• Local markets and architectural marvel of Tamil Nadu temples
• Track footprints in search of wild elephants in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• A spice plantation tour
• Ferry-hop between the islands of Fort Kochi to discover palaces, temples and Portuguese architecture at every turn

• Enjoy the traditional costumes and music of a Kathakali performance

• Sailing on backwaters onboard Houseboat
• Toy train ride , UNESCO World Heritage Niligiri mountain railways
• Flower market in Mysore

Day 01 : Arrive Chennai

Welcome to Chennai, India. On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel

Afternoon he chance to walk around India’s fourth largest city and perhaps visit the local marketplaces and temples.

 

Overnight at hotel

Day 02 : Chennai – Mahabalipuram by road ( 56 kms / 1 ½ hrs Approx.)

Today you will be able to see some of the historic sites of the city including the remnants of Fort St George and tour the government museum, before departing for the ocean side town of Mahabalipuram, a great place to stroll on the beach, dine on delicious seafood at a beachfront restaurant or walk among the historic monuments of the town. 

Ovenright at hotel.

 Day 03 : Mahabalipuram – Trichurapalli by road ( 288 kms / 5 hrs Approx.)

Morning sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram with a local guide, taking in several UNESCO World Heritage listed monuments and the wonderful natural rock formations around the town.. Visit landmarks such as Arjuna’s Penance (the largest bas relief carving in the world), the beautiful Shore Temple and many rock cut temples make it a fascinating destination. After your tour, depart for Trichurapalli, a drive of around 5 hours through the rich agricultural lands of Tamil Nadu.

Overnight at hotel.

 Day 04 : Trichurapalli  – Thanjavur  by road ( 57 kms / 1 hrs Approx)

Trichurapalli and the neighbouring river-island of Srirangam are important pilgrimage sites with the Rock Fort temple in the city and Vishnu temple at Srirangam attracting steady streams of devotees from far and wide.

Afternoon drive to Thanjavur Brihadishwara Temple which is one of the most spectacular sights in Tamil Nadu and the best time to visit is at sunset.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Thanjavur – Chettinad by road (90 kms / 2 hrs Approx)

Leave for the Chettinad region to arrive in time for lunch. Chettinad ,a truly unique destination where the merchants and traders (the Chettiars) who hailed from this region with significant fortunes throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries from their roles as bankers and business go-betweens for many of the empires from both East and West which traded in south India during that time. Many of them poured their fortunes into building remarkable homes- some over 40000sq ft and with dozens of rooms and many courtyards. Chettinad is also famous for its unique cuisine which known for complex flavours and innovative use of ingredients.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 :  Chettinad

A full day in the Chettinad region to visit the local markets and temples, observe the local craft of tile-making, ride around the village by bullock cart, and explore the district headquarters of Karaikudi.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : Chettinad – Madurai by road (88 kms / 2 hs Approx)

Leave for Madurai, where you can tour Sri Meenakshi Temple and Tirumala Nayak Palace in the afternoon. Visit the Art Museum to see a superb collection of carvings, check out the Tirumalai Nayak Palace or simply relax over a cup of the local chai.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : Madurai  / Periyar  by road (142 kms / 3 ½ hrs Approx.)

Drive through rubber and pineapple plantations to Thekkady and explore the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, perched lakeside in the ranges of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary surrounds a picturesque lake, which was formed as result of a dam that was built in 1895.

Afternoon, take a tour of spice plantation knowing the various Indian spices and its application in cooking and medicinal value.  If you have time , you can attend a demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalaripayattu) at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 : Periyar – Varkala by road (261 kms  / 6 hrs Approx.)

In the morning take a tour of  spice plantation, alongwith an opportunity to feed and bathe an elephant before heading down the Ghats to Varkala and the golden sands of the south Kerala coast.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 : Varkala

Perfect beaches, towering cliffs, a bustling village and serene coconut groves are all part of the Varkala experience

Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Varkala – Alleppey – Backwaters

After breakfast drive 2 hours north to Alleppey and board  houseboat  for overnight stay.

Day cruising through backwaters , enjoy local experience and a personal chef will cook your favourite Keralan dish.

Overnight in houseboat

Day 12 : Backwaters – Cochin

After breakfast you deboard houseboat and drive to Cochin

The most historic port in south India, Fort Cochin is a treasure trove of old buildings, intriguing markets and cultural elements reflecting the myriad influences which have impacted  the city over the past 5 centuries. You will have the afternoon free to explore the area on foot, before a cruise on Cochin Harbour at sunset. 

Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 : Cochin

Today you visit Fort Cochin and Mattancherry which is India’s oldest synagogue and nearby Jewish tow , the Chinese fishing nets and attendant fish market as well as historic churches and the unique Dutch Palace which has recently been renovated and is a great place to learn about the history of Kerala. In the evening attend a Kathakali Dance performance.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 :  Cochin – Ooty

Travel starting with the drive to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu before heading to Coonoor high in the Nilgiri Hills. From here you will be able to ride the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mountain Railway to Ooty ( toy train) .

Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 : Ooty – Mysore by road ( 165 kms / 4 hrs Approx.)

Today morning you will explore Ooty and relive the Raj era in this historic town before an afternoon drive to Mysore in Karnataka. Mysore is one of the most popular destinations for  shopping, some fascinating sightseeing, great markets and the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga. If you are staying there on a Sunday evening , get an opportunity see the illuminated Mysore Palace

Overnight at hotel.

Day 16 : Mysore

Morning  sightseeing tour of  places around Mysore including the Palace, Somnathpur and the hill temple at Chamundi. Indulge in some walking tours or fix a session of Yoga. Time will also be given over to an exploration of the wonderful flower market in the centre of the city. Mysore is famous for sandalwood products, incense production and weaving.

Overnight at hotel

Day 17 : Mysore – Bangalore by road ( 142 kms / 3 hrs Approx.)

Free time for exploring the fabulous shopping and bazaars of Mysore before driving via Srirangapatanam to Bangalore for airport transfer and departure in the evening.