SMALL GROUP TOURS
Essence of Kerala & Tamil Nadu
18 days from NZ$7450 (US$4858 /€4676) per person
Min 6 – Max 10 guests
19 Nov to 6 Dec 2022
Please contact us if you wish to customise this itinerary to suit your travel needs.
An ideal trip for:
Solo Traveler, Group of Friends, Couples
If you want a rich and truly authentic experience of the region(s) being visited in a slow and well-paced manner as part of a small group of like-minded people who appreciate the personal care and attention provided to them, then this is the trip for you.
Safe Travels with ATI
We are uniquely qualified to ensure your well-being when travelling with us.
Our local partner offices work tirelessly with us behind the scenes
Our local suppliers and partners know our health & safety requirements, and our requirement to comply with all local regulations.
We follow the health and safety protocols required for your journey
All protocols involving physical distancing, vaccinations, masking, testing and other safety practices are communicated both before and during your journey. These protocols are carried out according to the latest local regulations and service provider requirements.
We facilitate in-country COVID-19 testing and provide round-the-clock support for any health-related matters
ATI’s network of local offices has the contacts and knowledge to support you throughout your journey, from coordinating COVID-19 testing (for travelling between countries and returning home) to answering any questions you have during your journey. Our local partners are experienced in handling any situation and have the contacts and knowledge to support guests 24/7.
ATI Travel will constantly monitor its safe travel plans to comply with global health and safety protocols
In the event that the tour director has to isolate, the tour will continue with the tour director remotely managing the tour in conjunction with the local team members.
If any of the guests have to isolate, all arrangements will be made to find accommodation and their medical support. This is not included in the package costs and must be covered by the individual’s travel insurance.
The guest can join the tour after the required isolation and clearance if the tour is still active. In the event that the tour has been completed, the guest will be supported to make their return passage home.
Essence of Kerala & Tamil Nadu
Travel through tropical and enchanting Tamil Nadu, an ancient and culturally rich civilisation famous for its temple architecture, festivals, cuisine, and celebration of the arts. The jasmine flowers adorned by the colourfully attired women and the incense from the many temples give this state its distinct aroma that is altogether sensuous and relaxing. The warm and friendly locals make you feel welcome and go out of their way to please. The rural areas with their luscious rice fields with the majestic Western Ghats as their backdrop are a sight to behold.
Crossing over the Western Ghats takes us to Rick Stein’s favourite destination, Kerala, a tropical paradise famous for its spices since ancient times. Referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, the natural backwaters give Kerala its distinct charm. The influence of the Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabs etc. who came to trade for spices is evident in the architectural landscape of this state.
Chennai | Mamallapuram | Puducherry | Thanjavur | Madurai | Munnar | Houseboat | Kochi
ITINERARY
Day 1 & 2 – Chennai (Madras) - Arrival
Welcome to Chennai, our gateway to the rich and varied culture of the South Indian peninsula.
You will be warmly received and greeted by one of our team members at the Chennai (Madras) International Airport and transported to your accommodation in a private vehicle.
We will spend a day exploring Chennai, its history and heritage and its current modern state through architecture, art, cuisine and crafts.
Meals: B | – | –
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Day 3 & 4 – Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) Beach
Meals: B | – | –
Accommodation: Kences Palm
Day 5 & 6 – Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Meals: B | – | –
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Day 7 & 8 – Thanjavur (Tanjore)
On the banks of the river Cauvery, we visit the ‘Granary of South India’, Thanjavur. It is known for its heritage in water management and architectural marvel, Brihadisvara Temple. Stroll through the lanes to meet craftspeople making musical instruments and casting bronze statues.
Meals: B | – | –
Accommodation: Svatma
Day 9, 10 & 11 – Madurai
Meals: B | – | D
Accommodation: Heritage Madurai
Day 12, 13 & 14 – Munnar
Meals: B | – | –
Accommodation: Olive Brook
Day 15 – Overnight Houseboat Cruise
Cruise Kerala’s backwaters and stay overnight in a traditional kettuvallom, a boat made from coconut rope and wooden planks. This unique and exotic barge experience provides all the comforts of a hotel, with furnished bedrooms, a modern shower and toilet room, a living area and a shaded balcony for relaxing on as you enjoy uninterrupted views of rural Kerala.
There is also a kitchen where the boat’s crew will rustle you up deliciously fresh meals and snacks, served traditionally on banana leaves. The skipper (captain) might moor up and take you to a backwater village, where you can meet local people and observe ancestral homes and places of worship. After a relaxing day, drop anchor and rest your head to the gentle sounds of the swishing lake waters.
Meals: B | L | D
Accommodation: Houseboat
Day 16 & 17 – Kochi
Meals: B | – | –
Accommodation: Malabar House
Day 18 – Kochi Departure!
Meals: B | – | –
Tour Price & Offers
Prices are per person, based on twin-share
Package Price for 18 days: NZ$7450 (US$4858/€4676)
Group organiser (2-10) discount: Up to NZ$1000 One person on twin-share
Single Supplement: NZ$2850 Per Person (US$1871/€1801)
Group Organiser Discount Available
A group organiser (2-10) can avail up to $1000 discount on a twin share package price. Please contact us for further details.
INCLUDED
- Airport meet and greet with private transfers
- Private air-conditioned van
- Handpicked boutique accommodations
- Meals as per trip note
- English-speaking local guides
- All entrance fees, tips & gratuity
- Guaranteed departure with just six guests
EXCLUDED
- Airfares
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- Medical Tests & other medical expenses
- Personal expenses
REQUEST DETAILED ITINERARY
Or call Joji on +64 (0) 21 505 713
Let me take you to my birthplace and share with you the tropical sights, sounds and sensations that we enjoy about Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Venice of the east
Houseboat Cruise
Portugese & Dutch
French & British
Beach
Tea & Spice Plantations
Cooking Class
Cycling*
Commuter Ferry Ride
Art Galleries
Fishing Village
Martial Arts
UNESCO Sites
Plantation Walk
Ayurvedic Spa Massage*
Bird Watching
Tea Tasting
This tour has been designed to experience the local culture, tradition and lifestyles of these regions of India.
Other Highlights
Village Walks
Arts & Crafts
Culinary Treats
Shopping
Market Visits
Private Home Visits
Community Initiatives
Serendipity
Colourful Memories
Video courtesy of our guest, Edward Bayley
We Got You Covered
Something for everyone
Whether you are a first-timer or experienced traveller, our tours meet the expectations, needs and interests of each individual on the tour. Our guests continuously tell us that it surpasses all their expectations.
Active Tour
This tour is suitable for guests who do not mind travelling that extra mile in search of those unique experiences. If you are interested in culture, cuisine, architecture, people interaction and textiles, you will love this tour.
boutique accommodation
Boutique accommodation, handpicked by us, for you to rest and rejuvenate in beautiful settings such as palaces, homestay, mansions, farm stay, business hotels and glamping is part of the travel experience we curate for you.
Travel in comfort
We provide airport to airport service, for your comfort and safety. Your private vehicle and the English speaking driver will accompany you throughout the journey. Check out the feedback we have received from our guests.