Surrounded by the Arabian sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Indian Peninsula with its 61,000 m coastline protruding into the Indian Ocean is a region of many and varied splendours. Golden beaches, verdant wooded hills, serene villages, and tea & coffee plantations along the picturesque coastline together with its cosmopolitan and dynamic cities all lie here. The region’s varied attractions besides the beaches include Portuguese churches, the ancient caves and temples of Ajanta and Ellora, and the magnificent ruins of Hampi.

The Western Ghats extend from north to south for about 1700km encompassing three ranges – the Sahayadris, the Attari range of Goa and the Nilgiris in the South.  The Sahyadri Range running in an unbroken parallel line along the coast stretches across the state of Maharashtra from the Tapti River near Surat to the Terekhol creek in Goa. Formed from volcanic rock, the hills are a maze of ridges and valleys. Particularly beautiful in September after the monsoons, the hiking trails through hills carpeted with flowers and past cascading water falls to the high ramparts of the ancient forts and temples following the footsteps of the great Maratha leader Shivaji.

Travelling further south from the famous golden beaches of Goa one can visit the great Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebellenur hills.  As one travels along the coast you will notice a distinctive culture that has developed in these fishing communities over the past 2000 years. Beyond the coastline are fertile paddy fields and thriving plantations of coconut, cashew, betel nut, rubber, pepper, coffee and fragrant spices. The rich tropical and deciduous forests are home to a large variety of bird and animal life.

The never ending magical greenery continues on to the lazy backwaters of Kerala with its water canals and tall palm trees make any picture look stunning. Aptly described as “God’s Own Country” Kerala and the rest of South India’s dramatic coastline both on the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, meet at Kanyakumari on the Indian Ocean.
Besides the natural wonders of isolated beaches, dense forests, game reserves, rich plantations - in the most scenic surroundings - the dramatic coastline of India with its fascinating historic sites reflect the rich cultural heritage that beckons visitors from all over the world.  They come to experience and rediscover themselves, strengthen and heal the mind and body with yoga and meditation, pamper the senses with ayurvedic massages and walk through the rolling hills to be one with nature.