Kerala is known as "God's own Country" and from the majestic heights of the Western Ghats, through rich green valleys and fertile plains to immaculate beaches and rocky coastline, with miles of beautiful waterways or backwaters to explore and a wide range of fantastic wildlife, it's easy to see why.

The tour starts in the lovely seaside city of Cochin flanked by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, its proximity to the equator, sea and mountains give it a moderate equatorial climate. Cochin is a generic name for the area and there is time to explore this beautiful region and take a cruise on the backwaters. From Cochin there is a visit to Thattekkad bird sanctuary which lies between the tributaries of the Periyar River like a peninsular. Its dense tropical forests are home to many rare birds such as the crimson-throated barbet as well as many animals and reptiles.

The next stop is Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India which is situated at the meeting point of three mountain streams and a haven for hill birds. Nearby attractions include the Anayirangal Reservoir; surrounded by a lush green carpet of tea plantations this is a wonderful place to visit, and Top Station; a highpoint offering panoramic views of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. From Munnar there is the chance to visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the largest population of the endangered nilgiri tahr (a rare mountain goat) as well as other inhabitants such as Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small clawed otter, dusky striped squirrel and a healthy population of birds.

The next day we drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest - this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.

The tour moves on to Allepeye for a relaxing cruise in a luxurious houseboat on Kerala's famous backwaters, arriving in the early morning at the enchanting destination Kumarokom . Kumarakom is made up of a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and the bird sanctuary here is an ornithologist's paradise filled with egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks.

The trip ends in Kovalam, one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia with three adjacent crescent beaches. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. You can spend time relaxing here or take an optional trip to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.