Worldwide 2024-25

INDIA • TAMIL NADU & KERALA
Treasures of
Southern India
Duration • 14 days & 12 nights
Category • Superior
Small-group tour • From £2,895 (incl. flights)
Private tour • From £3,445 (incl. flights)
This group tour features…
Small group size – average 12
people (max 18)
4- & 5-star accommodation
Flexible – extensions, room & flight
upgrades available
International flights with Emirates
via Dubai
Transfers in air-conditioned
vehicles
Experienced local tour manager
13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 8 dinners
Guided sightseeing & entrance
fees included
Porterage at hotels & train stations
Day at leisure in Kerala's
backwaters
Weather
Madurai
J F M A M J J A S O N D
A 30 31 33 34 34 32 32 32 32 31 30 29
B 22 22 24 26 26 25 24 24 24 24 23 22
C 16 19 22 63 54 87 130 140 111 192 141 71
A: Maximum average temperature (°C)
B: Minimum average temperature (°C)
C: Average rainfall (mm)
The delicate scent of spices, the sound of
temple bells and a rich tapestry of ancient
arts and craft all characterise Tamil Nadu
and Kerala. This journey travels through hill
stations, tropical backwaters and templeladen
towns while staying in some of the
region’s very best hotels.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Stay in the heart of the French Quarter
in Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Explore Tamil Nadu's rich artistic and
creative side
Visit Meenakshi Temple for the night
ceremony
Spend two nights relaxing in the
Keralan backwaters staying in a
poolside cottage
Enjoy a wealth of culinary fare
Day 1: Fly to Chennai
Fly from London (regional connections
available) to Chennai (Madras) with Emirates
via Dubai. (N)
Day 2: Chennai
On arrival, transfer to the Taj Connemara for 1
night (early check-in available). Time at leisure
before an afternoon tour of the city followed
by free time at Marina Beach. A welcome
dinner will be held this evening. (B, D)
Day 3: Mahabalipuram • Puducherry
Morning walking tour of Mylapore, a town that
predates Chennai by 2,000 years. Continue to
Puducherry (Pondicherry), visiting the UNESCOlisted
shore temples at Mahabalipuram en
route. Stay 2 nights at the Palais de Mahé
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
located in the heart of the French Quarter. (B)
Day 4: Puducherry
Morning visit to a rural village, organised
by Mohanam Cultural Centre. Watch the
villagers involved in traditional crafts such as
stone carving, ceramics and terracotta work.
Afternoon guided walk through Puducherry;
stop by the Aurobindo ashram, stroll to the
lively Tamil quarters, and experience Hindu
faith at the Ganesh temple in the evening. (B)
Day 5: Chidambaram • Kumbakonam
Witness the daily rituals at Chidambaram
Temple and the art of kalamkari, which uses
plant-based dyes to create intricate artwork,
before driving through scenic countryside
to Kumbakonam for 2 nights at the Mantra
Koodam. In the early evening, try your hand
at pottery and enjoy an interactive culinary
demonstration, led by expert chefs. (B, D)
Day 6: Kumbakonam
Sunrise visit to the local market. After
breakfast, discover the crafts and culture of
Tamil Nadu. Observe master foundrymen
produce extraordinarily detailed bronzecast
statues and see the process of pattu silk
weaving, using wooden handlooms. You will
also visit the Darasuram Temple, renowned
for its delicate stone sculptures and the Vedic
School which dates back 140 years. Afternoon
at leisure to explore the countryside on foot.
(B, D)
Day 7: Tanjore • Chettinad
Drive to Chettinad, stopping at Brihadeeswarar
Temple in Tanjore en route. Continue to the
art gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library at
the Tanjore Palace. Arrive in Chettinad for
an overnight stay at Chidambara Vilas. This
evening, enjoy a superb culinary experience.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Madurai
This morning, explore the village market,
stopping for a traditional cup of tea before
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