A journey of rare beauty through temple cities, spice-scented hills and emerald backwaters.
South India is a vibrant tropical peninsula shaped by ancient Dravidian culture, magnificent temples, and a richly varied landscape. From the Deccan Plateau and the Western and Eastern Ghats to spice-scented hills, palm-lined backwaters, and historic trading ports, the region offers a deeply immersive experience. With its distinct languages, spiritual traditions, and warm climate, South India—particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu—reveals a rhythm and character entirely its own.
Highlights
Explore historic Fort Kochi, tracing centuries of maritime trade, colonial influence, and cultural exchange
Add your introduction or context for this itinerary here.]
Wander the elegant boulevards of Pondicherry, where French colonial heritage meets timeless coastal charm.
Journey into the heart of the Chettinad region, famed for its opulent mansions and aristocratic legacy.
Drift through the emerald backwaters of Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat, soaking in the quiet rhythms of village life.
Encounter the grandeur of one of South Indias most iconic temple complexes in Madurai.
Relax at an exclusive beachfront resort overlooking the shimmering Bay of Bengal.
16-day private escorted tour through Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Ideal for couples, friends, or small groups seeking a relaxed yet immersive journey
Combines historic cities, temple towns, tea hills, wildlife, and the Kerala backwaters
Fully customizable pace, hotels, and experiences to suit your preferences
Serene trails of Tamil Nadu & Kerala
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | UK to Tamil Nadu
Take your overnight flight to Chennai.
DAY 2 | Transfer to Mahabalipuram
On arrival in Chennai, you will be warmly welcomed by the Latitude9 team and transferred by private coach to your resort in Mahabalipuram. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, allowing time to unwind on the beach and relax after your journey.
Explore the historic port town of Mahabalipuram, set along India’s Coromandel Coast and celebrated for its extraordinary Pallava Dynasty monuments dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to remarkable rock-cut temples, caves, monolithic shrines, and monumental sculptures, all adorned with intricate stone carvings inspired by Hindu mythology. Highlights include the iconic Shore Temple, dramatically positioned beside the sea, alongside a thriving local craft tradition that brings the town’s artistic heritage to life.
The afternoon is at leisure, offering time to unwind on the beach or enjoy the resort’s facilities and activities. Dinner is included this evening/ This evening’s group dinner includes complimentary glass of wine or beer
Day 4 | Pondicherry
Breakfast and Lunch Included
Travel south along the coast to Pondicherry, a captivating city known for its distinctive blend of Tamil heritage and French colonial influence. Elegant Franco-Tamil architecture, leafy boulevards, and tranquil beaches reflect its past as the former capital of French India. A visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram offers insight into the town’s spiritual heritage, while its colonial charm, unhurried pace, and vibrant cafés create a uniquely cosmopolitan atmosphere.
This morning, travel inland to Kumbakonam and check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Often referred to as the “City of Temples,” Kumbakonam is a historic town in Tamil Nadu celebrated for its remarkable concentration of ancient Hindu temples, many dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. These sacred sites showcase exquisite Dravidian architecture and reflect the town’s deep spiritual and cultural heritage. The region is also known for its traditional crafts, including pottery and brassware, as well as distinctive local sweets that add to its enduring character.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Optional activities include nature walks and birdwatching, cycling along riverside paths, and stargazing in the tranquil surroundings. Guests may also unwind at the Ayurvedic spa, swimming pool, or with optional yoga and meditation sessions. Additional highlights include the traditional Tea Kadai, peaceful gardens, and a visit to the on-site bronze casting studio.
After breakfast, travel to Thanjavur, home to the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple. Built in the 11th century by Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of South India’s most extraordinary architectural achievements. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is renowned for its monumental granite construction, soaring pyramidal vimana, intricate sculptures, and impressive engineering, including vast stone blocks assembled without mortar. A colossal Nandi statue and the temple’s continued role as a living place of worship add to its enduring significance.
Following the temple visit, enjoy a visit to a local artisan workshop for a demonstration of the traditional lost-wax technique used in the creation of Chola bronze sculptures. The afternoon is free to relax back at the hotel or enjoy the facilities before dinner this evening.
Day 7 | Chettinad
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Today, travel to the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its distinctive culture and grand merchant mansions. Built by the Chettiar trading community, the region’s opulent homes reflect a remarkable legacy of craftsmanship and prosperity.
Visits today include a local workshop producing the iconic Athangudi tiles—handmade, eco-friendly cement tiles known for their vivid colours and intricate geometric and floral designs—as well as a cotton weaving centre, where traditional saris are created in vibrant hues. This evening, stay in a beautifully restored heritage mansion and enjoy a traditional Chettinad dinner, served on a banana leaf.
Leave the calm of Chettinad behind and travel to the vibrant city of Madurai, stopping en route at the colourful wholesale flower market. Visit the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Amman Temple, the largest temple complex in Southern India and a powerful expression of Dravidian architecture and devotion. Once the capital of the Pandya kings, Madurai remains a living centre of faith, ritual, and daily life.
After breakfast, cross into the lush state of Kerala and ascend into the hill country of Munnar, renowned for its rolling landscapes of emerald tea plantations.
Today, we explore the natural beauty of Munnar, from the mirror-like waters of Mattupetty Lake to Echo Point, where calls are carried back across the surrounding hills. Visit a tea plantation for lunch and discover the journey from leaf to cup amid the rolling green landscapes.
Day 11 | Munnar to Thekkady
Breakfast Included
Travel south to Thekkady, set amid the fragrant Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. Located within Kerala’s Idukki district, Thekkady is best known as the gateway to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of South India’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Dense forests, tranquil lakes, and spice-scented plantations create a richly immersive natural setting, home to diverse wildlife including elephants and birdlife. Settle in for a two-night stay, offering time to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Set on the edge of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady is a lush hill station surrounded by rainforest, spice plantations, and rich wildlife. Enjoy an early morning guided nature walk with a park ranger, followed by a visit to a local honey farm to learn about sustainable beekeeping and sample fresh honey straight from the comb.
For those seeking adventure, an optional jeep safari through the reserve offers off-road exploration and the chance to spot wildlife amid waterfalls, tea estates, and mountain scenery.
JEEPS, LEACH WALK, BEES, SPICE PLANTATION?
Day 13 | Houseboat Experience Alleppy and transfer to Kumarakom
Breakfast and Lunch Included
Descend from the cool hills of Thekkady through a changing tapestry of spice gardens, tea estates, and tropical plantations before reaching the serene waterways of Kerala’s famed backwaters. This extraordinary network of lagoons, canals, and lakes stretches along the Arabian Sea coast, framed by coconut palms and timeless village life.
This afternoon, cruise gently through the backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, with lunch and afternoon tea served on board as life unfolds along the water’s edge.
Later, arrive at your lakeside resort for a three-night stay, offering a range of activities for those feeling energetic — or the perfect setting to simply unwind.
Breakfast Included and dinner on the final night’s stay
Enjoy two leisurely days at your lakeside resort, with time to explore the tranquil beauty of the Kerala backwaters or simply unwind. A range of optional activities is available, including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, birdwatching, an offbeat village tour, cycling, and a sunset cruise across the waterways. For deeper relaxation, guests may also experience traditional Ayurvedic treatments or simply relax by the pool and soak up the serene surroundings.
(Brochure of CL activities)
Day 16 | Kochi
Breakfast included
Spend your final night in Kerala in the atmospheric Fort Kochi district, a historic seaside quarter shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Known for its elegant colonial architecture, iconic Chinese fishing nets, and vibrant arts scene, Fort Kochi offers a charming blend of old-world character and contemporary culture.
Stay in a beautifully restored heritage property, with the evening free to dine out, wander the waterfront streets, or enjoy some last-minute shopping.
Sunset viewpoints if we get there in time or botanical gardens
2 nights
Travel by train from Kochi to Coimbatore. On arrival, enjoy lunch before continuing by road into the Nilgiri Hills on a scenic drive to Ooty.
Arrive in Ooty in the late afternoon and unwind with time at leisure. Take in sunset views across the rolling hills, wander through the Botanical Gardens, or explore the town’s characterful streets — from the colourful Tibetan Market and Ooty Municipal Market to the lively main bazaar and surrounding street shops.
La Montana – 5-10 mins by tuk-tuk to town but better views
This morning, board the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway for a scenic journey from Ooty to Coonoor, winding through forested slopes, tea gardens, and hillside tunnels.
On arrival in Coonoor, enjoy lunch followed by a visit to a local tea estate, learning about the region’s long-standing tea heritage and enjoying views across the rolling plantations. Later in the afternoon, continue to the serene Emerald Lake, set amid quiet hills and expansive landscapes — an ideal place to pause, take in the scenery, and enjoy the calm of the Nilgiris.
Return to Ooty in the early evening, with time to wander into town, browse local markets and shops, or enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure.
After a scenic drive to Kabini, check in to your riverside jungle lodge and unwind in the peaceful wilderness.
As evening approaches, embark on a sunset backwater cruise with a naturalist, offering a gentle introduction to Kabini’s rich wildlife and birdlife. The experience is complemented by a glass of wine or beer and light snacks, enjoyed against the golden hues of the river and surrounding forest.
Day20 |Kabini
Set out early this morning on a guided safari through Nagarhole National Park, traversing pristine forest landscapes under the guidance of an expert naturalist. The reserve is renowned for its healthy elephant population and rich biodiversity, with sightings often including deer, gaur, and a wide variety of birdlife, alongside the possibility of spotting larger predators such as tigers or leopards.
Return to the lodge after the safari for breakfast and time at leisure. Optional activities may include birdwatching around the lodge grounds or simply relaxing amidst the natural surroundings.
After lunch, enjoy a cultural experience offering insight into the region’s indigenous communities, with an opportunity to learn about the traditions, architecture, and way of life of local tribal groups living around the Kabini region. This visit provides a deeper connection to the landscape and its people.
In the late afternoon, head out on a boat safari along the Kabini River, a peaceful and immersive way to explore the area’s vibrant ecosystem. Cruise quietly along the backwaters, where crocodiles, otters, and aquatic bird species are often seen, before enjoying the stillness of sunset over the water.
Day21 | Mysore
Drive to Mysore 3H
Drive to Mysore, entering the southern Indian state of Karnataka, a city renowned for its royal heritage and elegant architecture. On arrival, explore the magnificent Mysore Palace, one of India’s most impressive former royal residences, including its grand Durbar Hall, ornate interiors, and palace collections such as the famed Golden Howdah.
Later, ascend Chamundi Hill for sweeping panoramic views across the city, pausing to see the monumental Nandi Bull and, visiting the Chamundeshwari Temple. Enjoy a short walk through the lively Devaraja Market, where flowers, spices, and traditional goods offer a vivid glimpse into local life. The day concludes with time to absorb the atmosphere of Mysore
Depart Mysore and travel onward through the historic town of Srirangapatna, once the capital of Tipu Sultan’s kingdom. Visit the island fortress and the revered Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the most important Vaishnavite temples in southern India, set along the banks of the Cauvery River.
Continue the drive to Bangalore, arriving later in the day. The evening is at leisure to relax or enjoy the city before departure the following day.
Arrive in Bangalore and transfer to Angsana Oasis Spa & Resort in the north of the city. Enjoy a relaxing evening amidst lush surroundings, with time for spa treatments or poolside leisure before your departure the next day.
Arrive in Bangalore and check in at the Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal. The day is at leisure to explore nearby cafés or Hebbal Lake, followed by an early night ahead of your departure the following morning.
Day 23 | Return flight to the UK
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Kempegowda International Airport for your return flight to the UK or onward to your chosen destination, bringing your journey to a close.
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