For a more immersive holiday, we have created a flexible programme of optional excursions so you can 'bespoke' your holiday with a selection of specially curated visits and activities in each destination. Please note that all these experiences require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

 

Main Tour

 

Day Two

Option 1: Join the classical beats of Bharatanatyam at Tharanginee School of Bharatanatyam. 

This dance form, expressing religious themes and spiritual ideas, has flourished in the temples and courts of southern India since ancient times. It is widely recognised as one of the eight forms of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu.

Cost: £80 per person (min 4 people)

Option 2: Visit the Kapaleeswara temple, Mylapore

After spending 30-40 minutes inside the temple, your guide will take you on a walk though the by lanes and share stories about the area. You will then catch (pre-arranged) auto-rickshaws and visit Santhome Cathedral Basilica to discover how early Christianity came to South India. You will visit the church and the tomb. Please note that this is not a religious trip.

Cost: £45 per person (min 4 people)

 

Day Four

Visit Cholamandal Artist’s Village

The vision of painter K.C.S. Paniker, the Artist's Village was established in 1966 and has become the largest self-supporting artists' commune in India, as well as one of the most successful in Asia. Its artists are credited with establishing the Madras Movement of Art (1950s–1980s), which brought modernism to South India and their work is widely recognised as some of the best produced in post-war India, showing regularly in galleries across the country, as well as in Europe, the United States and South America. The village is equipped with everything its artists need, including a permanent gallery. 

Cost: £45 per person (min 4 people)

 

Day Five

Option 1: Visit Thyagaraya Nagar - A Legacy of Trade and Justice

This district of Chennai was born out of the revolutionary politics of the ‘Justice’ Party that changed the politics of Southern Indian for ever. As you stroll through the area, your guide will talk about the origins of the first planned neighbourhood of Madras and share the stories behind some of the city’s most beloved businesses, from Nalli Silks to the Saravana Stores empire, and reveal why Thyagaraya Nagar is one of the most prosperous business districts in India. Along with the politics, there will also be plenty of shopping opportunities so don’t forget to bring a bag!

Cost: £60 per person (min 4 people)

Option 2: Join the Bazaar Tour

Markets are the beating heart of any city and great places to experience the local way of life. This trail takes you through Chennai’s exuberant Georgetown market. The well thought-out route takes you through the best bits, including the vegetable and flower markets, and your guide will share stories of Georgetown's history, mythology and folklore to give you an authentic glimpse of living India.

Cost: £75 per person (min 5 people)

 

Day Six

Visit the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram

Set a little away from the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this is a 7^th century architectural marvel believed to be the last in a series of temples revealed when the waters retreated following the 2004 tsunami. You will also make a stop at Arjuna’s Penance, a work of art carved into a huge boulder that depicts daily life and is riddled with stories of penance. Located by the main road, close to the bustling bazaar of Mammallapuram, no one is allowed to climb down to see this monument up-close. You will then visit the triple-celled Trimurti Cave temple dedicated to the holy trinity of Hinduism, the three superpowers Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is a striking example of the splendour of Pallava dynasty's architecture. 

Cost: £15 per person (min 1 person, max 20 people)

 

Day Seven

Yoga - Cost £30 per person (min 4 people)

Visit the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary   

Spanning 74 acres, this is the oldest water bird sanctuary in the country. Dotted with small lakes that acted as feeding grounds for the birds, this area was a favourite hunting spot for the local landlords in the early 18th century. However, as early as 1798, the British government began to develop it as a bird sanctuary in recognition of the area’s ornithological importance, and it was formally established by the order of the Collector of Chengalpattu in 1858. More than 40,000 birds (including 26 rare species), from various parts of the world visit the sanctuary during the migratory season every year. Packed breakfast will be provided from hotel for guests joining this tour.

Cost: £100 per person (min 4 people)

 

Day Eight

Yoga - Cost £30 per person (min 4 people)

 

Day Nine

Yoga - Cost £20 per person (min 4 people)

Morning: Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram

This Ashram was founded by the philosopher-saint Sri Aurobindo in 1926 as a place where her could put his ideals of a peaceful community into practice. The more than 100-year-old church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built in Gothic-style and its interior is richly ornamented with glass pictures and stained-glass panels depicting events from Jesus' life.

Cost: £25 per person (min 4 people)

Afternoon: Bollywood Dance Session lead by professional dancer at a nearby cultural centre

Cost: £45 per person (min 5 people)

 

Day Ten

Yoga - Cost £20 per person (min 4 people)

 

Day Eleven 

Yoga - Cost £35 per person (min 4 people)

Option 1: Visit Ramamohan’s house 

Ramamohan keeps the ancient hand-painting technique of Kalamkari alive and thriving. Kalamkari originated during the Marathas’ rule over Thanjavur and was frequently commissioned by the royal family. Beautiful motifs are applied to fabric using a bamboo pen, known as a ‘kalam’, as part of a meticulous process involving dyeing, bleaching, printing and starching. The intricate patterns often depict flora, fauna and traditional iconography, rendered using natural dyes extracted from flowers, barks, roots and seeds. These traditional skills have been passed on through generations of Ramamohan’s family and he is now carrying the artform into a new age. He and his team painstakingly create these stunning pieces of art at his studio, which are then washed and dried on the banks of the nearby river. The river water also plays an important role in giving the final piece its rich texture. You will be able to purchase some of the art work here.

Cost: £60 per person (min 4 people)

Option 2: Pattu Silk Weaving

The timeless technique of 'Pattu' silk weaving is alive and thriving in the hands of the master craftsmen who live in the narrow lanes of Darasuram. You will have the chance to watch them using hand-assembled wooden machines to weave fine gold thread into intricately designed silk saris. 

Cost: £60 per person (min 4 people)

 

Day Twelve  

Visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple 

This temple is the abode of the triple-breasted, fish-eyed Goddess Meenakshi Amman (‘fish-eyed’ is an adjective for perfect eyes in classical Tamil poetry) and is considered by many to be the height of South Indian temple architecture. It’s not so much a temple as a 6-hectare complex enclosed by 12 gopurams (entrance towers), the highest of which soars 52m over Madurai, and all of which are carved with a staggering array of gods, goddesses, demons and heroes.

This excursion also includes a visit to the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a gracious 17th century building in the Indo-Saracenic style famous for stuccowork on its domes and arches, and the Gandhi Memorial. Established in 1959 in a 17th-century Nayak queen's palace, this memorial contains photographs, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and some of the copies of letters written by Gandhi.

Cost: £15 per person (min 1 person max 12 people)

 

Kerala Extension

 

Day Sixteen

Old Kottayam Heritage Walk

Discover the stories about the rich past of bygone Royal Kottayam that flourished along the banks of the great Meenachil River, a river that was the lifeline of then Kottayam and nearby villages. Please note that this walk covers approximately 2-3km and is mainly flat, with some steps, lasting 3 hours.

Cost: £45 per person (min 4 people)

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Main Tour

 

 

Chennai - Taj Coromandel - 4x nights in a Luxury room  

One of the first luxury hotels in the city, the centrally-located Taj Coromandel has played host to royalty, artists and global leaders from across the world. The elegantly appointed bedrooms are decorated with polished timber floors, subdued lighting and artisanal craftwork and boast all modern comforts. The dining options range from local cuisine at Southern Spice and the all-day dining convenience of Anise, to charming afternoon teas at the Tea Lounge, delicious Cantonese food at Golden Dragon and signature cocktails at Chipstead. Other amenities include a signature spa offering a host of rejuvenating treatments and one of the largest swimming pools in Chennai. 

 

 

Mahabalipuram - WelcomHotel Kences Palm Beach - 2x nights in a Club Room    

Spread across a large landscaped area overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this green and refreshing beach resort is the perfect place to enjoy the heritage and clean, sandy beaches of Mamallapuram. Club Rooms with all the modern amenities ensure a comfortable and relaxed stay. The WelcomCafe Riva offers an eclectic mix of regional, Indian and global cuisines, while the Namma Shack serves seafood along with views of the ocean.

 

 

Pondicherry - Hotel Grande L’Europe - 2x nights  

Located in the heart of Pondicherry's enchanting White Town, Grand Hotel D'Europe combines classic charm with modern amenities. Elegantly appointed rooms come with all modern comforts, while the renowned Mira Restaurant serves both traditional delicacies and international favourites. Perfectly positioned for exploring Pondicherry, the hotel is also an ideal place to relax – take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, doze on a sun lounger or enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar.  

 

 

Swamimalai - Indeco Hotel - 3x nights  

Located close to Kumbakonam's most well-known attractions, this unique heritage hotel is the perfect base for this section of your holiday. With its garden, outdoor swimming pool, rejuvenating spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes, it is also a serene retreat. You can expect all modern comforts and delicious food blended with authentic old-world charm; for example, all the staff wear traditional White Khadi which is spun in the village. The hotel is almost entirely plastic free and is India’s only winner of the Global Eco Tourism Award.

 

 

Madurai - Taj Gateway hotel - 2x nights in a Standard Room  

Located in the heart of Madurai surrounded by 62 acres of lush gardens on the top of Pasumalai Hill, this luxury hotel is a perfect urban escape - as well as exploring the city, you can stroll through the grounds in the shade of the banyan trees and spot resident peacocks. Dating back to 1890, the hotel is also a blend of heritage and modern comfort with well-appointed bedrooms reflecting the rich traditions of Tamil Nadu while providing contemporary amenities for a comfortable stay. The restaurants offer both local Tamil delicacies and global cuisines, all made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the rich flavours of Madurai and beyond at Vista, enjoy dinner under the stars at The Moon Deck or head for Beneath the Canopy to eat in the shade of a 150-year-old banyan tree. Other amenities include a fitness centre, a large swimming pool and a rejuvenating spa. 

 

 

Chennai - Trident Hotel - 1x night (for those partaking in the main tour only)   

Conveniently located just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, Hotel Trident offers comfortable bedrooms, two restaurants offering Mughal and Tamil dishes along with North Indian, Asian and European favourites, verdant gardens and  a large swimming pool.

 

 

Extension to Kerala

 

 

Thekkady - CGH Spice Village 4*  - 2x nights   

Located in the cardamom hills, this beautiful eco-resort offers a rare opportunity to live close to nature, enjoy the local wildlife and feast on the beauty of the nature. Fill your lungs with fresh mountain air and savour the all-prevalent fragrance of cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Located just outside the Periyar tiger reserve and inspired by Oorali and Mannan tribes that inhabit this region, the hotel’s architects have recreated the mood of the tribal community in the cottages and the settings. Here nature controls the temperature and all the cottages are built with split bamboo and elephant grass. But modern comforts are not forgotten; the bedrooms are luxurious, there is a exclusive swimming pool, an Ayurvedic Centre and even WiFi  in the reading lounge. 

There are two restaurants: Tamarind Tree offering international cuisine buffets and 50 Mile Diet which specialises in grilled meat and organic vegetables. There is also a Tea Shop offering snacks and a Wood House Bar. As a resort hotel, there’s also a wide range of in house activities ranging from cookery and saree demonstrations to nature slide shows and paper-making workshops. 

 

 

Kumarakom - CGH Coconut Lagoon - 2x nights  

Located by the backwaters of the mighty Vembanad lake, the heritage resort of Coconut Lagoon is a unique recreation of a traditional Keralan village. Each of the wooden houses is an original Kerala Tharavadu brought from all over the state and painstakingly reassembled by skilled craftsmen. An architectural marvel, Coconut Lagoon celebrates the simple joys of life and is an affirmation of the CGH group's belief that holiday environments are catalysts ensuring the preservation of the earth and her reserves. Endangered Vechoor cows mow the lawns and great efforts are made to recycle and reused resources.

Comfort and luxury have not been sacrificed. All the rooms are air-conditioned and other facilities include an Ayurvedic Centre, swimming pool, free morning yoga classes, and an in-house boutique selling postcards, curios, gifts, garments and jewellery. WiFi is available in the reception area either on your laptop or at the Internet Centre. 

There are two restaurants, Ettukettu offering international cuisine, and the lake-side Aymanam which serves specialty cuisine of the area along with fresh seafood delicacies. There is also a garden lounge bar serving delicious cocktails and mocktails and a Poolside Snack Bar serving hot snacks, salads, sandwiches and beverages.

 

 

Kochi - Fragrant Nature - 1x night  

Situated in the heart of Kochi within easy reach of key attractions, this hotel offers state-of-the-art amenities and facilities. The bedrooms are elegant and spacious while the four dining options include a rooftop restaurant. Other facilities awaiting include a swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a spa.

 

 

Chennai - Hotel Trident 5* - 1x night  

Conveniently located just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, Hotel Trident offers comfortable bedrooms, two restaurants offering Mughal and Tamil dishes along with North Indian, Asian and European favourites, verdant gardens and  a large swimming pool.
 

 

Extension to Karnataka

 

 

Pollachi - Great Mount - Coco Lagoon Resort - 2x nights  

Located in the outskirts of the Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu, Coco Lagoon by Great Mount is a luxury resort nestled in a coconut grove beside the serene countryside of Pollachi. Bedrooms are elegant and comfortable with all modern comforts, while the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant serves authentic delicacies. Other amenities include an infinity pool and a wide range of games and activities.

 

 

Ooty - Savoy Hotel - 2x nights  

Offering sweeping views of the Blue Mountains (Nilgiris), this heritage hotel was established in 1829 and the property’s Victorian charm is inter-woven with the grandeur of the past. Period furniture, real fireplaces and the sound of a 150-year-old Steinway piano played nightly in the lounge takes you back to a bygone era while enjoying modern comforts.

 

 

Mysore - Royal Orchid Metropole 4* - 1x night  

Originally built as a royal guesthouse, this century-old hotel has welcomed Bollywood celebrities and even the Prime Minister of India. Located near the iconic Mysore Palace, it offers spacious bedrooms, elegant architecture, a beautiful swimming pool, modern fitness centre and excellent dining. 

 

 

Bangalore – Taj Bangalore 5* - 1x night  

Conveniently located close to the airport, Taj Bangalore is defined by its contemporary architecture and inspiring use of space. The chic bedrooms are soundproofed and boast quality linens and refreshing natural light. There is a choice of restaurants catering for every taste, while the fitness centre, swimming pool and spa are ideal places to relax ahead of your flight back to the UK.