Tamil Nadu and Kerala: different languages, cuisine, temples, landscape – they could be different countries if they weren’t neighbouring states!

This tour moves at a pace that allows you to fully appreciate their ancient and highly evolved cultures, as well as their natural beauty and laid back pace of life.

Each state in South India has a distinct historical background and cultural identity, with none more contrasting than the southern most states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

However, one thing that runs true through both states is the friendly and hospitable nature of the Tamils and Malayalis (people from Kerala).

Day 1 Mahabalipuram

Arrive Chennai by domestic or international flight and transfer in the evening directly to Mahabalipuram, an hour south of Chennai. Mahabalipuram is famed for its World Heritage listed 7th century rock cut temples, including one of the world’s largest bas relief carvings, the 29m x 9m frieze entitled ‘Arjuna’s Penance’.

Day 2 Pondicherry

Morning tour of the temples and carvings of Mahabalipuram with an expert local guide. Afternoon drive 2 hours to Pondicherry. Pondicherry has a heritage charm that isn’t immediately obvious, but a stroll through the historic ‘French Quarter’ will help give you a feel for it. Evening free to enjoy the festival atmosphere of the promenade at sunset.

Day 3 Pondicherry

Full day to enjoy Pondicherry, with a walking tour of the heritage quarter and visit to the paper and incense making units of the Aurobindo ashram. Shopping is also a highlight of Pondicherry, with high-quality, French-influenced clothes and homewares a feature.

Day 4 Tanjore

After breakfast, begin 5 hour drive to Tanjore, with a stop en route at a bronzecasting foundry, where Hindu statues are made using an ancient wax mould process. The Brihadeeswara temple at Tanjore is not as well known as the Meenakshi temple in Madurai – but it should be! Differing greatly in design and appearance, this temple is significant for the height of the central tower and methods used to construct it. A sunset visit gives us the best chance to fully appreciate this amazing complex.

Day 5 Madurai

After a leisurely breakfast, begin the 5 hour drive to Madurai, visiting the Chettinad mansions en route. Chettinad has a distinctive cuisine, which we will sample at one of the restored mansions here. After lunch continue on to Madurai;check in and evening free.

Day 6 Madurai

Sightseeing of Madurai with local guide, including the fruit and vegetable market, the Gandhi museum and the famous ‘fish-eyed goddess’ Meenakshi temple. The temple, which has 12 outer towers, decorated with literally hundreds of thousands of deities, plays a central role in the life of Madurai. There is also a good chance we will see the temple elephant ‘at work’, blessing people and being garlanded. Late afternoon free for shopping and personal activities, or take a walk through town with your guide and enjoy a cup of chai at a local tea stall.

Day 7 Periyar

Morning drive 4 hours to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is situated high in the Western Ghat mountain range, on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Afternoon free for relaxing or shopping for spices in town.

Day 8 Periyar

Today there are several activity options: spend time with working elephants, washing and feeding them and having a short ride; an energetic nature walk in the Wildlife Sanctuary with local naturalist guide; an even more energetic all-day bamboo rafting excursion; or a visit to a tribal village, where you can get a feel for what life is like for India’s indigenous people. In the evening there is the option to see a Kalaripayyat demonstration, an ancient Keralan martial art.

Day 9 Kottayam

Early morning departure for the descent into the foothills of Kerala, stopping for a special lunch and plantation tour at a working spice and rubber plantation. Early afternoon arrival at Kottayam and your resort on the banks of the verdant Kerala backwaters. Afternoon free for a Yoga class, Ayurvedic massage, option to visit the thriving town of Kottayam to see life in typical Keralan town – or just rest and relax in the peaceful surroundings of our hotel.

Day 10 Cochin

Drive to Alleppey for a heritage tour by the Conservation Society, describing the traditional activities of the local economy and the preservation and restoration taking place in the area. Later, board a kettuvallum, a rice barge converted into a luxury houseboat, for a cruise and lunch on the backwaters – this is many travellers’ favourite experience in South India. During the cruise there may be opportunities to stop and see small backwater villages and local industries at work. Late afternoon,proceed 2 hours to Cochin.

Day 11 Cochin

Morning tour of historic Fort Kochi, with its various European, Chinese and Jewish influences. Sightseeing with our local guide will include the famous Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch Palace and one of India’s last remaining Synagogues. Afternoon free for shopping or relaxing before evening viewing of a Kathakali dance performance, where heavily made up and elaborately dressed artists play out the Hindu epics.

Day 12 Cochin

Morning visit to the Hilltop Palace and museum, where a collection of sculptures, old coins and weaponry from the Cochin royal family are on display. In the afternoon/evening transfer to the airport for flights home or to Delhi for the start of our Rajasthan tour.