After breakfast we will proceed for Chennai sightseeing.

Drive past Fort St George (or historically, White Town) is the first English (later British) fortress in India, founded in 1644 at the coastal city of Madras, the modern city of Chennai. The fort was named after St George who is believed to have preached in the region. The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings.

Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Thomas. In the whole world, there are only three churches built over the tomb of an Apostle of Jesus Christ- the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Thomas built in Chennai. His body was buried on the spot over which the present Basilica stands. The shrine was restored in 2004.

Kapaleeswarar Temple (Kapaleeshwara). One of Chennai's oldest and best-known temples, said to date to the 8th century. Notable above all for its soaring, incredibly detailed 37m Gopurams (entrance gate). There is a large water tank behind the temple, used for the Thaipusam festival.

Marina Beach is 12 kms long and offers excellent opportunities for walks and has a very wide sandy foreshore. The Marina of Madras is the second longest urban beach in the world. Along the shore, there are many buildings built during the British colonial rule. It is the most popular gathering place for locals. Watching the sunrise from the beach is an experience by itself. It's not a swimming beach. Back to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel

This morning we drive 64km south to Kanchipuram, the ancient capital of the Pallavas. It is one of the seven sacred cities of India and attracts a large number of visitors. Dating back to the 2nd Century, the region originally had 1,000 unique temples, of which about 200 still exist.

The 7th-century Kailasnatha Temple is the oldest and also considered the most beautiful of the town's temples. The Varadaraja Temple was built by Vijayanagara Kings in the 16th Century. The main shrine is on an elephant shaped rock. Other temples include the Ekambaresvara Temple and the Vaikunth Perumal Temple. Kanchipuram is also famous for silk textiles so before leaving we visit the Shreenivas Silk House.

Next we drive to the coastal temple town of Mamallapuram, also called Mahabalipuram, to see the rock carvings which date from the 7th and 8th centuries. Here we will see the Shore Temple, the Panch Pandava Rathas and Varaha Cave before returning to Chennai. 

Please note at the temples there is little to no sun protection or shade. Please remember to bring a hat and sunscreen with you. The streets surrounding the temples are filled with markets and locals selling crafts, jewellery and snacks. If you do not wish to purchase anything, please be polite and firmly decline and keep walking along with the group..

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry. On arrival check into hotel.

Later proceed to visit Sri Aurobindo ashram, the Auroville complex, the French quarter. The world-famous Sri Aurobindo ashram is situated here. The Auroville complex is the brainchild of "the mother". The late French woman devotee of Sri Aurobindo to whom the spiritual authority was passed on after the death of Sri Aurobindo.

Later visit the French Quarters of Pondicherry. Marvel at the architecture, which has an imposing French style as an impact of the French colonial powers here. Also visit the museum where the history stands still. Explore the places around before returning to the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive to Tanjore, on arrival check into hotel.

Tanjore - The beautiful Chola temple of Brihadeeshwara is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighting 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp, bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of a visit to south India.

Afternoon visit the world-renowned Brihadeeswara temple built by the great Emperor Raja Raja Chola I. The temple is still an engineering mystery for its huge linga and the bull idols, the tallest sanctum tower, and a monolithic stone weighing 80 tonnes atop the tower. Due to its magnificence, the temple is called the "Big Temple." After thoroughly enjoying the architectural excellence, visit the Museum and Palace, icons of Maratha rulers in Tanjore.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast, drive to Madurai, upon arrival at Madurai check into hotel.

Afternoon Visit the great Meenakshi temple (also referred to as Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi-Sundareshwara Temple), is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva. The temple is at the centre of the ancient temple city of Madurai.  Though the temple has historic roots, most of the present campus structure was rebuilt after the 14th century CE, further repaired, renovated and expanded in the 17th century by Thirumalai Nayak. The Meenakshi temple also includes Lakshmi, flute playing Krishna, Rukmini, Brahma, Saraswati, other Vedic and Puranic deities. The large temple complex is the most prominent landmark in Madurai and attracts tens of thousands visitors a day. The Temple has been adjudged best ‘Swachh Iconic Place’ in India as on October 1, 2017 under Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's Flagship Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast, drive to Rameswaram, revered as South Kasi. Witness the stunning architecture of the Pamban Bridge. Check into the hotel and relax for a while.

Later proceed to visit Ramanathaswamy temple, which has high relevance to the great Indian epic Ramayana. After conquering the demon king Ravan, it is believed that Lord Rama did a special pooja to the presiding deity here. In that way, the temple became very significant. Also, the longest corridors with intricately carved sculptures on both sides receive universal admiration. Also visit Agni Theertham, Floating stone (believed to have been used during the construction of Ramasethu Bridge when Lord Rama and his battalions wanted to cross the sea), and Ramar Patham (believed to be the imprint of Lord Rama's feet during his visit here). Before returning to the hotel, visit Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Memorial and take a short excursion to Dhanushkodi, the razed city after its destruction in 1964. Return to hotel after visiting all the locations.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

Kanyakumari is the land’s end of India where the water of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and The Indian Ocean meet. An important pilgrim centre of India, it is famous for the Amman temple – a symbol of unity and sanctity – dedicated to the virgin goddess, Kanyakumari. To its South-East lies the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a blend of all the architectural style of India.  

 Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast, drive to Kovalam. On arrival transfer to hotel.

Kovalam is one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. The surf here is ideal for surf-riding and the water invites the visitor to ride the Catamaran or Log, with the fisherman, or to take a cool swim. Nearby is the Beach Centre of aquatic sports. At the yoga and health centre, Yoga classes and transcendental meditation are held. Ayurveda oil massages and oil baths are given by experts (on direct payment basis).

Overnight stay at hotel

Breakfast at hotel. Rest day free to roam around the beach. (No transport).

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast, drive to Periyar.

Thekkady is the location of the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction for South Indians. Situated in Kerala, close to the Kerala - Tamil Nadu border town - Kumily, it is located about 114 km from Madurai City, 185 km from Cochin International Airport and 114 km from Kottayam railway station. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands so as the home to herds of elephants, sambar and tigers.

On arrival check in the hotel.

Later Visit the Spice Plantations. Over twelve varieties of spices are cultivated in and around Kumily. The spice plantation tour covers spice plantations such as cardamom, pepper, vanilla, clove, nutmeg etc. and also some Ayurvedic plants and herbs. The duration of the trip is normally one to two hours (optional extra). The service of an experienced guide will give full and detailed explanation of the plants and its uses.

Overnight stay at hotel

After Breakfast visit Periyar National Park.

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, south India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area covers an area of 925 km2 (357 sq mi). 350 km2  (140sq mi) of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982.

The park is often called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Thekkady. It is located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the southern Western Ghats along the border with Tamil Nadu. It is 4 km (2.5 mi) from Kumily, approximately 100 km (62 mi) east of Kottayam, 110 km (68 mi) west of Madurai and 120 km (75 mi) southeast of Kochi

This Afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake. Periyar is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. A boat ride on the splendid Periyar Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast and drive to Alleppey and transfer to jetty to board the houseboat.

 Alleppey (Alappuzha) is an alluring town with its lovely lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers and is a major Backwater tourism destination today. Referred to as the "Venice of the East", Alappuzha is laced with a network of natural canals called Backwaters and is famous for its Boat races, Houseboats, beaches, marine products and Coir industry. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and waterways crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. The most exciting thing on the Backwaters today is the 'Kettuvallam'(traditional Houseboat), which has become the most popular tourism product in Kerala. The Kettuvallam are an improvisation on the large country barges that ruled the backwaters, poled along by one or two men, heavily loaded with rice, coconuts and other commodities.

Overnight stay at hotel

Breakfast at hotel.After breakfast proceed to Munnar.

Munnar is a hill station on the Western Ghats, a range of mountains situated in the Idukki, Kerala. The name Munnar is believed to mean "three rivers", referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the Madhurapuzha and Kundaly rivers. The nearest major railway stations to the place are at Ernakulum and Aluva while the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 105 kilometres away. Most of the native flora and fauna of Munnar continue to survive and thrive.

One of the most popular hill station in Southern India Known for its sprawling tea garden.

Evening enjoy Kalaripayattu. Considered among the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu was developed in Kerala. Lauded as the pride of Kerala, it is acknowledged and respected across the world. The training begins with an oil massage of the entire body until it is agile and supple. Feats like jumping, running and somersault are also integral parts of the art form. There are also lessons in using weapons like swords, daggers, spears, maces, and bows and arrows. The primary aim is the ultimate coordination between mind and body.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast drive through the tea estates and visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo point, Kundala Lake.

 Mattupetty Situated at a height of 1700 Mts, Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-swiss livestock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm.

The Mattupetty Lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Echo Point (15 km from Munnar): This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Kundala Lake: Kundala is a picturesque place, about 20 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station. It is at a height of 1700 meters above sea level. It is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from Munnar. In Kundala, cherry blossoms appear twice in a year. The famous Neela Kurunji flowers which bloom once in twelve years, bloom in the hills and valleys around Kundala Lake. There is an artificial dam in Kundala which is another major attraction here. It is Asia’s first Arch dam. The boating experience at this dam is a wonderful experience beyond words.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast and drive straight to Cochin. On arrival transfer to hotel.

One of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin, has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala’s commercial hub.

Afternoon city tour of Cochin.

Your tour of the city starts with a visit to fort Cochin with the first stop being the St.Francis church, India’s oldest European built church. Proceed on to the large pastel colored Santa Cruz Basilica. Strung out along the tip of Fort Cochin the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets provide an interesting sight. The next stop on your tour of Cochin is the Mattancherry palace, the home of the former Raja of Cochin. The palace houses an interesting collection of murals from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata etc. The last stop on your tour of Cochin is the Jewish Synagogue or the Magen David Synagogue. Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth.

In the evening, witness Kathakali dance performance.

 Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, dates from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance.

Kathakali draws heavily from drama and is danced with elaborate masks and costumes. Kathakali recitals are generally long and while other dance forms are more emotive than narrative, Kathakali is both. It combines dance with dialogue to bring myth and legend to life in the temple courtyards of Kerala. The dancers use their stunning costumes and make- up, with the accompaniment of drums and vocalists, to create various moods and emotions.

Overnight stay at hotel

After Breakfast you will be transfered to Cochin International airport to board flight for onward Journeys.

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In all hotels the Check-in time is 1500 Hours and Check-out is 1100 Hours at noon.