An English-speaking airport representative will be waiting for you outside the customs area for you with a sign with your name on it for your added comfort on arrival. The representative will help you meet up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with private vehicle, driver and English-speaking assistant.

Explore Chennai’s rich heritage and architectural treasures with your private guide on a half-day journey through this vibrant coastal city. Formerly known as Madras, Chennai reflects a fascinating blend of Dravidian traditions, colonial history, and Indo-Saracenic design. Visit the 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, the St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica in Santhome, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, and St. Mary’s Church at Fort St. George, Asia’s first Anglican church. Drive past Marina Beach, Presidency College, and Fort St. George before concluding your exploration.

Step into the vibrant neighbourhood of Mylapore with your private guide, the cultural and spiritual heart of Chennai. Visit a temple and explore its lively surroundings, wandering through bustling bazaars filled with flower vendors, silk merchants, jewellers, and traditional shops. Stroll along charming lanes lined with historic homes and cultural halls, gaining insight into local life and traditions. Conclude with authentic South Indian snacks and freshly brewed filter coffee at a renowned local cafÉ before returning to your accommodation.

Head south from Chennai to Pondicherry with your private driver and guide, stopping at Dakshina Chitra, an open-air museum with traditional houses rebuilt from South India to show regional crafts like pottery and silk weaving. Continue to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO site of 7th and 8th-century rock-cut monuments carved under the Pallava dynasty, including cave temples, a bas-relief of scenes from the Mahabharata, and chariot-shaped shrines. The visit ends at the Shore Temple, the sole survivor of the legendary Seven Pagodas, the rest lost to the sea, before continuing to your hotel in Pondicherry.

With your private guide, explore Pondicherry, a former French colony where colonial-era churches, grid streets, and French architecture stand alongside Tamil tradition, a legacy that lasted until Pondicherry joined India in 1954. Walk through the French Quarter, stopping at a few of the town's art galleries, then continue into the Tamil quarters for a contrasting side of the city. In the late afternoon, visit Auroville, the experimental township founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, drawing on the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo. A private transfer returns you to your accommodation.

Meet your driver and make yourself comfortable for the private transfer from Pondicherry to Thanjavur. Approximate driving time is 4 hours.

Today with your private English-speaking guide, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also called the Big Temple, and dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the more popular temples in Southern India, the Brahadeeswarar Temple is the Chola dynasty's finest contribution to Dravidian temple architecture. What makes the construction so unique is the diversion from the usual temple building norms of having a tall gopuram and smaller vimanams (the towers over the sanctum).

Start on a full day exploration of Kumbakonam and visit the bronze sculpture artisans. These talented sculptors create superb replicas of traditional South Indian bronzes through the lost-wax method. The design and construction of these artworks follows the strict aesthetic guidelines outlined in the Shilpa Shastra, an ancient treatise on Indian art. Many of the originals upon which they are based can be seen in the Rajaraja Museum in Thanjavur. You will then visit the silk weavers of Kumbakonam, who create brightly colored saris and pattu pavadai (children’s dresses), featuring floral and animal motifs. Enjoy a unique session with these expert handloom weavers to understand the step by step procedure of weaving.

This evening, watch a scintillating Bharatanatyam dance performance. The performance brings to life mythological characters of divine origin which blends music, rhythm, poetry and expressions.

Meet your private driver for a transfer from Thanjavur to Chettinad, with a stop en route at Namanasamuthiram where a local guide will join you on a visit to an Ayyanar koil with more than 100 terracotta horses and elephants, making up Tamil Nadu's own miniature "Terracotta Army". After your visit, continue by private vehicle to Chittnad.

With your private guide, spend the day exploring Chettinad, a region of roughly 74 villages built on the wealth of the Nattukottai Chettiars, merchants who traded salt and gems under the Chola kings before amassing fortunes across Southeast Asia. Wander narrow streets past mansions in every state of repair, from restored heritage homes to ruins, alongside temples with gopurams painted in bright reds, blues, greens, and yellows. Stop in Karaikudi, the region's hub for antiques and handmade crafts, from jewelry to furniture, and set aside time for Chettinad's distinctive local cuisine.

Meet with your private driver, and settle in for the transfer from Chettinad to Madurai. Approximate driving time is 3 hours.

This afternoon, with your private vehicle and English-speaking guide, walk through Madurai’s vibrant bazaars, where you can admire crafts made specifically for the region’s Hindu temples and religious festivals. In Pudhu Mandapam, you can often find Muthangi, which are garments made for temple deities. While they were historically decorated with zari, pearls and precious stones, glass beads are typically used today. You can also find appliquÉd textiles used to decorate temple chariots and doorways. This will be followed by a visit to the Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple, one of the most vibrant living temples in South India. This complex features 12 gigantic gopuras, or towers, covered with brightly-colored deities, animals and monsters. The Thousand-Pillared Hall, now a small museum, contains 985 highly-decorated pillars; a set of pillars just outside of the hall produce the seven notes of Carnatic music when struck. Conclude your experience with a return to your hotel.

This evening, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, its origins tracing to the 6th century though largely rebuilt by the Nayak dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its 14 gopurams, some rising over 170 feet, are covered in brightly painted carvings of Hindu deities. Time the visit for the nightly Palliyarai ceremony, when priests carry the image of Shiva from his shrine to join Parvati in her chamber elsewhere in the temple, a ritual performed every night for centuries.

Discover the historic atmosphere of Madurai, known as one of the great temple towns of Southern India. With your private driver and English-speaking guide. Start your morning off with a visit to Meenakshi Sundareswarar, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati, in the form of Meenakshi. The ceilings of the temple are vibrantly painted and the columns are lined with elaborate carvings of Hindu deities, and it was a frontrunner candidate to be named one of the “New” Seven Wonders of the World. Since Minakshi is the presiding deity, the daily ceremonies are first performed at her shrine. This is a living temple and each shrine has priests performing rituals in front of them and you may also see a temple elephant. Continue to Thirumalai Nayak Palace. The architecture of this 17th century palace mixes Dravidian and Rajput influences with impressive columns, and in its heyday, it was one of the grandest in the south of the country. Its Celestial Pavilion, an octagonal structure, is curiously constructed in brick and mortar without supporting rafters. Your tour ends with a private transfer back to your accommodation.

Meet your private driver and settle in for your private transfer from Madurai to Thekkady. Approximate transfer time is 3 hours.

Take a private tour of a Kerala spice plantation, where you can see how natural pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg are grown. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in and the various spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. On the spice plantation you can go for nature walks, bird watching treks, taste the various spices and breathe in the fragrant air.

Today your guide will pick you up from your accommodation to walk one of the different trails traversing diverse nature habitats. The treks are generally between 4 and 5 kilometers in length. This is an interpretive program offers excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The walking tour lasts for about 3 hours departs between 7.00 a.m. and 10.30 am and returns between 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The Nature Walk is the right program to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.

A boat cruise in the Periyar Lake is the best way to spot wildlife in the park. Herds of elephants come often to the lake for water. Hence, the lake becomes a prime site for animal watching. You may be able to observe some rare bird species that frequently visit Periyar including the Ceylon frog-mouth and rose billed roller, and the Osprey and Ratchet - tailed Durango.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Alleppey. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours.

Board the Lakes & Lagoons Houseboat from Alleppey at noon where you will be briefed with an introduction with the houseboat crew before your cruise begins. Cruise through Vembanadu Lake and anchor for lunch at approximately 1 pm. After lunch, your cruise resumes at 3 pm and proceed to Muhamma. Reach Muhamma where you will visit a traditional village market for a coir making demonstration. After the visit, proceed to Pathiramanal and anchor for the overnight.

NOTE: cruise itinerary is subject to change.

Enjoy the early morning at leisure to enjoy the beautiful scenery. After breakfast, cruise to Alleppey and reach Pallathuruthy by 9.30 am for check out.

Meet your professional driver for a private transfer to Cochin. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Discover Cochin’s rich cultural heritage with your private guide as you explore two of the city’s most significant landmarks. Visit the historic Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth, admired for its hand-painted Chinese tiles, Belgian chandeliers, and sacred Torah scrolls. Continue to the Dutch Palace, renowned for its beautifully preserved Ramayana murals and distinctive traditional Kerala flooring, while gaining insight into the region’s layered history and artistic legacy. Conclude with a private transfer to your accommodation.

Today, explore the city starting with a walk through the bustling harbor area and quaint backstreets to discover its rich and multifaceted past. Cochin is full of echoes of Kerala's past colonizers, including Hindu and Mughal dynasties, Portuguese and Dutch conquerors, and the British Empire - which came seeking control of the lucrative pepper trade. The city hosts the oldest church in India, 500-year-old Portuguese houses, old tiled houses built in the Chinese pagoda style, and a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora. St. Francis Church, originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal. Once a wooden building, it was replaced by the present stone building. Vasco De Gamma died on site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery. His grave is still marked with a plaque and a brass rail, though his remains are back home in Portugal. Walk past, the four-century old Jewish synagogue, where looming protectively over the synagogue is the Mattancherry palace, erstwhile home to the Verma kings and today a fine museum.

This evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Dating back to the 17th century, it originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes. Usually performed only by men, the actors rely heavily on hand gestures to convey their story.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with private vehicle, driver and English-speaking assistant.

Situated on Mahatma Gandhi Road, the Taj Coromandel Madras Hotel Chennai is in the heart of the city, near Fort St. George, Marina Beach as well as the Santhome Cathedral Basilica are the major attractions in Chennai. Designed for your comfort and convenience, the luxurious rooms are well-appointed and come with all the contemporary amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. The Match Point Coffee Shop offers a selection of international flavors. Enjoy delicious cuisine in an elegant setting of the on-site Southern Spice Restaurant. Sip a drink and relax in the cozy atmosphere of the tastefully designed bar. You can workout at the state-of-the-art gymnasium, have a bracing dip in the swimming pool, pamper yourself at the sauna or enjoy the steam bath at your leisure.

One of the luxurious hotels in Tamil Nadu is Palais de Mahe. Situated in the French district of Tamil Nadu, the hotel features splendid French architectural patterns that immediately captures one's attention and makes their stay in here purely exotic. The building is designed according to the French colonial building styles. A stay in here is truly memorable.

Svatma is a hotel unlike many. It is the epitome of Tamil culture and art that has evolved into a travel destination of mystique and allure. There are no standard rooms in this property, each is unique, built as an elite family residence over a hundred years ago and lovingly restored. Think of it as a sort of romantic notion by contemporary artists, flirting with curated antiques and experimenting with ancient art forms. What’s been created here is almost an affair of the mind, moving between Carnatic Music and Chola Bronzes while witnessing traditional Bharatanayam in an amphitheater, occasionally pervaded by the aroma of traditional filter coffee. At Svatma, the residency becomes a journey in itself, a voyage of discovery, an immersion in the arts.

Chidambara Vilas is a 110 year old heritage Chettiar home that provides an authentic showcase of the luxurious Chettinad lifestyles of the last century. The luxury is truly in the details, made possible through a 3 year restoration effort by the Sangam group which manages this heritage property. You can now experience one of the best examples of authentic Chettinad architecture, furniture, glasswork, tile work and paintings. The guestrooms have been recreated and restored to the smallest details. At the same time the rooms have been subtly enhanced with all luxuries and amenities to offer a personalized experience that gives the best of both worlds, a full century apart. Savour the world famous Chettinad cuisine through three unique dining experiences at Chidambara Vilas, interactive, experiential and fine dining. Enjoy a complete Chettinad experience through the custom designed indoor and outdoor activities. Relax in the international standard swimming pool and lounge area within the property.

Heritage Madurai rings with historic charm that echoes in every hallway and every room. Lounge by the Olympic-sized temple tank pool, or relax in a plunge pool in your own private villa. Dine under a 200 year old banyan tree, serenaded by bird calls, while enjoying a delightful meal prepared by your own personal chef, specifically prepared to please your particular taste buds. Take a leisurely ‘historic’ walk through the corridors where, it seems, every stone has a story to tell.

The Land Where Pepper Grows. Spice Village is located in the Periyar wilderness, high in the western ghats of Kerala. For centuries, the area attracted voyagers and adventurers, mercenaries and empire builders, kings and merchant princes. Men and women drawn not only by the lure of spices, but by the romance and wild beauty of the land. The Portuguese and the Jews of Cochin visited as traders, turning the natural bounties of the area into wealth. Pepper and cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, nutmeg, mace and anise the Periyar hills became nature's taste factory in the 14th century, as Cochin became nature's harbour, the port of lading for a spice-hungry world. Today, it's the rainforests, the animals and the vast silences that attract the modern visitor.

Lakes & Lagoons is the first and only ISO 9001 - 2000 certified Houseboat Tour Company in Kerala. With a fleet of more than 21 luxury Houseboats, Lakes & Lagoons offer some of the best backwater cruise journeys. The Houseboats are situated in Alleppey, which can be described as a real natural treasure house providing splendid views of the blue over the lake surrounded by the green of the palms and vegetation, active with the aquatic life and local villages engaging in everyday errands.

The Brunton Boatyard possesses a remarkable sense of scale, evident the moment you turn into the tiled forecourt. The lobby is a vault of sunlight and air, framed by arches and overhung with punkahs - enormous, old-fashioned fans of Indo-Portuguese origin. Most rooms have a balcony. The corner suites are large with a separate sitting / dining and a private pantry for the Butler. All bathrooms too enjoy a great view and there is no better way to enjoy a luxurious bath than to lie in the long tub and keep the window shutters open to watch a fascinating scene below. The hotel has its own private jetty, which doubles up as a ‘cafÉ’, overlooking the pool garden and the sea.