India
Southern India Adventure, from Chennai to Kerala
Meenakshi Tour - 20 Night Itinerary
Journey through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, admiring colonial architecture, temples, culture, wildlife, nature and beautiful scenery. End your tour at a luxury beach resort.
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Travel Highlights
- Explore Chennai's fine colonial architecture including St George's Cathedral.
- Discover French influenced Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram the “City of the Seven Pagodas,”.
- Explore Tamil Nadu in depth visiting Tanjore and Chettinad.
- Travel to Madurai and admire the incredible Meenakshi Temple.
- Visit a colonial tea plantation in Munnar and explore the wildlife at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Enjoy a 2-night cruise on the backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat on a full board basis.
- Explore Kochi, rich in colonial architecture including the fort and St Francis Church.
- Relax for 3 nights at the peaceful Marari Beach Resort on the beautiful Kerala coast.
Tour Route
- Chennai (Madras) - 2 Nights
- Pondicherry - 2 Nights
- Tanjore - 2 Nights
- Chettinad - 2 Nights
- Madurai - 1 Night
- Munnar - 2 Nights
- Periyar - 2 Nights
- Kochi (Cochin) - 2 Nights
- Kerala backwaters cruise - 2 Nights
- Marari Beach Resort - 3 Nights
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
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Tour Itinerary
Chennai (Madras)
2 NightsDay 1 - Depart from the UK on an overnight flight to Chennai
Day 2 - Arrive Chennai
Day 3 - Guided tour of Chennai
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly from the UK to Chennai (Madras)
Depart from the UK on an overnight flight to Chennai.
Thursday, 04 June 2026
Arrive in Chennai
Arrive at Chennai airport. Our local Veloso Tours guide will meet and transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. Your guide will also give you a short orientation tour of your local surroundings and help you settle in. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is the capital of Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest city in India. The first British settlement in India, Chennai still has a fine legacy of colonial architecture which display a wide range of influences from the elegant classical style of the 18th century to the much more eclectic Anglo-Indian school of the late 19th century.
Friday, 05 June 2026
Guided tour of Chennai
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour exploring key sites in the old city. St. George’s Cathedral occupies a place of pride and prominence in Chennai. The architecture of St. George’s Cathedral is remarkable for its tall spire, pillars, marble statues, mural tablets and memorials inside. The Cathedral is a piece of architectural grandeur resting on a tier of steps. The Government Museum is another treasure trove worth exploring, with the Bronze exhibit one of the best in India.
We continue to Santhome Church and the National Shrine of St.Thomas Basilica built over the tomb of Apostle St.Thomas. St.Thomas one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ came to India in A.D.52, martyred in A.D.72 and was buried here in Mylapore.
Taj Connemara, Chennai
The centrally located Taj Connemara is one of the most iconic buildings in Chennai, built in 1799 and first becoming a hotel in 1854. It became the Connemara in 1890, the name being the then Madras Governor. The modern day hotel has delightful colonial charm and grand architecture including marble floors.
There are spacious Heritage, Luxury…
Pondicherry
2 NightsDay 4 - Travel to Pondicherry, via Mahabalipuram
Day 5 - Explore Pondicherry
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Pondicherry, via Mahabalipuram
This morning we drive along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal to the Pondicherry, stopping en-route to explore the ancient temple town of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Mahabalipuram is commonly known as the “City of the Seven Pagodas,” even though five of the seven pagodas are actually rathas (stone chariots). We also visit the photogenic and windswept Shore Temple, dramatically perched near a promontory overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Continue to Pondicherry and your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast.
Sunday, 07 June 2026
Explore Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a union territory that retains the borders of former French India. Steeped in history, visit cathedrals, French-style villas and tree-lined boulevards.
"Pondy" (as it's locally known) still bears its European heritage. The local cuisine has a distinctive French influence, as does the architecture of homes, boulevards and city buildings. Early this morning explore Pondicherry by cycle rickshaw including the White town, Tamil quarters, Muslim quarters, temples, churches, government heritage buildings or the lively fruit and vegetable market. We will finish our rickshaw ride at the Ganesha temple and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Palais De Mahe, Pondicherry
What a gem of a hotel. Located in the quaint French quarter of Pondicherry, Palais de Mahe resembles a French Mansion complete with cool, airy high ceilings, traditional roof beams, arched doorways and colonnades, and ochre yellow wall flourishes.
The hotel has superior, deluxe and deluxe rooms with private terrace. Each is air-conditioned with private bathroom,…
Tanjore
2 NightsDay 6 - Travel to Tanjore
Day 7 - Guided tour of Tanjore
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Tanjore
This morning we drive to Tanjore, stopping en-route to explore Chidambaram Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Continue to Tanjore for a 2-night stay including breakfast.
Tuesday, 09 June 2026
Guided tour of Tanjore
This morning we explore Tanjore, built in 1010 CE by Raja Raja, one of the Chola dynasty kings who once ruled much of South India. The magnificent Brihadishwara Temple is the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture and is dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja, king of the cosmic dance. Its beauty is particularly enhanced in late afternoon, when its sandstone tower is bathed in the golden hues of sunset. Continue to Tanjore’s the Royal Palace complex, with its impressive observation tower. Tanjore is famous for the bronze sculpture and paintings, we will visit the small manufacture unit to understand more about this art.
Svatma, Tanjore
Located in the centre of Tanjore, close to the temple of Shiva, Svatma is an oasis of luxury and charm - the perfect base. Part of a 100 year old family home, the design and furnishings are heavily influenced by Tamilian building styles and materials. It is a super place to get a good understanding…
Chettinad
2 NightsDay 8 - Travel to Trichy and Chettinad
Day 9 - Guided tour of Chettinad
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Trichy and Chettinad
This morning we drive to Chettinad via a visit to Tiruchirapalli “The Town of the Three Headed Devil,” so called after the demon who achieved salvation after being slain by Shiva. The city is now more commonly known as Trichy, as named by the British. Trichy has the historical distinction of being the centre around which the Carnatic Wars were fought in the 18th Century during the British-French struggle for supremacy in South India. Here we visit the superb Sri Ranganatha temple complex at Srirangam, situated on a 2 mile long island formed by two arms of the Kaveri River. Continue to Chettinad and check-in to the hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast.
Chettinad is the home to the Chettiars, a prosperous mercantile community. The city is well known for its fiery cuisine and architecture. Most of the palatial 18th century mansions were built using materials imported from east Asian countries and Europe about 100 years ago.
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Guided tour of Chettinad
Walking about the narrow streets of Kanadukathan - one of 9 villages of the prominent Chettiar community of these parts - you could be forgiven for having fallen back in time where majestic villas, imposing colonial-style bungalows and other stately ruins of a bygone era trying to impress onlookers with their stature and grandeur.
We visit timeless temples with intricate stone carvings and towering gopurams.
Visalam, Chettinad
Visalam is a wonderful 70 year old restored mansion, once owned by a prosperous trading family of the Chettiars of Tamil Nadu. The hotel is committed to the local community, ecology and preserving the local culture. The hotel can organise trips to Chettinad and Aathangudy, a nearby village famous for its hand made tiles. Also…
Madurai
1 NightDay 10 - Madurai & Meenakshi Temple
- Full Description
Madurai & Meenakshi Temple
This morning drive to Madurai and check into our hotel for a 1-night stay including breakfast. Enjoy a guided tour of Madurai city visiting Thirumalai Nayak Palace, built in the 17th Century and partially restored by the British in the 19th Century. Take the cycle rickshaw through the streets of Madurai and visit a tailor’s market next to the Meenakshi temple.
We then explore one of the most important temples in the South, the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Temple, whose complex occupies an area of six hectares. A riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with twelve gopuras (towers), ranging in height from 130 to 165 feet, the towers are covered from top to bottom in a breathtaking profusion of multicoloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. Meenakshi Temple is arguably the preeminent example of South Indian temple architecture, and is also one of India’s most important places of pilgrimage.
Munnar
2 NightsDay 11 - Drive to Munnar
Day 12 - Tea plantation tour
- Full Description
Drive to Munnar
Today we drive to Munnar, a hill station in the Western Ghats about 5000 feet above sea level. This is one of the best hill stations in Kerala and is the major centre of Kerala's tea industry. Munnar was the British Government's summer resort in the South and it has been the favourite summer resort of the European sellers for centuries.
On arrival, check-in to your hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Sunday, 14 June 2026
Tea plantation tour
Our tour today visits a tea plantation and the Tea Museum which houses curious, photographs and machineries, each depicting a turning point that contributed to a flourishing tea industry, as seen today in the region.
There is the opportunity to taste a range of teas.
Shagzill Khan
Periyar
2 NightsDay 13 - Drive to Periyar
Day 14 - Guided nature walk in Periyar National Park
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Drive to Periyar National Park
Today we drive to Periyar. The journey passes through bustling towns in the plains, rubber plantations on the foothills and undulating tea gardens and spice plantations on the mountains. Check-in to the hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. Later, enjoy a guided walk of a nearby private spice plantation which grows pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and more.
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Guided nature walk in Periyar National Park
Early this morning we take a guided nature walk in Periyar National Park through dense deciduous forests and swampy grasslands followed by the exciting bamboo rafting. Packed lunch included.
Later this afternoon, enjoy a the Kalaripayatu (ancient martial art technique) performance.
Anurag Srivastava
Shalimar Spice Garden, near Periyar
Nestling in the heart of the spice area in the low hills of the Southern Ghats and surrounded by tropical jungle, this rustic retreat is ideal for visiting nearby Periyar. It is the only boutique Hotel in the area and comprises of a main lodge, dining room, snug sitting room and a hall.
Sprawling up the…
Kochi (Cochin)
2 NightsDay 15 - Travel to Kochi (Cochin), evening Kathakali performance
Day 16 - Guided tour of Kochi
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Kochi (Cochin), evening Kathakali performance
After breakfast we drive to Kochi (Cochin). The prosperous spice trade drew seafarers to Kochi: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Jews, Chinese, Portuguese, the Dutch and finally the British. On arrival, check-in to the hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast.
In the evening, we attend a performance of Kathakali dance, where facial expressions and hand gestures combine with movement to create this highly expressive traditional Kerala art form which depicts great Indian epics.
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Guided tour of Kochi
Our tour of Kochi begins with a walking tour of Mattancherry, the bustling part of Old Fort Cochin and the epicentre of the spice trade for centuries. Mattancherry is home to a small Jewish community whose origin dates back nearly 2000 years, during the period of King Solomon, when large scale trade took place between the Middle East and the Malabar Coast.
Continue to the Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church, India’s first European church (ca. 1510), famed as the original burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524 while on his third visit to India. We also visit the picturesque Chinese fishing nets believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century.
Brunton Boatyard, Kochi
Brunton Boatyard is an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. Located in Fort Cochin, it’s an inspiring place to explore Kochi. The hotel was a boatyard under the British Raj, now beautifully converted and restored to a luxury hotel.
Twenty two rooms overlook the sea, each…
The Malabar House, Kochi
Malabar House is more than a beautifully designed heritage hotel. It is an art hotel, home of a carefully curated collection, highlighting Kerala’s composite culture as a passage between East and West. Located in Fort Cochin, the perfect base to explore Kerala.
The 17 spacious rooms and suites are air-conditioned with private garden, bathroom, hair…
Kerala backwaters cruise
2 NightsDay 17 - Embark your backwaters cruise
Day 18 - Backwaters cruise
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Kerala backwaters cruise
Early this morning, we transfer to Alleppey and embark your first class houseboat for a 2-night cruise on a full board basis. Unwind as you cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.
Saturday, 20 June 2026
Backwaters cruise
On this comfortable floating home spend your day relaxing and unwinding. As you slowly cruise along the backwater canals of the Arabian Sea, we stop and explore some of the many small villages, farmlands, old temples and churches that you come across.
We see Indian life up close as we slowly cruise along the palm-fringed backwater canals.
The Lotus
The glorious vessel has been converted from a rice barge into a contemporary floating hotel exploring the quiet backwaters.
The Lotus has clean lines and much use of teak, it is bright and fun and fresh. The chef serves delicious meals. There are two large bedrooms with teak floors, cheery colours, large observation windows, i-pod docks,…
Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond, Kumarakom
Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond is one of the most beautiful waterfront retreats in Kumarakom, nestled on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Set amidst 8 acres of lush tropical gardens, the retreat houses ten dedicated Ayurveda Rooms offering holistic treatments, set amidst breezy coconut palms. Privacy, relaxation, and rejuvenation await you.
The retreat has well-appointed superior rooms…
Marari Beach Resort
3 NightsDay 19 - Drive to your luxury beach resort
Day 20 - At leisure
Day 21 - At leisure
Day 22 - Fly back to the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Drive to your luxury beach resort
After breakfast, disembark and drive to your chosen beach resort on a beautiful stretch of coast where we stay for 3-nights including breakfast. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Monday, 22 June 2026
At leisure
Relax at your resort, enjoy nature and the beautiful white sandy beach.
Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Relax on the beach
A final day enjoying the facilities of your resort, perhaps take a yoga class or relaxing on the beach.
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to Kochi Airport and fly back to the UK, arriving later the same day.
Amritara A Beach Symphony, Mararikulam
The Beach Symphony, Mararikulam is a peaceful beachside escape close to Alleppey and the backwaters. Here, you can switch off and tune into the sounds of nature, like the symphony of waves lapping the nearby shoreline of the Arabian Sea and the melodies of bird song.
With only four roomy cottages set in a large lush…
Marari Beach Resort
The Marari Resort offers a relaxing seaside village experience, set in 30 acres with coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and a large organic farm.
The cottages echo the style of local fisherfolk with a simplicity, beauty and harmony that underlie Malabar’s coastal cultures. Nature and wellness are omnipresent at Marari as well as the…
Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam
Perched on a dramatic cliff edge flanked by secluded beaches, the Relais & Châteaux Niraamaya retreat offers traditional Keralite heritage cottages nestling in the shade of coconut palms with spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.
Choose from a range of accommodation, from garden rooms to spacious, private cottages. The Banyan Tree Bungalow offers a sense of…
Price Guidelines
| Season | High Season | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | October - March | ||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £3,437 | £4,544 | £5,865 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £4,625 | £6,292 | £8,232 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- Guidelines prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a twin room
- 22 Days / 20 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- 20 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
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