DAY 01

Reception on arrival at International airport and transfer to hotel.

Afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Chennai. The tour begins from the ‘St. Mary’s Church’, built in 1678 – 80, this was the first English Church in Chennai. Continue the tour to visit Saint Thomas Cathedral, built in 1504, then re-built in neo - gothic style in 1893, this Roman Catholic Church is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle. Later visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple, constructed in pure Dravidian style. Other attractions include the National Art Gallery and Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes, the bronze gallery, and archeological section. Drive past the High Court Building, Fort St. George and the famous film studios.

DAY 02

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Mahabalipuram. An ancient coastal port, south of Chennai, world famous for its shore temple. Mahabalipuram was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram, the first Tamil dynasty after the fall of the Gupta Empire. The whole of Mahabalipuram is a fabulous open-air museum of sculptures in living rock, Monolithic shrines scooped out caverns magnificently sculpted within and the world’s biggest Bas-relief in rock, are truly wondrous examples of the sculptor’s art. The famous temples of the Rathas, the Penance of Bhagirath, the Shore Temple and the eight Mandapams. (Shallow, rock cut halls) are also located at the beach.

Afternoon excursion to Kanchipuram - Kanchipuram is the golden city of a thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of India. Its many "gopurams’ can be seen while approaching the city from a long way off. Kanchipuram was successively the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas dynasties. During the 6^th and 7^th centuries, the Pallavas built some of the best temples here. The city was also a great seat of learning and Sri Sankaracharya, Appan, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bhikku Bodhidharma lived and worked here. Today, it is known not only for its temples but also for its hand-woven silk fabrics.

DAY 03

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer from hotel to the Railway Station in time to board train for Mysore:

Leave: Chennai at 0600 hours by SHATABDI EXP

Arrive: Mysore at 1300 hours

(Train operates daily except Tuesday)

Reception on arrival and transfer from Railway Station to hotel.

Mysore, the city of palaces – 17 in all – Although no longer a princely state, it retains its old charm and many buildings are adorned with domes, turrets and impressive archways. Also know as "Sandalwood City", it is a major center for the manufacture of incense. The city is a legacy of the famous warrior king Tipu Sultan, known for his victories over the Imperial British Armies. The city is also known for its silk processing and is a major center for nurturing silkworms.

Afternoon is at leisure.

In the evening we drive to the Brindavan Gardens, which have musical fountains that are beautifully illuminated at night. While returning to the hotel, stop for a while at local flower and incense market which is a treat to experience.

DAY 04

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mysore. On a hill overlooking the city is the temple to Chamundeswari, its patron goddess. The major tourist attraction is the "Mysore Palace". The beautiful profile of this walled Indo-Saracenic Palace, the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, graces the city skyline of Mysore city. The Mysore Arts and Crafts Centre is famous for its fine craftsmanship in wood, ivory, sandalwood and silk. The tour also includes a visit to the St. Philomena’s Church, one of the largest churches in the country, built in the Victorian-Gothic style.

In the afternoon, proceed for excursion to Somnathpur. This temple is dedicated to Shiva and is a marvelous example of Hoysala architecture with exquisite sculptures.

DAY 05

Bull Temple

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Mysore to Ooty (158 kms/5 hours)

On arrival check-in at hotel.

Afternoon is at leisure

DAY 06

Tea Garden

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, city sightseeing tour of Ooty, a quaint town located in the heart of the Nilgiris (Blue Mountains) on a plateau at a height of 2,287 m. To the northwest of Ooty, large grasslands & towns resemble the English countryside. While to the west, south and southwest, lofty hills add to the grandeur of the scenery. Visit the terraced Botanical Gardens which are a landmark in Ooty and have many rare trees and flowering plants.

Afternoon is free for independent activities and an optional visit to a Tea Estate can also be arranged.

DAY 07

Kathakali dancer Face

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Ooty to Cochin (281 kms/7 hours).

Kochi (formerly known as Cochin): Kochi is one of the principal cities of Kerala State and an ancient trading post for Indo-Arab trade. It is a city with several historical associations with British, Portuguese and Dutch colonizers having established trading posts and fortifications from time to time. Kerala State is known for the practice of Ayurveda, a 5000 year old traditional Indian form of holistic treatment combining the use of medicated oils, herbal extracts, massages and yoga exercises.

On arrival check-in at hotel.

Evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre, performed by various artists. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of these epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements.

DAY 08

Chinese Fishing Nets

Back Waters

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin. The tour begins from "The Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays)" also known as Mattancheery Palace, built by The Portuguese in 1555, which is famous for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the puranic legends. Adjacent to the palace is the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays) built in 1568. Also visit the St. Francis Church (closed on Sundays), established by the Portuguese Franciscan friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama, was buried in the courtyard of this European church built in India. Other attractions include the Bolghatty Palace, built in 1744 by the Dutch, located on the tiny Bolghatty Island where you can view the traditional fishing hamlets and their residents in their colorful costumes. The tour also includes a visit to the seaside where Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets are still in use.

In the afternoon, enjoy a motor launch cruise on the backwaters of Cochin. This boat cruise will take one deep into the maze of canals passing hamlets where it is sometimes possible to mingle with the local peasants and farmers as well.

DAY 09

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive from Cochin to Periyar (185 kms/5 hours).

On arrival check-in at hotel.

Afternoon game viewing by boat.

Cruise on the Periyar Lake to view wildlife which converges on its banks. The wildlife includes wild Elephants, Indian Gaur, Monkeys, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar and birds of myriad varieties. Encompassing an area of 777 sq kms, the wildlife sanctuary lies at an elevation of between 914 meters and 1828 meters above sea level on the Periyar Lake in the hills of Western Ghats.

DAY 10

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Periyar to Madurai (137 kms/4 hours).

Madurai – is an animated city packed with pilgrims, vendors, business people, & bullock carts. It is one of Southern India’s oldest cities and has been a center of learning and pilgrimage for centuries.

On arrival check-in at: HOTEL

In the afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Madurai – The primary interest is the Meenakshi Temple, where Dravidian temple architecture may be considered to be at its best. Its Hall of a thousand Pillars is an architect’s delight and is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. The tour also includes a visit to the – Thirumalai Nayak Palace & Thiruparangundram temple.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer from hotel to the Railway Station in time to board train for Chennai:

Leave: Madurai at 0645 hours by Vaigai Exp

Arrive: Chennai at 1430 hours

Reception on arrival, and transfer from Railway Station to city center.

Evening transfer from hotel to the International airport in time for flight to onward destination.