South India - Tamil Nadu and Kerala Highlights
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Often overlooked, Tamil Nadu is the cultural heartland of South India, where trade, European influences and Tamil culture come together in a magnificent clash of architecture and history. This remarkable private journey encompasses some of the country’s most authentic cultural experiences, known for the finest cuisine, providing a richly contrasting insight into the traditions, heritage and flavour of one of India’s most fascinating regions. Following the Coromandel coast south, you’...
Often overlooked, Tamil Nadu is the cultural heartland of South India, where trade, European influences and Tamil culture come together in a magnificent clash of architecture and history. This remarkable private journey encompasses some of the country’s most authentic cultural experiences, known for the finest cuisine, providing a richly contrasting insight into the traditions, heritage and flavour of one of India’s most fascinating regions. Following the Coromandel coast south, you’ll begin amongst the stunning World Heritage ruins at Mahabalipuram and the French colonial era town of Pondicherry, before turning west, towards the majestic architectural glories of the Chola kings. After taking in the ancient splendours of Trichy, you then venture into the homelands of the Nattukottai Chettiars. The journey then heads into the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats, where you will enjoy the splendours of one of the hill stations of the British colonial era, before swapping for the tiger and wildlife habitat of Periyar, where you will enjoy a boat safari. Continue to the waterways of Alleppey, home to the world-renowned Kerala Backwaters, before reaching the beaches of the Arabian Sea in Mararikulam for some relaxation before ending the tour in the historic city of Cochin where you will be rewarded with tales of the city’s myths and legends.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Chennai: Arrival
Arrive into Chennai where you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Later in the afternoon enjoy a short orientation tour of Chennai.
Day 2 Chennai: Flower Market, Fort & Temple
The flower market in Chennai is worth waking up early for, and the perfect way to start your colourful journey of Southern India. From here you will be taken to some of the city’s cultural highlights, including the 17th century Fort St. George, the ancient Shiva temple of Kapaleeshwarar and the streets of the bustling Georgetown Bazaar.
Day 3 Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry: Arts Centre & UNESCO Monuments
One of the largest cities in India, Chennai and the surrounding area is a cultural melting pot, and the area is a centre for classic music and dance, art and the location of the Tamil film industry. Following an early breakfast you will set off south to the former French colonial town of Pondicherry, stopping en route to discover more of the cultural heritage of this region. Visit a performing arts school and weaving centre established by the Kalakshetra Foundation, before continuing on to the relaxed seaside town of Mahabalipuram where you can visit the famous UNESCO heritage site. Modern day stone carvers, tourists and local fishermen mingle amongst the ancient ruins and stone carvings, some of which date back as far as the 7th century. Arrive in Pondicherry late afternoon.
Day 4 Pondicherry: Cookery Class & Walking Tour
This morning's activity is a cooking class in Shyama's kitchen before sitting down to enjoy your lovely meal with her family. In the afternoon, discover the historic Tamil and French quarters of Pondicherry on a guided walking tour visiting the 17th century church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, one of the most influential ashrams in India, as well as the city's fascinating museum. Finish the day with a guided tour from an initiative who hire local people as storytellers in order to give visitors an insight into the many myths and rituals behind every day Indian life.
Day 5 Pondicherry – Thanjavur: Ancient Temples
Today you will be driven south along coastal roads to Thanjavur, stopping en route to visit the mythical site of Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, one of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu. Arrive in Thanjavur, one of the ancient cities of India with a long and varied history dating back to the Sangam period and now a World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon visiting the impressive Brihadeshwara Temple and Fort and the majestic Tanjore Palace of the Marathas and the Nayaks.
Day 6 Thanjavur: Craft & Culinary Workshops
Today you can take advantage of the numerous activities by Svatma, the unique resort you will be staying at. Each experience has been designed to give you an insight into the abundant charms of Tamil Nadu - its arts, architecture, culinary heritage and culture. Spend time with expert bronze sculptors and master craftsmen, academics, priests and culinary masterminds, or simply relax by the pool and soak up your surroundings - the choice is yours.
Day 7 Thanjavur – Trichy – Chettinad: Rock Fort & Merchant’s Mansions
Depart Thanjavur after breakfast and head towards Chettinad, stopping at one of the oldest inhabited cities in Tamil Nadu - Trichy. Famed for its spectacular Rock Fort and its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Trichy is blessed with a rich ancestry that includes Chola, Pallava and Nayak influences. Also see the unusual architecture of the 19th century Georgian church of St. John. Continue to Chettinad, where you will check into your hotel and visit the Kanadukathan village with a local guide. The village is home to a number of mansions, built in the early 1900s by wealthy merchants of the region, they line the unpaved streets.
Day 8 Chettinad – Madurai: Evening Temple Ceremony
Enjoy a restful morning before heading off to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in Tamil Nadu with a history stretching back 2500 years and home to busy streets, bustling bazaars and the ever present gopurams (towers) of the Sri Meenakshi Temple. With 12 colourful, carved towers the temple dominates the city skyline and is the spiritual heart of the city. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the city’s busy streets before you head to the temple for the evening closing ceremony, a noisy, colourful affair with chanting and a parade.
Day 9 Madurai: Gandhi Memorial & Pottery Village
Head out into Madurai today with your guide to explore the 17th century Thirumala Nayak Palace with its imposing courtyard lined with pillars. Also visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum for an overview of the history of India’s independence and later visit the Vilacherry Potters village. Here around 200 families live and work creating the colourful clay statues of the Hindu deities which can be found in shops throughout the south of India.
Day 10 Madurai – Thekkady: Leisurely Afternoon
After breakfast you will travel to Thekkady, home of Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, a community-based ecotourism project which aims to protect the rare flora and fauna of the region as well as providing a living for the residents of the area. With an afternoon at leisure you can explore the spice plantation you will be staying on, venture out through the villages on an electric bike or take it easy with a relaxing ayurvedic treatment.
Day 11 Thekaddy: Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Today will be spent in Periyar, walking through some of the wilder forest of the reserve. Animals such as tigers, elephants, sambar, giant squirrels and Nilgiri langur may be spotted, they share the park with native people who can often be seen fishing and swimming. Periyar is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists alike, with its rich fauna and vast open land, a wonderful place to experience some of southern India’s wildlife. In the early evening you can also enjoy a birdwatching walk led by a specialist naturalist guide.
Day 12 Thekkady – Alleppey: Backwater Cruise
Heading back onto the alluvial plains that lie between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, this morning you will journey by road to the town of Alleppey. Here you will board your private houseboat for an exploration of the remarkable Keralan Backwaters, 900km of interconnected lakes and rivers with a unique eco system, home to a myriad of birds and animals including otters and turtles. A cruise is the ideal way to observe life amongst the channels and waterways of the west coast.
Day 13 Alleppey – Mararikulam: Inland Waterways to Coastal Sands
Disembarking your houseboat you will head for Mararikulam on the golden beaches of the Arabian coast for some much-needed relaxation. On arrival, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 14 Mararikulam: Fishing Village Beach
Spend the day enjoying the pristine sands and warm waters of Marari Beach at Mararikulam. Nestling close to a small, sleepy fishing village, the beach offers the perfect unspoiled conclusion to your southern adventure.
Day 15 Mararikulam – Cochin: Kathakali Dance Performance
This morning you will travel by road to Cochin, the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. The oldest European settlement in India, Cochin is a vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences and home to the oldest church and the oldest synagogue in the country, visit these along with the ornate Dutch Palace and the 14th century Chinese fishing nets before enjoying a remarkable performance of Kerala's famous Kathakali dancing.
Day 16 Cochin: Dawn City Tour
Start your day early and explore Cochin at dawn. Watch the city come to life as the morning boat rush hour begins, when local fishermen set off to cast their nets. A walk along the coastline gives you the chance to see daily fitness regimes such as yoga on the beach. Stop for a cup of tea at a local tea shop before visiting the Soviet era communist reading rooms. From here take the local ferry to Ernakulam to discover the bustle of the sea food auction, where the fishermen return with their fresh catch and visit the island temple and enjoy a South Indian brunch with your guide. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore or relax as you wish.
Day 17 Cochin: Departure
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in Cochin in time for your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Bangala Hotel, Chettinadu
With traditional interiors and beautiful gardens the traditional Bangala Homestay offers guests a chance to take a step back in time in comfort. Set in Chettinad, a region with its own distinct culture and traditions, the hotel reflects the lavish Chettiar's lifestyle. Serving a seven course meal consititing of the world famous chettinad cuisine every day, the hotel also provides fitness, spa and pool facilities. The rooms are large and decorated and furnished with Chettinad mosaic work and antique furniture. With your morning tea served to you in your room and a library filled with classic and local books to browse there are many little extras to keep you occupied during your stay at this hotel.
Spice Village, Thekkady
Spice Village is set within fourteen acres of forest covered hills on the border of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Influenced by the native people of the region the roofs of the 47 cottages are thatched using elephant grass in the unique way of Mannan tribes of Periyar. The cottages are surrounded by fruit trees and spice plantations, which attract squirrels and monkeys, and all feature private bathrooms and a verandah. The restaurant serves Keralan cuisine, whilst the unique 50 Mile restaurant resources its ingredients only from within 50 miles of the resort in order to reduce its carbon footprint. Hidden within the spice garden are basketball, badminton and tennis courts for the more active guests, whilst the swimming pool is surrounded by swaying palms that provide a sense of tranquillity and calm, especially when paired with an Ayurveda massage. There are daily experiences included such as paper making, cooking demonstrations and musical performances. Spice Village has its own vermicomposting plant where most of the daily waste is recycled and almost all the energy is resourced from solar power.
Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam
Marari Beach Resort is certainly the best property in the area. The tranquil, beachside location encompasses coconut groves, near empty beaches and wildflower gardens. Aside from relaxing by the pool and in the spa, there is a large multi-cuisine restaurant and small, beachside seafood restaurant (seasonal). The organic vegetable garden supplies fresh produce to the resort, and special lunches and harvest activities can be arranged there. The 62 villas are spread around the large resort and are distinguished by their traditional thatched roofs. Lack of televisions in the rooms allows guests to connect to the environment and make use of the many complimentary activities; musical performances, cooking demonstrations, butterfly garden, yoga and meditation. Additional facilities include a beach volleyball court, table tennis room and tennis court. As with most CGH properties, filtered water is served in glass bottles to reduce plastic waste.
Heritage Madurai, Madurai
Once the housed community of a British company, Heritage Madurai is now a four-star hotel within the city of Madurai. The reception leads onto the breakfast room, lounge bar and temple style outdoor pool. There is also the special opportunity to dine under a 200-year-old banyan tree in the restaurant designed by Geoffrey Bawa. The rooms are set in blocks and the villas feature private plunge pools and a sun deck. A pottery demonstration area and traditional tea shop are complimentary for guests and are in the gardens. Additionally, there is a spa, badminton court and a gym for recreational time.
Eighth Bastion, Cochin
Located in the heart of the bustling heritage town of Fort Kochi, an hour and a half drive from Cochin Airport, is the charming Eighth Bastion Hotel. Inspired by the heyday of the Dutch East India Company, the interiors feature maritime antiques and artwork. The restaurant specialises in cuisine based on Indo Dutch flavours and leads out onto the small courtyard with an outdoor pool. The rooms contain contemporary furniture but still hint to the hotels nautical theme, and some come complete with a veranda or balcony. The hotel is close to the Dutch cemetery and Dutch Palace, interesting remains of Fort Kochi’s rich colonial past.
Svatma, Tanjore
Svatma is a beautiful heritage property providing excellent service and unique experiences. Built using local materials and with traditional architecture, part of the Svatma hotel was once a family home that has now been restored to its original beauty. The Tamil art and curated antiques create a romantic atmosphere which continues in the garden and beautiful pool. Many details of the hotel are gathered from a bygone era including the 220-year-old porch rescued from a Chettinad home, now hanging over the bar. The 38 rooms or suites are all spacious and uniquely designed to reflect various aspects of the local Tamilian culture and styles. The hotel serves only vegetarian dishes, the thali is recommended, and guests can enjoy these either in the dining room, terrace or at the rooftop bar. The spa is in the modern wing and has the unique service of sound therapy, amongst others. As with most CGH properties, filtered water is served in glass bottles and there are daily experiences included such as musical performances, Kolam making or cooking demonstrations.
Taj Coromandel, Chennai
Taj Coromandel is a luxurious five-star hotel, situated in Chennai, and offers a rich fusion of classic elegance with traditional South Indian design. The hotel is made up of 212 spacious and luxurious rooms and suites, featuring views of the city, pool or gardens. Taj Coromandel has numerous fine-dining restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines; award-winning South Indian dishes at Southern Spice, flavours from around the world at the 24-hour Anise restaurant, an authentic Chinese menu at the Golden Dragon and elegant high teas at the Tea Lounge. The impressive spa is spread across three floors and offers Ayurveda therapies, beauty treatments and a yoga studio. The garden provides a lovely spot to unwind and take a dip in the pool after exploring the city.
Palais De Mahe, Pondicherry
Palais de Mahe is a stunning boutique hotel located in the French quarter of Pondicherry and is the best accommodation choice in the city. The property features French colonial style architecture and furniture, keeping in line with the style of the region. The hotel consists of eighteen luxurious suites, situated around the outdoor pool courtyard, a welcome retreat from the humidity of the coastal location. The highlight of any stay in the rooftop restaurant and terrace, serving delicious Indian cuisine. There is also an indoor, air-conditioned bar and Ayurveda spa for relaxation after exploring the beach, markets and elephant temple, only a short walk away.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN INDIA
Check out our group tours in India
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to India. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in India