Riviera Travel Southern India’s Coastal Route

• Begin your journey at Fort St. George in Chennai, where Clive of India embarked on his illustrious career.
• Embark on a tour of the charming city of Pondicherry, once a French colonial outpost until 1954.
• Marvel at the exquisite Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, a cultural treasure of southern India. Experience the local vibe with a tuk-tuk ride and explore bustling markets.
• Set sail for an overnight cruise along Kerala’s scenic backwaters and canals aboard a traditional houseboat.
• Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Periyar National Park and take a leisurely nature walk through pristine virgin forests.
• Witness the awe-inspiring Brihadeeswara Temple in Tanjore, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Discover the historical city of Cochin on the Malabar Coast, India’s first European colony, initially settled by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and ultimately the British.
• Delve into the captivating Chettinad region, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit and stay in one of its remarkable traders’ mansions.
• Gain insight into the cultivation of popular spices at a sprawling 500-acre plantation nestled in the stunning Western Ghats.

• Carefully selected accommodations rated three to four stars
• Round-trip flights
• Comprehensive itinerary featuring daily tours and visits
• Selected Meals: Daily breakfast and six meals
• Guidance of an experienced Tour Manager
• Checked luggage

Day 1 – Departure

Take your overnight flight to Chennai vis Muscat

Day 2 – Arrival in Chennai

On arrival, transfer to the hotel

Day 3 – Mahabalipuram

Begin your immersion in one of the world’s oldest cultures this morning in Chennai. Explore bustling streets, pass Victorian-era buildings, and visit the famous Marine Beach with its vibrant fish market and colourful wooden fishing boats on the shore. Your journey takes you to the heart of colonial Madras, Fort St. George, a pivotal outpost of the British Empire.

Heading south, you’ll reach Mahabalipuram, an ancient port that once traded with Rome. Its impressive 7th-century temples, intricately carved from colossal granite monoliths, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Day 4 – Pondicherry

Following breakfast, journey south to Pondicherry, where upon arrival, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the enchanting old French colonial district of ‘Pondy.’ This area boasts a unique architectural and atmospheric charm distinct from any other Indian town.

You’ll experience a tranquil, almost Mediterranean ambiance, with bougainvillea-adorned walls and neo-classical villas in a striking mustard-yellow hue. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the imposing Governor’s residence and the historic site of the French fort, designed by the renowned French military architect Vauban.

Day 5 – Tanjore

Continue the journey south to Tanjore. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 6 – Tanjore

Tanjore, the former capital of the ancient Chola Empire, is renowned for its remarkable Brihadeeswara Temple, a prototype for all southern Indian temples. This temple, soaring over 200 feet in height, features an intricately-carved ochre-colored facade that radiates in the morning sunlight.

Functioning as a place of worship for over a millennium, the temple is enclosed by colonnaded halls and a protective fortification—a testament to the Chola Empire’s opulence and influence. At sunset, it appears to emanate a crimson glow. Tanjore is also celebrated for its exquisite metalwork, and the nearby Royal Palace’s art gallery showcases a captivating collection of bronze sculptures.

Day 7 – Chettinad

Today, head to the nearby Chettinad region, a hidden gem that promises to captivate you. It offers an authentic glimpse of rural India with its small farming communities. Tonight, you’ll savor a dinner included in your experience, featuring the region’s distinctive cuisine served on a traditional banana leaf.

Day 8 – Madurai

After breakfast, you’ll explore this hidden region, visiting impressive mansions, the local Maharaja’s palace, and experiencing local handicrafts. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a delicately handmade tile workshop and witness the weaving of traditional saris on wooden handlooms.

In the afternoon, drive to Madurai for one of the tour’s highlights: the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Often referred to as Southern India’s Taj Mahal, it’s a vast shrine complex with courtyards, grand pillared halls, a sacred lake, and an astonishing twelve gateway towers adorned with thousands of brightly painted stucco carvings. Madurai, an ancient city that predates Chennai, was known for trading spices with the ancient Romans and stands as the cultural and spiritual heart of Tamil Nadu.

This afternoon, use tuk-tuks to visit the temple at dusk, exploring its bustling traditional markets filled with heavily laden stalls and tailors diligently working on their vintage Singer sewing machines.

Day 9 – Kumily

This morning, return to the temple to explore it in daylight. Afterward, tour the nearby Nayak Palace, featuring a vast throne-room and a ceremonial courtyard. Then, embark on a westward journey toward the distant Western Ghats, marking the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

As you travel along winding roads through lush forests, you’ll catch fleeting glimpses of green valleys below. Upon crossing the border, reach Kumily, nestled amidst spice plantations and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Day 10 – Periyar Wildlife Reserve

Rise early to the sounds of a tropical dawn chorus and venture into the wildlife sanctuary for a guided nature walk amidst teak, bamboo, wild fig, and jacaranda trees. The reserve boasts diverse birdlife, including hornbills, parakeets, kingfishers, eagles, kites, and flycatchers. There’s also a chance to spot rarely seen tigers, as well as Malabar giant squirrels and lion-tailed macaques.

Following a late breakfast back at the hotel, the day offers free time until our afternoon excursion to a local spice plantation. Here, the guide enlightens you on the various uses, both medicinal and culinary, of spices such as pepper, cloves, curry leaves, cardamom, vanilla, turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, and more.

Day 11 – Kerala Houseboat Overnight

This morning, descend from the hills of Periyar, passing picturesque tea plantations, en route to the captivating Keralan backwaters. Here, enjoy an overnight stay aboard a traditional Kerala Houseboat.

Departing from Alleppey, each houseboat accommodates six to eight guests and is crewed by three individuals who prepare delicious Keralan lunches and dinners onboard. As you cruise through the serene waterways, surrounded by paddy fields, coconut palms, and vibrant local houses, keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife, children commuting to school by rowboat, and locals going about their daily routines, including washing clothes, utensils, and themselves in the narrow canals.

Day 12 – Drive to Kumarakom

After an enchanting dawn experience, awakened by the tranquil beauty of the backwaters, disembark from the Kerala houseboat and proceed to Kumarakom.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. In the early evening, we partake in a sunset boat cruise on Lake Vembanad, one of India’s largest lakes and a thriving wetland ecosystem teeming with diverse birdlife, wildlife, and plant species.

Day 13 – Kumarakom

Early risers with a passion for bird watching can seize the opportunity to explore the avian wonders of the area and embark on a village walk. The remainder of the day is yours to relish the serenity and natural beauty of this exceptional location.

Day 14 – Cochin

This morning, depart from Coconut Lagoon for a brief drive to Cochin, the historic port of the Malabar Coast, known for its pivotal role in shipping India’s prized spices to Europe. In the city’s oldest section, Fort Cochin, you’ll find a captivating labyrinth of narrow lanes and grand merchant residences. Nearby, the bustling Mattancherry district houses the Dutch Palace and the subcontinent’s oldest synagogue. A must-see attraction in Cochin is the iconic Chinese fishing nets, enormous cantilevered devices that remain operational to this day.

Day 15 – Return home

Fly home to the UK via Muscat, arriving later the same day

Crowne Plaza Adyar Park, Chennai
The Crowne Plaza Hotel in the heart of Chennai offers a range of amenities including a 24-hour front desk, bar, restaurant, fitness centre, swimming pool, air conditioning, elevator, laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a spa. The hotel boasts 286 comfortable air-conditioned rooms equipped with showers, hairdryers, safes, TVs, and tea/coffee-makers. This four-star superior hotel provides a central location in Chennai’s city centre.

Ideal Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram
Ideal Beach Resort offers a range of amenities including a swimming pool, spa & wellness facilities, lounge & bar, restaurant, fitness center, 24-hour front desk, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry service, snacks, gift shop, and terrace. The hotel provides rooms equipped with TV, air conditioning, minibar, and balcony, offering pool and garden views. The hotel is situated along the Coromandel coastline with stunning views of the Bay of Bengal.

Atithi Hotel, Pondicherry
The three-star superior Atithi Hotel in Pondicherry offers a range of amenities, including a 24-hour front desk, lounge & bar, restaurant, fitness center, swimming pool with a rooftop bar & grill, spa & wellness facilities, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and laundry service. The hotel features 60 air-conditioned rooms with twin or double beds, equipped with a shower, hairdryer, safe, minibar, TV, tea/coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi. Conveniently situated in the heart of Pondicherry amid charming avenues lined with wildflowers.

Ideal River View Resort, Tanjore
Ideal River View Resort, a tranquil three-star superior hotel, features a 24-hour front desk, lounge & bar, restaurant with a river-view terrace, spa & wellness facilities, a swimming pool, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a garden with hammocks. The 42 simply furnished rooms offer amenities like air conditioning, bath/shower, safe, TV, and a balcony or terrace with views of the river or garden. Located in a peaceful rural setting amidst paddy fields overlooking the Cauvery River, it’s approximately a 20-minute drive from the city center.

Heritage Hotel, Madurai
The four-star Heritage Hotel, once a British club during the Raj, stands as one of the city’s premier properties. Set within 17 acres of lush gardens, the hotel boasts a sizable sunken pool, surrounded by the open-air lobby, restaurant, coffee shop, and bar. Its 73 spacious and simply furnished air-conditioned rooms, located in low-rise buildings, offer amenities like twin or double beds, shower, hairdryer, safe, minifridge, TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Located in the vicinity of Madurai’s city centre, the hotel enjoys an expansive and tranquil setting.

Spice Village, Kumily
The four-star Spice Village, nestled amidst 35 acres of lush gardens near Kumily, offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, lounge & bar, restaurant with complimentary tea & coffee, fitness centre, 24-hour front desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry service, snacks, gift shop, and terrace. Rooms are spacious and equipped with ceiling fans, showers, hairdryers, minibars, safes, and tea/coffee-makers, but no TVs. Bird-watching and daily cookery demonstrations are also offered.

Kerala Houseboat, Kerala
Experience the charm of traditional houseboats on the Backwaters of Kerala, offering air-conditioned accommodations with unique and homely décor. Each houseboat accommodates six to eight guests, featuring a variety of colours, natural wood flooring, and single-pane windows that provide picturesque views as you glide through the backwaters. Modern amenities and attached bathrooms ensure a comfortable stay. The hotel also boasts a restaurant and a lounge & bar, along with complimentary tea & coffee service.

Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom
The four-star superior Coconut Lagoon resort, accessible by a short boat transfer, sprawls across 30 acres of picturesque gardens and canals, featuring a palm-shaded pool, early-morning yoga sessions, an Ayurvedic spa, a bird sanctuary, and a butterfly garden. The serene, wood-panelled rooms are air-conditioned and offer outdoor walled bathrooms with showers, hairdryers, and safes. Notably, there are no TVs, preserving the tranquil ambiance. The resort enjoys a stunning location overlooking Lake Vembanad.

The Trident, Cochin
The four-star Trident Cochin offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa & wellness facilities, lounge & bar, restaurant serving Keralan specialties and continental cuisine, fitness center, 24-hour front desk, lift between floors, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and laundry service. The 85 air-conditioned rooms, feature showers, hairdryers, minibars (local charges apply), safes, TVs, and tea/coffee-makers. The hotel is located in a tranquil area on Willington Island, conveniently positioned between the historic quarter of Fort Cochin and the modern city.

Fact File

• Currency: Indian Rupee
• Flight time: Approx.  11 hrs 50 mins (outboud) and 13 hrs 15 mins (inbound)
• Languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu
• Time zone: GMT+5.5
• Country: India

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic.