If Pondicherry seems familiar to you, it may be from the scenes in Life of Pi that was filmed in the city. Explore this outpost of colonial France with its French bread and quiet streets and cuisine before venturing deeper into Tamil Nadu.
Famous colonial hangout from the fierce summer heats and famous for its railway line. Visit Ooty while staying in the charming, quiet Coonoor nearby. Walks around Ooty are picturesque and treks in Coonoor are peaceful with fewer people around.
Home to Gandhi for many years and site of the famous Salt March protest that changed both India and the world. Visit the fascinating old city, Gandhi's ashram and the calico museum.
The wardens estimate that 40 wild tigers inhabit the jungle sanctuary in the Western Ghats. Visitors very very rarely see them in this remotest of their ranges.
Hitch a ride in the Hindustan Ambassador, India's most known car with new-found fame thanks to the Top Gear guys crowning it the 'best taxi in the world'. The Amby, as it is called lovingly, has been synonymous with India and the elephant in its sheer size and clunky gait and is a must-do on your trip to the country. Karma India will go out on a limb and call it cute, even!