Tamil Nadu & Kerala: From Coast to Coast
20 days from £8,870 for 2024 per person
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.
Itinerary details
20 days from £8,870 for 2024 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 - Palais de Mahe - Pondicherry
Morning drive to Pondicherry, via Kalakshetra Foundation, Dakshina Chitra Museum and Mahabalipuram. - Day 4 - Palais de Mahe - Pondicherry
Morning walking tour of Pondicherry. Afternoon visit to Auroville. - Day 5 - Svatma - Tanjore
Morning drive to Tanjore via Darasuram. Afternoon tour of Brihadeeswara Temple. - Day 6 - Svatma - Tanjore
Day trip visit to the ancient city of Trichy. - Day 7 - Visalam - Chettinad
Morning drive to to Chettinad followed by lunch at Bangala. Afternoon ox-cart tour of the town. - Day 8 - Visalam - Chettinad
Full day sightseeing tour to visit the local businesses, temples and mansions. - Day 9 - Rajakkad Estate - Dindigul
Morning drive to Dindigul. Spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 10 - Rajakkad Estate - Dindigul
Spend the day at leisure. - Day 11 - Windermere Estate - Munnar
Morning drive to Munnar. Afternoon visit the tea plantation and tea factory. - Day 12 - Windermere Estate - Munnar
Spend the day at leisure to explore the local area. - Day 13 - Philipkutty's Farm - Kerala
Morning drive to the Backwaters. Spend the day at leisure. - Day 14 - Philipkutty's Farm - Kerala
Morning farm visit followed by a day cruise on a traditional riceboat. - Day 15 - Philipkutty's Farm - Kerala
Spend the day at leisure. - Day 16 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
Morning drive to Marari Beach. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. - Day 17 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
Spend the day at leisure. - Day 18 - Marari Beach Resort - Mararikulam
Spend the day at leisure. - Day 19 - Old Harbour Hotel - Cochin
Morning drive to Cochin. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin, or spend the rest of the day at leisure. - Day 20 - In transit.
Morning transfer back to the airport for your onward journey home.
When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller