This trip highlights South India’s distinct flavors and offers an entirely different feel from the landlocked cities and sun-baked deserts of the North. Explore this region at a leisurely pace and enjoy countless miles of breezy coastline, lush rolling hills and wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. Begin with an overnight in Mumbai before flying to Trivandrum, the capital of the southern state of Kerala. Check into the Taj Green Cove Resort in nearby Kovalam for two nights and spend your time relaxing at this resort-spa-retreat, visiting local temples, art galleries and watching a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Make your way to Alleppey where you will spend the night on a deluxe houseboat with your own private chef cruising through the region’s famous waterways. Arrive in Kumarakom, the setting of Arundhati Roy’s award-winning novel The God of Small Things, where you can explore the peaceful surroundings, take a sunset boat cruise and enjoy a healing Ayurvedic body treatment. Spend two full days in Cochin, taking a cooking class with a famed cookbook author and touring the area. Continue your journey in Kabini, which straddles both Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks, and take part in the many wildlife viewing activities in this pristine wilderness outpost. Depart for the Neeleshwar Hermitage resort for three relaxing nights, where you can participate in yoga and meditation classes, leisurely treks through the spice hills or just sit back and take in the tranquil surroundings. Conclude your trip with two nights in Mumbai, touring the city, its colorful markets and nearby Elephanta Island.