Hidden Gems of Southern India

Fly from Londo to Chennai (Madras). Regional connections available.

(N)

On arrival, head to the Taj Connemara for 1 night. Early check-ins available. Enjoy some leisure time, then take an afternoon tour of the city followed by leisure time at Marina Beach.

(B)

Morning walking tour of Mylapore. Check out the local temples, South Indian delicacies, and shopping at Luz corner, one of Chennai’s most popular shopping districts. Then proceed to Puducherry (Pondicherry), a union territory of India formed in 1962, which was previously under French colonial rule until 1952. On the way, you can visit the various World Heritage-listed temples at Mahabalipuram.

Stay 2 nights at the Palais de Mahé in the heart of the French Quarter.

(B)

In the morning, visit a rural village. The village is managed by the Mohanam Cultural Centre, established 2001, under the Auroville Village Action Trust. The goal of the trust is to give the younger generations a chance to participate in extracurricular activities that they may not normally have access to. These activities include traditional crafts like stone carving, ceramics, and terracotta work.

In the afternoon, take a guided walk-through Puducherry. Visit the spiritual community of Aurobindo ashram, the vibrant Tamil Quarter (also known as ‘Black Town’), and the Ganesh temple in the evening.

(B)

At Chidambaram Temple, witness the daily rituals and Kalamkari art; a style of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile art that uses plant-based dyes. Then drive through the gorgeous countryside to Kumbakonam and stay 2 nights at the Mantra Koodam.

In the early evening, have a go at pottery. Then be part of a unique, interactive culinary demonstration, led by expert chefs who deliver lively, engaging, and informative cooking presentations.

(B, D)

Visit the local market at sunrise. After breakfast, go to Tamil Nadu, a place that – despite being inhabited by humans for over two millenia – still holds on to its ancient culture with pride. There you will learn about the Tamil’s language, visit temples, and participate in activities like dancing, poetry readings, and cooking.

You will also visit the Darasuram Temple, a twin temple complex dedicated to the gods Shiva and Devi, as evident by the many sculptures and artefacts depicting their likeness in impressive detail. Enjoy afternoon leisure, exploring the countryside by foot.

(B, D)

Drive to Chettinad. Along the way, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore, constructed under the ruler Rajaraja I and completed in 1010. The temple is considered a strong symbol of wealth and power. Also visit the local art gallery and Saraswathi Mahai Library, located at the Tanjore Palace.

Upon arrival at Chettinad, stay overnight at the Chidambara Vilas. And enjoy a memorable culinary experience, too.

(B, L, D)

In the morning, explore the village market, stop for a refreshing cup of tea, and check out some of the impressive mansions. Then travel to Madurai. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple and Hall of a Thousand Pillars, the latter of which has 985 pillars. Stay overnight at the Heritage Madurai.

(B)

Travel around the hill country of Munnar and stay overnight at Fragrant Nature. Have lunch in a tea planter’s bungalow and visit the Suryanelli tea factory which is spread over 638 hectares. There you will enjoy a guided tour, tea tasting, and a stroll through the tea plantation.

(B, L, D)

In the morning, enjoy leisure or visit the Srishti Welfare Centre. The centre houses a school for lesser abled children and young adults, providing the education they need to live a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. Then travel to Kumarakom for 2 nights at the Rhythm Kumarakom (Poolside Cottage). Upgrade to the Lakefront Luxury Villa with a plunge pool from £105 per person for 2 nights.

(B, D)

Full day of leisure. Enjoy the stunning surroundings or head to the backwaters to explore the nearby villages.

In the morning, cruise aboard a shikara (wooden boat) through the backwaters. Then drive to Kochi (Cochin). Once there visit the Mattancherry Palace, which was built around 1545 C.E. and is interspersed with colonial influences. In the evening, enjoy a live performance of traditional Kathakali dancing.

Stay 2 nights at Eighth Bastion.

(B)

In the morning, take a tour of Kochi, where you can see the large, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, and St Francis Church. The church is renowned for its beautiful architecture and ambience, and one of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India. You will also explore hidden parts of the town, including Jew Town (the oldest Jewish settlement in India) and dhobi wallah, a washhouse where individuals wash and dry their clothing and bedding on stones.

In the afternoon, enjoy free leisure, and explore the street markets once more before departing the next day.

(B)

Fly home via Mumbai.

(B)