Formerly known as Madras, this is the fourth largest city in India and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai boasts one of the longest city beaches in the world, and the Marina provides a refreshing contrast to the busy city centre. The Fort St. George area contains many reminders from the time the British established East India Trading Company in the 17th century, including the oldest surviving Anglican church in Asia, the St. Mary's Church.

Tamil Nadu, in south India, is a fascinating state full of ancient Dravidian architecture. Intricately crafted temples, rock carvings, and classical dance are some of the attractions. Starting at the beach side retreat of Mamallapuram, you relax in the historic `French' town of Pondicherry before exploring the main temple cities of Thanjavur and Madurai.

The Western Ghats are a magnificent range of hills, rising up from India's Malabar Coast. It is an area that is hidden away in the southern reaches of Karnataka and in northern Kerala. You travel from Kozhikode to Wayanad, known for its evergreen rain forest and coffee, tea, cardamom and pepper plantations. From here you continue to the sandalwood city of Mysore with its beautiful palace. Your tour ends in Bangalore.

The laid back village of Hampi was the last capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in India's history. The city was planned out in neat grids, had a well thought of sewage system, bustling market place full of luxurious goods and magnificent palaces. What's left today are extremely captivating ruins dating back to the 14th century. They stretch for just over 25 kilometers and comprise more than 500 monuments. Moreover, the landscape is remarkable, with huge boulders standing against the blue skies.