Lotus India Adventures

Lotus India Adventures is unlike other tour companies. We like to keep group sizes small,  we prefer "off the beaten track" destinations and choose mostly family run, boutique, and wherever possible, eco hotels. Specialising for the last ten years only in India travel - we aim to give you an authentic 'hands-on' experience of India's extraordinary culture, spirituality, history and wildlife.  We like to keep our tours as relaxed as possible and aim to give you the sense of adventure, freedom and wonder you would experience as an independent traveler. Perhaps this is why most of our travelers have come back with us a second time.
Hari and carrie who lead the journeys have been living, studying and working in India for many years. They are holistic therapists and also run The Lotus Retreat - a yoga centre and India boutique in Oxfordshire.

Current Tours

Lakes and palaces (Hidden Rajasthan) 13th November - 26th November 2024

Treasures of the South (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) 7th February - 19th February 2025

Undiscovered South India 28th October - 10th November 2025

Sacred Heart 3rd February - 16th February 2026

TREASURES OF THE SOUTH

Tamil Nadu and Kerala

7th - 19TH FEBRUARY 2025

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.

cost and what's included

£2395 (flights not included)

All transport between destinations.

12 breakfasts,  5 dinners and 5 lunches.

Guided tours of Mahabalipuram, Chettinad & Maduari.

Morning Heritage walk in Forte Kochi.

Spice tour and campfire in Periyar.

A night on a Houseboat in Kerala.

(The price above is based on 2 people sharing - SS on enquiry)

Day by day itinerary

DAY ONE - MAHABALIPURAM

On the morning of your arrival in India you will be greeted at Chennai International Airport and transferred by minibus to coastal town of Mahabalipuram - famous for it’s ancient weathered shore temples, now a Unesco heritage sight. After lunch and some time to rest and enjoy the hotel we will walk to the nearby town to explore the 7th century carvings and rock caves of Arjuna’s Penance and take a sunset stroll through Barathi Park before an early dinner by the coast.

Our accommodation will be the Radisson Blu. This comfortable hotel is set amongst 5 acres of lush gardens and is conveniently located just a stones throw form the Bay or Bengal, and a few minutes walk from the ancient shore temples. It boasts India’s longest swimming pool, an Ayurvedic spa and excellent restaurants - making it the perfect soft landing after your long flight,

DAY TWO - PONDICHERRY

Day 2 we head off mid morning to explore the shore temples. These extraordinary monolithic rock-cut temples are an exquisite example of the craftsmanship and artistic skills of Pallava dynasty and said to be the oldest temple structures in South India. There is much mystery about other temples that have been discovered beneath the sea. Myth has it that lord Indra, the god of thunderstorms became so jealous of the town's beauty that in his anger, he brought out a great storm from the Bay of Bengal, gobbling six of the temples

After lunch we head by minibus further down the coast to the French colonial town of Pondicherry - where Indian and French cultures rub shoulders and it’s possible to enjoy a good coffee and perfect croissant on the charming tree-lined boulevards of “white town" or find a great chai and Thali in the adjacent Tamil town.

Our hotel in Pondicherry is La Villa Shanti, a chic and funky boutique hotel located just 5 minutes from the beach. We have the afternoon at leisure to make the most of Pondicherry. Why not take a stroll along the sea-front promenade or perhaps visit one of the local galleries and craft centres? Pondicherry has a unique Indo-french cafe culture that has fostered the arts and crafts for years and there are many opportunities to pop into local galleries and experience arts and crafts workshops. There is also the chance for local cookery classes and yoga.

Just outside the city is the one of the most famous ashrams in India, Auroville. Founded by the guru Sri Aurobindo at the beginning of the 20th century, his work was continued by his devoted follower and companion, a French woman known as The Mother.The ashram attracts visitors from all over the world, some who decide to stay and participate in the ecological and educational programmes the centre promotes. Visitors are welcome and every afternoon you may view the giant crystal said to contain the soul of The Mother.Transport to Auroville is provided for those wishing to visit the centre. Dinner is in the gardens of the elegant Caramandal bistro in the heart of the French quarter.

DAYS THREE & FOUR - MANTRA KOONAM, KUMBAKONAM

Today starts with the options of a gentle cycling tour of Pondicherry’s old town. A great way to see the diverse architecture of the French, Tamil and Muslim neighbourhoods. We will encounter the town as is wakes, visiting the local flower market, beachside promenades, cobbled streets and flower-filled parks, stopping for a good coffee en-route. Cycle rickshaw is also available.

After a breakfast we head east by minibus into this unspoilt region of Thanjavur. Passing remote villages, rice paddys and ancient temples, we arrive at our hotel - Mantra Koodam - mid afternoon and have the remained of the day at leisure. Mantra Koodam is nestled in the heart of the countryside. It has a pool, yoga shala, spa and tranquil grounds. Locals walks and excursions by bicycle and bullock cart are on offer for those wishing to see the local area on the afternoon of day 3, or you might chose to sit with a book on your veranda and enjoy your tranquil surroundings. Dinner is in the hotel’s restaurant - where excellent local cuisine is served. Cookery classes are also available on request.

For those feeling active, day four starts with a chai and a gentle cycling tour through the surrounding villages before breakfast. We have the rest of the morning at leisure to enjoy the hotels facilities before we head into the nearby temple town of Kumbakonam after lunch.

Kumbakonam is a holy town with a palpably sacred energy whose first mention was in the Mahabarata over 5000 years ago. It draws many pilgrims to its hundreds of temples and is also a hub of ancient arts and crafts which continue to be carefully handed down through the generations. We start by visiting Rajmohan’s house to see the ancient artform of Kalamkari - a royal art form that involves intricate painting on cotton, using colours extracted from natural sources such as flowers, barks, roots and seeds to make plant-based dyes. Even the brushes and pens are carved from coconut shells and bamboo trees – because any synthetic material will not have the same effect on cotton. We then visit a silk weaving house to see the timeless technique of 'Pattu' silk weaving for which this region is famous. As dusk draws near we will walk through the towns vibrant flower and vegetable market to the main Shiva temple to take part in the evening prayer ceremony. Offerings of flowers, the lighting of candles and sacred chants in these ancient temples are an honour to be experience.

DAYS FIVE AND SIX - CHETTINAD

We leave Mantra Koodam after breakfast and travel south-east to the more arid Chettinad region, arriving in time for lunch. Chettinad was once home to a community of merchants who made their fortunes helping the British trade spices to the Far East. Keen to display their wealth, they built the most opulent homes imaginable, many mirroring the colonial styles of the day and using imported tiles, chandeliers and furnishings from all over Europe. We have an afternoon to discover some of these fascinating palaces . Expect remote dusty villages dotted with glorious mansions, many now ghostly and in ruins, others beautifully restored and converted into boutique hotels and private residences. One such mansion is the Bangala - where we will be staying for the next 2 nights. This well established family run hotel is loaded with eccentric character and old-world charm. There’s a lovely pool and gardens and great restaurant renowned for its fabulous Chettinad cuisine. Chettnad cuisine is distinguished by it’s sea food cooked in a unique blend of spices. cookery courses are available on request .
The following day is a day at leisure - there is an abundance of villages to explore, and just a stones throw from the hotel is the fabulous antique quarter where you can rummage through the art deco furnishings, paintings, charming crockery and teak furniture. Shopping heaven!

Chettinad is also famous for tile making, weaving and carving - we highly recommend a visit to some of these local artisans to see their work and support their crafts. Carrie and Hari will be on hand to help you make the most of your day.

DAY SEVEN MADURAI

The morning of our seventh day we leave for the ancient temple city of Madurai. Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, and home to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a true marvel of Dravidian architecture and one of the most popular and sacred Hindu temples in India. We take a tour of the main temple before a thali lunch in the town centre. We reach our hotel mid-afternoon in time for a dip in the pool before a buffet dinner. Our accommodation here is the elegant Madurai Heritage hotel which has a lovely pool, Ayurvedic spa, garden bar and restaurant.

DAYS EIGHT & NINE - PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK

Day eight we journey further east and climb higher into the cooler, lush hills of the Periyar National Park in Kerala’s Western Ghats: an area of astounding natural beauty covered with forest, rivers and lakes and home to elephants, lion-tailed macaques and the elusive Indian Tiger. Out hotel - The Amritara Shalimar Spa - is located within a spice plantation in the Cardamon Hills. This charming eco-hotel has a pool and spa and cosy cottages set within the forest. There will be a spice garden tour on the day of your arrival where you will see the process of growing pepper, cardamon, turmeric and cinnamon. Here we take 2 nights to rest and explore, there is fantastic trekking in the region as well as boating, rafting, and bird spotting, There is also a nearby cultural centre with evening performances of Keralan Katha Kali dance and for elephant lovers you may wish to visit the local elephant reserve. Options will be given to you on booking and Carrie and Hari will be in hand to help you plan your time in Periyar.

DAY TEN - HOUSE BOAT ON BACKWATERS

Today we journey further west through the western ghats, passing tea plantations and forested hills to the lake-side village of Kumarakom in the lower lying backwaters of Kerala. At noon we board traditional kettuvallom or houseboats (4 and 2 bedroomed boats), styled in the tradition way yet luxuriously decorated and equipped. We will spend spend the rest of the day relaxing on the serene waters of the Lake Vembanad and the surrounding waterways. A Lunch and dinner of traditional Keralan cuisine will be enjoyed on board whilst we cruise past local villages, farmland and have time to asborb the rich ecosystem of this verdant area, a paradise for birdlife and coconut forests. We dock up for Pallikayal for sunset and dinner and spend the night aboard our boats before returning back to Kumarakom Lake Resort, our starting point, for a sumptuos breakfast before journeying on to our final destination - Cochin.

DAYS ELEVEN AND TWELVE - FORT COCHIN 

We reach final destination, Fort Cochin, by lunch time, where we check into the gorgeous “Forte Kochi”. This elegant, luxury hotel was once the home of a wealthy Jewish trader and has been lovingly restored into a divine heritage hotel right in the heart of the old town and just near the harbour with it’s landmark Chinese fishing nets. Our hotel allows us to literally live the fascinating colonial history of the town. There is a pool, Ayurvedic spa, excellent Restaurant and bar and lovingly elegantly restored interiors.

On the morning of day 11 enjoy a heritage walk through Cochin’s old town. This leisurely tour will gives you a glimpse into Cochin’s rich heritage, showcasing the mixed Dutch, Portuguese, British and Jewish influences that make this coastal settlement so unique. You then have your final day at leisure to further explore Cochin and enjoy the hotel. Day 13 you will be transported to nearby Cochin International airport for return flights to the UK.

EXTENSION OPTIONS

Why not make the most of your time in India by extending your trip? Our suggestions are a night or 2 extra at Forte Kochi hotel, or take the coastal train up to Kasaragod in North Kerala, where you can enjoy a few nights of luxury at the fabulous Neeleshwar Hermitage hotel and Ayurvedic Retreat. Another great options is to take a short flight a little further north to the golden sands of south Goa for a few days relaxing on the beach before your return home. Simple get in touch and we can help you make your journey to India even more magical.