandipur and Naagarahole National parks.

We at NEI—Nature Expeditions India with our extensive operational network and expertise will make every effort to make your holiday a rich travel experience in our Exotic India