Arrival Airport 

Cochin International Airport, Kerala, India

Airport pickup any time night or day. 

* Kochi boasts the first completely solar powered airport in world.

We will start the day with a tuktuk tour of the Old Fort Area of Kochi, 

Inhale the spice market area- the streets are scented with ginger, basmati rice and tea.

Onto Jew Town a fascinating area full of antique shops and quaint shops.

Malabar Jews have lived here as part of the community almost forever- it is believed that the earliest Jews in India were sailors from King Solomon's time. It has been claimed that following the destruction of the First Temple in the Siege of Jerusalem (587 BCE), some Jewish exiles came to India.

We are going to a Kathakali performance this evening – we arrive at 5.00pm to watch the fascinating application of makeup before the performance.

After that let’s celebrate our journey together with a Welcome Dinner.

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Today is a relaxed day on the Backwaters, we are boating and sharing  a delicious lunch of local flavours followed by an afternoon cruise. 

This vast network of freshwater lakes and canals runs parallel to the coastline, offering a serene escape. 

As we glide along the palm-lined waterways, we’ll enjoy a tranquil experience, observing the rhythm of village life and soaking in the picturesque scenery.

Back to Kochi for the evening.

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We will start the day at a stunning museum The Kerala Folklore Museum which stands testament to the passion of George J Thaliath the founder- hording raised to an artform – it is amazing.

We are heading up into the Ghats – a cooler hill area where tea and spices grow.

We'll explore a Spice Garden on our way to a lovely hotel.

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We are visiting Aranya Natural to learn about their use of natural dyes and indigo.

 We will be getting our hands into their craft practices, bring a notebook and an apron. The plan is to produce an indigo resist dyed scarf and an eco dyed scarf today. You will have treasures to take home with you.

Lunch is at the association, and we can check out the tea plantations on the way back to our hotel. 

Tea Tasting in the evening - there are so many different qualities and flavours.

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We are heading through the spice and tea plantations to Madurai.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace is a 17th-century palace erected in 1636 AD by King Thirumalai Nayak. This Palace is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles. 

As you wander through the grand halls, imagine the pomp and pageantry that once filled these spaces. 

Though now only the soft echo of footsteps remains, why not channel the elegance of bygone eras? Adorn yourself with your most dazzling bangles and vibrant scarves and let yourself float through the halls like royalty! 😊

Madurai is an ancient city. Its skyline is dominated by the fourteen huge gopurams (gateway towers) of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. 

Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. 

Millions attend the processions and ceremonies of April's Chithirai Festival celebrating Meenakshi and Lord Vishnu and draw giant chariots through the city.

We will explore the Meenakshi Temple Complex, bring a scarf for your head, dress conservatively, wear easy to remove shoes. Valuables and camera will be left in a locker – this is an experience to fill your heart and soul, no distractions with gadgets or cameras.

Evening free at our beautiful resort.

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We’ll begin our day with an early morning breakfast walk through the charming streets of the Old City. 

Watch as wives adorn their doorsteps with intricate rangoli patterns, a vibrant start to the day. 

Pass by the corner vendor selling freshly fermented dosa batter, and take in the rhythms of the morning as the city awakens. 

Along the way, we’ll savour a variety of traditional breakfast delights, experiencing the flavours and rituals that kickstart daily life here.

In the afternoon we will explore a handloom weaving cluster - fabric alert!

Then find our way to the local braid and fabic market of Madurai.

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Onto Thanjavur or Tanjore today.

In the afternoon we will visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple: A 1,000-year-old temple built by Raja Raja Chola I, famous for its massive tower and intricate carvings and the beautiful Thanjavur Maratha Palace & Complex. It features the Saraswathi Mahal Library (one of Asia's oldest), an art gallery with bronze idols, and the Sangeetha Mahal.

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We are meeting a master Kalamkari Artist today,  he produces intricate paintings on cloth with natural dyes.

We can try our hand at painting with the kalam - or pen made of bamboo and learn about the processes. 

Creating Klamakari usually spreads over weeks but our teacher will have cloth pre-prepared for us and we will have a wonderful experience with the women of the workshop  painting our own pieces.

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We are heading across to the coast and Pondicherry via an inspiring women’s NGO today.

We will visit for a workshop in Lambadi Embroidery, have lunch with the team then move onto French Influenced Pondicherry.

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This is a slow day – Pondicherry beckons, inviting you to take it easy and enjoy the moment.

Amongst the many attractions that this charming town boasts of, the most outstanding is the French Colony, also called the White Town. Cobblestone streets and yellow houses, this old French residential area retains its old world charm, picturesqueness and also the architecture of the old French quarters.

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Pondicherry - if you would like we can visit the famous Auroville - an experimental township started in 1968. 

The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity - in diversity. Today Auroville is recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness.

Or simply experience the relaxed atmosphere of Pondicherry.

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Today we will start with a tour of the Aurobindo Ashram and learn about their work and see some of the beautiful items they produce.

After lunch we will make our way to Chennai.

Let’s share a Farewell Dinner to celebrate our journey and time together.

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Departures from Chennai International Airport

We’ll drop you to the airport

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Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

Etiquette

• Be mindful of people’s privacy when taking photos in temples, ghats, and public spaces

• Taking photos of people – how would you feel with a camera in your face?

• That said, many Indian people enjoy a good selfie – say hello, ask, show them the photo, then ask for a portrait – it works a charm

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

• India is vast – regions differ greatly, and our tours are designed to experience these contrasts

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Blog

• Take a look – I’ve written about India and its regions over the years

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Workshops

• An apron is useful for block printing and indigo work

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Food

• Food is central to culture – we are here to try it

• Group meals are shared, with a range of local dishes and specialties

• Cooking is from scratch using fresh ingredients

• Soy milk and manufactured substitutes are rarely seen

• Vegetarian – easy

• Vegan – more challenging but possible

• Chilli-free – not really possible; we can request mild

• Onion/garlic-free – difficult to manage

• Wheat-free – easy

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Health

• Drink only filtered or bottled water – never tap, even for brushing teeth

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – pads available, tampons harder to find

• Bring insect repellent

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Money

• KNOW YOUR CARD PIN

• ATMs are widely available – tap is not used

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Wise cards have worked well for recent guests

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• Cash – useful backup, but exchange rates vary (ask hotel front desk)

• Credit cards – not widely accepted

• Additional fees may apply where cards are used

Currency

• Indian Rupee INR

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – and it supports the local economy

• Do some research if you’re after specific items (e.g. carpets, spices)

• Bargaining is standard in markets – prices are negotiable

• NGOs and social enterprises usually have fixed prices

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• Large suitcases are harder to manage on the bus

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

• Buying luggage on the road is not easy

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Weather

• Warm days, cooler mornings and evenings

• Bring layers – cardigan and socks are useful

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Power

• 240 volts

• European 2-prong adaptor works most often

• Older 3-prong plugs are rarely seen

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Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually enough

• Modesty: skirts/trousers mid-calf or longer

• Tops not revealing (cleavage no; midriff generally fine)

• A scarf is always useful (AC, temples, cover-ups)

• For temples/mosques:

o Long trousers or skirt

o Scarf for head covering if required

o Better to bring your own than rely on provided coverings

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven

• Flip-flops useful for bathrooms

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Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

• Laundry is reliable – washed and ironed

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Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on/off the bus

• Walking required – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps and uneven ground

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Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school

• A few coins for elderly or disabled people is appropriate

• A smile and conversation go a long way

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Tipping

• Customary – carry small change

• Small services (bags, tea, laundry): 20–50 INR

• Guides, performers, photos: around 100 INR

• Driver tip:

o Approx. US$2–3 per person per day

o Group collection at the end works well

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Environment

• Be mindful – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag – like the one we send you!