Treasures of Southern India

Tamil Nadu & Kerala: Temples, Tea & Tranquil Backwaters

Overview

From the rhythmic clang of temple bells to the scent of cardamom in the air, Tamil Nadu and Kerala offer an intoxicating mix of tradition, spirituality, and natural beauty. This immersive tour journeys through hill stations, sacred cities, heritage villages, and tropical backwaters, all while staying in some of South India’s finest hotels.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Chennai

• Depart from London (regional connections available) to Chennai with British Airways
  Meals: None

Day 2: Chennai Arrival & Exploration

• Early check-in at the Hyatt Regency (or similar) for 1 night
• Afternoon at leisure followed by city tour highlights:
  • Colonial-era architecture
  • Ancient temples
  • Sunset at Marina Beach, watching fishermen and locals
    Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Mahabalipuram & Puducherry

• Visit Mylapore – explore bazaars, jewelers, silk shops, and the impressive Kapaleeshwarar Temple
• Stop at the shore temples of Mahabalipuram en route to Puducherry
• 2-night stay at Palais de Mahe in the French Quarter
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Puducherry

• Visit a rural village with the Mohanam Cultural Centre
  • Try crafts like stone carving, terracotta work
• Guided walk through Puducherry:
  • Aurobindo Ashram
  • Tamil Quarter
  • Evening at Ganesh Temple
    Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Chidambaram to Kumbakonam

• Scenic drive to Kumbakonam
• Evening pottery workshop
• Interactive South Indian cooking demo at your resort
• 2-night stay at Mantra Koodam
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Kumbakonam’s Art & Temples

• Visit:
  • Bronze statue foundry
  • Pattu silk weaving workshop
  • Kolam drawing activity
  • Darasuram Temple
  • Local vegetable market
  • 140-year-old Vedic School
• Optional countryside cycling tour
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Tanjore & Chettinad

• Visit:
  • Brihadeeswarar Temple – famed for 1,000-year-old frescoes
  • Tanjore Palace, Art Gallery, and Saraswathi Mahal Library
• Continue to Chettinad, stay at Chidambara Vilas
• Evening Chettinad cuisine experience
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Madurai

• Morning visit to Chettinad village market
• Transfer to Madurai
• Evening visit to Meenakshi Temple for the vibrant night ceremony
• Overnight at Heritage Madurai
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Munnar (Enter Kerala)

• Scenic drive to Munnar, passing lush tea plantations
• Visit a tea factory, tasting session and plantation walk
• Stay at Fragrant Nature (or similar)
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Munnar to Kumarakom

• Optional visit to the Srishti Welfare Centre
• Continue to Kumarakom, check in at Kumarakom Lake Resort (Meandering Pool Villa) for 2 nights
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Leisure in Kumarakom

• Free day to relax or explore village life in the backwaters
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Houseboat Cruise & Kochi

• Board a traditional kettuvallam (rice boat) for a gentle cruise
• Disembark and drive to Kochi
• Evening Kathakali dance performance
• 2-night stay at Eighth Bastion (or similar)
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Kochi Tour

• Morning sightseeing:
  • Chinese fishing nets
  • St Francis Church
  • Jew Town
  • Dhobi wallah (outdoor laundry)
• Afternoon at leisure to shop or explore
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Fly to London via Mumbai

• Transfer to Kochi Airport
• Fly to London via Mumbai with British Airways
  Meals: Breakfast