Tamil Nadu: The Soul of Southern India
Curated Escapes
If it’s Rajasthan for majestic palaces and desert forts and Goa for beaches and DJ-fueled nightlife, it’s Tamil Nadu, India’s southernmost state, for brilliantly decorated temples and some of the best food on earth. Shaped first by the ancient Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties, and later by the British and French, the so-called Land of Temples offers a religious, artistic, and culinary journey spanning more than three millennia. Tap into the energy of Chennai, the state’s thriving capital overlooking the Bay of Bengal, before visiting ancient temples in the cities of Kanchipuram and Madurai. Continue on to the Chettinad region of the state, famed for its sprawling, historic mansions and rich craft traditions, and beloved around the world for its complex, aromatic cuisine. Next, visit the slow-paced coastal town of Pondicherry, with its pastel-hued houses and charming cafes, and take in the distinct mix of French and Tamil influences. End this 10-day passage through history with a stop at one of the region’s most modern curiosities: Auroville, an eco-utopian community founded in the 1960s that has dedicated itself to sustainability and human progress.
- Luxury
- Ultra Luxury
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ID: 9189708
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ID: 9189711
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Experience Madurai’s distinctive street food on an expert-led tour of signature dishes
Discover the unique cultural heritage of Vilachery, a pottery village famous for its terra-cotta dolls and figurines
Enjoy an evening of Bharatnatyam dance and live music
Learn about the ancient art of Nadi Shastra astrology with a reading that will give you new insight into your past, present, and future
Explore Auroville, an experimental utopian township, with a local resident
Take in the intricate carvings of Mahabalipuram’s striking Shore Temple, which was carved from granite in the seventh and eighth centuries
Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
Internet Access
Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
English-Speaking Resident Tour Director® and Local Guides
24/7 A&K On-Call Support
Internal Air Included (Economy Class, $200 value) Chennai / Madurai
Abercrombie & Kent, Well-Travelled Since 1962
We have been spinning dreams into remarkable adventures for discerning travellers for more than 60 years, ever since our founder pioneered the first modern luxury safari in Africa. Today we are the world’s leading travel company, taking guests to the earth’s wildest frontiers on all seven continents.
Travel Your Way
For six decades we have been refining the art of bespoke travel, showing every guest the world in a fresh light. We understand that every traveller is unique – tell our experts what you love doing and where you want to go, and we will create the trip of your dreams or match you to your ideal journey.
With You All The Way
Behind every A&K journey is an international support system of more than 2,500 staff, in 60 offices, in 35 countries, on all seven continents. Our on-the-ground “guardian angels” provide 24/7 support, and are there to hold your hand whenever you need it, so you can travel with confidence.
Travel Thoughtfully
We are all the guardians of our amazing planet, and we believe travel should be considered, mindful, responsible. A force for good. Every trip you book with us supports the initiatives of A&K Philanthropy, positively impacting communities and conservation efforts in the places where we travel.
The A&K Family
For all the world’s infinite wonders, it is our people that guests remember most. Our family of experts, from polar explorers to well-connected local guides, bring together their spark, knowledge, and care to make every A&K journey remarkable.
Ways to Travel with A&K
We understand better than anyone what it means to travel well. Since that inaugural safari on the wide-open plains of Kenya in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent has perfected the art of crafting superlative adventures. Our global network of experts pour heart, soul and astounding knowledge into every trip, dedicated to creating the journey of a lifetime, every time.
Our portfolio of journeys now spans all seven continents. However you want to travel, we can arrange it. Sail on an expedition ship to Antarctica, take the slow train through Peru, explore Africa’s greatest national parks on the ultimate private-jet-set safari. Join a group on a journey led by expert guides, or embark on the bespoke adventure of your dreams. Wherever you want to travel, A&K can take you there.

Small Group Journeys
Our guided journeys redefine the concept of the group tour, bringing together a select collective of like-minded souls seeking shared adventures – led by best-in-the-business experts who bring every destination to life.
Private Travel
Every private journey we create is unique. Tell us where you want to travel and we will craft your dream adventure; or be inspired by our collection of expertly designed Tailormade Journeys, customizable to suit you.
Cruises
Travelling by boat brings a fresh perspective on the world. Our voyages transport you to sensational and otherwise-inaccessible regions, whether that’s an intrepid polar expedition or a timeless river cruise along the Nile.
Private Jet
Flying privately opens up the farthest-flung corners of the world. Charter your own or join one of our private-jet group journeys by private jet – the most ambitious and awe-inspiring itineraries in modern adventure travel.
Safari
Abercrombie & Kent pioneered the first modern luxury safari in the 1960s, and today we continue to set the gold standard for wildlife adventures, with our own safari lodges in six countries in Africa.
Experience Madurai’s distinctive street food on an expert-led tour of signature dishes
Discover the unique cultural heritage of Vilachery, a pottery village famous for its terra-cotta dolls and figurines
Enjoy an evening of Bharatnatyam dance and live music
Learn about the ancient art of Nadi Shastra astrology with a reading that will give you new insight into your past, present, and future
Explore Auroville, an experimental utopian township, with a local resident
Take in the intricate carvings of Mahabalipuram’s striking Shore Temple, which was carved from granite in the seventh and eighth centuries
Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
Internet Access
Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
English-Speaking Resident Tour Director® and Local Guides
24/7 A&K On-Call Support
Internal Air Included (Economy Class, $200 value) Chennai / Madurai
Abercrombie & Kent, Well-Travelled Since 1962
We have been spinning dreams into remarkable adventures for discerning travellers for more than 60 years, ever since our founder pioneered the first modern luxury safari in Africa. Today we are the world’s leading travel company, taking guests to the earth’s wildest frontiers on all seven continents.
Travel Your Way
For six decades we have been refining the art of bespoke travel, showing every guest the world in a fresh light. We understand that every traveller is unique – tell our experts what you love doing and where you want to go, and we will create the trip of your dreams or match you to your ideal journey.
With You All The Way
Behind every A&K journey is an international support system of more than 2,500 staff, in 60 offices, in 35 countries, on all seven continents. Our on-the-ground “guardian angels” provide 24/7 support, and are there to hold your hand whenever you need it, so you can travel with confidence.
Travel Thoughtfully
We are all the guardians of our amazing planet, and we believe travel should be considered, mindful, responsible. A force for good. Every trip you book with us supports the initiatives of A&K Philanthropy, positively impacting communities and conservation efforts in the places where we travel.
The A&K Family
For all the world’s infinite wonders, it is our people that guests remember most. Our family of experts, from polar explorers to well-connected local guides, bring together their spark, knowledge, and care to make every A&K journey remarkable.
Ways to Travel with A&K
We understand better than anyone what it means to travel well. Since that inaugural safari on the wide-open plains of Kenya in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent has perfected the art of crafting superlative adventures. Our global network of experts pour heart, soul and astounding knowledge into every trip, dedicated to creating the journey of a lifetime, every time.
Our portfolio of journeys now spans all seven continents. However you want to travel, we can arrange it. Sail on an expedition ship to Antarctica, take the slow train through Peru, explore Africa’s greatest national parks on the ultimate private-jet-set safari. Join a group on a journey led by expert guides, or embark on the bespoke adventure of your dreams. Wherever you want to travel, A&K can take you there.

Small Group Journeys
Our guided journeys redefine the concept of the group tour, bringing together a select collective of like-minded souls seeking shared adventures – led by best-in-the-business experts who bring every destination to life.
Private Travel
Every private journey we create is unique. Tell us where you want to travel and we will craft your dream adventure; or be inspired by our collection of expertly designed Tailormade Journeys, customizable to suit you.
Cruises
Travelling by boat brings a fresh perspective on the world. Our voyages transport you to sensational and otherwise-inaccessible regions, whether that’s an intrepid polar expedition or a timeless river cruise along the Nile.
Private Jet
Flying privately opens up the farthest-flung corners of the world. Charter your own or join one of our private-jet group journeys by private jet – the most ambitious and awe-inspiring itineraries in modern adventure travel.
Safari
Abercrombie & Kent pioneered the first modern luxury safari in the 1960s, and today we continue to set the gold standard for wildlife adventures, with our own safari lodges in six countries in Africa.
About Abercrombie & Kent
For Life's Most Epic Adventures
From that first humble safari camp in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent has grown into the world’s leading experiential travel company, creating agenda-setting adventures in more than 100 countries. Today, our portfolio of places to stay encompasses safari lodges and mobile camps in countries across Africa, Private Estates to rent in Tuscany, elegant riverboats on the Nile and the Amazon.
Our global powerhouse of innovators – destination experts, brilliant local guides, specialists in science and culture, well-connected super-fixers – continually strive to seek out those truly original, exclusive experiences beyond the reach of most travellers.
We are committed to advancing travel as a force for good. Every journey booked with us helps support A&K Philanthropy initiatives, positively impacting local communities in the wilderness areas where we travel. Geoffrey Kent’s founding principles – that travel should be awe-inspiring, exciting, memorable and considered – remain our motivation today. And though we have grown into an international company spanning all seven continents, we still share that one same mission. To craft the adventure of a lifetime, every time.
About Abercrombie & Kent
For Life's Most Epic Adventures
From that first humble safari camp in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent has grown into the world’s leading experiential travel company, creating agenda-setting adventures in more than 100 countries. Today, our portfolio of places to stay encompasses safari lodges and mobile camps in countries across Africa, Private Estates to rent in Tuscany, elegant riverboats on the Nile and the Amazon.
Our global powerhouse of innovators – destination experts, brilliant local guides, specialists in science and culture, well-connected super-fixers – continually strive to seek out those truly original, exclusive experiences beyond the reach of most travellers.
We are committed to advancing travel as a force for good. Every journey booked with us helps support A&K Philanthropy initiatives, positively impacting local communities in the wilderness areas where we travel. Geoffrey Kent’s founding principles – that travel should be awe-inspiring, exciting, memorable and considered – remain our motivation today. And though we have grown into an international company spanning all seven continents, we still share that one same mission. To craft the adventure of a lifetime, every time.
