Treasures of Southern India

Renovated in 2018, the Taj Connemara is located in the heart of Chennai's (Madras') business district and combines old world charm with excellent facilities. Restored to its former glory with a grand wooden staircase, an original lattice ceiling and ornate south Indian stonework, a stay at this luxury hotel is an experience in itself. The hotel offers daily historical walking tours of the property. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea during the day and live jazz music in the bar in the evenings.

A quaint hotel in the heart of Puducherry's old French quarter, Palais du Mahé is only minutes away from the area's famous promenade, historic temples, famous cathedrals and colourful boutiques. With high ceilings, deep verandas, bright tangerine pillars and ochre colonnades, this heritage-style mansion features 18 spacious rooms that elegantly echo the distinctive Indo-French architecture, decorated with simple, period-style furniture sourced either locally or crafted by artisans from the region. While traditionally these mansions feature a large courtyard, this has been replaced with an inviting pool. Facilities at this delightful hotel include a floor dedicated to Ayurvedic massages and treatments and a rooftop restaurant serving Indian and Continental cuisine. The hotel is managed by the CGH group, renowned for seamless service and friendly, enthusiastic staff.

Tucked away in the peaceful village of Veppathru, close to the temple town of Kumbakonam, the Mantra Koodam offers elegant cottages and bungalows surrounded by a serene verdant garden. There is an array of activities on offer at the property ranging from nature and birdwatching walks to cycling and village tours. The restaurant serves delicious vegetarian dishes using locally grown and sourced ingredients. Features: 26 cottages, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, desk.

Originally built during the late 19th century by the Chettiyars of the Karaikudi region, Chidambara Vilas is a mansion that has been converted into a hotel. Sympathetically restored over a period of 3 years, the hotel retains many of its original features including the period furniture, pillared columns exquisitely carved out of Burma teak and the Belgian Chandeliers. Each of the 25 spacious rooms is comfortably furnished and carefully combines old-world charm with the essential requirements of modern-day traveller. The rooms are decorated individually and no two are the same size. The hotel's facilities include a main dining area that serves traditional Chettinad cuisine. The interactive kitchen set next to this dining area offers guests the opportunity to learn about traditional Chettinad cuisine. There is also a fine dining restaurant with an ambience that takes you back to colonial days. The fine dining restaurant serves Chettinad delicacies prepared according to guests preference. ...

Heritage Madurai (previously Heritance Madurai) is a seamless blend of traditional elegance and modern comfort set among lush gardens. The original Madurai Coats Club from the time of the British Raj, this property has not lost its British flavour. After extensive refurbishment it was completely restored in keeping with the traditional architecture of the town. The rooms are spacious, tastefully furnished and designed to meet the demands of discerning travellers. The 18th-century columns and antique doors from the Chettinad district give the hotel a distinctive character. Features: 70 rooms, 2 restaurants, bar, swimming pool, spa, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Ceiling fan, television, minibar, safe, tea & coffee facilities.

Located in the hills of Munnar and offering panoramic views of valleys, villages and mountains, Fragrant Nature is an excellent choice for those wanting luxurious comfort in a remote location. All the rooms are tastefully designed with traditional décor and have their own fireplaces to keep you warm in the chill of the mountains. Features: 41 rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant, fitness centre, spa, rooms with mountain views. Room amenities: Television, minibar, safe, hairdryer, ceiling-fan, desk.

Located just 20 yards from Vembanad lake, the Aveda Kumarakom is a luxury resort in the picturesque backwaters area of Kerala. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegantly designed while the restaurant, which specialises in seafood, serves an array of regional, national and international cuisines.

Set in the heart of Fort Kochi, Eighth Bastion is a small, chic property that effortlessly combines contemporary and colonial styles. The hotel is built around a small courtyard, and features guestrooms elegantly decorated in minimalist style, with many overlooking the Arabian Sea. No two rooms are of the same size with some featuring shower cubicles and others sunken bath tubs. The Eighth Bastion currently does not have a licence to serve alcoholic drinks.Features: 19 rooms, restaurant, outdoor pool, garden. <br>Room amenities: Air conditioning, en suite bathrooms with shower or bath, safe, Wi-Fi.

Renovated in 2018, the Taj Connemara is located in the heart of Chennai's (Madras') business district and combines old world charm with excellent facilities. Restored to its former glory with a grand wooden staircase, an original lattice ceiling and ornate south Indian stonework, a stay at this luxury hotel is an experience in itself. The hotel offers daily historical walking tours of the property. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea during the day and live jazz music in the bar in the evenings.

A quaint hotel in the heart of Puducherry's old French quarter, Palais du Mahé is only minutes away from the area's famous promenade, historic temples, famous cathedrals and colourful boutiques. With high ceilings, deep verandas, bright tangerine pillars and ochre colonnades, this heritage-style mansion features 18 spacious rooms that elegantly echo the distinctive Indo-French architecture, decorated with simple, period-style furniture sourced either locally or crafted by artisans from the region. While traditionally these mansions feature a large courtyard, this has been replaced with an inviting pool. Facilities at this delightful hotel include a floor dedicated to Ayurvedic massages and treatments and a rooftop restaurant serving Indian and Continental cuisine. The hotel is managed by the CGH group, renowned for seamless service and friendly, enthusiastic staff.

Tucked away in the peaceful village of Veppathru, close to the temple town of Kumbakonam, the Mantra Koodam offers elegant cottages and bungalows surrounded by a serene verdant garden. There is an array of activities on offer at the property ranging from nature and birdwatching walks to cycling and village tours. The restaurant serves delicious vegetarian dishes using locally grown and sourced ingredients. Features: 26 cottages, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa. Room amenities: Air conditioning, television, desk.

Originally built during the late 19th century by the Chettiyars of the Karaikudi region, Chidambara Vilas is a mansion that has been converted into a hotel. Sympathetically restored over a period of 3 years, the hotel retains many of its original features including the period furniture, pillared columns exquisitely carved out of Burma teak and the Belgian Chandeliers. Each of the 25 spacious rooms is comfortably furnished and carefully combines old-world charm with the essential requirements of modern-day traveller. The rooms are decorated individually and no two are the same size. The hotel's facilities include a main dining area that serves traditional Chettinad cuisine. The interactive kitchen set next to this dining area offers guests the opportunity to learn about traditional Chettinad cuisine. There is also a fine dining restaurant with an ambience that takes you back to colonial days. The fine dining restaurant serves Chettinad delicacies prepared according to guests preference. ...

Heritage Madurai (previously Heritance Madurai) is a seamless blend of traditional elegance and modern comfort set among lush gardens. The original Madurai Coats Club from the time of the British Raj, this property has not lost its British flavour. After extensive refurbishment it was completely restored in keeping with the traditional architecture of the town. The rooms are spacious, tastefully furnished and designed to meet the demands of discerning travellers. The 18th-century columns and antique doors from the Chettinad district give the hotel a distinctive character. Features: 70 rooms, 2 restaurants, bar, swimming pool, spa, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Ceiling fan, television, minibar, safe, tea & coffee facilities.

Located in the hills of Munnar and offering panoramic views of valleys, villages and mountains, Fragrant Nature is an excellent choice for those wanting luxurious comfort in a remote location. All the rooms are tastefully designed with traditional décor and have their own fireplaces to keep you warm in the chill of the mountains. Features: 41 rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant, fitness centre, spa, rooms with mountain views. Room amenities: Television, minibar, safe, hairdryer, ceiling-fan, desk.

Located just 20 yards from Vembanad lake, the Aveda Kumarakom is a luxury resort in the picturesque backwaters area of Kerala. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegantly designed while the restaurant, which specialises in seafood, serves an array of regional, national and international cuisines.

Set in the heart of Fort Kochi, Eighth Bastion is a small, chic property that effortlessly combines contemporary and colonial styles. The hotel is built around a small courtyard, and features guestrooms elegantly decorated in minimalist style, with many overlooking the Arabian Sea. No two rooms are of the same size with some featuring shower cubicles and others sunken bath tubs. The Eighth Bastion currently does not have a licence to serve alcoholic drinks.Features: 19 rooms, restaurant, outdoor pool, garden. <br>Room amenities: Air conditioning, en suite bathrooms with shower or bath, safe, Wi-Fi.