Explore Tamil Nadu with Keralan Beach Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

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Journey through these contrasting southern states without having to fly. This holiday focuses on rural Tamil Nadu and gets you away from the main tourist hubs of Chennai, Mahabilapuram and Madurai. The focus on temples, tea and farm lands gives it a nice balance as you move west towards eclectic Cochin, before taking some time out on a remote beach in Mararikulam.

Highlights include:

Walking around the distinctly French Indian city of Pondicherry
Roaming around the much less-visited temples of Tamil Nadu
Sit back and relax for a few days at the working farm in Sethumadui
Driving up to 3,500ft on the edge of the stunning westhern ghats in Valparai

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Today you will fly overnight to India

DAYS 2 & 3 PONDICHERRY Discover the FORMER FRENCH TERRITORY

On arrival at Chennai airport your English speaking driver will pick you up; he will be spending the next 9 days with you. He will transport you to the beautiful former French territory of Pondicherry and the rest of this first day will be at leisure.

A full day will be spent touring the ‘white town,’ the French area of Pondicherry, by foot. Highlights will include the Place de La Republique, the museum and the Tamil Quarter.

DAY 4 & 5 KUMBAKONAM EXPLORE the town and nearby TANJORE

Rise early to begin your 5-hour drive to the picturesque Kumbakonam, one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu. Here you’ll be staying in a central location, convenient for exploring the 7th century capital of the Chola dynasty, situated by the two rivers of Cauvery and Arasalar.

Early the next day, you’ll take a morning sightseeing tour of Tanjore with a private local guide. This is a fascinating city with its spectacular central temple, Brihadeeswara.

DAY 6 & 7 SETHUMADAI Experience Rural life

A long, but scenic transfer awaits, taking you through the remote plains of Tamil Nadu towards the temple village of Sethumadai which is on the edge of the Western Ghats. Here you’ll be able to relax at a peaceful, working farm and experience rural life in the local villages. Sit back and read a book or take part in one of the many activities on offer such as a visit to Topslip bird sanctuary or a cooking class at the farm with the owners.

DAY 8 & 9 VALPARAI walking through the tea plantations

Today you will drive to around 3,500 feet in the Western Ghats to the small, former hill station of Valparai. It’s known as one of the most productive tea planting areas in southern India. The scenery is beautiful and you’ll have the next two days to explore. A naturalist is included for a full day sightseeing, taking in a working tea factory, a walk around the plantations and some local wildlife spotting.

DAY 10-12 COCHIN A JOURNEY TO KERALA

This morning, drive to Chalakudy station to take a one-hour train journey to the charming seaside city of Cochin. You will have the next couple of days to explore this cosmopolitan Keralan city, with three of our signature experiences included to ensure you take in all the key sites and get under its skin. Highlights include a sunset cruise around the harbour, a cocktail at Brunton’s boatyard, a tuk-tuk tour of Fort Cochin and a performance of classic indian dance.

DAY 13-15 Mararikulam RELAX ON THE BEACH

After a 3 hour drive today it’s time to relax on the remote beach of Mararikulam. Your driver will say goodbye to you once you’ve arrived and then your time is all yours to make the most of the laidback lifestyle and stunning beachfront boutique hotel.

DAY 16 FLY HOME

Your private transfer will take you back to Cochin Airport for your flight back to the UK.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £2,500 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,300. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

Fill in our Quote Request form to get your quick, no-obligations proposal.

As every holiday is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 for an inclusive, personalised quotation for your preferred dates or use the quote request form below...

Inclusions

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
Accommodation as described
Privately guided tours and transfers
Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
Meals as described
24 hour in-country backup whilst away
Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

A Beach Symphony, Mararikulam

A Beach Symphony is a simple, charming, and very private resort on Marari Beach, with laid-back cottage style accommodation.

Banyan Tree Farm, Sethumadai

A welcome chance to stay in rural Tamil Nadu on a working farm in clean and comfortable rooms with friendly hosts.

Briar Tea Bungalows, Valparai

A collection of bungalows and tented accommodation on this working tea estate. Beautiful location in the westhern ghats.

Maison Perumal, Pondicherry

An authentic and intimate old Tamil house in the lesser explorer Tamil Quarter of Pondicherry.

Mantra Koodam, Kumbakonam

Lovely light and spacious cottages and villas make up the eco friendly resort situated between two rivers.

Secret Garden, Cochin

A charming hotel in the heart of Fort Cochin, this lovely hotel has a relaxed intimate atmosphere with a pool.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Cochin Tour and Performance, Cochin

As the oldest European settlement in India Kochi (Cochin) features a fascinating blend of architectural styles.

Explore Thanjavur, Kumbakonam

Take a relaxed walking tour of the famous and lesser visited sites of Thanjavur, one of the oldest cities in India.

Morning Walking Tour , Pondicherry

A lovely walk through the french colonial area of Puducherry called White Town.

Tuk Tuk Tour of Fort Cochin, Cochin

Take an alternative view of Fort Cochin by Tuk-Tuk and explore rarely visited Ernakulam.

Customer Feedback

Fantastic food in the most unexpected of places.

- Sue Lewis, August 2015

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