Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our India experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
We've designed this stylish trip for those with limited time on their hands. Over this 12-day holiday, you'll explore the very best of Tamil Nadu in southern India, an ancient and devout Hindu state brimming with glorious temples. The trip focuses on beautiful boutique hotels, ranging from simple to luxurious. You'll visit plenty of temples along the way, both ancient and modern, before heading to the stunning coastal city of Pondicherry and into Tamil Nadu's unspoiled countryside for some well-deserved relaxation. This trip offers fantastic value for money and a real taste of what southern India is all about.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this India holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
Your southern India adventure begins today with an overnight flight from the UK to Chennai.
Today, after landing in Chennai you'll be met at the airport by your private car and friendly driver. You'll be whisked off to your hotel in the city, where the rest of the day is yours to acclimatise and relax after the long journeyl.
From Chennai, you'll head south to Pondicherry today, stopping at the temple complex in Mahabalipuram along the way. This is normally a 3-hour journey, but allow more time for stopping off for breaks and photo opportunities as you go. After checking into your beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of town, this evening, you'll enjoy a cookery lesson with a local family in Pondicherry.
Today, you'll enjoy a Pondicherry City Tour with a brilliant local guide, along with a trip to Auroville. Pondicherry is the former capital of French India, and is a charming city full of wonderful churches, shops, and boutique hotels to enjoy. Of course, chat to us if you want some tips on where to eat or visit during your time here.
From Pondicherry, you'll head to Tanjore. Along the way, we recommend stopping off for a visit to the Brihadisvara Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gangaikondacholapuram, along with the Airavatesvara Temple Complex in Darasuram. Including the stops, this journey is likely to take approximately 5 hours and at the other end, you'll check into a stylish boutique hotel right in the centre of town. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Tanjore to get your bearings!
From Tanjore, you'll continue east to Trichy, approximately a 1.5-hour journey, and enjoy a tour of Trichy, taking in its wonderful working temples. Afterwards, continue south into rural Tamil Nadu, to Chettinad, a unique area renowned for its mansions and unusual cuisine. This rural journey should take a further 1.5 hours. You'll spend the next couple of nights in Visalam, a heritage boutique hotel with lots of character.
Today, you'll enjoy a tour of Chettinad's mansions with your local guide. We've left this afternoon free for you to enjoy however you please. As always, we can make some recommendations of things to do, such as visiting the weavers or the local Athangudi tile makers, if you'd like a little more structure to your afternoon.
Head east to Dindigal today, specifically to Rajakkad Estate. This beautiful property is a converted wooden palace that sits in the foothills of the Western Ghats. It's surrounded by farmland, woodland, forests, and plantations, so it's a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy the remainder of your day completely at leisure.
Enjoy relaxing and soaking up your stunning surroundings today. Or, if you're after a bit more adventure, head out to explore the beautiful area. There are plenty of activities to fill your time today, chat to us and we'll recommend our favourite things to do.
From Rajakkad, you'll head west to Madurai today. Passing through small colourful villages and beautiful mountain scenery, take it all in before reaching the slightly flatter plains near Madurai. This afternoon, you'll enjoy a tour of the spectacular Meenakshi Temple before returning to your beautiful hotel, Heritage Madurai.
Today, your India adventure comes to an end as it's time to head to Madurai Airport for a flight to Chennai. On arrival at Chennai, you'll connect with your onward flight back to the UK via Dubai. There are also flights to Sri Lanka, or the Andaman Islands, which makes a lovely combination for a two-centre holiday.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Clare is dedicated to all things India and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Clare’s travelled all over India and loves nothing more than planning holidays that reflect you. Whether it’s temples, tea, trains or tucked-away towns, she’s got the experience (and enthusiasm) to make it unforgettable.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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