+44 (0)20 7819 9770
info@ampersandtravel.com
Tamil Nadu & Kerala... A Luxury Tailor-made Tour of South India
15 days from £7,920 for 2023 per person
Towering temples, mist shrouded hills and palm fringed beaches are just a few of the incredible sights that await you on this wonderful tailor-made itinerary. The two southernmost states of India are Tamil Nadu and Kerala which are incredibly different to one another and complement each other perfectly.
This comprehensive tour starts near Chennai (formerly Madras) on the shores of the Coromandel Coast. Explore the exciting city of Chennai, as well as Mahabalipuram, a charming town full of ancient archaeological wonders and World Heritage–listed temples and carvings. From here, head to the old French colony of Pondicherry, a peaceful coastal town, brimming with style and classic French idiosyncrasies. Continue through the heart of Dravidian India, visiting some of the subcontinent's most impressive temples, before arriving in Tanjore. Explore all the city has to offer, including the Brihadeeswara Temple, an outstanding example of ancient Chola architecture. End your stay in Tamil Nadu with a night in Madurai where you can visit the incredibly remarkable Meenakshi Temple.
From Madurai, head to the rolling Cardamom Hills for a night in Munnar, South India's largest tea-growing region and where you will have a chance to pick your own tea. And then to the serene backwaters where you will enjoy the warm hospitality at a traditional Keralan home stay. Cruise through the backwaters in a converted rice barge and see village life that has remained unchanged for decades. Spend a few days by the beach on the Malabar Coast staying on an old coconut plantation, before ending the tour in the ancient city of Cochin which is famed for its spices and ancient trading routes.
This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your perfect tailor-made tour of India. If you would like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Epic Journeys, Honeymoons and Family Holidays; as well as our favourite Beach and Boating itineraries.
Itinerary details
15 days from £7,920 for 2023 per person
- Day 1 - Taj Connemara - Chennai
Arrive in Chennai and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 2 - Taj Connemara - Chennai
Full day guided sightseeing in Chennai, including a street food tour and a dance tour. - Day 3 - Taj Fisherman's Cove - Mahabalipuram
Morning drive to Mahabalipuram via Kalakshetra Foundation and Dakshina Chitra Museum. Afternoon sightseeing at Mahabalipuram. - Day 4 - Palais de Mahe - Pondicherry
Morning drive to Pondicherry. Afternoon walking tour of the area. - Day 5 - Palais de Mahe - Pondicherry
Spend the day at leisure to explore Pondicherry. - Day 6 - Svatma - Tanjore
Morning drive to Tanjore. Afternoon tour of Brihadeeswara Temple. - Day 7 - Svatma - Tanjore
Morning sightseeing tour to visit the local businesses, temples and mansions. Spend the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel's spa. - Day 8 - The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai - Madurai
Morning drive to Madurai. Afternoon sightseeing and evening ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. - Day 9 - Windermere Estate - Munnar
Morning drive to Munnar. Afternoon visit the tea plantation and tea factory. - Day 10 - Philipkutty's Farm - Kerala
Morning drive to the Backwaters. Spend the day at leisure. - Day 11 - Philipkutty's Farm - Kerala
Morning farm visit followed by a day cruise on a traditional riceboat. - Day 12 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
Morning drive to Marari Beach. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. - Day 13 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
Spend the day at leisure. - Day 14 - Brunton Boatyard - Cochin
Drive to Cochin. Afternoon sightseeing tour or spend the rest of the day at leisure. - Day 15 - In transit.
Morning transfer back to the airport for your onward journey home.
Places of Interest
AccommodationMy favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus
