Cox and Kings Treasures of Southern India

– 4- & 5-star accommodation
– Flexible – extensions, room & flight upgrades available
– Small group size – average 12 people (max 18)
– International flights
– Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicles
– Experienced local tour manager
– 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners
– Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
– Porterage at airports & stations
– Day at leisure in Kerala’s backwaters

– Stay in the heart of the French quarter in Puducherry (Pondicherry)
– Visit Meenakshi temple for the night ceremony
– Spend 2 nights relaxing in the Keralan backwaters at the sublime in a poolside cottage/
– Enjoy a wealth of culinary fare
– Explore Tamil Nadu’s rich artistic and creative side

Day 1: Fly to Chennai
Direct flight from London (regional connections available) to Chennai (Madras) via 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, a town that predates Chennai by 2,000 years. Continue to Puducherry, visiting the world heritage listed shore temples at Mahabalipuram en route. Stay 2 nights at the Palais de Mahe located in the heart of the French quarter.(Breakfast)

Day 4: Puducherry
This morning visit a local rural village, organised by Mohanam Cultural Centre. Watch the villagers involved in traditional crafts such as stone carving, ceramics and terracotta work. 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 2 nights at the Mantra Koodam. 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 at Chidambara Vilas. 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. Overnight stay at the Heritage Madurai.
(Breakfast)

Day 9: Munnar
Travel to the hill country around Munnar for an overnight stay at Fragrant Nature. After lunch, visit the Suryanelli tea factory for a guided tour and tea tasting.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Kumarakom
Morning at leisure or visit the Srishti Welfare Centre. Travel to Kumarakom for 2 nights at the Rhythm Kumarakom (Poolside Cottage)
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 11: Kumarakom
Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surrounds.
(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. Stay 2 nights at Eighth Bastion (or similar.
(Breakfast)

Day 13: Kochi
Morning sightseeing tour of Kochi’s highlights including Mattancherry Palace, the Chinese fishing nets and the 16th-century St Francis Church. Then explore hidden Kochi including Jew Town, and dhobi wallah. 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)

Chidambara Vilas, Karaikudi
Originally built during the late 19th century by the Chettiyars of the Karaikudi region, Chidambara Vilas is a mansion that has been converted into a hotel. Sympathetically restored over a period of 3 years, the hotel retains many of its original features including the period furniture, pillared columns exquisitely carved out of Burma teak and the Belgian Chandeliers. Each of the 25 spacious rooms is comfortably furnished and carefully combines old-world charm with the essential requirements of modern-day traveller. The rooms are decorated individually and no two are the same size. The hotel’s facilities include a main dining area that serves traditional Chettinad cuisine. The interactive kitchen set next to this dining area offers guests the opportunity to learn about traditional Chettinad cuisine.

Eighth Bastion, Kochi (Cochin)
Set in the heart of Fort Kochi, Eighth Bastion is a small chic property that effortlessly combines contemporary and colonial styles. The hotel is built around a small courtyard, and features rooms that are elegantly decorated in minimalist style with many overlooking the Arabian Sea. No two rooms are of the same size with some featuring shower cubicles and others sunken bath tubs. None of the rooms feature a television. The Eighth Bastion hotel currently does not have a licence to serve alcoholic drinks. Features: 19 rooms, restaurant serving Indian and continental cuisine, outdoor pool and garden.

Fragrant Nature Munnar, Munnar
Located in the hills of Munnar and offering panoramic views of valleys, villages and mountains, Fragrant Nature is an excellent choice for those wanting luxurious comfort in a remote location. All the rooms are tastefully designed with traditional décor and have their own fireplaces to keep you warm in the chill of the mountains.

Heritage Madurai, Madurai
Heritance Madurai is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern comforts. Set among 17 acres of lush green gardens, Heritance Madurai has 35 villas. The original Madurai Coats Cub, which had its origins during the times of the British Raj, has not lost its British flavour, and with all the refurbishment has now been completely restored in keeping with the traditional architecture of this historic town. The rooms are spacious, tastefully furnished and designed to meet the demands of discerning travellers. All the 35 villas come with plunge pools and resemble traditional village houses. The 18th century columns and antique doors from the Chettinad district give the hotel a distinctive character.

The Taj Conemara, Chennai
Renovated in 2018, the Taj Connemara is located in the heart of Chennai’s (Madras’) business district and combines old world charm with excellent facilities. Restored to its former glory with a grand wooden staircase, an original lattice ceiling and ornate south Indian stonework, a stay at this luxury hotel is an experience in itself. The hotel offers daily historical walking tours of the property.

Rhythm Kumarakom, Kumarakom
Located just 20 yards from Vembanad lake, the Rhythm Kumarakom is a luxury resort in the picturesque backwaters area of Kerala. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegantly designed while the restaurant, which specialises in seafood, serves an array of regional, national and international cuisines.

Mantra Koodam, Kumbakonam
Tucked away in the peaceful village of Veppathru, close to the temple town of Kumbakonam, the Mantra Koodam offers elegant cottages and bungalows surrounded by a serene verdant garden. There is an array of activities on offer at the property ranging from nature and birdwatching walks to cycling and village tours.

Palais de Mahé, Puducherry
A quaint hotel in the heart of Puducherry’s old French quarter, Palais du Mahé is only minutes away from the area’s famous promenade, historic temples, famous cathedrals and colourful boutiques. With high ceilings, deep verandas, bright tangerine pillars and ochre colonnades, this heritage-style mansion features 18 spacious rooms that elegantly echo the distinctive Indo-French architecture, decorated with simple, period-style furniture sourced either locally or crafted by artisans from the region. While traditionally these mansions feature a large courtyard, this has been replaced with an inviting pool. Facilities at this delightful hotel include a floor dedicated to Ayurvedic massages and treatments and a rooftop restaurant serving Indian and Continental cuisine.