SOUTH INDIA: Tamil Nadu + Varanasi

A Photographic Expedition with David Samuel Robbins
Dates TBA
India's incredible diversity makes it possible to revisit many times, with virtually no overlap of experience. For the intrepid traveler interested in exploring beyond Rajasthan and the Taj, India's gorgeous tropical south awaits.

Tamil Nadu is the centerpiece of this extraordinary tour - and an unforgettable experience in itself.

However, to take full advantage of our proximity to other nearby wonders, we have designed a sequence of optional pre and post-tour extensions to broaden our explorations of this remarkable part of the world. 
The schedule allows for a seamless transition from a pre-tour in the stunning Indian state of Kerala, and then following Tamil Nadu, a post-tour extension to the ancient holy city of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh state.

The Kerala pre-extension is 6 days long, and provides the quintessential highlight experiences of this lush and serene region.

The Varanasi post-extension (February 20 - 23) offers an in-depth exploration of this utterly unique and astounding city. 
We will take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges to witness the ritual purification bathings, walk the entire length of the riverbank ghats (3+ hours, over 80 ghats, far beyond the tourist throngs), attend the amazing evening Ganga Aarti ritual performance at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and hone our street photography skills in the historic Bangali Tola neighborhood.

The main Tamil Nadu tour is a 10-day road trip adventure, traveling southbound from Chennai to the temple town of Madurai. From Madurai you may fly home, or continue onward with us to incredible Varanasi.
TAMIL NADU HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Touring the intricately carved 7th Century Pallava Dynasty stone temples of Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Walking tour of the seaside promenade and tree lined streets of Pondicherry, previously a French Colonial settlement, now home to boutique hotels and chic restaurants.
  • Exploring the exquisitely ornate, fantasy-colored Hindu temples in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) and Thanjavur.
  • Walking tour of Chettinad, renowned for it's fascinating collection of Italian Deco, Georgian and Gothic architecture, incongruously set in the rural Indian countryside.
  • Street photography of the markets and temples of bustling Madurai.
  • Touring the astounding Sri Meenakshi Hindu temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Mix of premium modern hotels and unique, historic Heritage properties.
  • Group size limited to 12.​
KERALA HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Overnight cruise through the serene Kerala backwaters on a traditional houseboat.
  • Walking tours through lush spice plantations of cardamom, pepper, vanilla, ginger and cinnamon.
  • Visit to a tea plantation and factory.
  • Easy nature trail walking and boat cruising in Periyar National Park, a renowned elephant and tiger sanctuary.
  • Exploring Kochi (Cochin), the historic streets and shops of Jew Town and Old Cochi and the unique, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets along the harbor front.
  • Group size limited to 12.
VARANASI HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Explore the entire length of the the famous riverside ghats, a half-day of unforgettable experiences and world class photographic opportunities.
  • Evening attendance at the Ganga Aarti Hindu performance at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
  • Walking tour and street photography in the narrow, bustling lanes of the historic Bangali Tola neighborhood.
  • Dawn boat ride on the Ganges.
  • Premium grade hotels
  • Group size limited to 12
MAIN TOUR PRICING:
TAMIL NADU MAIN TOUR (November 5 - 15, 2022)
$6,695 per person, based on double occupancy / room sharing.

Single supplement: $1,295 solo / private hotel rooms, all nights in Tamil Nadu

OPTIONAL PRE & POST TOUR PRICING:
KERALA PRE-EXTENSION (dates TBA)
$3,995 per person, based on double occupancy / room sharing. +$295 Cochin - Chennai flight, to join the Tamil Nadu tour

Single supplement: $995 solo / private hotel rooms, all nights in Kerala

VARANASI POST-EXTENSION (November 15 - 18 , 2022)
$2,495 per person, based on double occupancy / room sharing. +$595 to cover domestic flights: Madurai - Delhi - Varanasi (November 15), Varanasi - Delhi (November 18).

Single supplement: $425 solo / private hotel rooms, all nights in Varanasi.

A $750 deposit for each extension confirms enrollment.


For a detailed itinerary or more information, click CONTACT.
Unless otherwise noted, all text, photography, cartography and graphic design is © copyright David Samuel Robbins / Photo Nomad Ventures, Inc. All rights reserved. Except for personal reference, no reproduction in any medium is allowed without advance written consent. We vigorously monitor and protect our intellectual property rights.