Indian South: Coast to Coast

Welcome to Chennai. Upon arrival, meet your A&K driver and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.

The Leela Palace Chennai

Explore the cultural capital of South India at your own pace with your A&K expert. Listen as your knowledgeable guide decodes the city’s colonial evolution via its distinct Indo-Saracenic architecture — a vibrant blend of Indian, Islamic and Gothic revival — sharing fascinating stories of grand ambitions and unexpected revolutions, determined idealists and rascal traders. Here, Hindu Gods sit under Muslim domes, stained glass pops on slanted terracotta roofs, and majestic Greek columns stand next to sleek Art Deco edifices. Finish at the Government Museum, home to one of the finest collections of bronze sculptures in the country.

This evening, wander through a bustling George Town marketplace, experiencing the intoxicating chaos of sounds, smells, colours and haggling, before watching the sun set over Marina Beach.

The Leela Palace Chennai | Meals: B

Travel south to the ancient Pallava capital of Mahabalipuram, site of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave temples, bas-relief sculptures, carved pillared halls and the delightful shore temple. After a lunch at the local restaurant, head to the French colonial settlement of Puducherry with its tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured colonial villas and chic boutiques. Brimming with unspoiled beaches, colonial ambience, French and Tamil quarters, and ancient temples and churches, prepare to explore the ‘Côte d'Azur of the East’. Perhaps tuck into some delicious French food, do some local shopping, or try your hand at one of the many meditation and yoga classes for healing and relaxation.

Palais de Mahe | Meals: BL

Explore ‘Pondy’ on foot with your expert A&K guide, wandering through the wide shady streets and soft pastels of the French Quarter, making your way to the world-renowned Sri Aurobindo Ashram, now home to 1,600 devotees from around the world. The main building houses the mortal remains of Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator ‘The Mother’ in a marble mausoleum.

This afternoon dive into ‘pondi’ culinary history in a Creole cooking class. Accompany your chef to a local marketplace, learning how to discern fresh local produce, before creating your own delicious traditional dish. Afterwards feast on your creations.

Palais de Mahe | Meals: BD

This morning, visit the 'City of Dawn’, Auroville, an experimental, New Age community, that attracts devotees from over 45 nations who come to follow the teachings of ‘The Mother’. Gaze upon the vast and spectacular Matrimandir hall, a huge golden globe used as a meditation centre, and tour the utopian community for a deeper understanding of its colourful bohemian residents — 60% of whom are internationals.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax or further explore. Alternatively you can choose to enjoy an insightful visit to the Mohanam Cultural Centre, housed in one of the last traditional houses of the village. Allow your guide to expose how this fascinating community is preserving traditional performing arts and crafts, and advocating for indigenous rights, sustainable development and agriculture, peacebuilding, human rights, youth culture and empowerment. A truly rewarding experience.

Palais de Mahe | Meals: B

Drive further south to Thanjavur (formerly Tanjore), the ancient Chola capital, stopping on the way at Chidambaram to visit the vibrant 10th century Nataraja Temple, famed for its bronze and bejeweled dancing Shiva. Learn about this mammoth architectural feat, and how the temple is designed to mirror different parts of the spiritual body, and observe the daily Brahmin rituals throughout the 40-acre marvel.

Svatma | Meals: B

Uncover the dizzying historical legacy of Thanjavur, one of the most remarkable bedrocks of Chola history and Dravidian civilization, and home to ancient temples, artisans, performers and exquisite handcrafts. Discover one of India's most spectacular sites, the evocative UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brihadisvara Temple. Let your guide reveal how this engineering triumph was constructed out of hard granite 1000 years ago, intricately carved and sculptured by the Chola Dynasty, and how it has withstood multiple earthquakes. Later visit the rambling and fortressed 14th century Royal Palace, before stopping for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, continue on the temple trail, exploring Trichy with its massive Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, home to 49 separate shrines, and the Rock Fort Temple perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city.

Svatma | Meals: BL

Your destination today is Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. En route stop in Chettinad for a bull cart ride to a stunning restaurant for a classical Tamil lunch followed by a visit to a tile factory and a weaving centre to admire soft cotton sarees. Continue to the colourful towers of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, and the bustling modern town that surrounds it, as your guide reveals the history and mythology of the city and its enthralling links with the Roman Empire.

Gateway Pashumalai | Meals: BL

Discover Madurai’s dazzling maze-like markets, temples, palaces and museums, on a tour of the city’s most iconic sites, before venturing out on your own for an afternoon at leisure.

This evening, witness an aarti Hindu prayer ceremony at the 12th century Meenakshi Temple, a multi-tiered, technicolour wonder, heaving with carved mythical figures and devoted pilgrims. Hear the prayerful hymns and rhythmic drumming, and let the incense swirl around you as the candle-bearing priests bid the gods and goddesses a restful slumber.

Gateway Pashumalai | Meals: B

Drive west into the state of Kerala and the verdant Western Ghats to Periyar National Park. Nestled in the Cardamom Hills around the glistening Lake Periyar, the sprawling Periyar National Park is a nature lover’s dream. Settle into your cottage in Spice Village surrounded by fruit trees, rare herbs and a profusion of flowering plants.

This afternoon, visit a local spice plantation — a sensory feast — where you’ll learn all about spice cultivation. Stroll through the lush green estate and enjoy the exotic aroma of harvested spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, clove, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and nutmeg. Learn how to cultivate your own and pick some aromatic sprigs to take back to your hotel.

Spice Village | Meals: B

Rise early and join your expert tribal guide for a walk through lush forests and sprawling grasslands. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birdlife darting and flying overhead, elephants, rare lion-tailed macaque and even the occasional big cat catching the sun’s first rays. Return to your accommodation for breakfast and spend some time relaxing in your spectacular surrounds.

Spice Village | Meals: B

Journey onwards to the village of Kumarakom, stopping en route for a local lunch in Kanjirappally, the gateway to Kerala's hill country. Feel your whole body relax as you arrive at Kumarakom, an entrancing set of back-water islands surrounding Lake Vembanad and a perfect paradise for nature enthusiasts. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure relaxing at your scenic luxury resort on the banks of lake, complete with ayurvedic spa, yoga, two restaurants and its own houseboats spread over 25 acres of idyllic tropical gardens.

Kumarakom Lake Resort | Meals: BL

Indulge in a full day at leisure. Take part in yoga sessions or relax in your private pool. Alternatively choose to enjoy an island farm visit, a cooking demonstration and lunch, or a tour of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Alternatively, a walk through the Kumarakom Village offers an immersive chance to witness traditional village activities from coir making to coconut tree climbing, toddy tapping and fishing, as you make conversation with the welcoming villagers (additional charge, paid locally).

Kumarakom Lake Resort | Meals: B

No visit to the south would be complete without cruising the beautiful Kerala backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Glide through canals and lagoons shaded by coconut palms and pass sleepy rural villages, enjoying a locally inspired lunch as you go.

Disembark and continue overland to Kochi. The magnificent estuary setting has been drawing traders and explorers here for hundreds of years. Get ready to explore the delightful blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese influences in this atmospheric Kerala gem. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure soaking up the serene beauty of Kochi. You may wish to witness Kerala’s Hindu culture at a Kathakali performance, one of the oldest dance forms in the area. See the elaborate make-up process before the show, then watch this unforgettable art form combining classical dance, theatre, opera and pantomime (optional, additional cost).

Brunton Boatyard | Meals: BL

Experience local life in Kochi with your expert A&K guide. Visit one of the oldest Jewish synagogue in India, decorated with blue ceramic Chinese tiles and surrounded by an aromatic spice market. On the harbour shore, see the cantilevered fishing nets brought from southern China by traders. Take a tuk tuk to the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), established by the Dutch in 1720, before continuing through the crumbling historic quarters of Mattancherry discovering narrow lanes infused with the scents of turmeric, clove and cardamom. Arrive at the local fruit and spice markets and pause for a ‘meter tea’. Later, step inside the home of a local Brahmin family, the highest of the four Hindu castes. Finish with a beautiful Kolam demonstration of a traditional drawing to invite the Goddess Laxmi to bring you luck and prosperity.

Brunton Boatyard | Meals: B

With your Southern Indian adventure at its end, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B