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 Explore the majestic colonial backdrops of India's tropical south by tuk-tuk, hike through mystical tea mountains, and paddle through an enchanted water world. Learn about sustainable living in Auroville and discover the laid-back pace of the backwaters in Kochi. On the pulse of everyday life, we experience the many bright colours, scents and flavours of this fascinating country up close. The grand finale: Chilling at a beach resort in Mahabalipuram. What could be better?
The delicate scent of spices, the sound of temple bells and a rich tapestry of ancient arts and craft all characterise Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This journey reveals these southern charms first-hand. You will travel through hill stations, tropical backwaters and temple-laden towns while staying in some of the region’s very best hotels.
• Full immersion into nature and culture
• Overnight stay on a traditional houseboat
• The backwaters – A fascinating water world
• Beach time on the Bay of Bengal
Day 1
Upon your arrival in the morning, you’ll be welcomed with a smile and taken directly to breakfast. After you’ve checked in, get ready for a short city tour of Chennai. You’ll pass magnificent colonial buildings until you arrive at the 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. At the Madras Museum, India’s second oldest museum, you’ll admire bronzes from the Chola period as well as countless other treasures. What a great way to start off your unforgettable gay holiday!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Rain Tree St Marys Road Hotel, Chennai, 5*
Day 2
Your day begins with a visit to the Santhome Cathedral, a neo-gothic shrine which houses the remains of Thomas the Apostle . Afterwards, you’ll continue past Marina Beach, a natural urban beach stretching 13 kilometres and one of Chennai’s best-known landmarks. The route continues past the flower and fruit market, before you stop to visit the richly ornate Kapaleeshwarar Temple. From there, the journey continues to Mahabalipuram.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort, Mahabalipuram, 5*
Day 3
You’ll start the day with a visit to the fishermen in Devaneri. Make sure you’ve charged your camera: Between the surreal rock formations and dreamy Mahabalipuram Beach, you literally have millions of photo opportunities. On a tour of the city, you’ll discover impressive cave temples and elaborate relief sculptures. Among the highlights are the famous Shore Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Arjuna’s Penance, the Five Rathas, and several Mandapams. The sculptures here tell fascinating stories of deities, animals, Hindu legends and everyday life.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort, Mahabalipuram, 5*
Day 4
On your way to the southernmost tip of India just before Puducherry, you’ll stop at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community established by Sri Aurobindo in 1910, and learn about everyday life in an ashram. After a brief visit to the city museum of the former French colony, you’ll make a pit stop to admire the new age world of Auroville, an experimental township founded in 1968. Wait till you see Matrimandir – the golden orb!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Shenbaga Hotel, Puducherry, 4*
Day 5
Palm trees, sugar cane and small villages line our route to Tanjore on the Kaveri plain. On the way, you’ll stop in Tharangambadi – the “place of the singing waves”. Want to hear some Indian music? Your guide certainly has a wide selection for you to choose from. The rhythm will put you in the mood for your next stop in Chidambaram where you’ll visit a temple dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja, the King of Dance. Another architectural gem of the Chola kings awaits you in Darasuram as well: the Airavatesvara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Indeco Swamimalai Hotel, Swamimalai , 4*
Day 6
Today, you’ll explore the 1,000- year-old Brihadishvara Temple in Tanjore (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In Vaitheeshwaran Koyil, you’ll encounter mystical fortune tellers who can see what your future holds by reading your personal palm leaf. On an excursion to Madurai, you’ll marvel at a pious and lively ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Heritage Madurai Hotel, Madurai, 5*
Day 7
Prepare to be mesmerised! Today, you’ll visit Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, one of India’s largest temples and the lifeline of the city of Madurai. Another architectural highlight follows: Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a magnificent and regal palace completed in 1636. Afterwards, it’s time to satisfy your appetite – explore the city’s diverse cuisine and experience how closely culinary art, history and culture are intertwined here.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Heritage Madurai Hotel, Madurai, 5*
Day 8
Lush landscapes and “spicy” mountains will escort you over the heights of the Cardamom Hills on a spectacular drive to Thekkady. In a spice garden, you’ll get tips from the spice masters on how to grow pepper and ginger. Make sure to take notes and try it out back home! In the evening, you’ll get to know the distinctive culture of South India during a demonstration of the traditional martial art of Karalipayattu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa, Thekkady, 4*
Day 9
The morning begins with a leisurely stroll through the tropical landscape where there are plenty of opportunities to become acquainted with the local flora and fauna. Afterwards, spend the day at your leisure exploring this spice paradise. There is so much for you to discover here on your gay holiday!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa, Thekkady, 4*
Day 10
"God’s Own Country" is Kerala’s tourism slogan. It’s certainly not an overstatement with all these natural splendours! You’ve reached the next stop of your gay adventure – the backwaters, the river and canal system of Vembanad Lake. There you’ll board an air-conditioned, traditional wooden houseboat, which will be your means of transport and accommodation for the day. Enjoy a taste of Kerala’s culinary specialities during the boat ride and then settle in for the night as the sounds of nature lull you to sleep.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Houseboat, Alleppey
Day 11
After so many culinary highlights on your gay holiday, you’ve probably asked yourself where all these different ingredients come from. During a visit to an Indian village, you’ll learn about the sophisticated techniques used by the locals to harvest mussel meat, crab, and coconut leaves. Make sure to enjoy some freshly caught fish before your journey continues to Kochi.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Casino Hotel - Cgh Earth, Kochi, 5*
Day 12
Today you’ll dive into the history of multiculturalism in India in the 16th century. In the old town of Kochi, you’ll see colonial churches, synagogues, spice warehouses and even a Chinese fishing harbour. You’ll follow in the footsteps of adventurers from all over the world and hear fascinating stories about the people and traditions that shaped the culture of this wonderful place. During our final dinner together, you’ll have one last opportunity to savour the unique cuisine of South India and immerse yourself in the art of Indian dance drama. Later in the evening, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home. But you don’t have to leave just yet – you can book our seaside extension!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Casino Hotel - Cgh Earth, Kochi, 5*
Day 13 - 15
What could be better than three more days of ultimate relaxation under the sun in Maraikulam on the Arabian Sea! Chill out on Marari beach, one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in India, visit other spectacular temples, or continue exploring the culinary wonders of the region. The possibilities are endless!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Marari Beach Resort, Maraikulam, 5*
Day 16
All good things come to an end! Enjoy your last few hours in South India relaxing under the swaying palm trees. Your room is available until your departure. You’ll transfer to the Kochi Airport (COK) for your flight back home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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• With over a billion citizens as well as a multitude of languages, religions, customs, and cuisines, every region in India is fascinating in its own right. In South India, the mix of modern cities, sleepy villages and one-of-a-kind natural and cultural treasures makes it an ideal gay travel destination.
• South India is home to some of the most vibrant festivals, ancient temples, and mesmerising traditional dance forms. Cities like Madurai showcase breathtaking temple architecture, while the annual Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a haven for contemporary queer artists and global creatives.
• South India is famous for its Ayurvedic wellness retreats, yoga centers, and spa resorts - a chance to recharge your body and mind in a serene and welcoming environment.
• Cities like Chennai and Kochi have growing queer communities, LGBTQ+ events, and even Pride celebrations. While you won’t find a massive gay scene, there are plenty of safe and welcoming spaces to meet like-minded travellers and locals.
• Same-sex relations are legal in India. Owing in part to the popularity of the Bollywood industry, the media and Indian society are increasingly taking a stance on LGBT issues, especially in larger cities.
• Nevertheless, keep in mind that India is more traditionally oriented, and that sexuality is lived in private and not demonstrated in public.
• Transfers, excursions, and round trip in a local, air-conditioned coach
• 13 nights in a shared or single room with bath or shower/WC
• Breakfast, 4 x lunch, 12 x dinner
• Welcome and farewell dinners at local restaurants
• Train ride from Madurai to Villupuram
• Kalaripayattu demonstration
• Street food tour
• Itinerary as described
• Entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Room until departure on the last day
• English-speaking tour guide in India
• CO2 compensation – climate neutral gay tour
4-day seaside extension on the Arabian Sea in Maraikulam
Spend three nights at the luxurious Marai Beach Hotel in Maraikulam after your gay tour has officially ended. Relax your body, mind, and soul lounging at one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in India.
Included in the price of the extension package:
• Flight from Delhi to Goa
• 3 nights in The Marari Beach Resort
• Breakfast
• Private transfer to the airport – hotel – airport
Rain Tree St Marys Road Hotel, Chennai, 5*
Located in the city centre and surrounded by lush greenery, The Raintree, St. Mary's Road, features 4 dining options, a rooftop swimming pool and rooms with a flat-screen TV. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
The elegant rooms at The Raintree, St. Mary’s Road are luxuriously appointed with modern décor and wooden flooring. Each room is well-equipped with an electric kettle and minibar.
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily at Colony, the hotel's homely all-day eatery. At the Above Sea Level rooftop restaurant, guests can sample grilled food while enjoying sweeping views of Chennai’s skyline. Chap Chay is an innovative do-it-yourself fry station.
Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort, Mahabalipuram, 5*
Offering chalets with free Wi-Fi and a private balcony, the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram provides an ideal retreat for relaxation. The hotel boasts large outdoor pools and a golf course.
All chalets are air-conditioned and feature tile flooring. They are fitted with a flat-screen TV, a safe and a minibar. Some chalets offer pool or sea views.
Guests at the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram can enjoy a massage at the spa. The hotel also offers in-house shops and bicycle rental.
Waters Edge Café and Santa Maria Restaurant serve international cuisine, while The Wharf offers grilled seafood and pasta. Drinks can be enjoyed at Maritime Tales Bar and Sinbad Bar.
Shenbaga Hotel, Puducherry, 4*
Offering an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre and a massage parlour, Shenbaga Hotel And Convention Centre is located in Pondicherry. Free WiFi access is available.
Each air-conditioned room here will provide you with a cable TV and a minibar. There is also an electric kettle. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries. You can enjoy city view from the room.
Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a tour desk and luggage storage. Dining options include Tulip that serves Indian, Chinese and continental delight, Poppy is a 24-hour coffee shop and refreshing beverages are served at Merilyn Bar.
Indeco Swamimalai Hotel, Swamimalai , 4*
Set in Kumbakonam, 5.2 km from Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Indeco Hotels Swamimalai offers accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Featuring a terrace, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation provides room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests.
The breakfast offers continental, American or vegetarian options. At the hotel you will find a restaurant serving Indian and local cuisine. A vegetarian option can also be requested.
Spa and wellness facilities are at guests' disposal during their stay at Indeco Hotels Swamimalai, including a spa centre and on-request massage treatments. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodation.
Heritage Madurai Hotel, Madurai, 5*
Heritage Madurai offers a 24-hour front desk and features an outdoor swimming pool and concierge service. The property is just 5 km away from the famous Meenakshi Temple. The hotel has a tour desk and offers luggage storage, currency exchange and car rental facilities to travellers. Guests can pamper themselves at the hotel’s spa & massage centre or conduct meetings at the business centre. Laundry/dry-cleaning services are also available.
Each air-conditioned room features a desk, a seating area with sofa, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a dining area. En suite bathrooms contain complimentary toiletries.
The hotel offers a breakfast buffet. The Banyan restaurant serves local, Chinese and continental cuisines. The in-house bar serves refreshing beverages. Room service options are also available.
Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa, Thekkady, 4*
With a mountain stream meandering through the property, Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa is situated amidst the cool mountains of Thekkady. Surrounded by green spice plantations, it houses an outdoor pool and 2 dining options.
Offering a blend of European and Indian décor, Shalimar’s rooms and cottages feature a terrace with garden views. Tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar are included. Private bathrooms come with shower facilities and a hairdryer.
Featuring local antique wooden furniture, Falling Leaves serves a variety of Indian and European dishes. In-room dining is possible. The Red Lounge features drinks in a relaxing environment lit and warmed by a crackling fireplace.
Guests can go for an Ayurvedic massage, or head to the library for a quiet read. The tour desk can arrange for activities such as trekking, rafting or tribal village visits. The 24-hour front desk can assist with laundry and currency exchange services.
Casino Hotel - Cgh Earth, Kochi, 5*
Casino Hotel is 6 km from Ernakulam and a 10 minute ferry ride to Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. It offers an outdoor pool, 4 dining options and in-house Ayurvedic massage services. Free WiFi access is available.
Air-conditioned guest rooms are fitted with a personal safe, a minibar and satellite television. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy Ayurvedic treatments at an additional cost. Other recreational facilities include badminton.
Tharavadu serves Indian, Chinese and continental buffet dishes all day. Seafood specialities can be enjoyed at Fort Cochin restaurant. The Garden Cafe provides grilled food and healthy drinks, while alcoholic beverages can be found at the Vasco da Gama Bar.
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