Palais de Mahe, Puducherry
A freshly crafted gem in the heart of Puducherry’s French Quarter, Palais de Mahe combines the flavours of Southern India with French fla... Read more
Venture into India’s verdant southern landscapes to discover the history, cuisine and culture of this lush and beautiful region of the sub-continent, exploring extraordinary spice villages and tropical coastal cities, viewing impressive rock temples and carvings, witnessing a performance of indigenous dance, and meet with locals and royals alike.
Journey Highlights
Arrive in Chennai, where you are met and privately transferred to your luxurious hotel.
The Leela Palace Chennai
After a morning at leisure, tour the city of Chennai, visiting the artifact-rich Government Museum; Fort St. George, first bastion of the British East India Company in southern India; and Gothic Santhome Cathedral, named after St. Thomas the Apostle, whose tomb is said to lie beneath the basilica. Later, walk through Mylapore, a bustling neighbourhood that pre-dates the city by at least 2,000 years, where residents have kept alive many of Chennai’s traditions and arts. Stroll with your guide who shares stories of local life, of gods and demons, of ancient customs and symbolisms, and of Mylapore and Madras – some amusing and some baffling. This evening, gather for cocktails at the hotel followed by a welcome dinner.
The Leela Palace Chennai | Meals: BD
Rise early for a day excursion to Kanchipuram for visits to seventh-century Kailasanatha Temple as well as the 16th-century Ekambareswarar Temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring a different side of Kanchipuram, visiting a weaver’s village renowned for silk saris, delicate and delightful garments sought out by people from across the south. Later return to Chennai with the rest of the evening at leisure.
The Leela Palace Chennai | Meals: BL
Journey to Puducherry, stopping en route at the intricate Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram, a stunning collection of rock temples and carvings designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from AD 630 to 668, they include such carvings as Bhagiratha’s Penance, a bas-relief sculpted over enormous rocks that depicts animals, gods and saints, all watching the holy Ganges River flow from the Himalayas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before proceeding to Puducherry. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, where you also have dinner.
Palais de Mahe | Meals: BLD
Drive to Auroville to visit its unique community working toward realizing the dream of human unity through diversity. Learn how this internationally endorsed, ongoing experiment in the transformation of consciousness was founded and enjoy insider access opportunities with community members who help you gain a deeper understanding of their approach to living. This afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community dwelling in Pondicherry, and stroll the city’s French Quarter.
Palais de Mahe | Meals: BL
Today, set out for Thanjavur, diverting for various explorations along the way. Sit down to lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to Swamimalai, where you witness the casting of bronze statues at a local factory. Discover this age-old art and learn about local families who have been practicing this artisan trade for centuries. Afterward, continue to Thanjavur and upon arrival check in to your hotel. This evening, gather for dinner.
Svatma, Thanjavur | Meals: BLD
Visit the grandly carved Sri Brihadeshwara Temple, built in the 10th century by the Chola king Raja Raja Cholan, and then proceed to explore storied Thanjavur Maratha Palace. Break for lunch before driving to Chettinad. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and later this evening enjoy a mouth-watering Chef's Table cooking demonstration on site.
Visalam | Meals: BLD
Experience the diverse highlights of Chettinad, stopping at a handmade tile-making factory, visiting local villages and markets, and being welcomed into a private home for snacks along the way.
Visalam | Meals: BLD
Rise early and journey to Madurai. Upon arrival, make a brief visit to the famous Shri Meenakshi Temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then continue to Periyar, where you check in to your cottage nestled on a spice plantation.
Spice Village | Meals: BL
After breakfast, visit the plantation with a naturalist, taking in the delicious scents of the cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and other plants growing around you, and learning firsthand why Periyar is renowned for its spices. Return to your hotel for lunch, and then proceed to Kumarakom, where you check in to your amazing resort, and perhaps enjoy a cooling dip in your villa’s private pool. Cap off the day with a thirst-quenching Scenic Sundowner.
Kumarakom Lake Resort | Meals: BLD
Get an up-close look at daily life in Kumarakom, learning about the culture, traditions and livelihoods of the people who populate this region. Board private tuk-tuks for a fun ride to the embarkation point of a boat cruise that takes you along the gentle backwaters of a nearby river, and explore local villages. Learn about the residents’ traditional crafts and agricultural practices such as toddy tapping, climbing coconut trees, weaving coconut leaves and fishing. Also discover how India’s Responsible Tourism initiative seeks to minimise negative economic, environmental and social impacts of overtourism. Then, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Later, enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Kumarakom Lake Resort | Meals: BL
After a morning at leisure, step aboard a houseboat for a leisurely cruise on Vembanad Lake, enjoying a traditional Kerala lunch on board, and viewing exotic birdlife along the way. This evening, disembark at Alleppey and drive to Kochi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. This evening, gather with fellow guests for cocktails and a farewell dinner on site.
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi | Meals: BLD
Today, become the honoured guest of the Cochin Royal Family. One of the four major royal dynasties of Kerala, the Cochin Royal Family played a significant role in shaping Kerala’s history, past and present. Begin by discovering the origins of the family, and the rise and fall in their fortunes under European rule, before their eventual union with India. Look at their role in developing Kochi and their contributions in the field of art, language, education and medicine. Then, sit down to high-tea with present-day members of the family for an incomparable moment of insider access, A&K style. After lunch, set out on a city tour of Kochi, visiting the Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Net, St. Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace, to get a feel for the diverse cultures that are part of life here. Tonight, attend a Kathakali dance show, and go behind the scenes to see how the dancers’ lavish makeup, costumes and exotic masks are prepared.
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi | Meals: BL
Transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Meals: B
Minimum age is 10 years.
This journey entails extended scenic drives on unpaved roads.
First group event: welcome briefing at 9:30 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: end of sightseeing at 7:00 p.m. on Day 13.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Included with every Luxury Small Group Journey
Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
A freshly crafted gem in the heart of Puducherry’s French Quarter, Palais de Mahe combines the flavours of Southern India with French fla... Read more
The Svatma experience is designed as a voyage to discover the mind. Experience this magical journey by indulging in the luxury of leisure... Read more
Curling around a misty ridge in the Periyar vastness, an arboretum of fruit trees, rare herbs and a profusion of flowering plants is home... Read more
With a tranquil setting amidst swaying palm groves and silvery canals beside Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom Lake Resort offers a wondrous retre... Read more
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
| Jan 21, 2025 - Feb 3, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$15,300pp | Single Supplement AU$7,645 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
| Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$15,300pp | Single Supplement AU$7,645 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
| Dec 6, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$15,300pp | Single Supplement AU$7,645 | Internal Air (From) AU$0 | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
Private Jet Journeys
Travel on a globe-spanning adventure that brings you up close with the true wonder of the world: its incredibly diverse wildlife, from the placid whal...
Tailor-Made Journeys
On this perfect introduction to India, discover the famed Golden Triangle, with its vast deserts, majestic palaces, timeless temples and the unforgett...
Private Jet Journeys
Our world was shaped by great kingdoms and dynasties whose timeless monuments — from the Roman ruins of Volubilis to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia — come to...
Small Group Journeys
Explore India’s greatest treasures as you visit the timeless Taj Mahal, seek the graceful Bengal tiger, attend the colourful Pushkar Fair and witness ...
Small Group Journeys
Explore India’s greatest treasures as you visit the timeless Taj Mahal, seek the graceful Bengal tiger and witness a holy rite beside the sacred Gange...
Small Group Journeys
Explore India’s treasures, from the splendidly beautiful Taj Mahal to the palaces of Jaipur, witness the sacred aarti ceremony on the banks of the Gan...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Uncover the cultural heritage of Southern India, where the splendid relics of ancient civilisations combine to bring you some of the most magnificent ...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Beyond India’s dazzling cities are more than a hundred national parks, teeming with spectacular wildlife and home to the iconic and endangered Bengal ...
Tailor-Made Journeys
From the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea, South India is an endless and vibrant sensory feast.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Venture into India’s far-flung northern reaches to Ladakh and experience an extraordinary life amidst the cloud-conquering peaks of the Himalayas.
Tailor-Made Journeys
From elaborate royal palaces to the most desolate landscapes, enter into a world of extremes in northern India. Discover Delhi’s colonial grandeur and...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Revealing stories at every turn, India’s fabled hill stations will leave you spellbound. Step back in time in stunning Shimla, once the summer retreat...
It looks like you are located in Australia, New Zealand
or South East Asia.
Proceed to A&K Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia Proceed to website
