Coromandel to Malabar, India
Coromandel to Malabar – India
A Journey through Southern India
Chennai • Mahabalipuram • Pondicherry • Tanjore • Madurai • Thekkady • Munnar • Alleppey • Cochin • Varkala • Trivandrum
Journey from the ancient temple cities of Tamil Nadu to the lush tropical landscapes of Kerala. Begin in Chennai, discovering its colonial heritage and vibrant South Indian character. Travel to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, where magnificent temples emerge from centuries-old stone. Continue to Pondicherry, blending French colonial charm with the atmosphere of traditional India. Explore Tanjore and Madurai, celebrated for their extraordinary Dravidian temples and artistic heritage. Cross into Kerala through the verdant landscapes of Thekkady and the tea-covered hills of Munnar. Continue to Cochin, where Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish and Indian influences meet along the Malabar Coast. Cruise Kerala’s tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, passing villages, rice fields and coconut groves. Discover the peaceful waterways and bird-rich landscape of Kumarakom before travelling south to Varkala.
Highlights
Magnificent Kanchipuram temples
Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple architecture
French charm in Pondicherry
Tanjore’s Brihadishwara Temple
Sacred Madurai and Meenakshi
Kerala’s lush highlands
Thekkady’s spice plantations
Munnar’s peaceful landscapes
Kochi’s iconic Chinese fishing nets
Jewish Synagogue
Kathakali performance
Overnight traditional Kerala houseboat
Experience tranquil Varkala Beach
Shore temple, Mahabalipuram
Day 01
Arrive Chennai
Arrive in Chennai in the early morning and transfer to your hotel. After some time to rest and settle in, begin discovering the character of this fascinating South Indian metropolis.
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, offers an engaging mixture of colonial history, religious traditions and contemporary South Indian life. Explore St. Mary’s Church, one of Asia’s oldest Anglican churches, followed by a visit to the city’s fascinating museum, particularly its remarkable collection of Chola bronzes.
Overnight in Chennai.
Day 02
Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, leave Chennai and drive towards Mahabalipuram, with a fascinating visit to Kanchipuram en route.
Known as one of the great temple cities of southern India, Kanchipuram is home to remarkable examples of early Dravidian architecture, including the Kailasanatha Temple and the impressive Ekambareswarar Temple.
Continue to Mahabalipuram, a small coastal settlement renowned for its extraordinary rock-cut monuments. Explore the monumental relief depicting the descent of the Ganges, the remarkable stone Rathas and the ancient temples overlooking the sea.
Later, take a leisurely walk through the village and observe local fishermen returning from the day’s catch.
Overnight in Mahabalipuram.
Day 03
Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
After breakfast, drive south along the Bay of Bengal to Pondicherry, the former French territory whose distinctive character still reflects its colonial past.
Explore the atmospheric streets where French architecture meets traditional Indian life. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and stroll along the seafront before discovering the lively local bazaar, where the character of everyday Pondicherry comes alive.
Continue to Auroville, an international community renowned for its distinctive philosophy and architecture.
Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 04
Pondicherry – Tanjore
After breakfast, depart for Tanjore, historically the heartland of the powerful Chola dynasty.
The highlight of the visit is the magnificent Brihadishwara Temple, one of the masterpieces of Dravidian architecture. Dating from the 11th century and dedicated to Shiva, the temple represents the extraordinary artistic and architectural achievements of the Chola period.
Continue with a visit to the Tanjore Museum, renowned for its exceptional collection of South Indian bronze sculptures.
Overnight in Tanjore.
Day 05
Tanjore – Madurai
After breakfast, depart Tanjore for Madurai, one of the oldest cities of Tamil Nadu and one of southern India’s most important centres of worship.
Explore the spectacular Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi. Its vast complex unfolds through a maze of courtyards, corridors, sculpted pillars and richly decorated spaces.
Take time to appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship and atmosphere of this living centre of Hindu devotion.
Overnight in Madurai.
Day 06
Madurai – Thekkady – Munnar
After breakfast, leave Madurai and travel towards the mountains of Kerala.
As the landscape changes, enter the lush world of Kerala and continue through the region of Thekkady. Stop near the sanctuary and lake, where there may be opportunities to glimpse wildlife, including elephants.
Continue with a guided visit to a spice garden, discovering the many plants and spices used locally in cooking and traditional Ayurvedic practices.
Proceed to Munnar, surrounded by rolling hills covered with magnificent tea plantations. The peaceful landscape, colourful tea workers and cool mountain climate create a striking contrast to the temple cities of Tamil Nadu.
Overnight in Munnar.
Pondicherry
Chinese fishing net, Kochi
Day 07
Munnar
Enjoy a leisurely day in Munnar.
Take time to relax amid the cool mountain climate and spectacular tea-covered hills. The day may be spent at leisure, enjoying the peaceful surroundings or exploring the beautiful landscape around this charming hill station.
Overnight in Munnar.
Day 08
Munnar – Cochin
After breakfast, depart Munnar and drive towards Cochin on Kerala’s Malabar Coast.
Set between the Arabian Sea and a network of islands and waterways, Cochin has been shaped by centuries of maritime trade. Portuguese, Dutch and Indian influences have left a fascinating architectural and cultural legacy.
Explore the historic streets and discover landmarks such as St. Francis Church and the old Jewish quarter. Along the waterfront, observe local fishermen working the enormous Chinese fishing nets.
In the evening, experience a traditional Kathakali performance, one of Kerala’s most distinctive classical art forms.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 09
Cochin-Fort Kochi • Mattancherry
Continue exploring historic Cochin after breakfast.
Visit Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, discovering St. Francis Church, the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, the Dutch Palace and the historic Jewish Synagogue.
St. Francis Church is one of the oldest European-built churches in India and is associated with the final days of Vasco da Gama.
Continue to the Chinese Fishing Nets, an iconic feature of the Fort Kochi waterfront and an enduring part of the city’s fishing heritage.
At Mattancherry, visit the Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese and later modified by the Dutch. Its interiors contain remarkable murals depicting episodes from the Hindu epics.
Finally, explore the historic Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, known for its Chinese tiles, Belgian chandeliers and ancient religious manuscripts.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 10
Cochin – Alleppey-Kerala Backwaters
After breakfast, take a short drive to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters.
Board your traditional houseboat and begin a peaceful journey through a labyrinth of canals and waterways. Cruise past coconut groves, emerald rice fields, plantations and traditional villages, observing the rhythms of everyday life along the water.
The slow pace of the cruise offers an intimate introduction to Kerala’s distinctive backwater culture.
Overnight aboard a traditional houseboat.
Day 11
Alleppey – Kumarakom
Disembark from the houseboat at Kumarakom and transfer to your hotel.
Situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a tranquil cluster of islands surrounded by waterways, canals, paddy fields, mangroves and coconut groves.
The area is also renowned for its rich birdlife. Egrets, herons, darters, waterfowl and other migratory species inhabit the wetlands, making Kumarakom a particularly rewarding destination for nature and bird enthusiasts.
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 12
Kumarakom – Varkala Beach
After breakfast, depart Kumarakom and travel south towards Varkala on the Arabian Sea.
Varkala offers a quieter and more natural side of Kerala, with dramatic coastal scenery, traditional villages and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Enjoy a leisurely walk, explore the surrounding countryside or simply unwind beside the sea. The area provides an opportunity to experience a more authentic and unhurried rhythm of Kerala.
Overnight in Varkala.
Alleppey backwaters
Varkala Beach
Day 13
Varkala Beach
Enjoy a relaxed day beside the Arabian Sea.
Varkala is a peaceful coastal settlement known for its beautiful beach, mineral-rich springs and spiritual heritage. Visit the ancient Vishnu Temple or explore the Sivagiri Mutt, located a short distance from the beach.
Alternatively, spend the day at leisure enjoying the beach, exploring the local surroundings or experiencing one of the region’s traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
Overnight in Varkala.
Day 14
Varkala – Trivandrum – Departure
After breakfast, check out according to your international flight schedule.
Transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your onward international flight, bringing this journey from the temples of the Coromandel Coast to the tropical backwaters and beaches of Malabar to a close.