This luxury holiday offers a unique and unforgettable experience as you explore the impressive towering temples, the dewy hills and the unflustered backwaters whilst staying at the best boutique and the most stylish hotels the region offers. Your journey starts in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu in tropical South India. From here, proceed to visit the quaint town of Pondicherry followed by visit to Tanjore, a city renowned for impressive Brihadeeswarar Temple and its paintings. Next, visit the glorious Chettinadu mansions in the Karaikudi region amidst staying in the idyllic Rajakkad estate in Dindigul. Head to a completely different landscape to town of Munnar in the state of Kerala, set within rolling hills dotted with tea plantations. A visit to the local tea factory and a walk through the town brings you closer to local life. Journey to the ancient city of Cochin on the Malabar Coast, which is famed for Fort Cochin, fishing nets and its spices even today with a history of its popularity with spice traders during colonial times. Spend a few idyllic days along the tranquil Lake Vembanand at Kumarakom and write your memoirs before you head back home!
You can take this luxury South India tour as or use it as a starting point to create your own tailor made holiday to India. Consider extending your holiday to include beach stay at Marari Beach.
Overnight flight to Chennai.
Half day sightseeing of Chennai with your private guide. Then drive to Mahabalipuram. First of two nights here.
Half day sightseeing of Chennai with your private guide. Then drive to Mahabalipuram. First of two nights here.
Visit to the ancient Shore temples.
Drive to Pondicherry, the former French colony. A walking tour of the town which offers a pleasant mix of East and West. Overnight stay here.
Drive to Tanjore. Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple- a UNESCO world heritage site. Opt to visit Airavatesvara temple- another world heritage site- enroute to Tanjore. Overnight stay here is at the luxury boutique hotel.
Drive to Dindigul. Evening at leisure at the estate.
Spend a day at leisure. Opt for local activities or visit to Madurai.
Drive to Munnar enroute visiting spice plantations.
Half day sightseeing with your private guide visiting local tea factory, the nearby waterfall and Eravikulam National Park. Opt for cycling or walking trips.
Drive to Cochin. Evening attend traditional Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a classical Indian dance drama noted for its elaborate costumes and attractive make up of the characters and unique story telling.
Full day private guided sightseeing of Cochin city including visit to the Jewish synagogue, St. Francis Church- the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets bustling with local life.
Drive to Kumarakom. Afternoon at leisure.
Day at leisure. Sunset cruise along the backwaters.
Day at leisure.
Fly back home