Southern Trader: a tour of Kerala and Tamil Nadu

A private tour of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu has real advantages. In many ways, the two go perfectly together. Kerala is laid-back, with tropical backwaters and beaches. Tamil Nadu, by contrast, is packed with temples and culture at every turn. Admittedly, it is quite a journey, covering around 1,000km over two weeks. Along the way, though, you see the many facets that make India so colourful. As ever, it is fully private, with your own driver and expert guides.

Chennai: Colonial Madras

Begin in Chennai, once Madras, for two nights. It was the first main base of the British East India Company in the 17th century. So there is much to explore. First, take an immersive walk through the Tamil district of Mylapore. There you pass jewellers, silk merchants and flower vendors. The next day, turn to colonial Madras. You see St Mary’s Church in Fort St George, where Clive married in 1753.

Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry

Next, drive south down the coast to Mahabalipuram. The town is famed for its 7th-century shore temples. Continue on towards Pondicherry, pausing en route at Auroville. Once French, Pondicherry wears its history openly. So you wander the French Quarter, its buildings painted in vivid colours. Along the way, stop at the Cafe des Arts for crepes. Naturally, you end the day at one of the town’s superb restaurants.

Tanjore and Trichy: Chola Country

From the coast, drive to Tanjore through the Cauvery Delta. En route, pause at the beautiful Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple. At Kumbakonam, you can feed the temple elephant and taste the famously strong local coffee. The next morning, explore the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar temple complex. You also see the exquisite Chola bronzes nearby. Afterwards, continue to Trichy and the vast Srirangam temple, with its 21 gateway towers.

Chettinad and Madurai

By now, you may feel a little ‘templed out’. So we dip into the rural heartlands of the Chettinad region. Then continue to Madurai and its towering Meenakshi Amman Temple. That evening, head there for the atmospheric ‘pooja’ ceremony. It is one of South India’s great spectacles.

Into the Hills: Rajakkad and Munnar

Leaving the plains, drive up into the hills to Rajakkad Estate. This restored 18th-century teak palace is a wonderful base for day-walks. From there, continue to Munnar, noted for its rolling tea plantations. With time here, take a walk in the mountains and visit a working tea estate. Slowly, the pace begins to ease.

The Backwaters and Cochin

Drop down from the hills to Lake Vembanad and the Kerala backwaters. Here you board a private houseboat, drifting past palm-fringed villages and everyday life. Finally, drive the short distance to Cochin. Long the hub of the spice trade, it drew Portuguese, Dutch and British traders. So you explore the old fort area, the Chinese fishing nets and the markets of Jew Town.

Where You Stay

Throughout, the hotels are characterful and well-placed. In Chennai, the colonial Taj Connemara sets the tone. In Pondicherry, the elegant Palais de Mahe is a favourite. Elsewhere, you stay in heritage properties, hill bungalows and backwater retreats. Of course, each is chosen for its setting and warmth.

How You Travel

Naturally, the whole journey is private. So you have a superb vehicle and your own driver. Meanwhile, expert local guides meet you at each stop. The drives, though long in total, are broken up with stops. As a result, the travelling becomes part of the experience.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, the cooler, drier months from October to March suit the south best. By contrast, the monsoon brings heavier rain and lush landscapes. So we usually favour the drier season. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

A Tapestry of the South

What makes this route so satisfying is its sheer variety. First come colonial cities and towering temples. Then follow hill stations and tea estates. Finally, the backwaters and Cochin bring a gentle close. So no two days feel the same. Above all, you see how many different worlds sit within South India.

Who It Suits

This journey suits curious, active travellers. For example, it rewards anyone fascinated by history and temples. Equally, it appeals to those who love a changing landscape. Couples and small groups enjoy it most. As a result, it makes a wonderfully rich second trip to India.

Easy to Tailor

Finally, the route flexes easily around you. For example, add nights in the hills or on the coast. Equally, trim a stop if your time is short. As ever, every detail is shaped to suit you.

The Flavours of the South

Food is a real pleasure on this route. In Tamil Nadu, you taste fiery Chettinad cooking and strong filter coffee. In Pondicherry, French and Indian flavours meet. Later, Kerala adds fragrant curries and fresh seafood. So your guide weaves tastings and markets into the days. As a result, you come to know the south through its kitchens too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a lot of driving?

It does cover around 1,000km over two weeks. However, the drives are broken into manageable stretches with stops. As a result, the journey never feels like a slog.

Do I need to love temples?

It helps, as Tamil Nadu is rich in them. That said, we balance the temples with hills, backwaters and beaches. So the trip stays varied throughout.

When is the best time to travel?

Broadly, October to March is the most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.

Can the itinerary be tailored?

Entirely. The pace, hotels and route are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.