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Exploring Tamil Nadu Solo

Exploring Tamil Nadu Solo

For curious solo travellers looking to venture a little off-the-beaten-track in southern India, this itinerary through Tamil Nadu includes stays at the best accommodation in the region and showcases the many cultural and historical highlights of the area. Hindu temples play a big part in the programme, but you will also explore the French enclave of Pondicherry with its ashrams and experimental townships, and the artisan villages of Chettinad.

Begin your journey through Tamil Nadu at the iconic Taj Connemara hotel in Chennai. Formerly Madras, Chennai is home to some superb examples of British colonial architecture, including the St. Thomas Cathedral. Visit the 7th century temples and reliefs at Mahabalipuram before moving on to Pondicherry. Discover the Sri Aurobindo ashram in Pondicherry and explore the beautiful heritage architecture of the French quarter. See the ‘big temple’ at Tanjore and observe the nightly ceremony. Stay at the excellent Svatma before moving on to the Chettinad region, home to many ornate abandoned mansion houses, and villages known for producing superb tiles. Delve deep into the region with your knowledgeable guide whilst staying at the fabulous Visalam. Finally, visit Madurai, a pilgrimage site for Hindus, who flock to the Sri Meenakshi temple. Take in the ‘going to bed’ ceremony and explore the narrow bazaars. Finish your journey back in Chennai.

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Day by Day summary

  • Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Chennai International Airport
  • 2 nights - Taj Connemara, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 2 nights - Palais de Mahe, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 1 night - Svatma, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 2 nights - Visalam, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 2 nights - Heritage Madurai, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • 1 night - Taj Connemara, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
  • Ends - Transfer to Chennai International Airport for your international flight home

At a glance

  • Country Icon India
  • Nights Icon 10 Nights
  • City Icon City
  • Scenic Icon Scenic

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Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

Guide Price

Low Season from {: 5300|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 5800|toCurrency :} per person

Includes flights from JFK
Itinerary Details

Day-by-Day

Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Chennai International Airport

Taj Connemara Lady Connemara Lounge
Taj Connemara Pool
Taj Connemara Spa
Taj Connemara Lady Connemara Lounge Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 1 - 3

Arrive at Chennai Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city.

  • 2 nights

Taj Connemara
Bed & Breakfast | Heritage Room
India

Taj Connemara Colonial Room
Palais de Mahe Bar
Palais de Mahe Facade
Palais de Mahe Swimming Pool
Palais de Mahe Bar Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 3 - 5

Today you will be privately driven to Puducherry, a drive of approximately 3.5-hours. 

  • 2 nights

Palais de Mahe
Bed & Breakfast | Mahe Chambre
India

Palais de Mahe Bedroom
Svatma Rooftop Courtyard
Svatma Indoor Swimming Pool
Svatma Property Courtyard
Svatma Rooftop Courtyard Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 5

Today’s drive to Thanjavur with your driver will be around 4-hours.

  • 1 night

Svatma
Bed & Breakfast | Heritage Deluxe Room
India

Svatma Luxury Room 2
Visalam Courtyard Dining
Visalam Hotel Garden
Visalam Property Exterior
Visalam Courtyard Dining Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 6 - 8

Today you will transfer to Karaikudi, a journey of approximately 2-hours.

  • 2 nights

Visalam
Bed & Breakfast | Chettinad Room
India

Visalam Bedroom
Heritage Madurai Day Bed
Heritage Madurai Floating Breakfast
Heritage Madurai - Luxury Plunge Pool Villa
Heritage Madurai Day Bed Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 8 - 10

Today you will driver to Madurai which will take around 2-hours.

  • 2 nights

Heritage Madurai
Bed & Breakfast | Deluxe Club Room
India

Heritage Madurai Banyan Restaurant
Taj Connemara Lady Connemara Lounge
Taj Connemara Pool
Taj Connemara Spa
Taj Connemara Lady Connemara Lounge Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 10

Today will be an 8-hour transfer from Madurai to Chennai. 

  • 1 night

Taj Connemara
Bed & Breakfast | Heritage Room
India

Taj Connemara Colonial Room

Day 11

Today you will be returned to Chennai Airport to catch your flight home. 

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Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.

Included icon

Includes

  • International Flights as indicated
  • Meals and accommodation as specified
  • Drinks as specified
  • Road transfers as specified
  • Private guiding & chauffeuring
  • All entrance fees and excursions as specified
  • Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
  • Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
  • Community projects contribution with Uthando
Not included icon

Excludes

  • Entry visas and fees
  • Gratuities
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional activities/ experiences
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ACTIVITIES

This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.

  • Cultural Experience Icon Cultural Experience
  • Food Experience Icon Food Experiences
  • City Sights Icon City Sights
  • Museum 2 Museum
  • Art 1 Art
  • Markets Icon Markets
  • Temples Icon Temples
  • Forts and Palaces 2 Forts and Palaces
Sample itineraries

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favorites.

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  • Flights and transfers included
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