This Elegant coast to coast adventure takes us from the ancient shore-temples of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, via French colonial Pondicherry with it’s charming tree-lined boulevards, to the remote temple town of Kumbakonam. From here we travel further inland to explore the ghostly beauty of the Chettinad region with its thousands of deserted mansions and echoes of it’s prominence on the Spice Route, then a night in Madurai - home to India’s largest and oldest temple complex, before heading into the western ghats where we enjoy two nights in the beautiful Peryar hills, staying at an eco resort on a spice plantation. Our journey then takes us to the Keralan coast where we spend a day and night cruising through the backwaters on a traditional houseboat, before heading to our final destination - the charming colonial port of Cochin with its fascinating blend of Dutch and British history. Here we stay at the fabulous Forte Kochi hotel just a stones throw from the old harbour with its iconic Chinese fishing nets. Our hotel - once the palatial residence of a wealthy Jewish trader, since converted into a charming heritage hotel, will make the perfect base to relax and explore from at the end of our journey.

This tour will be lead by holistic therapist and India enthusiast Carrie Rossiter and yoga teacher Hari Lambani. They also run the Lotus Retreat - a holistic centre and India boutique in Oxfordshire, and Mamasita cafe and shop in Stroud.