We meet at Heathrow Terminal 3 to board Emirates flight EK0002 from Heathrow (14:15) to Dubai (00:15). Change at Dubai to board connecting Emirates flight EK0544 from Dubai (02:45) to Chennai (08:25) the next morning.

Overnight on flight

On arrival in Chennai we transfer to the Hotel Accord. After freshening up, we head out for our first encounter with the city, visiting two of Chennai’s most interesting places of worship. First we make our way to St Mary’s Anglican Church, the oldest British building in India (fondly known to locals as the ‘Westminster Abbey of the East’), before visiting the Hindu temple of Kapaleeshwarar, a grand and impressive example of Tamil temple architecture with thousands of trademark colourful carvings.

Overnight in Accord Metropolitan, Chennai

Today we ascend St Thomas’ Mount, where it is believed that the apostle was martyred, and later visit his tomb in the Roman Catholic Basilica of San Thome.

Overnight in Hotel Accord, Chennai

This morning we leave Chennai and drive south along the Coromandal Coast to Mahabalipuram, the ancient and stunning ‘temple by the sea’.

After lunch we continue south on the coastal road down to the French colonial seaside town of Pondicherry. There will be an opportunity to take an evening stroll along the famous beachfront promenade.

Overnight in Le Pondy, Pondicherry

Full day guided sightseeing of Pondicherry.

Overnight in Le Pondy, Pondicherry

Morning transfer to Pondicherry railway station to board “Pdy Cape Express”, train number 16861 from Pondicherry (11:45) to Trichy (17:05) in 2-Tier AC Class. Journey time: 5h 20m

Please note Pondicherry’s new name is Puducherry, and Trichy’s long-form name is Tiruchchirapali.

At Trichy we check into the Hotel Breeze Residency

Overnight in Hotel Breeze Residency, Trichy

This morning we will visit some of the famous Hindu temples of Trichy, including the magnificent Rock Fort and the colourful Ranganathaswamy temple.

After lunch we will set off for our 100km to Dindigul to check into the Vivera Grande.

Overnight in Vivera Grande, Dindigul

Today we will meet with the Friends of the Poor to learn more about their work, visiting the plantation, handlooms and education program.

Overnight in Vivera Grande, Dindigul

After breakfast we will set off to drive 70km to the ancient city of Madurai to explore its famous temples. The Shri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is arguably the finest and most fascinating temple complex in India, and is a major pilgrimage centre in the south. Dedicated to “the fish-eyed goddess” Meenakshi, the site houses several shrines surrounded by 14 large colourful gateway towers.

Just a mile down the road, we also stop to visit the impressive 17th century king’s palace of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. The afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight in Heritage Madurai

Today we leave the frenetic city of Madurai and head to the cooler climes of Munnar, the old British hill station surrounded by tea estates and green hills.

The 155km drive will take 4-5 hours. Here we check in to Fragrant Nature for two nights.

Overnight in Fragrant Nature, Munnar

Spend the day enjoying the tranquil surroundings and plantations. We will also visit the British-era CSI Christ Church and Catholic Mount Carmel Church.

Overnight in Fragrant Nature, Munnar

This morning we visit the Tea Museum, as close as you can get to a working tea factory around Munnar, and then we descend to 150km to Kumarakom in the backwaters of Kerala.

Overnight in Cocobay, Kumarakom

Relax at the resort and enjoy a cruise on the backwaters.

Later we will drive 60km to the old harbor town of Fort Cochin.

Overnight in Fragrant Nature, Cochin

Today we have a day sightseeing in Cochin where we visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Jewish synagogue and St Francis Anglican Church.

We also make a visit to the Mattancherry palace with its Keralan style murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibitions of the Rajas of Kochi. In the evening we will witness traditional Keralan dances before returning to the hotel for dinner and a well-deserved overnight rest.

Overnight in Fragrant Nature, Cochin

Early morning transfer to Cochin airport to board Emirates flight EK0531 from Cochin (10:30) to Dubai (12:55). Change at Dubai to board connecting Emirates flight EK0003 from Dubai (14:15) to London Heathrow (18:40).

• International return flight from London Heathrow to Chennai, and from Cochin to London Heathrow, as per itinerary, with Emirates in Economy Class. (Guests joining from outside the UK – please get in touch for alternative airfares)
• 13 nights’ accommodation in a sharing twin or double room or single room with en-suite facilities (Check-in is 1400 hrs and checkout 12 noon. Early check-in late checkouts are subject to availability).
• Breakfast and dinner each day
• All arrival/departure transfers, long drives and sightseeing by a chauffeur driven private air-conditioned car or coach
• Train tickets and reservations as per itinerary
• Services of a local English-speaking representative for all arrival and departure transfers to assist you at airports
• Services of English speaking guide during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
• Entrance fees to all monuments during sightseeing as specified in your itinerary
• Mineral water while travelling
• Full ATOL bonding

• India visa fee (USD $75 per person).
• Lunches
• Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, gratuities etc.
• Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest.
• Travel Insurance: It is essential to have adequate travel insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.

• It includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover
• It provides cover for your whole trip
• It covers you for all activities
• It covers all your pre-existing medical conditions
• Keep your Policy Number and Insurer’s 24-hour Emergency Number handy with you

A non-refundable deposit of £400.00 per person is needed at the time of booking. Balance payments will be due 8 weeks before departure

To enquire or make a booking on this tour, please call: 020 8901 7630 Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm, Saturday 11am – 4pm