Best of Kerala and Tamil Nadu

This fascinating journey to India for the seasoned traveler, journeys through the fertile plains and temple towns of Tamil Nadu, which for many is an undiscovered secret. Experience both the splendour of the Dravidian art and heritage coupled with the laid back rural highlights.

1. Days 1-3: Cochin

   Begin in Cochin where you can explore Fort Cochin, oldest European Church in India and the surrounding area of Mattancherry. To start your trip have two nights here. We highly recommend a tour of the large Jewish area, full of local markets and stalls waiting to be discovered.

   Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard (2 nights)

2. Days 3-5: Kerala and Karnataka

   From Cochin drive inland to Munnar, full of emerald green hills that grow some of the finest tea leaves in India. We can arrange a tour to a local tea factory where you will learn about the art of tea making.

   Accommodation: Windermere Estate (2 nights)

3. Days 5-7: Western Ghats, India

   The next leg of your journey will be two relaxing nights in in the Western Ghats, which are full of colonial charm and at 915m elevation provide a welcome relief from the warm temperatures. Here you’ll have a couple of days to unwind and we recommend taking a walk in the countryside, or simply admiring the views. This is India totally off the beaten track yet and truly unique.

   Accommodation: Rajakkad Estate (2 nights)

4. Days 7-9: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

   Following on from the Western Ghats you will head to the town of Madurai, which sits on the banks of the river Vaigai. Dating back to the Pandyan kingdom around 600BC, it is a city rich in heritage during your two nights here, your private guide will bring to life the many Dravidian style temples and unique heritage.

   Accommodation: The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai, Madurai (2 nights)

5. Days 9-11: Chettinad

   From Madurai, you can experience rural Tamil Nadu around Chettinad, homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiers, a prosperous banking and business community and famous for the mansions they have built over the years. You will witness an unspoiled and tranquil part of India during your two nights here.  

   Accommodation: Visalam (2 nights)

6. Days 11-13: Tanjore, India

   Continue from Tanjore to Pondicherry. Pondicherry was once home to the French East India Company, and retains a distinct style with fuses Gallic and Indian influences. Explore the many shops, restaurants and cafes in the old French quarter.

   Please note, this is a suggested itinerary and can our India specialists can tailor each trip to suit your individual needs or preferences.

   Accommodation: Svatma (2 nights)

7. Days 13-15: Pondicherry

   Accommodation: La Villa (2 nights)

• City Tour Of Madurai

  After an early breakfast head out to enjoy a tour of Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India and the second largest city in Tamil Nadu.

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• City Tour of Tanjore

  Today you will enjoy a half day city tour of Tanjore which is an important center of southern Indian religion, culture, art ad architecture.

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• Guided tour of the French Quarter

  Walk around the French Quarter with your guide and learn about this unique part of Pondicherry and how the French legacy is still preserved.

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• Windermere Plantation Walk

  Perfect after an afternoon of tea tasting you will enjoy an evening walk with the Windermere’s staff and learn about the importance of this spice in Indian cuisine as well as its health benefits.

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• Your Free time at Rajjakkad Estate

  The guiding philosophy at Rajakkad is to cultivate an environment for good health, where rest, the quiet simplicity of fresh food and clean air are at the heart of their thinking together with a plethora of activities to enjoy.

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Cochin, Munnar, Madurai, Chettinad, Tanjore & Pondicherry