Through the Lens: A Photographic Journey Through Tamil Nadu & Kerala
Overview
- Duration: 07 Nights 08 Days
- Language: English
This journey is crafted for those who see the world in frames and colours. From Chennai’s sunrise shores to Cochin’s harbour lights, each stop reveals a new palette — ancient temples, colonial boulevards, vibrant bazaars, misty plantations, and tranquil backwaters.
Designed around a photographer’s rhythm, the route blends Tamil Nadu’s cultural richness with Kerala’s timeless landscapes. Golden hours, intimate moments, and carefully chosen vantage points ensure every frame tells an authentic story of South India.
Highlights
Itineraries
Welcome to South India. Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you will be personally greeted and transferred to your hotel.
This evening, we begin our photographic journey at Marina Beach, the longest natural urban beach in India. We’ll focus on capturing the vibrant street life, local fishermen at work, and the dramatic colours of the sunset over the Bay of Bengal—a perfect introduction to the region’s energy. Overnight in Chennai.
Photography Focus: Colonial Architecture & Utopian Visions After breakfast, we drive to Pondicherry. Our focus here is the charming French Quarter (White Town), with its pastel-coloured colonial villas, bougainvillaea-draped streets, and elegant cafés—ideal for street and architectural photography.
In the evening, we visit Auroville, an experimental township dedicated to human unity. The unique architecture of the Matrimandir and the surrounding forest provide a distinct and thought-provoking photographic subject. Overnight in Pondicherry. (Breakfast)
Photography Focus: Temple Architecture & Spiritual Ambiance Today we drive to Kumbakonam, a town famed for its many temples. En route, we stop at the majestic Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancing form, the temple’s grand architecture and spiritual energy offer rich material for interior and ritual photography. Overnight in Kumbakonam. (Breakfast)
Photography Focus: Rituals, Craft & Riverside Life We begin at the Darasuram Temple, a 12th-century Chola masterpiece. The intricate stone carvings and unique features like the “musical steps” are a macro photographer’s dream.
We then immerse ourselves in local life, visiting a silk weaving centre to capture the skill and vibrant colours of sari-making, and a rural market for vibrant street and portrait photography. We end the day with sunset shots along the serene riverside ghats. Overnight in Kumbakonam. (Breakfast)
Photography Focus: Monumental Scale & Cultural Performance A short drive brings us to Thanjavur. Here, we visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sheer scale of its granite vimana (tower) is breathtaking, offering opportunities for grand architectural shots and details of ancient frescoes.
In the evening, we capture the grace and emotion of a live Bharatanatyam dance performance, focusing on the expressive gestures, intricate costumes, and dynamic movement of this classical art form. Overnight in Thanjavur. (Breakfast)
Photography Focus: Heritage Architecture & Culinary Stories We journey to the unique region of Chettinad, known for its sprawling, opulent mansions. We will explore a Chettinad Mansion, capturing the grand, often faded, interiors with their Burmese teak, Italian marble, and vast courtyards—a blend of Tamil and global influences.
We also document the preparation of famed Chettinad cuisine, a vibrant subject with its bold colours and aromatic spices, and capture portraits of village life in this distinct community. Overnight in Chettinad. (Breakfast)
Photography Focus: Temple Rituals & Night Ceremonies We drive to Madurai, one of South India’s oldest cities. The highlight is the awe-inspiring Meenakshi Amman Temple, with its towering, sculpture-covered gopurams. We’ll spend the day capturing the bustling energy, devoted rituals, and intricate details within.
The photographic climax comes at night, when we witness and capture the solemn, beautiful night ceremony, where the idol of Lord Sundareswarar is carried in a procession to the shrine of Goddess Meenakshi—a powerful scene of devotion and colour. Overnight in Madurai. (Breakfast)
Photography Focus: Scenic Landscapes & Plantation Life We leave the plains behind and embark on a scenic drive into the Western Ghats, heading for Munnar. The winding roads offer stunning landscape shots.
Upon arrival, the landscape transforms into endless rolling hills of tea plantations. We’ll take our first shots of the emerald-green terraces in the soft afternoon light. Overnight in Munnar. (Breakfast)
Photography Focus: Sunrise, Plantation Workers & Misty Vistas We rise for a sunrise shoot over the tea gardens, capturing the mist rising between the hills and the first light painting the landscape in gold.
During the day, we focus on the human element, photographing tea pluckers at work—their colourful saris contrasting with the green bushes. We’ll also capture the lush landscapes, waterfalls, and conclude with a panoramic sunset at Top Station. Overnight in Munnar. (Breakfast)
Photography Focus: Intimate Waterway Life & Blue Hour We descend from the hills to the Kerala backwaters and board a traditional houseboat in Alleppey. This is a day for intimate, documentary-style photography.
As we glide through narrow canals, we’ll capture candid moments of daily life along the banks: children playing, villagers fishing, and the beautiful reflections on the water, especially during the serene “blue hour” after sunset. Overnight on Houseboat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Photography Focus: Harbour Icons & Colonial Legacy After disembarking, we drive to the historic port city of Cochin. Our photographic tour includes the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi, perfect for silhouette and harbour-life shots.
We’ll explore the colonial architecture of the old town and wander through the vibrant spice market. We conclude our journey with a Kathakali dance performance, capturing the elaborate makeup, dramatic expressions, and vibrant costumes of this classical art form. In the evening, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your photographic journey. (Breakfast)
Three-star category stay options
Price Advice
| Price valid for travel between 22 Jan - 06 Feb 2026 | Price in AUD per person on a twin-sharing basis |
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Price valid for travel between 22 Jan - 06 Feb 2026
Per Person Price
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Price in AUD per person on a twin-sharing basis
AUD 4350
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Price valid for travel between 22 Jan - 06 Feb 2026
Single Room Supplement
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Price in AUD per person on a twin-sharing basis
AUD 866 per single room
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Includes/Excludes
Notes on The Quote
- The quote is in Australian dollars and is worked out based on the minimum pax travelling in the group, as mentioned in the cost grid above.
- In the event of a particular hotel not being available, we will make an alternate arrangement that will be similar to or higher than the quoted hotel.
- The price in AUD reflects current exchange rates and prevailing ground realities. In the event of significant fluctuations (i.e., beyond ±5%) in currency or operating costs, we reserve the right to revise the quote, provided the tour has not yet been booked and paid for in full.
- The cost is based on currently applicable taxes and tariffs. Should these change due to factors beyond our control, we will revise the pricing accordingly to reflect the new reality.
- Once the tour gets booked, we need the full name along with the date of birth of the guests to secure the accommodation.
- It is strongly recommended to buy comprehensive travel insurance, which includes trip cancellation/disruption situations as well.
Customer reviews
Overall rating
4.8/5
Review summary
Jackie
We are not seasoned international travellers. It took several days to feel comfortable in the tour due to the invasion of all our senses in Delhi and the Golden Triangle, but as we moved to the South, our comfort level increased significantly, and we began to really enjoy the tour, and we immersed ourselves in all activities. The hill country on Kerala is simply gorgeous and the people were gentle. Overall, thanks for an amazing tour, David.
Jackie
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