Tamil Nadu & Kerala: From Coast to Coast

20 days from £8,870 for 2025 per person

• Chennai
• Pondicherry
• Tanjore
• Chettinad
• Dindigul
• Munnar
• Kerala
• Mararikulam
• Cochin

From Tamil Nadu to Kerala, this comprehensive tour from the Coromandel Coast to the Malabar Coast takes in the two southernmost states of India, which are incredibly different to one another and complement each other perfectly. 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.

This tour begins in Chennai on the shores of the Coromandel Coast. Explore the exciting city, as well as nearby 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. It's then on to the prosperous merchant town of Chettinad, the homeland of the wealthy Chettiar community, where you will witness rich examples of their handsomely built, exquisite teak mansions. End your time in Tamil Nadu with a stay at the peaceful Rajakkad Estate, and enjoy a slower pace of life in the cool air of the Palani Hills.

From Dindigul, head on to Munnar in the rolling Cardamom Hills, South India's largest tea-growing region and where you will have a chance to pick your own tea. And then on 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.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson