Join Susan Drew, owner of Sangha Tours in Vero Beach, on her next fully escorted group tour in starting February 17 to South India. Due to the great tropical weather, slow pace, lush scenery and enchanting sights, South India is one of travel's new and dreamy “it places.”

The tour starts in Bangalore, where visitors will encounter many gardens, museums and temples. Then it's off to see the palaces of Mysore, the “sandalwood city,” before arriving in the green hills of Coorg. Staying at a 5-star eco-resort, there's time for birding, nature walks, Tibetan village visits, coffee, tea and spice plantation tours all before heading to another luxury eco-resort for jeep/river animal safaris, birding and other activities.

The tour heads south to Kerala's famous backwaters and historical Cochin for thatched boat rides, city tours and a two-night luxury backwaters cruise. Afterward, the group travels south, visiting a bird sanctuary, before reaching beautiful Kovallam Beach for the last few nights.

Tour options include cooking classes, ayurvedic treatments, dance performances, yoga classes, kayaking, elephant rides, biking, village tours, spa visits, shopping and more.

For tour information on South India and Galapagos to follow, contact Susan Drew at 772-567-6202 or [email protected]. Sign up for the mailing list at SanghaTours.net (st37498) Rates: $3690 (Double Occupancy), $5750 (Single Occupancy), $900 (Deposit), Air Extra (Recommended: Qatar Air).