Southern India & Sri Lanka

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Chennai, Kerala (Bekal or Kumarakom), Kochi (Cochin), Colombo, Cultural Triangle, Galle

This private tour features the best of southern India and Sri Lanka, as well as the finest accommodation in each location. It includes private cultural touring in the historic districts of Kochi and Galle, a private cruise through the Backwaters of Kerala, the ancient citadel of Sigiriya and more.

Begin in Chennai (Madras), the seaside capital of Tamil Nadu. During private cultural touring, learn about the history of Chennai, and see beautiful colonial architecture. One day, take a private excursion to visit two of the most important and impressive temple complexes in southern India: Kanchipuram, a major Hindu pilgrimage site with more than 100 active temples, and Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of amazing rock-cut sculptures and temples created in the seventh and eighth centuries. Upon request, this tour can be extended to also include a full-day excursion (or overnight) by air to Madurai to see additional temples and palaces of note (supplement applies).

Fly to Kerala. Opt to stay at a luxury resort in Bekal and explore the region’s backwaters, a vast network of lagoons, canals and lakes. Visit Bekal Fort and take a leisurely private cruise on a kettuvallam (a wood boat shaded by an arched wood canopy) along the waterways past palms and farms. Alternatively, stay at a waterfront resort in Kumarakom, the perfect base for exploring the Backwaters of Kerala. One day, take a leisurely private cruise through the picturesque backwaters, and see villagers going about their daily lives. Also enjoy ample time to relax at your resort, and perhaps indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, a specialty of southern India.

Continue to Kochi (Cochin), an evocative harbor town in the state of Kerala that stretches across islands and peninsulas on the edge of the Arabian Sea. During private touring, experience the city’s rich history as a major port for Portuguese, British, Dutch, Chinese and Jewish traders. Walk through historic Fort Kochi, and see highlights such as St. Francis Church, Paradesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace and the Chinese fishing nets. Perhaps browse for antiques at local boutiques, or peruse fragrant spice shops. One evening, enjoy a performance of Kathakali dance, a local art form involving colorful makeup, elaborate costumes and stylized movements.

Next, fly to Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, with private touring of historic sites, modern architecture, bustling markets and interesting neighborhoods such as Fort and Pettah.

Next, explore the Cultural Triangle, a region filled with fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit Sigiriya, an ancient rock citadel that's Sri Lanka's most spectacular attraction. See the Sigiriya Damsels frescoes, which were painted on the rock walls centuries ago, and climb to the top of the rock to explore the ruins of a fifth-century palace and take in panoramic views over farmland, forests, lakes and mountains. Also tour the ruined palaces and stone sculptures in the ancient Buddhist city of Polonnaruwa or see Dambulla's impressive cave temples filled with Buddhist sculptures and vibrant religious paintings. Also spot wild elephants and other animals in Minneriya National Park.

Continue to Galle, an ancient fortified port and UNESCO site with a colonial-era atmosphere and unique mix of cultures. Stay in the heart of the Galle Fort historic district at Amangalla, one of the finest and most romantic luxury resorts in Sri Lanka. During private touring, visit local museums, explore evocative backstreets, walk on the sea walls to the lighthouse, look for reminders of the Dutch and British colonial years, observe daily life, and browse local shops, some of the best in Sri Lanka. Also, enjoy flexible private excursions to regional highlights such as a sea turtle hatchery, a traditional mask workshop, a lace-making workshop, a folk museum dedicated to preserving Sri Lanka's traditions, and the private country estate of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka's most acclaimed modern architect.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world