Tamil Nadu & Kerala · 17 days
Serene Trails of Tamil Nadu & Kerala
The gentle rhythms of South India
- Duration
- 17 days
- Group size
- Up to 18 guests
- Prices from
- From £3,385pp plus flights
- Departure dates
- 15 October 2027 · 30 November 2027
Prices shown are per person and exclude flights. Flights are quoted separately at the time of booking.
The Living South
South India is a vibrant tropical peninsula shaped by ancient Dravidian culture, magnificent temples and a richly varied landscape. From the Deccan Plateau and the Western and Eastern Ghats to spice-scented hills, palm-lined backwaters and historic trading ports, the region offers a deeply immersive experience.
With its distinct languages, spiritual traditions and warm climate, South India — particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu — reveals a rhythm and character entirely its own.
Highlights
- Relax at an exclusive beachfront resort overlooking the shimmering Bay of Bengal
- Wander the elegant boulevards of Pondicherry, where French colonial heritage meets timeless coastal charm
- Journey into the heart of the Chettinad region, famed for opulent mansions and aristocratic legacy
- Drift through the emerald backwaters of Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat
- Encounter the grandeur of one of South India's most iconic temple complexes in Madurai
- Explore historic Fort Kochi, tracing centuries of maritime trade, colonial influence and cultural exchange
Moments
Day by day
The journey, unfolded.
A considered pace with room to breathe.
Day 1
London to Chennai
Depart London for your overnight flight to Chennai.
Day 2
Transfer to Mahabalipuram
On arrival in Chennai, guests are warmly welcomed by the Latitude9 team and transferred by private coach to the resort in Mahabalipuram. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, with time to enjoy the sea breeze and coastal setting as the sun sets. A choice of dining options is available at the hotel.
- Hotel
- Temple Bay Resort
Day 3
Mahabalipuram
Explore the historic port town of Mahabalipuram, set along India's Coromandel Coast and celebrated for its extraordinary Pallava Dynasty monuments dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to rock-cut temples, caves, monolithic shrines and monumental sculptures, all adorned with intricate stone carvings inspired by Hindu mythology. Highlights include the iconic Shore Temple, dramatically positioned beside the sea, alongside a thriving local craft tradition that brings the town's artistic heritage to life. The afternoon is at leisure, offering time to unwind on the beach or enjoy the resort's facilities.
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 4
Pondicherry
Travel south along the coast to Pondicherry, a captivating city known for its distinctive blend of Tamil heritage and French colonial influence. Elegant Franco-Tamil architecture, leafy boulevards and tranquil beaches reflect its past as the former capital of French India. A visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram offers insight into the town's spiritual heritage, while its colonial charm, unhurried pace and vibrant cafés create a uniquely cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- Hotel
- Palais de Mahe
- Meals
- Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 5
Kumbakonam / Thanjavur
Travel inland to Kumbakonam and check into the hotel for a two-night stay. Often referred to as the City of Temples, Kumbakonam is a historic town in Tamil Nadu celebrated for its remarkable concentration of ancient Hindu temples, many dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel's facilities. Optional activities may include nature walks, birdwatching, cycling along riverside paths, stargazing, Ayurvedic spa treatments, swimming, yoga and a visit to the on-site bronze casting studio.
- Hotel
- Mantra Koodam
- Meals
- Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 6
Kumbakonam / Thanjavur
Travel to Thanjavur, home to the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple. Built in the 11th century by Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of South India's most extraordinary architectural achievements. Following the temple visit, enjoy a visit to a local artisan workshop for a demonstration of the traditional lost-wax technique used in the creation of Chola bronze sculptures. The afternoon is free to relax back at the hotel before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7
Chettinad
Travel to the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its distinctive culture and grand merchant mansions. Visits include a local workshop producing the iconic Athangudi tiles — handmade, eco-friendly cement tiles known for vivid colours and intricate geometric designs — as well as a cotton weaving centre, where traditional saris are created in vibrant hues. This evening, stay in a beautifully restored heritage mansion and enjoy a traditional Chettinad dinner served on a banana leaf.
- Hotel
- Chidambara Vilas
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 8
Madurai
Leave the calm of Chettinad behind and travel to the vibrant city of Madurai, stopping en route at the colourful wholesale flower market. Visit the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Amman Temple, the largest temple complex in Southern India and a powerful expression of Dravidian architecture and devotion. In the evening, return to the heart of the city by tuk tuk, weaving through lively streets to experience Madurai after dark. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore the surrounding bazaars before dining in town.
- Hotel
- Heritage Madurai
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 9
Madurai to Munnar
Cross into the lush state of Kerala and ascend into the cool hill country of Munnar, renowned for its rolling landscapes of emerald tea plantations. The road winds gently toward the Western Ghats, passing through forests, spice gardens, cascading waterfalls and tea-clad slopes. Arrive in Munnar in the afternoon and check in to the hill-station retreat for a two-night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
- Hotel
- Windermere
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 10
Munnar
Explore the natural beauty of Munnar, from the mirror-like waters of Mattupetty Lake to Echo Point, where calls are carried back across the surrounding hills. Continue to a tea plantation for lunch, discovering the journey from leaf to cup amid rolling emerald landscapes. Between visits, there is time to slow the pace — to take in the cool mountain air and enjoy moments of quiet surrounded by nature.
- Meals
- Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 11
Munnar to Thekkady
Travel south to Thekkady, set amid the fragrant Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats and best known as the gateway to Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Settle in for a two-night stay at the edge of Periyar National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to a local honey bee farm, offering insight into traditional beekeeping and the region's natural environment.
- Hotel
- Spice Village
- Meals
- Breakfast included.
Day 12
Thekkady
Enjoy an early morning guided nature walk with a park ranger, followed later by a visit to a local honey farm to learn about sustainable beekeeping and sample fresh honey. Optional activities may include a jeep safari, traditional dance or martial arts performances, nature-based experiences, spa treatments and wellness facilities.
- Meals
- Breakfast included.
Day 13
Thekkady to Alleppey and Kumarakom
Descend from the cool hills of Thekkady through spice gardens, tea estates and tropical plantations before reaching the serene waterways of Kerala's backwaters. Cruise gently through the backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, with lunch and afternoon tea served on board as life unfolds along the water's edge. Later, arrive at the lakeside resort for a three-night stay.
- Hotel
- Coconut Lagoon
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks included.
Days 14 & 15
Kumarakom
Enjoy two leisurely days at the lakeside resort, with time to explore the tranquil beauty of the Kerala backwaters or simply unwind. Optional activities may include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, birdwatching, an offbeat village tour, cycling, a sunset cruise, Ayurvedic treatments or time by the pool.
- Meals
- Breakfast included and dinner on the last evening.
Day 16
Fort Kochi
Spend the final night in Kerala in the atmospheric Fort Kochi district, a historic seaside quarter known for colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets and a vibrant arts scene. As the journey continues to Kochi, visit the traditional dhobi wallahs at work and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront. Guests may choose to enjoy a sunset cruise offered by the hotel or explore Kochi's vibrant evening atmosphere.
- Hotel
- Brunton Boat Yard
- Meals
- Breakfast included.
Day 17
Kochi to London
Enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for the return flight to London or chosen destination.
- Meals
- Breakfast included.
Included with care
The Gentle Rhythms of South India
Latitude9 journeys are thoughtfully designed to balance freedom with reassurance. Rather than operating on a full-board basis, we encourage guests to enjoy greater choice, with carefully selected dining suggestions provided for meals that are not included — offering the opportunity to experience more of each destination.
For those who prefer a relaxed evening, all hotels offer in-house dining, ensuring comfort and ease are always close at hand.
What's included
- Hand-selected accommodation
- UK Tour Manager
- Local guides
- Transport as per itinerary
- Entrance fees for included activities
- Porterage
- Vox radio system
- ATOL protection details to be confirmed
- Meals as per itinerary
Accommodation listed is expected at the time of publication. Latitude9 may substitute hotels of a similar standard where necessary. Meals are intentionally not always included — you'll have choice, with suggestions from us where useful.
Brochure
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