Chennai - Tanjore - Trichy - Madurai - Periyar - Cochin - Alleppey - Champakkulam
13 Nights – 12 Days

Day 01 : Arrival in Chennai
Arrival in Chennai and be met with our executive welcoming you to India with fresh flowers. Transfer to the hotel for immediate occupancy of the rooms already reserved for you. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 02 : Chennai
Chennai, the cultural center and gateway to South India is a fascinating jumble, dominated by glittering high-rise emporia and corporate buildings. But between all these, you can see the sights of colonial history and splendid strains of classical music. Chennai still has a traditional charm of its ancient past. Shored along the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has evolved from a tiny fishing village to the country's fourth-largest city. Your sightseeing will include all the major attractions of the city like Fort St. George, 17th century British military High court, Marina Beach, Government Museum Complex, Parthasarathi Temple, Sri Kapaleswarar Temple etc. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 03 : Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (approx 125 Kms total)
In the morning, proceed towards Mahabalipuram (Mammallapuram) via Kanchipuram, which was the ancient capital of the Pallavas. It is famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks and Sarees. After sightseeing of Kanchipuram, continue journey to Mahabalipuram. Overnight at a beach resort in Mahabalipuram.

Day 04 : Mahabalipuram
Among the most outstanding examples of architecture, Mammallapuram or commanly known as Mahabalipuram stands as a silent witness to the glory of its creators and sculptors. In a land liberally strewn with stone carved temples, Rathas and exquisitely carved stonewalls, this thriving port city, was given the lease of life, through the chisels of Pallavas. Breathtakingly manmade & natural beauty of Mahabalipuram attracts tourists, due to its monumental splendor and sunny beaches. Sightseeing Tour of the city including all the Temples and monuments like seven pagoda (Shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea) and the seven Rathas (temple chariots), animal figures carved out of solid rock (the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture) etc. Most of them were constructed during 7th Century. Evening is free to enjoy the beaches. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 05 : Mahabalipuram to Tanjore (250 Kms)
In the morning, proceed towards Tanjore by car. Enroute visit to famous temples of Chidambaram including Nataraj Temple (This is a huge temple covering an area of 40 acres and one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The roof of the sanctum sanctrorum is covered with gold plates. The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features of the Temple). After sightseeing, continue journey to Tanjore. Overnight in Tanjore.

Day 06 : Tanjore
With its winding streets and alleys, it is the center of all the classical arts and music. Well known for its unique painting style called Thanjavur Painting, and Thavil - a percussion instrument, Thanjavur has produced many classical musicians and dancers. Once occupying a proud position among the emperors of Chola Dynasty, as their capital and most treasured territory, for some of their most magnificent creations, Thanjavur houses many good monuments. It is also called the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. Your city Tour will include Brahadeeswara temple, the magnificent palace, Rajah Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal Library, and Art Gallery. Evening is at leisure. Overnight in Thanjavur.

Day 07 : Tanjore to Madurai (220 Kms)
In the morning, drive to Madurai. Megaphones (302 BC), Pliny (77AD) and Ptolemy (140 AD) wrote of Madurai, the kingdom of the Pandian. Macro Polo visited Madurai in 1293 AD and Ibn Batuta in 1333 AD. Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai. The temple and the old city are on the southern bank, while modern Madurai with its textile mills, engineering industries and large university sprawls around. After check in to the hotel , go for Half day city tour that includes Meenakshi Temple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam etc. Overnight in Madurai.

Day 08 : Madurai to Periyar (140 Kms)
In the morning, proceed towards Periyar by car. It is one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where one can watch wildlife at close range. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The wildlife includes tigers, the majestic wild elephants, Nilgiri langur, wild boar, wild dog, bison, bear and leopards. A cruise through the waters of Periyar lake around which the wild -life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience. After check-into Hotel, go for the boat-cruise in the sanctuary to view wildlife. Overnight in Periyar.

Day 09 : Periyar to Kumarakom (130 Kms)
In the morning, drive towards Kumarakom. It is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating destination in Kerala. The slender coconut palms, paddy fields, meandering lagoons and above all backwaters are main attraction of the town. During your visit to Kumarakom, you can visit the places like Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, the ancient town of Kottayam (famous for its churches, especially the 700 years-old churches), Bay Island Museum, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and world famous magnificent Back Waters. Kumarakom,one of the very few places in the world, where main mode of transportation is through the water ways. Overnight at Houseboat / Resort in Kumarakom.

Day 10 : Kumarakom to Cochin (85 Kms)
Morning is free to enjoy the natural beauty of Kumarakom and take a leisurly boat ride on the backwaters. After lunch, proceed towards Cochin by car. Affectionately called the queen of the Arabian sea, Cochin is situated on the western Indian coast and falls under the state of Kerala. It is also known as commercial capital of Kerala. Evening is free for shopping or other leisure activities. Overnight in Cochin. Please note that you can also avail the option of cruising through the backwaters from Kumarakom to Cochin instead of going by road. It is subject to availability.

Day 11 : Cochin
Today go for the City Tour of Cochin with exclusive guide. Your sightseeing will include all the attractions of Cochin like Mattancherry Dutch Palace (built by the Portuguese and presented to the king of Cochin in 1555 A.D. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace), the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church (Located at the Fort, this Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India), Chinese fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, MUSEUM OF KERALA HISTORY etc. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 12 : Cochin to Ooty (280 Kms)
In the morning, proceed towards Ooty by car. Ooty also known as "Queen of hill stations". It is one of the most popular Hill resorts in India situated in Nilgiri range. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the British Empire rule over India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Ooty is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track. Its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. Evening is free to enojoy the natural beauty of Blue Mountains. Overnight in Ooty.

Day 13 : Ooty
Today go for the sightseieng of Ooty that includes, Botanical garden (laid out in 1847 and is spread over 55 acres. It houses rare tree species like the cork tree, the paper bark tree, the monkey puzzle tree - monkeys cannot climb this tree, a 20 million year old fossilized tree etc), boating in the Ooty lake, The tea plantation gardens, and also enjoy the above mention toy train journey. One can also opt for visit to Mudumulai Wildlife Sanctury (The most prominent of the wildlife sanctuaries in the state, thickly forested Mudumalai borders with Bandipur National Park. Apart from the wide range of animal and bird life, one can see the rich fauna of this sanctuary). Overnight in Ooty.

Day 14 : Ooty to Mysore (158 Kms)
In the morning, proceed towards Mysore by car. It is situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, in the state of Karnataka. From ancient times, this city has played a significant role in the history of South India. Inspite of being ruled by different Rulers and Kingdoms for ages, Mysore still retains its old charm and Stately beauty. Mysore is a very popular tourist destination, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendour of Mysore City and its fabulous Dashahera Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots. Overnight in Mysore.

Day 15 : Mysore
Today go for the City Tour of Mysore with exclusive guide. Your sightseeing will include all the attractions like magnificent Mysore Palace (Indo-Saracenic style built between 1897-1912 for the royal family), Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery (situated in Jagmohana Palace, displays sculptures, musical instruments and exquisite paintings dating back to 1875), St. Philomena's Church (beleived to be modeled on the Gothic Cathedral at Cologne, designed by French architects). and Chamundi Hill (at the crest of this hill is 11th century Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. The striking Pyramidal Temple tower was added in 1825-1826. Near the temple is the statue of Mahishasura, the demon slayed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari). Overnight in Mysore.

Day 16 : Mysore - Bangalore to Chennai
In the morning, proceed towards Bangalore. After arrival in Bangalore, start your local sightseeing tour with our guide. Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka. This Garden City has well - laid out parks, gardens, long avenues of blossoming trees and salubrious climate. Emerging as the hi-tech capital of India, it still retains a charm that is totally Indian. Founded in 1537 by a local Chieftain Kempe Gowda, Bangalore has changed dramatically over the years. There are numerous 'not-to-be-missed' sights in Bangalore like the magnificent Vidhana Soudha (Legislative House, that resembles little bit with Capital Building of Washington DC), sprawling Cubbon Park, Colourful Lalbagh etc. After sightseeing, proceed to airport to catch the evening flight to Chennai. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 17 : Chennai
The days is free for your shopping and last day packing. Proceed to Airport as per your airlines timings to catch the flight back home.