Cox and Kings Treasures of Southern India

• 4- & 5* accommodation
• Porterage at hotels
• Selected meals: 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 8 dinners.
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees included
• Welcome & farewell group dinners

• 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

Day 1: Fly to Chennai
Fly from the UK to Chennai vis Dubai
(No meals)

Day 2: Chennai
On arrival transfer to the hotel for some time at leisure. Then, head off on an afternoon tour of the city followed by free time at Marina beach. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 3: Mahabalipuram • Puducherry
Morning walking tour of Mylapore. Take a autorickshaw ride to the Kapaleeswarar Temple. Continue to Puducherry, visiting the world heritage listed shore temples at Mahabalipuram en route.
(Breakfast)

Day 4: Puducherry
This morning visit Auroville township, including the Mohanam Cultural Centre to villages involved in local crafts and the Matrimandir dome. Afternoon guided walk through Puducherry, stopping by the Aurobindo ashram, the Tamil quarters and the Ganesh Temple.
(Breakfast)

Day 5: Chidambaram • Kumbakonam
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 a 2 night stay. In the early evening, try your hand at pottery and enjoy an interactive culinary demonstration, led by expert chefs.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 6: Kumbakonam
Sunrise visit to the local market. After breakfast, discover the crafts and culture of Tamil Nadu. Observe master foundrymen produce extraordinarily detailed bronze cast 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 to explore the countryside on foot.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 7: Tanjore • Chettinad
Drive to Chettinad, stopping at Brihadeeswarar 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. This evening, enjoy a superb culinary experience.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Madurai
In the morning, explore the market, stopping for some tea. Travel to Madurai. Evening visit to the illuminated Meenakshi temple and Hall of a Thousand Pillars for the night ceremony.
(Breakfast)

Day 9: Munnar
Travel to the hill country around Munnar for an overnight stay. After lunch in a tea planter’s bungalow, visit the Suryanelli tea factory for a guided tour and tea tasting.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Kumarakom
Morning at leisure before travelling to Kumarakom for a 2 night stay
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 11: Kumarakom
Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surrounds or explore village life in the backwaters.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 12: Kochi
This morning, cruise aboard a shikara (wooden boat) through the backwaters before driving to Kochi (Cochin). Visit the Mattancherry palace and enjoy an evening traditional Kathakali dance performance.
(Breakfast)

Day 13: Kochi
Morning sightseeing tour of Kochi’s highlights including the Chinese fishing nets and the 16th-century St Francis Church. Then explore hidden Kochi including Jew Town, and dhobi wallah, a wash-house. Afternoon at leisure to further explore before a farewell dinner.(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 14: Fly to London via Dubai
Fly to London via Dubai
(Breakfast)

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