Tour Highlight
Experience the diversity of South India with this fabulous journey. Explore the myths and legends of the sacred temples coupled with the laid back rural highlights. This fascinating journey is for the seasoned traveler to India who will have a chance to experience two extremes of India; one celebrated for its incredible temples and the other for its unspoiled nature and eye-catching beaches.
DAY 1 Arrive In Chennai
Arrive in Chennai, the first British settlement in Indi and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. On arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Meals included: None
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 2 Chennai - Mahabalipuram
This morning explore the colonial city and visit Fort St. George & museum which has objects of the British era, Government museum which has an interesting archaeological collection.
Later drive to Mahabalipuram (60 kms/ 1 hour 30 min approx) famous for its shore temples. Later visit Mahabalipuram temple complex - a UNESCO World heritage site, overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 3 Mahabalipuram
This morning enjoy an excursion to the temple town of Kanchipuram, also famous for its traditional silks.
Remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 4 Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
Morning drive to Pondicherry (140 kms/ 4 hours approx) was once a charming French outpost. The French colonial legacy is still evident to this day. On arrival, check-in to your hotel.
Late afternoon visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a large charitable institution with lots of facilities.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 5 Pondicherry - Tanjore
Today drive to Tanjore (180 kms/ 5 hours approx), it was once the capital and centre of power of the Chola dynasty. En-route, visit the famous temples at Chidambaram, Gangaikondacholapuram & Darasuram.
Evening arrive in Tanjore and check-in to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 6 Tanjore - Trichy - Tanjore
Morning visit the famous Sri Brihadeshwara Temple (a UNESCO World heritage site), Tanjore Palace & Museum.
Afternoon leave for an excursion to Trichy (50 kms/ 1 hour approx) where you visit Rock Fort Temple standing 272 feet (83m) tall with 434 steps!
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 7 Tanjore - Madurai
Drive to Madurai (180 kms/ 5 hours approx) which is home to the famous Meenakshi Temple, and is a vibrant example of marvelous Dravidian architecture. The city attracts pilgrims by the thousands and is full of colour and traditional Indian life.
Afternoon arrive in Madurai and check-in at your hotel.
Later visit the Meenakshi Temple, covered with hundreds of brightly painted figures, with gold finials gleaming on the top. Continue to the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak, one of the most notable rulers of Madurai during the 17th century. This evening, experience a special ‘aarti’ prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 8 Madurai - Periyar
Morning drive to Periyar (140 kms/4 hour’s approx) - the spice capital of Kerala. On arrival, check-in to your hotel.
Take an afternoon cruise on the Periyar Lake and explore the fascinating Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary that attracts thousands of birds, and sightings of elephants, Indian Elk and bison.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 9 Periyar - Kumarakom
Today morning drive to Kumarakom (130 kms/ 3 hours 30 min approx. The enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom is located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake. It is an unbelievable beautiful paradise. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside.
Remainder of the day will be at leisure for relaxation and independent activities.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 10 Kumarakom
Full day at leisure - explore the canals and backwaters of Kumarakom traveling from the comforts of Kerala houseboat. Also experience the ancient science of life - Ayurvedic massage.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 11 Kumarakom - Kochi
Drive to Kochi (65 kms/1 hour 30 min approx), it is the oldest European settlement in India. With an amazing blend of architectural styles, Kochi is the region's most stylish and elegant city with a wealth of colonial architecture which remains as a testament to its trading past. On arrival, check-in to your hotel.
In the afternoon explore the Fort Cochin area where you visit the old Jewish quarter. This includes a synagogue, one of the oldest in the world (Closed on Friday and Saturday). It was built in year 1568. Continue further to Dutch-built Mattancherry Palace, Portuguese Church of St Francis and the Chinese fishing nets sweeping above the water in the old town of Fort Cochin.
In the evening, witness a Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama from Kerala.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 12 Depart Kochi
Transfer to Kochi International airport in time for home-bound flight.
