In this woefully under-visited state, there is the tech capital of India at Bengaluru plus several heritage centres with palaces and temples of competing ancient kingdoms. In addition, there are coffee plantations, tiger reserves and uncrowded beaches.
Tamil Nadu is beyond the tourist circuits of India, with unique local culture, cuisine and temples, colonial legacy, churches and forts, hectic street life, crowded beaches on the Bay of Bengal coast, cool hill stations in the Western Ghats, and the uniqueness of the southern tip of the sub-Continent.
Beautiful backwaters, mountain plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, heritage sites and two world-class beaches make Kerala the chilled alternative to Goa.
Surprisingly few foreign tourists make it to Punjab, the small state on the north-west of India neighbouring Pakistan. But those who do witness two very different treasures – the Golden Temple of Amritsar and the border ceremony at Wagah – that are among the greatest attractions in the world, never mind the sub-continent.
On this classic itinerary you will see all the famous palaces, citadels and monuments, have your senses assaulted from all sides, and come away with so many talking-point experiences that you will feel you have at least an introductory insight into this vast and complex country.