Day 01 Arrive Chennai (By Flight)
Arrive Chennai meet-assist at airport with fresh flower garlands & transfer to hotel.
After breakfast full day Sightseeing of Chennai.

Chennai: formerly called Madras, Originally Chennai was a cluster of villages, perched amidst paddy fields, bordered by palm trees. Attraction, Fort ST. George: was built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon. Marina Beach: ANNA Memorial: the memorial for ARINZAR ANNADURAI. San Thome Basilica: at the south end of Marina Beach was named after Saint Thomas “doubting apostle of Jesus Christ”.
Overnight in Chennai.

Day 02 Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram (By Road) (138 kms / 1.2 hrs)
After breakfast leave by private car to Mahabalipuram on the way stop at Kanchipuram. On arrival city tour of Mahabalipuram.

Kanchipuram: Situated in the northern part of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is the city of thousand temples and one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. Tourist Attractions: The Ekambaranathar Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Varadaraja Temple, Kailasanathar Temple and the Kamakshi Amman Temple.

Mahabalipuram: The temple town of Mahabalipuram is famous for its various temples and other attractive features. This 7th century city of the Pallavas is considered pioneer in the Dravidian architectural style. The city was earlier called Mallapuram and was a famous trading port of Pallavas. During your Mahabalipuram tour, you will come across many interesting tourism spots. Some of the best ones are as follows.

Arjuna’s Penance – Arjuna’s Penance is the pride of not only Mahabalipuram and Tamilnadu but also of India. Arjuna’s Penance is the world’s largest bas-relief that measures 27 meters and 9 meters along its length and breadth respectively. This huge whaleback shaped rock contains figures of Gods, Demigods, Men, Beasts and Birds. The whole structure looks like the penance of Arjuna, the Pandava prince and one of the protagonists of Indian epic Mahabharata; hence the name.

Five Rathas – Five Rathas are the one of the most magnificent tourist attractions at Mahabalipuram Beaches. Five Rathas are actually five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are modeled around chariots that are called ‘Rathas’ in Hindi. They are also known as the ‘Pancha Pandava Rathas’, which means that each one of them represent 5 Pandavas, the protagonists of Indian epic Mahabharata..

Dakshinachitra – A must visit site on the Mahabalipuram beach is Dakshinachitra, a heritage village that is the brainchild of the Ministry of Culture. The village falls to your left when you start moving from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.

Shore Temples – Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples in South India and the oldest one based on the Dravidian style architecture. It belongs to the early 8th century AD and is considered a pioneer in the Dravidian temple art. The monuments are floodlit at night in order to make it visible in the night. In fact, the temple looks great in moonlit night. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Day 03 Mahabalipuram – Tanjore (By Road) (275 Kms. / 6H 30M appx.)
After breakfast leave by private car to Tanjore.
Enroute visit Pondicherry, Chidambaram and Kumbakonam.

Pondicherry: It is a city of southeast India on the Bay of Bengal south-southwest of Chennai (Madras). Pondicherry Temples: Most of the temples around Pondicherry are dedicated to Ganesh, the Destroyer of all Obstacles. The Pondicherry Museum: It showcases an eclectic collection of art, Pallava sculptures, handicraft, weaponry, archaeology, geology and the old French Governor Duplex’s bed, an old palanquin and other interesting things.

Later continue drive towards Tanjore.
Arrive and check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Tanjore.

Day 04 Tanjore – Trichy – Chettinadu – Madurai  (226 Km/ 4H 55M)
After breakfast city tour of Tanjore and then leave for excursion by private car to Trichy.

At Tanjore, the capital and spiritual heart of the Chola, the brightest of the dynasties of southern India, the temple of Brihadishvara celebrated with pomp his protector, Shiva. Served by substantial resources, architects of the year by miles conjuguèrent rigor symbolic spatial organization and the monumental, building the tallest tower Vimana of India, crowned by a monolith of 80 tonnes and perfection art, dazzling in the multitude of reliefs that decorate the walls of the temple.
Religious work unmatched in South India, bold continuation of the prestigious heritage of the Pallava art, the temple was also intended as a monument to the glory of Chola Kings, celebrating their power stretching, a rare example in history of India, beyond the seas. Nayak’s palace we visit the museum, which exhibits a remarkable collection of Chola bronzes.

Afternoon drive towards Trichy and on arrival sightseeing of Trichy.

Apart from Trichy, dominated by its citadel located on a rocky outcrop, the temple of Ranganatha Swamy is the immense sanctuary of India. On an island designed by the river Kaveri, the temple city, including the outer wall defines a perimeter of 60 hectares divided by seven successive ramparts, traces the history of the country. This is where the Vishnu has developed, particularly under the leadership of the great philosopher Ramajuna.

Since time immemorial, each sovereign wished to honor Vishnu by increasing his wealth by successive additions. If the heart of the sanctuary remains inaccessible to non-Hindus, you will discover, immersed in the crowd of the faithful, the magic of exploring the plethora of speakers, door gopuram, courses hypostyle temples and annexes to the above, between high the thirteenth and eighteenth century, especially in the Madurai Nayak dynasty.

Along the way, we stop at Chettinad, a small town museum where you can discover very nice “houses palace” abandoned or inhabited, built in the nineteenth century by wealthy families of merchants or bankers. It is a small interlude out of the ordinary and that we can see another architectural aspect of this region.

Later, transfer to Madurai.
Overnight in Madurai.

Day 05 Madurai
Breakfast and departure by road to reach Madurai, the cultural capital of the Tamil country which opens like a fan delta of the Kaveri, which was the capital of the Cholas, the most brilliant ever known kingdom in South India .
Arrive and transfer to hotel.

Madurai – Originally known as Madhurapuri got its name from the falling of divine nectar from Lord Shiva’s rocks. This ancient city has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Madurai is believed that this is more than 2500 years old ancient city, situated on the banks of the river Vaigai Madurai is believed to have been built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara.

PM: Visit Meenakshi temple and watch night ceremony.

This temple is the city’s main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town – a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structures know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meters.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 Madurai – Periyar (By Road) (168 kms / 4 hrs approx)
After breakfast, sightseeing of Madurai.
Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Alagar Kovil.

Later, drive by private AC vehicle to Periyar.
On arrival check into your respective hotel.

Periyar: tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq. km. Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. The ancient Mangala Devi temple is perched atop a thickly wooded hill and affords a panoramic view of the scenic surroundings. The temple is located 15 km from Thekkady.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 Periyar (By Road) (168 kms / 4 hrs approx)
After breakfast, city tour of Periyar.
Visit Elephant Junction, Spice Gardens.
Boat ride in Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Overnight in Periyar.

Day 08 Periyar–Alleppey (131 km/3 hrs)/Alleppey–Kumarakom (Houseboat)
Breakfast and departure by road to Alleppey.
On arrival, we go into the cruise which take you the backwater for 2.5 hours and get down in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom – is an enchanting backwater destination in Kerala. This village is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, in the Kuttanad region of Kottayam district. The place is just the perfect choice for a traveler to enjoy the beauty of nature, while relaxing amidst tranquil backwaters. The beauty of the place is captivating and would a leave lasting impression on your mind. From the mystical water to the evergreen trees, the experience of visiting Kumarakom is worth having. The mangrove trees, paddy fields and blue lagoons give a pictorial beauty to the place. Basking in the blissful glory of sunlight, fishing, canoeing or sightseeing, whatever you chose to do in Kumarakom, everything will add to its appeal and attraction.
Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 09 Kumarakom – Cochin (By Road) (53 kms / 1 hrs approx)
After breakfast, drive to Cochin.
Visit Fort Cochin, Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Jew Town, Marine Drive, Ernakulam Market.

Cochin – the palm green commercial town of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Known as commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi is also offers forts, palaces, beaches, backwaters, old churches, snakes boat races, Kathakali, and museums etc. Kochi is basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas which makes it more attractive for nature lovers. Cochin is sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’

Santa Cruz Basilica -This monumental church dates back to 1558 and has beautiful paintings on the ceiling.

St. Francis Church – Built in 1503 by Portuguese Friars, it is the India’s oldest European church. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of South India.

Mattancherry -Palace It was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Cochin. The Dutch renovated the palace in 1663. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the Puranic legends.

Evening, Kathakali dance show.
Overnight in Cochin.

Day 10 Cochin – Calicut (By Train) / Calicut – Ooty (By Road) (157 km/ 3 hrs)
After breakfast leave by train to Calicut (Depart on 06:45 AM / Arrival @ 10:55 AM), on arrival Visit Calicut.

Calicut, also known as Kozhikode is a city in the state of Kerala in southern India on the Malabar Coast. Calicut is the third largest city in Kerala and is part of the second largest urban agglomeration in Kerala.

During classical antiquity and the middle Ages, Calicut was dubbed the “City of Spices” for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. It was the capital of an independent kingdom ruled by the Samoothiris (Zamorins) in middle Ages and later of the erstwhile Malabar district under British rule. Muslim Arab merchants traded with the region as early as 7th century, and Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut on May 20, 1498. A Portuguese factory and fort was intact in Calicut for short period (1511–1525, until the Fall of Calicut), the English landed in 1615 (constructed a trading post in 1665), followed by the French (1698) and the Dutch (1752). In 1765, Mysore captured Calicut as part of its occupation of Malabar Coast. Calicut was given the tag of “City of Sculptures” (Shilpa Nagaram) because of the various architectural sculptures located in various parts of the city.

Calicut, once a famous cotton-weaving center, gave name to the Calico cloth.
After visiting Calicut leave for Ooty.
On arrival transfer to hotel & overnight in Ooty.

Day 11 Ooty
After breakfast, toy train ride from Udhagamandalam to Coonoor.
Enjoy beautiful toy train ride through hills of Ooty.
Visit Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Tea Factory, St. Stephens Church, Stone House.
Overnight in Ooty.

Ooty (short for Udhagamandalam) is a resort town in the Western Ghats mountains, in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state. Founded as a British Raj summer resort, it retains a working steam railway line. Other reminders of its colonial past include Stone House, a 19th-century residence, and the circa-1829 St. Stephen’s Church. Its 55-acre Government Botanical Garden lies on the slopes of Doddabetta Peak.

Ooty – also known as Udhagamandalam is the “Queen of hill stations” and the capital of Nilgiris district in South India. It is known for its pleasant climate, tea plantations, fruit orchards and scenic hills of the Nilgiris. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers. Tourist Attractions: Botanical Gardens, St. Stevens Church, Charing Cross, Fernhill Palace, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Kandal Cross, Kamaraj Sagar.

Day 12 Ooty – Bandipur (By Road) (49 Kms. / 1H 40M appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Bandipur.
On arrival, afternoon wildlife safari in Bandipur National Park.
Overnight in Bandipur.

Bandipur National Park, well-known for a high population of the big cats. Once you reach, complete the check-in formalities at your jungle lodge. The afternoon is free, take some rest. In the evening, participate in jungle activities- tiger tracking, bird watching, trekking or a nature walk.

Day 13 Bandipur – Mysore (By Road) (79 Kms. / 1H 50M appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Mysore.
On arrival, visit of Mysore.

Mysore – Today it has developed into a modern city like many other cities in the country. The city of Mysore is known as the ‘City Of Palaces’. There are number of buildings built by the Royal family Sight seeing tour of Mysore visiting the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with magnificent Archways, Domes, Turrets, Colonnades and Sculptures. Also visit the Art Gallery, drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back see the Nandi Bull -a monolith structure.
Overnight in Mysore.

Day 14 Mysore – Srirangapatna – Bangalore (By Road) (147 Kms. / 3H 40M)
After breakfast visit of Bangalore.
Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and government buildings.

Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) is the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state. The center of India’s high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife. By Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha is a Neo-Dravidian legislative building. Former royal residences include 19th-century Bangalore Palace, modeled after England’s Windsor Castle, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an 18th-century teak structure.

Bangalore is a booming city and considered fifth largest and the fastest growing city in Asia. There are a number of tourist attractions to visit in and around the city of Bangalore. Of historical, religious and contemporary interests, Sightseeing tour of the “Garden City” which covers the Lal Bagh having variety of old Trees, Fountains, Lotus, Pools, Terraces and an assortment of Tropical Herbs and Sub – Tropical Herbs.
Also see the Government Buildings and the Maharaja‘s Palace.
Overnight in Bangalore.

Day 15 Depart Bangalore (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Bangalore airport for flight to onward destination.