Passage Through Coromandel and Malabar

Begin your sightseeing with a tour of Chennai’s (formerly Madras) rich colonial heritage, including Fort St George – the first major settlement of the East India Company in the Subcontinent, then continue to Chennai Museum to see the celebrated Chola bronzes. The afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively, visit the sacred town of Kanchipuram to discover the majestic Pallava period temples dating back to the 7th century and visit a silk weaver’s studio (supplement applies).

Drive along the palm-strewn Coromandel Coast to Mahabalipuram – the ancient port city of the Pallavas – to see the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage shore temples. Next, visit the experimental international township of Auroville, then drive onto the charming former French colony of Pondicherry.

Start the day with a walking tour through Pondicherry’s ‘White Town’ with its 18th and 19th-century colonial buildings and unambiguously French character, then attend the ‘lively’ morning ‘Pooja’ (prayer ceremony) at a local temple and visit the Aurobindo Ashram to learn about the spiritual teachings of the 19th-century revolutionary poet. This afternoon, drive inland to the temple town of Kumbakonam. En route, you will visit the impressive Chola-built temples at Darasuram and Gangai Konda Cholapuram.

Begin your day with a visit to the family home of renowned Mathematician Shri Ramanujan, affectionately known as ‘the man who knew infinity’. Then, proceed to Tanjore, the ancient capital of the imperial Chola dynasty and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed magnificent Brihadeeshwarar temple complex with its murals and musical pillars. Your tour of Tanjore also includes a visit to the nearby 16th-century palaces of the Marathas and Nayaks with their superb collection of Chola bronzes and an interactive tour of a bronze casting workshop, where traditional practices are still employed. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore Tanjore’s markets independently.

Set off this morning to the Chettinad region, where you will discover the palatial 19th-century ‘Chettiar’ mansions and colourful markets. Then, continue to Madurai, one of the oldest Tamil cities and considered the epicentre of classical Tamil literature. Witness the lively ‘pooja’ ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple this evening.

Start your day with a visit to the opulent Nayaka Palace, with its richly decorated interiors and unique design combining Dravidian and Islamic styles. Then, stroll through the colourful markets before driving to the lush hill country of Munnar in the foothills of the Western Ghats. The delightful town of Munnar, which offers stunning panoramas of the sprawling tea estates, was once a British summer retreat and is an ideal base for scenic walks and soft treks.

Tea was introduced to Munnar by A H Sharp, a Scottish planter, in 1880, and this morning you will set off on foot to explore the tea gardens and observe tea pickers at work. The privately guided tour will provide an insight into the history and production of tea, as well as the opportunity to sample some of Munnar’s best

Enjoy a scenic drive through lush lowland forests to Cochin, an important port for the spice trade. Later this afternoon, set off on a scenic private sunset cruise exploring Cochin’s harbour with its landmark Chinese fishing nets and take in the glorious views of the Marine Drive and the Bolghatty Island.

Spend the morning visiting Fort Cochin, a melting pot of myriad races, cultures and religions. Sightseeing will include visits to the Dutch Palace with its murals of the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Church of St Francis – the oldest church in India (built 1503) and a stroll through Cochin’s bustling spice market. This evening, at a demonstration performance, learn about the traditional Keralan martial art of ‘Kalaripayattu’.

Drive through coastal fishing villages to the enchanting Keralan backwaters, where you will check in at your beautifully located hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax and enjoy your idyllic tropical surroundings.

Spend the morning exploring a typical Keralan backwater village and witness the unhurried pace of life in rural Kerala. A guided walk through the village offers the chance to see first-hand weavers creating attractive handicrafts, including traditional Kerala mats using pandan leaves (screw pine leaves), whilst a relaxing catamaran ride along a tranquil canal allows you to observe traditional fishing techniques that are still religiously practised.

This morning, board a traditional houseboat (air-conditioned) for a private cruise along Lake Vembanad before entering the enchanting backwaters near Alleppey. Fed by a network of rivers and linked by man-made and natural canals, a cruise through Kerala’s Backwaters is a scenic treat. It also offers a superb opportunity to observe rural lifestyles and customs at a relaxed pace. After lunch, explore the exceptionally picturesque narrow sections of the waterways by canoe. Return to your houseboat before sunset and have dinner on board.

On disembarking from your houseboat, drive through the lush tropical Keralan countryside to the village of Mararikulam on the tranquil shores of the Indian Ocean. After checking in at your hotel, the remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax on a virtually empty beach. Alternatively, visit the village of Mararikulam and gain an insight into village life.

Have a lie-in, relax on the beach or by the pool. Alternatively, take part in a yoga session or enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage (supplement applies).

Transfer to Cochin International Airport and check in for your onward flight.