Your Journey to South India is a fascinating travel of discovery in all its diversity. You will come to visit some of the most historical sites in India, wildlife, spirituality at its best, architectural masterpieces, wow experiences of lifetime, enthralling sites, world famous backwaters of Arabian Sea, beautiful yet less explored beaches, mouth watering cuisines and unique cultures.

Day 01: Arrival Chennai - Mahabalipuram (BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT BY SURFACE (65 kms / 02 Hrs)

Welcome to India!! Upon arrival please clear immigration formalities and proceed to exit gate where you will be greeted by our representative with pla card under your name. After a warm welcome transfer to your hotel in Mahabalipuram.

The East India Company established its presence in southern India on the Bay of Bengal in 1639 AD with the establishment of Fort St. George. The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, grew up around the Fort area. It now serves as the capital city of Tamil Nadu State and is the fourth largest city in India, with over six million inhabitants. Chennai is also called the Gateway to the South. From a tiny hamlet in 1639, it grew around the Fort St. George built by the British. A lush green city famed for its temples, silk, music and dance, Chennai gives a sense of serenity and spaciousness, enhanced by one of the world’s largest and most beautiful beaches, the Marina beach.

Upon arrival at Mahabalipuram, check-in to your hotel.

Day 02: In Mahabalipuram

Today morning proceeed for sightseeing of Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance other Cave relief.

Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram built in the 7 th century, is an ancient Pallava Port. Today it is the site of several antique sculptural marvels. Declared as the ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO, it boasts of some of India’s most sublime rock-cut art. The town was earlier called Mahabalipuram, but was later renamed as Mamallapuram or the place of the great wrestler - Narasimhavarmam I. He made this port a flourishing trade center. The only shore temple, which remains here, is the spectacular two-spired shrine, which is unique in that it houses both Vishnu and Shiva in its sanctum. The Pallavas perfected the art of sculpting rocks to build temples without brick, mortar or timber. The open-air bas-reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves and the five monolithic “Rathas” (chariots carved from single processions) reflect this art at its best.

The Shore Temple Though Mamallapuram is known as the land of Seven Pagodas, there is only one of them remaining today. The five-storied Shore Temple on the sea beach was built by the Pallava King Raja Singha at the end of 7 th century in pure Dravidian sculpture and was the the last work of Pallava dynasty. Shore temple is a complex of 3 temples (One big temple and two small temples) out of which 02 are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the smallest one is the Vishnu Temple. In the time of Pallava dynasty, Mahabalipuram was popular trading port. It is said that the Shore Temple acted as a landmark for the navigation f ships.

Arjunas Penance - This skilfully rock carved in the mid-seventh century, measures approximately 30m (100ft) long by 15m (45ft) high, is the largest vas - relief sculpture in the world. It gets its name from the figure of an ascetic who is believed to be Arjuna, the hero of epic Mahabharata, doing penance to obtain a boon from Lord Shiva.

Cave Temples: The temples are finely sculptured carved out in Mahabalipuram. Krishna Temple is the oldest temple. The decorated Krishna stall is depicted with the episodes from Lord Krishnas life and the lifting up of Goverdhan hill to give protection to Gops Gopis from the curse of the Rain God. You will also visit Varaha Cave Temple, Trimurti Cave Temple, Mahishasuramardini Cave temple, Panchapandava cave temple etc.
Evening is at leisure.

Day 03: Mahabalipuram - Pondichery [BY SURFACE 135 kms / 03hrs]

In the morning you will be driven to Pondichery. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.

Pondicherry, a former French colony, presents an unusual combination of European culture and Indian traditions. Its history can be traced back to Agastya, the revered sage of the south who built his hermitage here in 1500 BC. It became a part of India in 1954, The French legacy is visible in the well-planned town, neatly laid roads, wide and vibrant beaches, beautiful promenades, architecturally imposing churches and public buildings and the statues. Split into two parts, Pondicherry is, on one hand a bustling Indian Market town, and on the other hand, towards the sea, the streets are emptier, cleaner and decidedly European. An added attraction is the town of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment.

Afternoon proceed for half-day tour of Pondicherry, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram founded by the philosopher-saint Sri Aurobindo in 1926 to put into practice his ideals of a peaceful community. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. It is also his final resting place. Also visit the Pondicherry museum, which has sculptures, archaeological finds, and memorabilia of the French colonists. See the Sacred Heart Church with its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows. Evening enjoy serene views from Promenade beach.

Day 04: Pondicherry - Kumbakonam [By Surface 145 kms / 04 hrs]

Today you will be driven from Pondicherry to Kumbakonam with en-route visit of Chidambaram Temple.

Chidambaram was the capital of the Cholas from 907 AD to 1310 AD. It is one of Tamil Nadu’s most important holy towns. In Chidambaram temple, Dancing Shiva (Nataraja) is the presiding deity and all rituals are conducted on the basis of the Vedic doctrine. These are the two features which distinguish the Shiva Nataraja temple from all other temples in India. Shiva Nataraja’s dance is seen as the visualization of the processes of cosmos.

Post visit continue your drive to Kumbakonam.

Kumbakonam, a picturesque temple town located in Tanjore District of Tamil Nadu, is known for its age old temples. Kumbakonam literally means the place of pot (Kumbam). This beautiful town is naturally set between the rivers Cauvery and Arasalar. This city was the capital of the historically important Chola dynasty ruled the region during the medieval period. The town is known for the Airavateswara temple constructed by the Raja Raja Chola II in the 12 th century AD. The temple is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage monument.

In the afternoon visit Darasuram Temple in Kumbakonam also known as Airavateswara temple constructed by the Rajaraja Chola II in the 12 th century AD. The temple is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage monument. This temple is a storehouse of art and architecture. The vimana is 85 feet high. The front mandapam itself is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses. The temple has some exquisite stone carvings. The main deitys consort Periya Nayaki Amman temple is situated adjacent to Airavateswara temple.

Later visit a workshop of the Bronze sculpture-makers and observe the local artisans making bronze statutes using the traditional methodology. Though it takes many days to make one statue, this interesting process is explained using display of unfinished work at different stages.

Day 05: Kumbakonam - Tanjore [By Surface 35 kms / 1½Hrs]

Post breakfast drive to Tanjore (also called Thanjavur locally).

Located on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur has the distinction of having been the capital of the Cholas, one of the greatest dynasties of the south. The Cholas were great temple builders and Thanjavur bears witness to this, being dotted with no fewer than 80 temples, the most famous of which is the Brahadeeswara temple, a World Heritage Monument. The city is also known for its bronzes, silks, lush green rice fields of the Cauvery delta and the famous Tanjore paintings.

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing of Tanjore including visit to the famous Brihadeswara Temple, built in the 10th century AD by Raja Chola. It is considered to be artistically the most perfect of Dravida temples. Built mainly of granite blocks and decorated with sculptures and frescoes. It is topped by a monolithic dome constructed from a single 80 tonne piece of granite, which was dragged to the top using a 6 km long ramp, in a technique similar to that used by the Egyptians to build the Pyramids. You will also visit Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery and local markets.

Day 06: Tanjore - Madurai [By Surface 200 kms / 05 hrs]

Today morning you will be driven to Madurai with en-route visit of Trichy.

Trichy or Tiruchirappalli is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery; it is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It was a citadel of the early Cholas, which later fell to the Pallavas. Trichy is a fine blend of tradition and modernity built around the Rock Fort. Apart from the Fort, there are several Churches, Colleges and Missions dating back to the 1760s. The town and its fort, now in Trichy were built by the Nayaks of Madurai. Today, Trichy is a blend of historical town, pilgrim center and thriving commercial city. It is also India’s largest center manufacturing artificial diamonds.

Start the sightseeing of Trichy with a visit to Rock Fort, which is a landmark of Trichy city. The rock is one of the oldest in the world-approximately 3.800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a further climb to a Shiva Temple. You will visit Srirangam Temple.

Later you will be driven to Madurai. Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel

Madurai, the second largest city of Tamil Nadu, is an important cultural and commercial center. With a history going back to the 6 th century BC, it was once the seat of Tamil learning and still the place where the Tamil language is spoken in its purest form. The old city was planned in the shape of a lotus with the Meenakshi temple, the town’s main attraction, in the heart of the old town, a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with gopurams (towers) covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of multi-colored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The temple complex is a city within a city and one can spend days exploring its labyrinthine corridors and halls. Madurai has long been a center of learning and pilgrimage. Its main event is the 14 day Chithrai festival every April/May.

Another attraction is the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, a gracious 17 th century building in the Indo- Saracenic style famous for stuccowork on its domes and arches. This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The original Palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure. Dance drama concerts are performed here daily in the evening.

In the afternoon proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai. First visit Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, Gandhi Mueseum and later proceed to visit the famous Sree Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva.

Time permitting; also watch the night procession ceremony at the temple.

Day 07: Madurai - Thekkady [By Surface 145 kms / 3½ Hrs]

This morning drive from Madurai to Thekkady. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Thekkady also known as Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq. km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake, it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants. Apart from elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly.

In the afternoon proceed for a Jungle Safari inside Periyar National Park on a Launch Boat to the picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs and wander down to the lakeside.

Optional: Enjoy visit to witness Kalaripayattu – an Indian marshal art form at local studio.

Day 08: Thekkady

Today morning proceed for a walk through Spice Plantations. This walk is a novel experience with sighting possible of rare varieties of flora fauna, Ayurvedic medicinal herbs, spices, fruits, flowers etc. Guests gain rich knowledge about Ayurvedic cure, spice extracts, wood crafting etc. Periyar (Thekkady) is the heart land of spices, when you reach Periyar surely you will be welcomed by tea plantations and aroma of the spices.  The scent may be of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon or cardamom and sometimes a fragrance that combines the scents of two or more spices. You can have a close look at the spice plantation. The Spice produced in Periyar and its nearby villages are used worldwide in the name of flavors like vanilla, oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, mint, bay leaf and sage.

Afternoon enjoy visit to local Elephant Camp where you can interact with Elephants, feed bath them. This will be lifetime experience spend with these big creatures on earth.

Later in the evening enjoy cooking demo followed by dinner with local family.

Day 09: Thekkady - Kumarakom

Drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom today.

In the lush backwaters of Kottayam in Kerala, lies a veritable paradise, which is called Kumarakom, or the Venice of the East. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields, and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. Kumarakom is Kerala’s heartland of lagoons, palm fringed lakes and paddy fields, inter-linked with hundreds of winding canals, with the typical low slung country boats that carry everything from people to fish, rice and coconuts to the milkman and newspaper boy, local politicians and priests to wedding parties. Here an old rubber plantation around the lake has been developed into a bird sanctuary.

Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel.

Remaining day is free for relaxation. Lie in a hammock on this lakeshore, and allow your senses to possess you. Before you is Vembanad Lake; rippling under the vault of an impossibly large sky.
Sunset enjoy Boat ride on Vembanad Lake.

Day 10: Kumarakom - Alleppey

Morning is free to relax at the hotel’s beautiful location.

Later on time your Houseboat will pick you up from the resort for the most exquisite tour on the back waters on board the rice boats or “Kettuvallams”

You will be cruising through the narrow lanes of the backwaters. In Malayalam, the work ‘Kettuvallam’ means a matted or stitched canoe. Traditionally they were built of planks sewn together with coir cordage, threaded through with a ‘needle’ carved from a palm frond. The seams, caulked with coir plugs soaked in sardine or cashew oil made the boats waterproof. The traditional houseboat of Kerala is one of the most enduring images of the backwaters - its natural, cocoon- like profile complementing the surrounding countryside. These ‘kettuvallams’, were designed to carry heavy cargo, such as coconuts and spices, and to provide living accommodation for the boatmen. Preserving their historic character and style, craftsmen have created a unique atmosphere on board, a luxurious, self-contained world from which to observe rural Indian life flowing gently by. Enjoy a backwater cruise, lazing in the houseboat as it meanders through the tranquil network of water canals, dotted with busy hamlets, lush green paddy fields. The scene is idyllic and the mood-romantic.
Lunch Dinner onboard.

Day 11: Alleppey - Mararikulam [By Surface 20 kms / 30 minutes]

Enjoy the breakfast on board houseboat; later disembark from houseboat and drive to Mararikulam.

Upon arrival, check in to a Beach Resort. Rest of the day is free for independent activities.

Marari Beach, you'll find, is the one place where you can unwind completely, without the trying bit. Marari is not merely an antidote to stress. It's a cure for that other vexing holiday problem: Trying to ‘Take it easy’. Because here, you can throw away the ‘To do list’ and be free. With no effort at all

Day 12: In Mararikulam

Full day is at leisure today.

Unwind relax and let an authentic Kerala massage create a new you.

Let the miracles of Yoga work on you with our master Yoga teacher.

Marari is a nature lover's paradise and a morning stroll with one of our naturalists in tow is a fine way to introduce you to the Malabar coasts.

Day 13: Mararikulam - Cochin [By Surface 50 kms / 1½ hrs]

Today you will be driven from Marari to Cochin Kochi, or more familiarly Cochin, is a city of many parts and is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port which became the principal harbour for Malabar coast’s spice trade. Around for a long, long time, Kochi played a pivotal role in the development of shipping and trade in the region. Kochi's prime location on the west coast, its fine bay and protected harbor made it popular with seafarers and merchant ships who made frequent stops to stock up on spices, coffee and wood enroute to the rich markets of Europe and West Asia. And so down the ages, Kochi prospered as a busy port city and commercial centre. Its seafront is still extremely relevant to Cochin and to India: it houses a Naval Base and one of India’s busiest ports. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities.

Upon arrival proceed for check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin.

First proceed to Mattancherry and visit the oldest Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays Saturdays & All the Jewish holidays) in India, built in 1568 AD. It was destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt by the Dutch a century later. Then visit The Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays) - which was built in 1555 and its coronation hall and murals at Ramayana are noteworthy features. Continue your drive to Chinese Fishing nets. The cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the Harbour mouth. Chinese traders are believed to have originally introduced them in the 14 th century although, today parts of the nets are known by Portuguese names. Your next stop will be St. Francis Church, originally named after Santo Antonio and dedicated to him as the Patron Saint of Portugal; St. Francis Church is the first church to have been in the new European influenced tradition. Originally a wooden building was replaced by the present stone building. Vasco De Gamma died on the site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery here. 14 years later his mortal remains were retrieved and sent to Portugal. The Church was renamed St. Francis in 1663 AD.

In the evening, you will be taken to a Kathakali dance centre where you will witness the most elaborate of the dance forms in southern India. Here you will witness the artists readying themselves up with the make up for the final performance. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian religious epics and Puranas.

Day 14: Depart Cochin [BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT]

Today you will bid farewell to South India. Our Representative will transfer you to the International Airport to board your flight for onward journey.