Temples to Backwaters – Tamil Nadu and Kerala Escape

A perfect trip for those wanting to immerse themselves fully in the 2 south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This itinerary will see you explore south India from coast to coast in style. Discover the off-the-beaten-track treasures of Tamil Nadu and unearth the many varied delights of tropical Kerala. This is a bucket list journey of a lifetime.

Begin your south Indian adventure in Chennai, formerly Madras, the main city of Tamil Nadu. Explore the British history with visits to St Mary’s Church and Fort St. George and take time to discover the Kapaleeshwara temple complex. Move on then to Pondicherry via the 7th-century temples at Mahabalipura. In Pondicherry, dive into the French Quarter with its exquisite architecture and visit the Sri Aurobindo ashram. Also see the big temple in Tanjore by day and by night. Hidden Chettinad is next. Learn about the merchants who once lived in opulent mansions here and visit the textile and tile makers in the surrounding villages.

Next stop, Madurai, home to the Sri Meenakshi temple, the most holy Hindu temple in the south. Watch the enthralling ‘going to bed’ ceremony here before you cross the border into Kerala and notice how the scenery changes almost immediately. Flat, dry plains give way to rolling, lush green hills. The spice-producing region around Thekkady is your first port of call. Stop in at a spice plantation to learn about nutmeg and cardamom and then track wildlife on an early morning jungle walk in Periyar National Park. Head into the tea hills around Munnar, a former British hill station and wander through a working tea plantation and tea factory.

Drop down then to the backwaters and stay at the wonderful Coconut Lagoon, on the edge of the lake. Here, cruise on your own private rice barge through these idyllic waterways. Following that, spend 2 nights in historic Fort Kochi, an important player in the spice trade and home to Dutch, Portuguese and British buildings, as well as the famous Chinese fishing nets. Finish your south Indian epic with time relaxing by the sea at Marari Beach Resort. Sit back, relax and reflect on all you have seen on this incredible journey through the South.

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
2 nights - Svatma, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
1 night - Heritage Madurai, Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India
2 nights - Spice Village, Kerala and Karnataka, India
2 nights - Windermere Estatee, Kerala and Karnataka, India
2 nights - Coconut Lagoon, Kerala and Karnataka, India
2 nights - Forte Kochi, Kerala and Karnataka, India
3 nights - Marari Beach Resort, Kerala and Karnataka, India
Ends - Transfer to Cochin International Airport for your international flight home

At a glance

India
20 Nights
City
Beach
Safari
Scenic

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Guide Price

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High Season from {: 6300|toCurrency :} per person

Includes flights from JFK

Itinerary Details

Day-by-Day

Heritage Madurai - Luxury Plunge Pool Villa

Coconut Lagoon - Aerial View of Property

Marari Beach Resort Deluxe Garden Villa with Private Pool

Marari Beach Resort Garden Villa with Pool

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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.

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

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.

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Cultural Experience
Cycling
Hiking
Food Experiences
City Sights
Wellness/Spa
Tea Plantations
Markets
Temples

Enriching encounters

ICONIC WILDLIFE

Whether you want to tick a leopard off your bucket list or seek out specific bird species, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.

Leopard
Sloth Bear
Asian Elephant
Sambar Deer
Brown Fish Owl
Gaur
Tiger
Wild Pig (Indian Boar)

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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