Southern Trader: a tour of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India

The Story

Best time to go: October - April
Best for: Longer Journeys, Adventure & Off-the-beaten track, Cultural & Immersive

A private tour to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu has many advantages; in many ways they go perfectly together. Kerala is more laid-back, with its tropical backwaters, beaches and laid-back feel, whilst Tamil Nadu is packed with culture, temples and things to see around every corner. It goes without saying that it is quite a journey, covering about 1000kms over two weeks, but on every journey you’ll see the many facets which make India such a colourful and fascinating destination. Begin in Chennai (once Madras) which was the initial main base for the British East India Company in the 17th century and an interesting city to explore. Tamil Nadu is known for its colourful Hindu temples and superb shore temples at Mahabalipuram located just south of Madras. The town of Pondicherry was once to the French East India Company, and the architecture reflects the history. You even find baguette shops and glorious Franco-Indian cuisine in the many superb restaurants. Continue through the Tanjore and Trichy, the ancient Chola capital and containing exquisite temples. You might then be a little templed out by now, so dip into Tamil Nadu’s Tamil rural heartlands in the Chettinad Region. Next see the impressive Meenakshi Temple in Madurai before heading into the hills and a stay at Rajakkad Estate. You continue through the stunning tea plantations of Munnar before dropping down to Lake Vembenad the Kerala’s tropical backwaters before ending in Cochin.

Guide Pricing

Starting At

LOCATION:

£2270

Price per person including all accommodation, private transfers, unique experiences and excluding international flights. We can arrange international flights should you wish.

Highlights

A classic route taking you from Madras (Chennai) in Tamil Nadu on the Coromandel Coast to Cochin on the Malabar Coast in Kerala
See such an ecletic range of places, from dramatically colourful Hindu temples from the Chola era, to driving through the Western Ghats and ending on the backwaters
Have a superb vehicle and private driver, and expert personal guides in each of the stops
Stay in luxury, boutique hotels throughout

Day 1-2

Vivanta by Taj – Connemara

Day 3-4

Palais De Mahe

Day 5-6

Svatma Tanjore

Day 7

Heritage Madurai

Day 8-9

Rajakkad Estate

Day 10-11

Talayar Valley Bungalow

Day 12-13

Purity

Day 14-15

Brunton Boatyard

Day 16

Days	Location	Hotel
Day 1-2	Chennai	Vivanta by Taj – Connemara Vivanta by Taj – Connemara
Day 3-4	Pondicherry	Palais De Mahe Palais De Mahe
Day 5-6	Tanjore	Svatma Tanjore Svatma Tanjore
Day 7	Madurai	Heritage Madurai Heritage Madurai
Day 8-9	Rajakkad	Rajakkad Estate Rajakkad Estate
Day 10-11	Munnar	Talayar Valley Bungalow Talayar Valley Bungalow
Day 12-13	Backwaters	Purity Purity
Day 14-15	Cochin	Brunton Boatyard Brunton Boatyard
Day 16	Cochin Airport	Fly Home

Day 1

Chennai

Arrive in Chennai (Madras) and spend two night in the city. Take an immersive tour through the Tamil district of Mylapore, an immersive experience packed with local life such as jewellers, silk merchants, fruit and vegetable sellers and the flower vendors.

Day 2

Chennai

Explore colonial Madras, visiting St Mary’s Church in Fort St George, where Clive was married in 1753 and also Elihu Yale in 1680 (who went on to found Yale University). Visit the Fort Museum, an interesting place containing objects from the East India Company. See some of the colonial architecture such as the High Court and Ripon Building. For those with an interest in Chola history, then a visit to Chennai Museum is a must. In the afternoon, either relax at leisure or drive to the town of Kanchipuram to see the 7th century Pallava temples.

Day 3

Pondicherry

Drive south down the coast to Mahabalipuram, famed for its 7th century shore temples. Continue along the coast to Pondicherry, stopping en route at Auroville which was founded as an international city dedicated to sustainable living and harmony.

Day 4

Pondicherry

Take a walking tour through the old town of Pondicherry. You’ll begin by walking through the French quarter, seeing the amazing architecture, many painted in vivid colours. Stop at the Cafe des Arts for crepes. Walk past the Raj Niwas and Legislative Assembly towards Bharathi Park. Continue to Eglise de Notre Dame des Agnes before walking along the Promenade. End you day at one of Pondicherry’s amazing restaurants.

Day 5

Tanjore

Drive to Tanjore through the Cauvery Delta, stopping en route at the beautiful Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple. Continue to Kumbeswaran Temple where you can feed the temple elephant, see the temple complex of Darasuram and visiting a traditional coffee house in Kumbakonam to taste the exceptionally strong local coffee.

Day 6

Tanjore

Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tanjore, seeing the Brihadeeshwarar temple complex and the Chola bronzes in the nearby 16th century palaces of the Nayaks and Marathas. You’ll be able to learn a little about the bronze casting before continuing to see Tanjore’s local markets.

Day 7

Madurai

Drive the short distance to Tanjore (now known as Tiruchirapalli), once a Chola capital and home to the stunning Srirangam temple, with 21 gateway towers. Continue the the 19th century St John’s Church before driving onto Madurai. That evening head to the Meenakshi Amman Temple to see the ‘pooja’ ceremony.

Day 8-9

Rajakkad

Drive into the hills to stay at Rajakkad, a restored 18th century teak palace that offers an amazing chance to take day-walks into the hills.

Day 10-11

Munnar

Continue to Munnar, noted for its breathtaking views and rolling tea plantations. Spend the second day taking a walk in the mountains and visiting a tea estate.

Day 12

Lake Vembenad

Drive down from the hills and nip across to Lake Vembenad for a stay at Purity.

Day 13

Backwaters

Set out on a private houseboat through the backwaters of Kerala, seeing local life as you pass by. You can have the option of having the night on board, or returning back to your hotel

Day 14-15

Cochin

Drive the short distance to Cochin, a city that has historically been the hub of the spice trade in India and drew in the Portuguese, Dutch and British traders, leaving a striking impact in the old fort area of the city. Stay in the heart of it all before heading out with a private guide on an immersive walking tour, seeing the old Dutch mansions, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace and the markets of Jew Town.

Day 16

Cochin Airport

Today, fly home or choose to extend your time in Kerala.

Suggested Hotels

Itinerary Experiences

Customise Your Itinerary

We can tweak and change any element of this itinerary and you can depart on any day you want, add nights here and there, and we can fully customise your day-to-day experiences depending on your interests. Here are just a few ideas of many that we can look at and discuss when we come to plan your tailor-made itinerary.