Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
India – Pondicherry – Kumbakonam – Chettinad – Madurai – Munnar – Kumarakom – Cochin
100% customisable for you
It’s time for the holiday to begin. Head to the airport and board your overnight flight to Chennai, a journey of around ten hours. Settle in, rest and let the anticipation build for the adventure ahead.
When you arrive in Chennai, your private driver will be waiting to whisk you away to Pondicherry. In the cool of the air conditioning, travel about 100 miles along the Coromandel Coast, skirting the Bay of Bengal. En route, stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram, where Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna and the heroes of the Mahabharata give you a first glimpse into southern India’s architectural and spiritual heritage.
Once you’ve been suitably wowed, continue to Pondicherry, where you’ll spend two nights in White Town, the former French quarter. Check in to your new home and spend the rest of the day relaxing – you’ve earned it after all that travelling.
The morning starts with a guided bike tour of Pondicherry. Pedal past ancient temples, colonial churches and bustling markets, before gliding through sleepy squares where oleanders bloom and past villas with French-style wooden shutters. Further on, the Tamil city unfolds, with streets lined by traditional houses and market stalls overflowing with crabs, lobsters, coconuts and cashews.
Later, your driver will whisk you around half an hour to Auroville. With no religion, nationality or political affiliation, this experimental city was conceived by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (the ‘Mother’) in 1968 as a place for harmonious living. Meet one of its residents and enjoy lunch with the community, gaining an insight into local life.
For those with strong sea legs, opt for a sailing trip on the Bay of Bengal to spot dolphins and traditional fishing boats – or stay on land and take an optional guided tour of Pondicherry to discover the city’s hotspots and hidden corners.
This morning, wave goodbye to Pondicherry as you head south along the coastline toward Gondelour, where the Gulf of Bengal falls away and Tamil Nadu begins. En-route, stop at the magnificent Chidambaram Temple for an introduction to the region’s distinctive Dravidian architecture, before continuing to Kumbakonam, a city celebrated for its staggering 188 Hindu temples and monasteries – including Adi Kumbeshwarar, Airavatesvara, Sarangapani and Nageshwaraswami, all dedicated to Shiva.
Later, arrive at your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the night. After a few quiet hours spent settling in, head out for an introduction to weaving in Darasuram, a nearby village renowned for its beautiful silk saris laced with pure gold thread. Watch a demonstration on a traditional loom and gain an insight into this ancestral technique, a skill that has been passed down for generations.
Start the day early at Kumbakonam Market. Here, rows of colourful stalls, fresh produce and fragrant spices await, with passionate vendors lining the labyrinthine alleys. Led by a local guide, explore the bustling market, discovering the flavours, aromas, and rhythm of daily life in this vibrant town.
From there, depart for Chettinad, driving past cashew plantations, granite quarries and grand monuments, including Ayyanar Temple and Thirumayam Fort. After around an hour, stop at Thanjavur, the ancient capital of the Chola dynasty, to visit the dazzling UNESCO-listed Brihadishvara Temple and discover the royal palace’s exquisite bronze collection. We can also arrange for you to visit a veena workshop and learn about this traditional string instrument with a local musician.
Once you’ve been suitably wowed, continue on to Chettinad, where you’ll be spending the next two nights. Unpack, settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner at your new hotel before heading up for a good night’s sleep.
Begin the day with a private tour of Chettinad’s villages. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the prosperous Chettiar community built a remarkable array of palaces across the region, blending British, Neo-Baroque and Art Deco styles. Accompanied by a private guide, wander through hamlets in search of hidden architectural gems, bustling streets and local treasures.
This afternoon, indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic treatment. Originating in Kerala over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is more than your average massage: the experience focuses on harmonising body, mind and spirit, combining consultation with personalised therapy to restore balance and leave you feeling rejuvenated.
This morning, set off on the two-hour journey to Madurai with your private driver, winding through quarries, rice paddies and plantations. When you arrive, check into your new hotel, drop your bags and spend the rest of the day lounging poolside or strolling through the gardens.
In the evening, take part in a private puja ceremony at the Sri Meenakshi Temple. Dedicated to Meenakshi, Shiva’s consort, this masterpiece of Dravidian architecture is one of India’s most active temples. As night falls, witness the ceremonial carrying of Shiva’s bronze statue to Meenakshi’s chamber – accompanied by enchanting music, the joyful bustle of devotees and the vibrant colours of saris and lanterns.
Begin the day with a private tour of Madurai, one of South India’s oldest cities and a major pilgrimage site. Often referred to as the cradle of Hinduism, its mosaic of temples, sculptures and murals offers a glimpse into the profound depth of local culture and religion, and your private guide will reveal the history, symbolism and stories behind these sacred spaces.
Afterwards, head west toward the mountain town of Munnar in Kerala. The drive, which takes approximately four hours, winds through agricultural landscapes before ascending into the hills, where tea plantations begin to appear. When you arrive, drop your bags and spend the rest of the day settling in, watching for birds and butterflies from your peaceful room.
This morning, discover the lush tea plantations of Munnar, perched at over 5,000ft. Alongside a friendly guide, stroll along manicured lanes, watch the sunlight reflect on the slopes and then step inside a local factory to witness the process that transforms leaves into the teas that make the region famous (no tour would be complete without a tasting, of course).
Afterwards, your private driver will whisk you toward the coast on a four-hour drive, passing through mountainous landscapes dotted with tea estates and rubber plantations. This evening, arrive in Kumarakom for a two-night stay on the shores of Lake Vembanad, one of India’s largest lakes. Drop your bags and treat yourself to a delicious dinner in the restaurant, indulging in traditional dishes from Kerala and beyond.
This morning, venture out into the heart of Kerala to explore its famous Backwaters by private boat. Fed by some 40 rivers cascading from the Western Ghats, this network of lagoons and lakes stretches for over 900 miles, and there’s no better way to experience it than from the water. As the crew expertly handles the boat’s manoeuvres, relax and take in the rhythms of village life along the canals, spotting teak houses, ancient temples and local fishermen at work.
For an alternative perspective, set off on a bicycle ride through Kumarakom, pedalling through landscapes where rice paddies meet tranquil waterways and villages are dotted with hibiscus and bougainvillaea. If you’d prefer to rest your legs instead, enjoy a private Shirodhara session, an ancient Ayurvedic therapy where a gentle stream of oil soothes the body and mind.
Today, travel up the coast to Cochin, a one-and-a-half-hour drive away. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of the Indian landscape, with the Arabian Sea and Backwaters on one side and lush plantations on the other.
Known through history as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ for its strategic trading position, Cochin now boasts a thriving port. Settle in for two nights in the city before heading out to explore with your private guide.
As you wander along bustling streets, houses with steeply pitched roofs and triangular church pediments reveal lingering traces of Portuguese and Dutch colonial influence. Next, wander the cobbled streets of the Jewish Quarter, passing merchant houses and browsing antique shops. Finally, visit the synagogue, where chandeliers and crystal balls sway gently in the humid air.
This morning, meet a group of female Kathakali artists for a rare glimpse into this classical South Indian dance form. Typically performed by men in elaborate costumes and make-up, today’s session strips it back to the gestures and storytelling that make Kathakali so hypnotic. The experience offers you an insight into both the dance itself and how each woman bypassed cultural barriers to enter this art form.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel or exploring the city. If you’d like a final touch of indulgence to round out the trip, why not spend a half-day at an Ayurvedic centre and enjoy a treatment or two?
After a final breakfast in Cochin, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home. With a quick stopover, the flight will take around 13 hours, and you’ll arrive home this evening, with the colours, flavours and rhythms of southern India tucked firmly in your memory.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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