Day 1 Chennai (Madras)
On arrival at chennai International Airport for you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Chennai is an old port that retains a distinct atmosphere that combines Tamil traditions with a long and still visible British legacy. Chennai grew to become a key commercial city of colonial days, generously endowed with striking Indo-Saracenic public buildings. It is the gateway to the sunny south and is the seat of ancient Civilization where one can still enjoy the old world charm. Splendid strains of classical music and India's living traditions are savoured from Madras).

Day 2 Chennai (Madras)
Late morning sightseeing of Chennai city visiting the National Art Gallery and Museum, St. Mary's Church, San Thome Cathedral, St George's Fort and drive along the Marina Beach. Rest of the day at leisure or local visits by car.

Day 3 Chennai/Mamallapuram/Pondicherry
Morning drive to Pondicherry (4 hrs driving time) visiting Mammalapuram en route.

(Mamallapuram is an eclectic combination of 7th to 8th century Pallava temples & carvings, and beaches. This World Heritage Site has four kinds of rock structure: cut-out monolithic rock temples, each from a single rock; cut-in cave temples; temples built from multiple pieces and materials; and bas-relief sculptures carved on large rocks.)
On arrival at Pondicherry, stay at Hotel for 2 nights (Air-conditioned room, Standard Grade Colonial Style Hotel).

Day 4 Pondicherry
Late morning sightseeing of Pondicherry visiting the French part of the city, The Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the international township of Auroville. Rest of the day at leisure or other local sightseeing.
(Pondicherry is an interesting coastal city and a former French colony. The town has a grid layout, split north-south by a canal that once divided the French quarter (edging the sea) from the Indian quarter inland. The French quarter has interesting historic buildings including ornate Catholic churches. For the philosophically or spiritually inclined, there is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram where the inmates practice an integral Yoga. Also nearby is the beautifully landscaped international township of Auroville)

Day 5 Pondicherry/Tanjore
Morning drive to Tanjore (5 hrs driving time) visiting Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram en route. Overnight at Hotel for 2 nights (Air-conditioned Room, Standard Grade Modern Hotel).
(Tanjore is an ancient city more than 2500 years old. It was the capital of the Chola Empire and has been the political, religious and literary centre of the South. Its 11th century Brihadeshwara temple has been designated a World Heritage monument. Its audacious conception and scale, perfect symmetry and incredible sculptural finesse make it one of India's greatest temples).

Day 6 Tanjore
Morning sightseeing of Tanjore visiting Brihadeeswara temple, Art Gallery and the Palace Library. Afternoon excursion to Trichy visiting Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple and the Rock Fort temple. (Tiruchirapalli or Trichy is a sprawling historic town, which is now a thriving commercial centre. At the temple town of Srirangam looms the 5th century Sri Ranganatha Swami temple, a labyrinthine Vishnuite monument that encloses courtyards, homes, shops and shrines. The Rock Fort Temple is atop a massive outcrop of rock and is reached by climbing 437 steps. The stiff climb is well worth it for the views).

Day 7 Tanjore/Madurai
Late morning drive to Madurai (4 hrs driving time). Afternoon at leisure to explore the colourful bazaars. Overnight at for 2 nights (Air-conditioned Room, First Class Period Hotel). In the evening visit Nayatkar Temple for the light and sound show.

Day 8 Madurai
Morning sightseeing of Madurai visiting the Meenakshi temple complex. Rest of the day at leisure or more sights.

(Madurai is one of the oldest cities of south India and had originally been designed in a lotus motif. It is an extremely sacred city and here lies the renowned Meenakshi Temple. The vast walled complex of the temple with its shadowy chambers, tank, carved columns, shrines and courtyards built between twelve towering gopurams is considered south India's finest example of Dravidian architecture).

Day 9 Madurai/Coonoor
Early start for the long drive to Coonoor (7 hrs driving time). Overnight at Hotel for 3 nights (Standard Room, First Class Period Hotel).

(Coonoor is a peaceful old-fashioned hill station situated at an altitude of 1860 metres. There are plenty of opportunities for long walks. There is a lovely botanical garden besides excursions to nearby scenic spots and tea plantations).

Day 10 Coonoor & Ooty
Toy train ride from Connoor to Ooty.

Rest of the day to visit upper Coonnoor including Sims Botanical Park. The car will meet you for sightseeing and bring you back to Coonoor

Day 11 Coonoor & Ooty
Day at leisure to walk in the hills or visit the tea plantations and other scenic spots (Dodabetta peak, or boating on Pykara Lake or Kotagiri) as you wish.

Day 12 To Mysore
Morning drive to Mysore (4 hrs driving time). Afternoon sightseeing of Mysore visiting Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, St Philomena's Cathedral and the colourful Devaraja market. Overnight at Hotel for 2 nights (Palace Room- Standard Grade Heritage Hotel).

(Mysore is a pleasant town with tree-lined streets and well-maintained historic buildings. Dubbed as the 'city of palaces', few Indian cities can rival the stately charm and easygoing atmosphere of Mysore. The Maharaja's Palace stands within walled gardens and was designed in typical Indo-Saracenic style, sprouting turrets, arches and columns. The inside of the palace is remarkable for its decoration and craftsmanship. Chamundi Hill is crowned by a 12th century temple and is dedicated to Mysore's ruling goddess, Chamundi. Also here is a superb 5 metre tall black Nandi bull. St Philomena's Church is one of the largest in India. Built in a Gothic style, it has beautiful stained windows).

Day 13 Mysore
Full day excursion to Srirangapatnam, Somnathpur and Ranganithoo Bird Sanctuary.
(Srirangapatnam was the headquarters of Tipu Sultan, the conqueror of the Mysore's Wodeyar family and who lost to the Britishers. Tipu's summer palace is an exquisitely decorated 1784 teak structure. lovely Moghul gardens. Superb frescoes illustrate various battles, and upstairs a collection of paintings and memorabilia overlooks the lovely moghul gardens.

Somnathpur is a magnificent 13th century star-shaped temple in the Hoysala style. The exterior walls of the temple are frescoed with episodes from the epics).

Day 14 Mysore/Nagarhole
Late morning drive to Nagarhole National Park (2 hrs driving time). Afternoon organised game viewing at Nagarhole National Park with park ranger. Overnight at Resort Lodge for 2 nights (Cottage Accommodation - Character Standard Grade Jungle Lodge).

(Nagarhole National Park has a rich habitat and is one of the finest Parks in south India. Nagarhole is home to the big four, i.e. Tiger, Leopard, Elephant and Gaur (Indian Bison). Besides the above you may spot Dhole (wild dog), Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer and the magnificent Malabar Giant Squirrel. You can also take a coracle (a round basket-shaped boat) ride to approach some mammals and birds. Besides about 30 species of mammals there are more than 240 species of birds).

Day 15 Nagarhole
Morning and afternoon game viewing at Nagarhole National Park by Jeep, Elephant (subject to availability) as well as Coracle all included in price.

Day 16 Nagarhole/Bangalore/Cochin (Overnight Train)
Morning at leisure. afternoon drive to Bangalore for sightseeing and in time for your overnight train to Cochin
Depart Bangalore Kanyakumari Express 2100 hrs
(Air-conditioned 3 Tier Sleeper)
Overnight on the train. Reservations in second class a/c sleeper with lower bunks in main part of cabin

Day 17 Cochin
Arrive Cochin 0930 hrs.Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for you to explore - the car will be at your disposal until an early evening Kathakali dance performance. Overnight at Hotel for 2 nights. (Air-conditioned Room, Superior Modern Hotel)

(Cochin has a history stretching back to the time of King Solomon, when it was known as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Arabian, Phoenician and Chinese traders all stopped here in search of spices, silks and sandalwood. Marco Polo and Vasco da Gama followed, as did the Dutch East India Company and later the British. Today, Christians, Jews, Muslims and Hindus still live side by side, and Chinese fishing-nets, introduced by merchants from the court of Kublai Khan, continue to haul in fish. The adjoining backwaters make it a popular destination).

Day 18 Cochin
Morning sightseeing of Cochin visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon at leisure or more sightseeing and an included evening boat trip on the river.

Day 19 Cochin/Munnar
Morning drive to Munnar (4 hrs) plus local sightseeing by car. Rest of the day at leisure to explore. Overnight at Resort for 2 nights (Standard Grade Lodge in 66 acres of plantations).

(Munnar is a quiet hill station located at an altitude of 1600 metres. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns and winding lanes make this region a sight to savour).

Day 20 Munnar
Day at leisure to visit the Eravikulam National Park, tea plantations or other scenic spots.

Day 21 Munnar/Periyar National Park
Morning drive to Periyar National Park (4 hrs). Afternoon game viewing by boat on Lake Periyar. Overnight at Resort for 2 nights (First Class Lodge in a traditional style).

(Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats. The centre piece of the Park is the 5500-hectare Periyar Lake. Periyar has one of the richest habitats for large mammals, as it provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses. Here it is possible to see large herds of Indian Elephant as well as Nilgiri Langur. There are more than 30 species of mammals including Tiger, Gaur (Indian Bison), Sloth Bear etc, as also a very rich birdlife including the Great Indian Hornbill. To maintain the sanctity of the Park, game viewing is only allowed by boat rides on the lake).

Day 22 Periyar
Optional dawn guided jungle walk. Also visit the nearby bustling town of Kumily.

Day 23 Periyar National Park/Kumarakom
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom (3 hrs). Late afternoon proceed for an unforgettable sunset boat cruise on Vembanad lake. Overnight at Resort for 2 nights (First Class Resort in a traditional style along the backwaters).

(Kumarakom is a nature's paradise on the shores of the Vembanad Lake. It's exotic houseboats and many backwater channels (waterways) make it an ideal place to undertake a backwater cruise. The eastern shore of the lake is a bird sanctuary).

Day 24 Kumarakom
Late morning boat trip to Kumarakom Bird Sanctury and Back to Resort. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 25 Kumarakom/Backwaters (On Board Houseboat)
Early morning board the Ketttuvalam (Houseboat) for overnight stay on board and cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. The backwaters are a maze of bridges and canals set in a labyrinth of backwater channels laced with endless stretches of lakes and lagoons. Over 900 km of this intricate network is navigable. This is the best place to explore the unspoilt countryside of Kerala. Overnight on Houseboat.

(Ketttuvalams - the traditional houseboats of Kerala are one of the most enduring images of the backwaters. These palm covered country boats are designed to navigate the narrow canals, myriad network of silent lagoons and fresh waters rivers. Kettuvalams offer one of the worlds best experiences. Winding their way through Hyacinth covered canals, colourful corridors of forests, palm and fruit tress makes them relaxing and romantic. Houseboats are fully staffed and fresh vegetables and southern delicacies are cooked on board for the guests).

Day 26 Alleppey
After breakfast you complete your cruise at Alleppey. Rest of the day at leisure to explore this delightful town - also known as Venice of the East. Stay at Resort for 1 night (Boutique Heritage Home)

(Alleppey is a region of immense beauty. with the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss crossing it. Alleppey is also referred as the 'Venice of the East' and is famous for its boat races and houseboat holidays).

Day 27 To Kovalam
Morning transfer to Kovalam (4 hrs), stopping enroute at Trivandrum for a city sightseeing tour. Stay at Hotel for 2 nights. (Beach - side room, First Class Heritage Beach Resort) No car on day 28

Day 29
Early morning transfer from Kovalam to Trivandrum airport to to catch your flight for onward destination with unforgettable memories.