ENQUIRE & BOOK

Passage Through Coromandel & Malabar

16 Days / 15 Nights from £1795/ $2334 per person

Travel from coast to coast across the southern tip of the Indian peninsula on this classic south India tour that weaves together the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, regarded ‘the last classical civilisation’, with the stunningly beautiful tropical natural beauty of Kerala, celebrated as ‘God’s own country’.  When combined, a Tamil Nadu and Kerala tour offers what we believe to be the perfect balance between culture and nature and provides a wonderful overview of south India. Your journey from the Coromandel to the Malabar Coast starts in historic Chennai (Madras) where you will explore the city’s colonial heritage, before driving along the coast to the former French colony of Pondicherry with its undeniably Gallic charm. Next, drive inland to the lush Cauvery Delta, where visits to the striking Chola temples in Tanjore and Kumbakonam combined with a visit to the family home of renowned mathematician Ramanujan, affectionately known as the ‘man who knew infinity’, and an interactive tour of a traditional bronze-casting studio await. Then, discover the palatial 19th century mansions of Chettiar bankers and merchants in the Chettinad, before arriving at Madurai, an ancient vibrant temple town that is considered to be the root of Tamil culture. On crossing into Kerala, experience the unhurried lifestyle of a tea planter at the Hill Station of Munnar. Continue to the spice port of Cochin and stroll through the city’s atmospheric lanes and bustling markets, before embarking on a privately chartered traditional Kerala houseboat cruise (Kettuvalam) to explore the exquisite backwaters of southern Kerala. The finale of your Tamil Nadu and Kerala tour occurs on arrival on the Malabar Coast where you’ll be able to enjoy the miles of virtually deserted golden beaches.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day Location/Route Overnight Sapphire Hotels Diamond Hotels
Day 1 Arrive Chennai (Madras) Airport. Late afternoon guided heritage walk.  2 nights Chennai The Leela Palace Chennai Taj Coromandel
Day 2 Discover Chennai’s colonial heritage. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 3 Visit Mahabalipuram and then drive along the Coromandel Coast to Pondicherry, via Auroville. 1 night Pondicherry Gratitude Heritage Palais De Mahe
Day 4 Morning tour of Pondicherry. Then, drive to the temple town of Kumbakonam. Enroute visit Darasuram and Gangai Konda Cholapuram. 2 nights Kumbakonam Mantra Koodam Mantra Koodam
Day 5 Visit the family home of renowned mathematician, Ramanujan. Then, visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple at Tanjore and a traditional bronze-casting studio nearby.
Day 6 Visit Chettinad’s palatial mansion and then continue to Madurai. Later this evening attend the Pooja ceremony. 1 night Madurai Heritage Madurai Heritage Madurai
Day 7 Morning tour of Madurai. Afternoon drive to Munnar. 2 nights Munnar Talayar Valley Bungalow The Windermere Estate Plantation & Retreat
Day 8 Explore Tea Gardens. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 9 Drive to Cochin. Later this afternoon enjoy a short sunset cruise. 2 nights Cochin Old Harbour Hotel Brunton Boatyard
Day 10 Morning tour of Cochin’s historic Fort District. The afternoon is at leisure
Day 11 Drive to Kumarakom. The afternoon is at leisure. 2 nights Kumarakom Purity Kumarakom Lake Resort
Day 12 Explore Manchira village, a typical backwater village and witness the slow, unhurried pace of life in rural Kerala.
Day 13 Drive to Alleppey and board your private traditional-style houseboat. 1 night Backwater Cruise Kumarakom Traditional Houseboat Kumarakom Traditional Houseboat
Day 14 Disembark from your houseboat and drive to the coastal village of Mararikulam. 2 nights Marari Beach Marari Beach Resort Marari Beach Resort
Day 15 Today is at leisure.
Day 16 Transfer to Cochin Airport. Farewell to India.
Tour Highlights
  • Explore colonial Chennai (Madras).
  • Discover the 7th century rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram.
  • Stroll through Pondicherry’s distinct French quarter.
  • Discover the splendid 11th century Chola temples at Tanjore and Kumbakonam.
  • Peek into neglected yet palatial 19th century Cherttiar mansions at the Chettinad.
  • Attend an atmospheric ‘Pooja’ (prayer ritual) at the ancient Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.
  • Explore historic Fort Cochin’s old European churches and the bustling spice markets.
  • Visit a working tea estate at Munnar.
  • Cruise through the fascinating backwaters in a traditional-style houseboat.
  • Relax in a tranquil, eco-friendly, beach-front resort.
Extend Your Stay
  • 1 night: Stay in a charming 19th century Chettiar mansion and experience the gracious lifestyle of the Chettiars at the Chettinadu
  • 2 nights: Unwind at the Rajakkad Estate, a beautifully converted 18th century palace reassembled in the foothills of the Western Ghats
  • 6 nights: Travel off the beaten track through north Kerala.
Route Map - Passage Through Coromandel & Malabar
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