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Treasures of Southern India
Treasures of Southern India
14 Days Starting in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India and ending in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Visiting: Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Chettinadu, Madurai, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kochi, Mumbai
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 20
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Luxury, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$3733 (USD) including Flights from the UKThis tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
The delicate scent of spices, the sound of temple bells and a rich tapestry of ancient arts and craft all characterise Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This journey reveals these southern charms first-hand. You will travel through hill stations, tropical backwaters and temple-laden towns while staying in some of the region’s very best hotels.
Highlights
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Stay in the heart of the French quarter in Puducherry (Pondicherry)
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Visit Meenakshi temple for the night ceremony
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Spend 2 nights relaxing in the Keralan backwaters at the sublime Kumarakom Lake Resort
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Guided tour of hidden Kochi
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Stay in 4- & 5-star accommodation
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Small group size - average 14 people (maximum 20)
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No single supplement on selected departure dates (limited availability)
Places You'll See
Itinerary
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People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
Walking Hiking and Trekking tours in India Walking Hiking and Trekking tours Tours in India Art tours Cultural tours Foodie and Wine tours Art Galleries & Museums tours Adventure tours Luxury toursDay 1 : Fly To Chennai
Location: Chennai
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Chennai (Madras) with British Airways.
Day 3 : Mahabalipuram - Puducherry
Location: Mahabalipuram, Puducherry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Palais de Mahé
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning walking tour of Mylapore, a town that predates Chennai by 2,000 years. Continue to Puducherry (Pondicherry), visiting the world heritage-listed shore temples at Mahabalipuram en route. Stay 2 nights at the Palais de Mahé located in the heart of the French Quarter.
Day 4 : Puducherry
Location: Puducherry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Palais de Mahé
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning visit a local rural village, organised by Mohanam Cultural Centre. Watch the villagers involved in traditional crafts such as stone carving, ceramics and terracotta work. Afternoon guided walk through Puducherry, stop by the Aurobindo ashram, stroll to the lively Tamil quarters and experience Hindu faith at the Ganesh temple in the evening.
Day 5 : Chidambaram - Kumbakonam
Location: Chidambaram, Kumbakonam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mantra Koodam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Witness the daily rituals at Chidambaram Temple and the art of Kalamkari, which uses plant-based dyes to create intricate artwork, before driving through scenic countryside to Kumbakonam for 2 nights at the Mantra Koodam. In the early evening, try your hand at pottery and enjoy an interactive culinary demonstration, led by expert chefs.
Day 6 : Kumbakonam
Location: Kumbakonam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mantra Koodam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Sunrise visit to the local market. After breakfast, discover the crafts and culture of Tamil Nadu. Observe master foundrymen produce extraordinarily detailed bronze cast statues and see the process of pattu silk weaving, using wooden handlooms. You will also visit the Darasuram Temple, renowned for its delicate stone sculptures and the Vedic School which dates back 140 years. Afternoon at leisure to explore the countryside on foot.
Day 7 : Tanjore - Chettinad
Location: Thanjavur, Chettinadu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chidambara Vilas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Chettinad, stopping at Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore en route. Continue to the art gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library at the Tanjore Palace. Arrive in Chettinad for an overnight stay at Chidambara Vilas. This evening, enjoy a superb culinary experience.
Day 8 : Madurai
Location: Madurai
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heritage Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, explore the village market, stopping for a traditional cup of tea before visiting some of the impressive mansions. Travel to Madurai. Evening visit to the illuminated Meenakshi Temple and Hall of a Thousand Pillars for the night ceremony. Overnight stay at the Heritage Madurai.
Day 9 : Munnar
Location: Munnar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fragrant Nature
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to the hill country around Munnar for an overnight stay at Fragrant Nature. After lunch in a tea planter’s bungalow, visit the Suryanelli tea factory to enjoy a guided tour, tea tasting and a gentle stroll through the tea plantation.
Day 10 : Kumarakom
Location: Kumarakom
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aveda Kumarakom (Poolside Premium Cottage)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning at leisure or visit the Srishti Welfare Centre, which trains disabled children in making some amazing handmade products. Travel to Kumarakom for 2 nights at the Aveda Kumarakom (Poolside Premium Cottage). Upgrade to a Lakefront Luxury Villa with plunge pool from £95 per person for 2 nights.
Day 11 : Kumarakom
Location: Kumarakom
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aveda Kumarakom (Poolside Premium Cottage)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surrounds or explore village life in the backwaters. (Optional activities.)
Day 12 : Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eighth Bastion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning cruise aboard a shikara (wooden boat) through the backwaters before driving to Kochi (Cochin). Visit the Mattancherry Palace and enjoy an evening Kathakali dance performance. Stay 2 nights at Eighth Bastion.
Day 13 : Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eighth Bastion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning sightseeing tour of Kochi including the Chinese fishing nets and the 16th-century St Francis Church. Explore hidden Kochi including Jew Town and dhobi wallah, a wash-house where a sea of white hotel sheets and clothing are slathered on the washing stones. Afternoon at leisure to further explore the streets and their array of local markets.
Day 14 : Fly To London Via Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly home via Mumbai with British Airways.
What's Included
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Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)
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4- & 5-star accommodation
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Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
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International flights with British Airways
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Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
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13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 6 dinners
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Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
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Porterage at airports & stations
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
Check out our Q&As
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.
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What is the maximum group size?
All Cox & Kings group tours have a maximum group size of 18 and average just 14 guests. Travelling in such a small group allows you to make stronger and deeper connections with fellow travellers.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
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Are flights included in this tour?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Superior: Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere.
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What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?
A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th
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When will I get my tickets?
Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.
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When do I need to pay my final balance?
Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms. The Solo Travellers collection of small group tours is specially created to include accommodation based on single occu
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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Do your prices include flights?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do
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What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?
The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.
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When will I get a detailed itinerary?
If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.
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What are the four tour categories
***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***
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Do I need inoculations?
Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.
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What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
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Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Knowledgeable Staff and Excellent Service
Knowledgeable staff and excellent service that 'goes the extra mile'. I have been on several holidays through Cox and Kings over the last 20 years and have always been more than satisfied
Delighted Customers!
My partner and myself have been regular travellers for over 20 years and up to now been loyal to a rival company. After an incident with them, we decided to change loyalty and try C&K. Was absolutely a good move. For the past couple years I have spoken to Sabastian Gittany, what a delight to be able to speak to the same consultant! I was immediately impressed with the service, he was extremely helpful, polite and nothing is too much trouble. Sabastian has an immense knowledge through his own travel experiences, which in turn helped us to ensure we booked the right holiday for us. As a result of the excellent service we received from Sabastian we have booked 4 holidays for 2022, the first being Egypt Nile Cruise, which he tailored and with lots discussions finally created an itinerary for us, so we are delighted.
A Relaxed Way to Book a Holiday
Sue and I have travelled with Cox & Kings a number of times and have always booked direct with them. For this latest trip, I again contacted them direct and spoke to their travel advisor for the chosen area for a tailor-made holiday. I found him empathetic, knowledgeable and understanding of my requirements. An initial itinerary was prepared which after due consideration and discussion was cheerfully amended and agreed on. There was no pressure put on me and I found it, as usual, a good experience. Holiday now booked and I am looking forward to the trip.
Well looked after before and during
We were well looked after before and during our vacation. Top class accommodation and guides.
Exceptional Service
I have frequently used Cox and Kings and they never disappoint. They organise whatever I want and the great thing about their group tours is that they always include some free time. Other companies tend to pack far too much in to their schedules. I have found everyone I have ever dealt with keen to provide the best possible service.
Great itinerary and great service
Great itinerary and great service from Cox & Kings. I will definitely use them in the future.
Want a private tour?
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Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
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Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
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Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Saturday
Oct 20, 2024 - Nov 02, 2024Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Jan 19, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Feb 16, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Including UK Flights
Sunday - Saturday
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Including UK Flights
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cox & kings charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Not what you're looking for?
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