COX & KINGS

Treasures of Southern India

Prices checked 26 October 2026 · Cox & Kings · Supplier snapshot; confirmation required.

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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.

Plan this tour with Kat & Simon Morgan — Personal Travel Consultants at Hays Travel. Call 0800 0662 694 for help comparing dates, departure points and room options.

Tour highlights

Cruise aboard a shikara (wooden boat) through the backwaters
Explore Tamil Nadu’s rich creative side visiting artisan workshops
Visit Meenakshi Temple for a night ceremony
Lunch at a tea planter’s bungalow
Try south Indian cuisine with an interactive cooking demonstration

Further highlights

Tour gallery

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Your itinerary

In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.

Sample itinerary. Choose a departure for its exact itinerary and hotel plan.

Day 1 — Fly to Chennai

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Chennai with Emirates via Dubai.

Day 2 — Arrive Chennai

On arrival, transfer to the Taj Connemara for 1 night (early check-in). Time at leisure before an afternoon tour of the city followed by free time at Marina Beach. A welcome dinner will be held this evening.

Meals: dinner

Day 2.1 — Transfer: Chennai to Pondicherry

Day 3 — Mahabalipuram - Puducherry

Morning walking tour of Mylapore, a town that predates Chennai by 2,000 years. Take autorickshaws with female drivers to the Kapaleeswarar Temple. Continue to Puducherry, visiting the UNESCO-listed shore temples at Mahabalipuram en route. Stay 2 nights at the Palais de Mahé (or similar), located in the heart of the French Quarter.

Meals: breakfast

Day 4 — Puducherry

Morning visit to Auroville township, including the Mohanam Cultural Centre to see villagers involved in traditional crafts, and the large Matrimandir dome. 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.

Meals: breakfast

Day 4.1 — Transfer: Pondicherry to Kumbakonam

Day 5 — Chidambaram - Kumbakonam

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 (or similar). In the early evening, try your hand at pottery and enjoy an interactive culinary demonstration, led by expert chefs.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 6 — Kumbakonam

Sunrise visit to the local market. After breakfast, discover the crafts and culture of Tamil Nadu. Observe master foundrymen produce extraordinarily detailed bronzecast 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.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 6.1 — Transfer: Kumbakonam to Chettinad

Day 7 — Tanjore - Chettinad

Drive to Chettinad, stopping at Brihadeeswara 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 (or similar). This evening, enjoy a superb culinary experience.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7.1 — Transfer: Chettinad to Madurai

Day 8 — Madurai

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.

Meals: breakfast

Day 8.1 — Transfer: Madurai to Munnar

Day 9 — Munnar

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 plantation.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9.1 — Transfer: Munnar to Kumarakom

Day 10 — Kumarakom

Morning at leisure. Travel to Kumarakom for 2 nights at the Rhythm Kumarakom (Poolside Cottage). Upgrade to a Lakefront Luxury Villa with plunge pool from £110 per person for 2 nights.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 11 — Kumarakom

Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surrounds or explore village life in the backwaters.(Optional activity)

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 11.1 — Transfer: Kumarakom to Kochi

Day 12 — Kochi

Morning cruise aboard a shikara boat through the backwaters before driving to Kochi. Visit the Mattancherry Palace and enjoy an evening kathakali dance performance. Stay 2 nights at Eighth Bastion (or similar).

Meals: breakfast

Day 13 — Kochi

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 washhouse where a sea of white hotel linen is slathered on the washing stones. Afternoon at leisure to further explore. Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel this evening.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 14 — Fly to London

Fly home via Dubai with Emirates.

Meals: breakfast

Your accommodation

Planned hotels or ships as published by Cox & Kings. Alternatives of a similar standard may be used. Hotel options are grouped as supplied and are not necessarily all included in one departure.

Taj Connemara

Fronting the eastern banks of the River Cooum, the Taj Connemara dates back to 1890, making it the oldest hotel in the city. The grand luxury hotel's 147 guest rooms and suites complement the property's Art Deco facade with thoughtfully updated decor. Hotel amenities include two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, outdoor pool, spa and gym. The Taj Connemara welcomes guests to write the next chapter of this landmark hotel's 130-year history.

Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth

A quaint hotel in the heart of Puducherry's old French quarter, Palais du Mahé is only minutes away from the area's famous promenade, historic temples, famous cathedrals and colourful boutiques. With high ceilings, deep verandas, bright tangerine pillars and ochre colonnades, this heritage-style mansion features 18 spacious rooms that elegantly echo the distinctive Indo-French architecture, decorated with simple, period-style furniture sourced either locally or crafted by artisans from the region. While traditionally these mansions feature a large courtyard, this has been replaced with an inviting pool. Facilities at this delightful hotel include a floor dedicated to Ayurvedic massages and treatments and a rooftop restaurant serving Indian and Continental cuisine. The hotel is managed by the CGH group, renowned for seamless service and friendly, enthusiastic staff.

Mantra Koodam CGH

Tucked away in the tranquil, leafy village of Veppathur, Mantra Koodam is thoughtfully designed to resemble a traditional Brahmin street, with charming illams (heritage homes) lining its serene pathways. The boutique retreat features 26 elegantly crafted cottages and villas, each reflecting the grace of South Indian architecture and adorned with classic furnishings. The on-site restaurant celebrates the flavors of regional Cholanadu cuisine, while additional amenities include an inviting outdoor pool and a rejuvenating spa. Peaceful and culturally immersive, Mantra Koodam offers an ideal base for exploring ancient temples and the sacred town of Kumbakonam nearby.

Chidambara Vilas - A Luxury Heritage Resort

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Heritage Madurai

Heritage Madurai (previously Heritance Madurai) is a seamless blend of traditional elegance and modern comfort set among lush gardens. The original Madurai Coats Club from the time of the British Raj, this property has not lost its British flavour. After extensive refurbishment it was completely restored in keeping with the traditional architecture of the town. The rooms are spacious, tastefully furnished and designed to meet the demands of discerning travellers. The 18th-century columns and antique doors from the Chettinad district give the hotel a distinctive character.

Fragrant Nature Munnar

Located in the hills of Munnar and offering panoramic views of valleys, villages and mountains, Fragrant Nature is an excellent choice for those wanting luxurious comfort in a remote location. All the rooms are tastefully designed with traditional décor and have their own fireplaces to keep you warm in the chill of the mountains.

Rhythm Kumarakom

Located just 20 yards from Vembanad lake, the Rhythm Kumarakom (formerly the Park Regis Aveda Kumarakom) is a luxury resort in the picturesque backwaters area of Kerala. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegantly designed while the restaurant, which specialises in seafood, serves an array of regional, national and international cuisines.

Eighth Bastion

Set in the heart of Fort Kochi, Eighth Bastion is a small, chic property that effortlessly combines contemporary and colonial styles. The hotel is built around a small courtyard, and features guestrooms elegantly decorated in minimalist style, with many overlooking the Arabian Sea. No two rooms are of the same size with some featuring shower cubicles and others sunken bath tubs. The Eighth Bastion currently does not have a licence to serve alcoholic drinks.

What’s included

Porterage at hotels
Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 6 dinners
Experienced local tour manager
Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
International flights
Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
4- & 5-star accommodation
Small group size - average 12 people (max 18)
Welcome & farewell dinners

Dates & prices

Indicative supplier snapshot. Confirm price, room basis and availability before booking. Monthly estimates deduct a £250 deposit per person for Europe or £395 elsewhere, then divide by whole monthly payments ending no later than 42 days before departure. Rounded to the nearest pound; final payment adjusted.

London and Manchester departures available. Published tour fares are indicative and not airport-specific; confirm your selected airport and quote with Kat & Simon.

50 published departure and room-basis records. Standard prices are per person sharing; solo fares are labelled separately. Sold-out records are shown for reference.

Departure	Departure point	Duration	Room basis	Price per person	Status
8 November 2026	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,395~~ £3,295 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
8 November 2026	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,620~~ £4,495 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
8 November 2026	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,395~~ £3,295 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
8 November 2026	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,620~~ £4,495 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
10 January 2027	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,295~~ £3,220 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
10 January 2027	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,295~~ £3,220 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
14 February 2027	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,445~~ £3,345 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
14 February 2027	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,445~~ £3,345 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
28 February 2027	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,295~~ £3,220 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
28 February 2027	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,295~~ £3,220 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
19 September 2027	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,145~~ £3,070 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
19 September 2027	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,190~~ £4,065 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
19 September 2027	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,145~~ £3,070 Save £75 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
19 September 2027	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,190~~ £4,065 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
17 October 2027	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,445~~ £3,345 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
17 October 2027	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,740~~ £4,615 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
17 October 2027	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,445~~ £3,345 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
17 October 2027	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,740~~ £4,615 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
7 November 2027	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,445~~ £3,345 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
7 November 2027	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,740~~ £4,615 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
7 November 2027	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,445~~ £3,345 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
7 November 2027	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,740~~ £4,615 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
9 January 2028	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,745~~ £3,645 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
9 January 2028	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,140~~ £4,990 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
9 January 2028	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,745~~ £3,645 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
9 January 2028	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,140~~ £4,990 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
30 January 2028	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,945~~ £3,845 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
30 January 2028	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,490~~ £5,340 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
30 January 2028	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,945~~ £3,845 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
30 January 2028	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,490~~ £5,340 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
13 February 2028	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,845~~ £3,745 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
13 February 2028	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,390~~ £5,240 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
13 February 2028	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,845~~ £3,745 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
13 February 2028	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,390~~ £5,240 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
27 February 2028	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,745~~ £3,645 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
27 February 2028	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,140~~ £4,990 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
27 February 2028	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,745~~ £3,645 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
27 February 2028	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,140~~ £4,990 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
17 September 2028	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,545~~ £3,445 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
17 September 2028	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,690~~ £4,565 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
17 September 2028	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,545~~ £3,445 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
17 September 2028	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £4,690~~ £4,565 Save £125 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
15 October 2028	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,745~~ £3,645 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
15 October 2028	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,140~~ £4,990 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
15 October 2028	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,745~~ £3,645 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
15 October 2028	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,140~~ £4,990 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
5 November 2028	London	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,745~~ £3,645 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
5 November 2028	London	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,140~~ £4,990 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
5 November 2028	Manchester	14 days	Two sharing	~~Supplier price £3,745~~ £3,645 Save £100 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability
5 November 2028	Manchester	14 days	Solo	~~Supplier price £5,140~~ £4,990 Save £150 pp · Book by 29 November 2026	Snapshot — confirm availability

Supplier source ↗

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How do I book?

Call 0800 0662 694 with your preferred dates, departure point and party details. We’ll confirm the current fare and availability before booking. This page does not reserve a place.

Can I spread the cost?

The date selector shows monthly estimates where eligible. Deposit and balance dates are shown alongside each option; ask us to confirm the payment arrangement for your booking.

Will my itinerary vary?

Check the itinerary for your selected departure. Hotels, order of visits and included experiences can vary; optional activities may cost extra.

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