South India Trip / BOOK NOW

Day 1 / Chennai
Arrive in Chennai and settle into the historic Taj Connemara. After time to refresh, we head out by tuk-tuk to explore a stirring Hindu temple and then get aquainted with the group over a lively local dinner.

Day 2 / Chennai to Pondicherry
We journey south along the coast, stopping at Auroville to see the golden Matrimandir and share a community lunch. By evening, we arrive in Pondicherry, where French architecture meets Tamil warmth, and sit down to a dinner blending bold spice with colonial elegance.

Day 3 / Pondicherry
Explore Pondicherry’s Tamil and French quarters, from vibrant markets and temples to leafy boulevards and quiet ashrams. The afternoon is free for boutique shopping or café hopping before we gather in the French Quarter for dinner in an atmospheric heritage setting.

Day 4 / Pondicherry to Kumbakonam
After breakfast, we travel inland to temple-rich Kumbakonam. Lunch and a fabulous pool provide relaxation before we end the day with a peaceful dinner at our heritage retreat surrounded by gardens.

Day 5 / Kumbakonam
This morning we walk through the village, visiting ancient temples and meeting local silk weavers to see their intricate craft up close. We sample the region’s famous degree coffee before an afternoon at leisure. Dinner is served in the garden as peacocks wander past.

Day 6 / Kumbakonam to Chettinad
En route to Chettinad, we visit the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. After a relaxed lunch and time by the pool, we explore Chettinad’s grand historic mansions before sitting down to a home-cooked Chettinad feast.

Day 7 / Chettinad
Discover Chettinad’s rich craft traditions, from tile-making to sari weaving and visits to palatial homes. After a traditional banana leaf lunch and time browsing antique shops, we enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner in the charming dining room of our hotel.

Day 8 / Chettinad to Madurai
We travel to Madurai, stopping to visit a local tailor for custom-made garments. In the evening, we enter the Meenakshi Temple for its moving nightly ritual, where music, lamps and devotion create one of South India’s most unforgettable experiences.

Day 9 / Madurai
Begin the day with a guided walk through morning Madurai as the city slowly comes to life. The afternoon is yours to relax by the pool or enjoy a spa treatment before we head out on a food tour to sample the unique and delicious cuisine of Madurai.

Day 10 / Madurai to Thekkady
Journey into Kerala’s cool, spice-scented hills and check into our forest lodge. After time to settle in, explore local spice markets or enjoy the serenity of your surroundings before dinner served on the serene verandah.

Day 11 / Thekkady
This morning we head into Periyar National Park with an Indigenous guide for a gentle nature walk, keeping watch for elephants, wild boar and birdlife. Later, we visit a nearby spice plantation to learn about the ayurvedic properties of Kerala’s famous spices. Dnner on the veranda to the sounds of the forest.

Day 12 / Thekkady to Kochi
Arrive in Fort Kochi and spend the afternoon browsing boutiques, art galleries and cafés in the historic quarter. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner in the candlelit gardens of our heritage hotel.

Day 13 / Kochi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, carrying home memories of colour, culture and connection from your journey through South India.

Tour price: $7850AUD Per Person, Twin Share
Single Supplement: $2500AUD

PLEASE NOTE: All prices are in Australian Dollars

• International airfare.
• Meals other than specified above.
• Medical & travel insurance.
• Indian Visa.
• Any other services not covered above.
• Personal expense such as laundry, beverages, telephone calls etc.

Price is based on twin share accommodation. Please see room options below –

1. Bring a travel buddy and share a room.

2. Pay the Single Supplement of $2500AUD and have your own private room during the tour.

Please note: We don’t offer room matching for solo travellers. If you’d like the twin share price, you’ll need to book with a travel companion.

Bookings accepted only after a non-refundable deposit of $1500AUD is paid and confirmation of payment is issued to the traveller with a copy of the Terms and Conditions of Travel.

The balance of payment must be paid no later than 60 days before departure, failing which Trunk India may treat the booking as cancelled by the traveller.

All cancellations by the traveller must be received in writing and will take effect from the date received by Trunk India, in which event, the following cancellation charges will apply;

Up to 61 days – loss of deposit.

Between 60 and 30 days 50% of entire booking cost.

Between 29 days and departure date – 100% of entire booking cost.

Please ensure that you have travel insurance to cover you against any unforeseen circumstances which may arise after full payment is made.