Treasures of Southern India
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Chennai and check in to the Taj Connemara for 1 night. Time at leisure before an afternoon tour of the city followed by free time at Marina Beach. A welcome dinner will be held this evening.
Morning walking tour of Mylapore, a town that predates Chennai by 2,000 years. Take autorickshaws with female drivers to the Kapaleeswarar Temple. Continue to Puducherry, visiting the UNESCO-listed shore temples at Mahabalipuram en route. Stay 2 nights at the Palais de Mahé (or similar), located in the heart of the French Quarter.
Morning visit to Auroville township, including the Mohanam Cultural Centre to see villagers involved in traditional crafts, and the large Matrimandir dome. Afternoon guided walk through Puducherry; stop by the Aurobindo ashram, stroll to the lively Tamil quarters, and experience Hindu faith at the Ganesh temple in the evening.
Witness the daily rituals at Chidambaram Temple and the art of kalamkari, which uses plant-based dyes to create intricate artwork, before driving through scenic countryside to Kumbakonam for 2 nights at the Mantra Koodam (or similar). In the early evening, try your hand at pottery and enjoy an interactive culinary demonstration, led by expert chefs.
Sunrise visit to the local market. After breakfast, discover the crafts and culture of Tamil Nadu. Observe master foundrymen produce extraordinarily detailed bronzecast statues and see the process of pattu silk weaving, using wooden handlooms. You will also visit the Darasuram Temple, renowned for its delicate stone sculptures, and the Vedic School, which dates back 140 years. Afternoon at leisure.
Drive to Chettinad, stopping at Brihadeeswara Temple in Tanjore en route. Continue to the art gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library at the Tanjore Palace. Arrive in Chettinad for an overnight stay at Chidambara Vilas (or similar). This evening, enjoy a superb culinary experience.
This morning, explore the village market, stopping for a traditional cup of tea before visiting some of the impressive mansions. Travel to Madurai. Evening visit to the illuminated Meenakshi Temple and Hall of a Thousand Pillars for the night ceremony. Overnight stay at the Heritage Madurai.
Travel to the hill country around Munnar for an overnight stay at Fragrant Nature. After lunch in a tea planter's bungalow, visit the Suryanelli tea factory to enjoy a guided tour, tea tasting and a gentle stroll through the plantation.
Morning at leisure. Travel to Kumarakom for 2 nights at the Rhythm Kumarakom (Poolside Cottage). Upgrade to a Lakefront Luxury Villa with plunge pool for 2 nights by speaking to one of our travel specialists.
Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surrounds or explore village life in the backwaters.*
Morning cruise aboard a shikara boat through the backwaters before driving to Kochi. Visit the Mattancherry Palace and enjoy an evening kathakali dance performance. Stay 2 nights at Eighth Bastion (or similar).
Morning sightseeing tour of Kochi including the Chinese fishing nets and the 16th-century St Francis Church. Explore hidden Kochi including Jew Town and dhobi wallah, a wash house where a sea of white hotel linen is slathered on the washing stones. Afternoon at leisure to further explore. Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel this evening.
Tour ends in Kochi.
Trip Inclusions
- Cruise aboard a shikara (wooden boat) through the backwaters
- Explore Tamil Nadu's rich creative side visiting artisan workshops
- Visit Meenakshi Temple for a night ceremony
- Lunch at a tea planter's bungalow
- Try south Indian cuisine with an interactive cooking demonstration
- Porterage at hotels
- Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
- 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 6 dinners
- Experienced local tour manager
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Flexible - extensions, & room upgrades available
- 4 & 5 star accommodation
- Small group size - average 12 people (max 18)
- Welcome & farewell dinners
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- † These activities can be pre-booked and incur an additional cost.
- Festival departures - Pongal: 10 Jan 2027
Operator
Cox & Kings groups rarely exceed 18 guests, and ninety percent of journeys have at least one guaranteed departure date, letting you plan with peace of mind.
Cox & Kings tours feature deep, authentic local experiences that reveal hidden truths and cultural secrets about each destination.
Cox & Kings partners with charming hotels that are comfortable and capture the essence of their surroundings, whether it’s a historic, characterful building, or an ideally placed location.
All Cox & Kings tours are guided and supported by experienced locals, who use their knowledge and on-the-ground relationships to improve and deepen the travel experience.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cox & Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
