South India feels very different to the India many travellers imagine. It’s greener, more relaxed and, in many ways, easier to travel in than the north, but no less fascinating. Over 19 days we move from the old colonial heart of Chennai to French-influenced Pondicherry, the great temple towns of Tamil Nadu, the fading mansions of Chettinad, the spice hills of Periyar and finally Kerala’s backwaters and old trading port of Cochin. Food is a major thread throughout the journey — seafood on the coast, superb Chettinad cooking and the wonderfully diverse cuisine of Kerala. It’s a part of India I’ve returned to often and one I think surprises people in the best possible way.

Michael has been travelling to India for decades and has designed this journey around the places, hotels, guides and food experiences he thinks show South India at its best.

Tour Highlights

Colonial Chennai + French Pondicherry
Explore British Madras before wandering the elegant boulevards and seaside promenades of India’s former French enclave.

Temple Traditions
Visit the great temple towns of Tamil Nadu, including Chidambaram, Thanjavur and Kumbakonam.

Chettinad Mansions
Explore the fading mansions, village shrines and remarkable culinary traditions of Chettinad.

South Indian Cuisine
From coastal seafood to traditional Tamil meals served on banana leaves, food is a major thread throughout the journey.

Spice Hills of Periyar
Walk through spice plantations and forest landscapes with expert naturalist guides.

Kerala Backwaters + Fort Cochin
Spend a night aboard a traditional kettuvallam and experience life on Kerala’s waterways.
Discover one of India’s great historic trading ports, shaped by Arab, Chinese, Jewish, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences.