Top accommodation in

Kerala & the South

India

A selection of our favourite places to stay in Kerala and Southern India

Cottage exterior at Spice Village, featuring thatched roof, wooden door, and wicker chairs, surrounded by lush greenery in a landscaped spice garden setting.

Spice Village – Thekkady, Southern India

A green retreat

Set amidst the landscaped spice gardens, the cottages at Spice Village are where you will rest your head at night while on your South India tour are simple, yet luxuriously furnished and naturally elegant. Immerse yourself in nature, culture and the local way of life - look no further than Spice Village for a true wilderness experience. Read More
Aerial view of Coconut Lagoon resort in Kumarakom, featuring lush greenery, traditional architecture, private pool, and serene waterways.

Coconut Lagoon – Kumarakom

Enchanting heritage home

Coconut Lagoon sits amongst rice paddies, tranquil waterways and lush gardens boasting authentic heritage, exquisite cuisine and a unique insight into this beautiful corner of Kerala. During your stay as part of your South India tour, you are free to wander through the cool wildflower and butterfly garden, take a sunset cruise or explore the network of canals by canoe. Read More
Eco-friendly Earth Houseboat on Kerala's backwaters, featuring natural materials, cozy design, and a serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery.

Earth Houseboat – Kerala, Southern India

An intimate and intricate adventure

Earth Houseboat was once a traditional barge used to transport rice along the large and intricate network of Kerala’s lakes and canals. Carrying you quietly across the tranquil waters there are few ways to explore Kerala that are more relaxing or more authentic. A tonic for the body and mind cruising through the sleepy backwaters. Read More
18th-century Dutch colonial boutique hotel exterior surrounded by lush greenery, showcasing a tranquil atmosphere in a bustling harbour city.

Malabar House – Cochin, Kerala

A haven of tranquility

Malabar House is situated on a peaceful green in the centre of Fort Cochin (Kochi) in Kerala. Formerly an 18th-century Dutch colonial residence this small, luxury boutique hotel offers a haven of tranquility in the city. The whole place is effortlessly stylish and is as romantic on ‘candlelit’ evenings as it is during the bright, sunny daytime. Read More
Woman in a yellow dress relaxing by the pool in the courtyard of Palais de Mahe, showcasing the colonial architecture and vibrant yellow walls.

Palais de Mahe – Pondicherry, Southern India

Colonial French chic in India

In the heart of Pondicherry’s French Quarter, Palais de Mahe is a characterful retreat within easy wandering distance of the picturesque promenade. Spice-laden breezes drift off the Bay of Bengal and local artists display their work. Palais de Mahe is a grand and fitting base for exploring this beautiful and enchanting city while enjoying one of our luxury India tours through the south. Read More
Eighth Bastion accommodation featuring a serene outdoor pool, lush garden, and Dutch-inspired architecture in Fort Kochi, Kerala.

Eighth Bastion – Cochin, Kerala

Dutch comfort and class

Eighth Bastion, located in the Malabar region of Fort Kochi, is remnant of a time long past where the VOC was busy trading and fighting over spices and trade routes. The hotel’s outdoor pool and garden are great places to unwind after a busy day of exploring. Look no further than the Eighth Bastion Hotel for your stay in Kochi while on your South India tour. Read More
Taj Vivanta Connemara pool area featuring lounge chairs, lush greenery, and modern architecture, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, set in a heritage hotel in Chennai.

Taj Vivanta Connemara – Chennai

Grace and elegance in Chennai

Taj Vivanta Connemara is Chennai’s only heritage hotel, built originally in 1854 and refurbished in art deco style in 1937. An iconic swimming pool was added in 1974 designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Enjoy the hotel's facilities or explore the city's rich heritage of artistic, religious and culinary traditions. Read More
Luxurious executive suite at The Leela Palace Chennai, featuring elegant decor, oversized bed with decorative pillows, stylish armchair, and modern amenities, showcasing opulent interiors and inviting ambiance.

The Leela Palace – Chennai, Southern India

Luxury and glam

The Leela Palace is Chennai’s only modern palace hotel, set on the glittering Bay of Bengal. With opulent design features and palatial interiors, it evokes the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu and offers guests on a South India tour a full, royal experience in one of Chennai’s most prestigious and stunningly beautiful locations. Read More
Brunton Boatyard hotel exterior in Cochin, Kerala, showcasing colonial architecture, lush palm trees, and a scenic waterfront view, emphasizing the blend of cultural influences in a unique heritage accommodation.

Brunton Boatyard – Cochin, Kerala

Old meets charming

Brunton Boatyard is a unique hotel with a fascinating heritage and undeniable charm. The interiors are a wonderful blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influences. It offers a unique experience which celebrates the very best of centuries of cultural influence whilst also blending authenticity with stylish contemporary design. Read More
Marari Beach Resort swimming pool surrounded by lush palm trees and thatched umbrellas at sunset, reflecting a serene natural environment.

Marari Beach Resort – Kerala

Surrounded by nature

Set on 30 acres of land lies the Marari Beach Resort in Mararikulam, among lily ponds, coconut groves, fruit trees and a large organic farm. Cottages are thatched with coconut leaves and bathrooms echo nature's environment, with the experience of bathing under the open skies. Enjoy nature's raw beauty at Marari Beach Resort. Read More
Pondicherry restaurant interior of Maison Perumal featuring minimalistic decor, antique furniture, and tropical plants, highlighting the French colonial heritage and cultural ambiance.

Maison Perumal – Pondicherry

Tamil and French colonial heritage

In the heart of Pondicherry’s Tamil Quarter, Maison Perumal is an 18th century home which exudes a legacy that reflects the French colonial aura within the seaside town. Enjoy a stay at Maison Perumal—where to be a guest in a gracious Tamil home was traditionally considered an honorary experience of the very high kind. Read More
Thatched cottage exterior at Spice Village in Thekkady, surrounded by greenery, featuring wooden chairs on a porch and a natural, rustic design.
Spice Village – Thekkady, Southern India
Aerial view of Coconut Lagoon resort in Kumarakom, featuring thatched cottages, lush greenery, coconut groves, and a swimming pool, surrounded by tranquil backwaters, highlighting Kerala's natural beauty.
Coconut Lagoon – Kumarakom
Traditional Kerala houseboat on tranquil waters, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees, featuring a man on board, showcasing the serene backwaters experience in Southern India.
Earth Houseboat – Kerala, Southern India
Malabar House exterior in Cochin, Kerala, featuring lush greenery, traditional architecture, and a welcoming entrance, highlighting luxury accommodations in India.
Malabar House – Cochin, Kerala
Woman reading by a poolside at Palais de Mahe, featuring vibrant yellow walls and arched doorways, surrounded by lush greenery.
Palais de Mahe – Pondicherry, Southern India
Modern architectural design of Eighth Bastion hotel in Cochin, Kerala, featuring a tranquil pool area, lush greenery, and decorative wall elements, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
Eighth Bastion – Cochin, Kerala
Taj Vivanta Connemara pool area featuring lush greenery, sun loungers, and elegant architecture, reflecting luxury accommodations in Chennai, Southern India.
Taj Vivanta Connemara – Chennai
Luxurious executive suite at The Leela Palace Chennai, featuring elegant furnishings, a flat-screen TV, and a cozy seating area, reflecting the opulence of Southern India accommodations.
The Leela Palace – Chennai, Southern India
Cochin's Brunton Boatyard exterior, showcasing colonial architecture, palm trees, and a boat docked along the waterfront, reflecting Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
Brunton Boatyard – Cochin, Kerala
Serene swimming pool surrounded by palm trees at Marari Beach Resort, Kerala, with a sunset sky reflecting on the water, ideal for travelers seeking relaxation in Southern India.
Marari Beach Resort – Kerala
Elegant dining area at Maison Perumal, featuring white tablecloths, wrought iron chairs, lush greenery, and traditional decor, reflecting the French colonial influence in Pondicherry.
Maison Perumal – Pondicherry

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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