Worldwide brochure 2022-2023
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INDIA • TAMIL NADU & KERALA<br />
Treasures of<br />
Southern India<br />
Duration • 14 days & 12 nights<br />
Category • Superior<br />
Small-group tour • From £2,095 (incl. flights)<br />
Private tour • From £2,740 (incl. flights)<br />
This group tour features…<br />
Small group size – average 14<br />
people (max 18)<br />
4- & 5-star accommodation<br />
Flexible – extensions, room & flight<br />
upgrades available<br />
International flights with British<br />
Airways<br />
Transfers in air-conditioned<br />
vehicles<br />
Experienced local tour manager<br />
13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 6 dinners<br />
Guided sightseeing & entrance fees<br />
Porterage at airports & stations<br />
Day at leisure in Kerala's<br />
backwaters<br />
Weather<br />
Madurai<br />
J F M A M J J A S O N D<br />
A 30 31 33 34 34 32 32 32 32 31 30 29<br />
B 22 22 24 26 26 25 24 24 24 24 23 22<br />
C 16 19 22 63 54 87 130 140 111 192 141 71<br />
A: Maximum average temperature (°C)<br />
B: Minimum average temperature (°C)<br />
C: Average rainfall (mm)<br />
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai<br />
The delicate scent of spices, the sound of<br />
temple bells and a rich tapestry of ancient<br />
arts and craft all characterise Tamil Nadu<br />
and Kerala. This journey travels through hill<br />
stations, tropical backwaters and templeladen<br />
towns while staying in some of the<br />
region’s very best hotels.<br />
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES<br />
Stay in the heart of the French Quarter<br />
in Puducherry (Pondicherry)<br />
Explore Tamil Nadu's rich artistic and<br />
creative side<br />
Visit Meenakshi Temple for the night<br />
ceremony<br />
Spend two nights relaxing in the<br />
Keralan backwaters staying in a<br />
Poolside Premium Cottage<br />
Enjoy a wealth of culinary fare<br />
Day 1: Fly to Chennai<br />
Fly from London (regional connections available)<br />
to Chennai (Madras) with British Airways. (N)<br />
Day 2: Chennai<br />
On arrival transfer to the Taj Connemara for 1<br />
night (early check in available). Time at leisure<br />
before an afternoon tour of the city followed<br />
by free time at Marina Beach. (B)<br />
Day 3: Mahabalipuram • Puducherry<br />
Morning walking tour of Mylapore, a town<br />
that predates Chennai by 2,000 years.<br />
Continue to Puducherry (Pondicherry), visiting<br />
the world heritage-listed shore temples at<br />
Mahabalipuram en route. Stay 2 nights at the<br />
Palais de Mahé located in the heart of the<br />
French Quarter. (B)<br />
Day 4: Puducherry<br />
This morning visit a local rural village,<br />
organised by Mohanam Cultural Centre. Watch<br />
the villagers involved in traditional crafts such<br />
as stone carving, ceramics and terracotta work.<br />
Afternoon guided walk through Puducherry,<br />
stop by the Aurobindo ashram, stroll to the<br />
lively Tamil quarters and experience Hindu<br />
faith at the Ganesh temple in the evening. (B)<br />
Day 5: Chidambaram • Kumbakonam<br />
Witness the daily rituals at Chidambaram<br />
Temple and the art of Kalamkari, which uses<br />
plant-based dyes to create intricate artwork,<br />
before driving through scenic countryside<br />
to Kumbakonam for 2 nights at the Mantra<br />
Koodam. In the early evening, try your hand<br />
at pottery and enjoy an interactive culinary<br />
demonstration, led by expert chefs. (B, D)<br />
Day 6: Kumbakonam<br />
Sunrise visit to the local market. After breakfast,<br />
discover the crafts and culture of Tamil<br />
Nadu. Observe master foundrymen produce<br />
extraordinarily detailed bronze cast statues<br />
and see the process of pattu silk weaving, using<br />
wooden handlooms. You will also visit the<br />
Darasuram Temple, renowned for its delicate<br />
stone sculptures and the Vedic School which<br />
dates back 140 years. Afternoon at leisure to<br />
explore the countryside on foot. (B, D)<br />
Day 7: Tanjore • Chettinad<br />
Drive to Chettinad, stopping at Brihadeeswarar<br />
Temple in Tanjore en route. Continue to the<br />
art gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library at<br />
the Tanjore Palace. Arrive in Chettinad for an<br />
overnight stay at Chidambara Vilas.<br />
This evening, enjoy a superb culinary<br />
experience. (B, L, D)<br />
Day 8: Madurai<br />
This morning, explore the village market,<br />
stopping for a traditional cup of tea before<br />
visiting some of the impressive mansions.<br />
Travel to Madurai. Evening visit to the<br />
illuminated Meenakshi Temple and Hall of<br />
a Thousand Pillars for the night ceremony.<br />
Overnight stay at the Heritage Madurai. (B)<br />
Day 9: Munnar<br />
Travel to the hill country around Munnar for an<br />
overnight stay at Fragrant Nature. After lunch<br />
in a tea planter’s bungalow, visit the Suryanelli<br />
tea factory to enjoy a guided tour, tea tasting<br />
and a gentle stroll through the tea plantation.<br />
(B, L, D)<br />
Day 10: Kumarakom<br />
Morning at leisure or visit the Srishti Welfare<br />
Centre, which trains disabled children in<br />
making some amazing handmade products.<br />
Travel to Kumarakom for 2 nights at the Aveda<br />
196<br />
View our full range of itineraries, hotels and experiences at CoxandKings.co.uk