Day 03 Chennai / Mahabalipuram / Kanchipuram (70 kms)
Today we drive to the nearby sacres city of Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram, the "City of seven Pagodas" where we see outcroppings of rock that have been delicately carved into temples and life-sized replicas of elephants, lions and bulls. The carved Penance of Bhaghirata here is the largest bas-relief in the world.
The little Sea Side town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour's drive from Chennai situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu has pries time beaches, spanning 20 kms., bright Sun & Crisp Sand, Wrapping up untold tales of the 7th Century. Here time stands still; and presents meet the past. A serene town nested amidst the historical stone sculptures and medieval architecture, that stands witness to the rich heritage - Mahabalipuram. (B)

Day 04 Mahabalipuram / Pondicherry (125 kms.)
After leisurely morning drive to Pondicherry presents an unusual combination of European Culture & Indian traditions. An added attraction fair is the township of Auroville, an Oasis of Peace & Enlightment. Another hallowed spotted Aurobindo Ashram which drowse devotees from all over the world. Afternoon visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. (B)

Day 05 Pondicherry Sightseeing / Thanjavur Sightseeing (170 kms.)
Today Morning visit Darasuram Temple and the Institute of Iconography. Later drive to Thanjavur en route visit to Gangaikonda, Cholapuram, Swamimalai. Tanjavaur is located on eastern coast of Central Tamil Nadu. This ancient city enjoys the distinction of having been the Capital of the Cholas - One of the greatest Dynasties of the South. Afternoon visit the 9th century Chola Temple of Brahadeshwarar Temple. (B)(B)

Day 06 Tanjavaur / Trichy / Madurai (160 kms.)
This morning disembark at Thanjavur. Enroute Visit to Rock Fort the 83-meter high rock fort is in the center of the Trichy - was a Chola Citadel during the Sangam age & was also briefly ruled by the Pallavas & the Pandyas. Today, Trichy is a blend of history, a pilgrim centre and a thriving commercial city. Its 344 rock-cuts steps take one to the Uchipillayar temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. Half way up is the temple of Lord shiva dedicated to Thayumanaswami. Jambukeshwara Temple here has Shiva lingam almost submerged in water.

Continue drive to Nectar City of Madurai - Meenakshi temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day, Another terrific photographic opportunity. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace, which is in a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 - foot high stone pillar, still stands. (B)

Day 07 Madurai /Periyar Game Sanctuary (137 kms.)
Morning we leave Madurai & Drive to a tranquil hill retreat, the Spicy Village. Along the way we pass through Tea, Cinnamon, Clove & Cardamom plantations -beautiful to see & smell! Our hotel is set in a Spicy Garden & has been molded after the Tribal dwellings of the area; each Cottage has thatched roof & a deep, Airy Verandah. This evening we visit the nearby Periyar Game Sanctuary; Game viewing here is like no other Safari experience. We simply relax in a Motor Launch & sail along as heards of Elephant & Bison come into view. During the dry season Tigers & Panthers come down to the Lake shore for a drink - be sure to have plenty of film on hand. (B)

Day 08 Periyar / Kumarakorm Backwater Cruise (110 kms.)
Early this morning we enjoy another Safari Cruise in Periyar Game Sanctuary- the best way to see & enjoy the Wildlife Activities, Cruise in the Periyar Lake in the cool surroundings and the panorama spreads around tropical jungles, Wild elephants & birds of myriad varieties. With an area of 777 sq kms. in the hills of Western Ghats. Later we travel by surface to board the Houseboat (Kettuvalam). Cruise the backwaters & explore the rural life in & around Kumarakorm to Alleppey.

Backwater Cruise
Lifetime Experience House Boat - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. The fully furnished and palm covered boats (single & double) bedrooms with attached bath, sit out, kitchen and living room made of traditional wood. In each houseboat, there are 3 men staff (crew), comprising a cook and two well trained punters throughout the cruise. Punters stand on each end of the boat for punting and directing the boat. Kerosene-lit lamps along will be available for light and mosquito nets will be provided. Traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala cuisine are served. A journey through the backwaters of Kerala which offer one of the world's truly unforgettable experience, myriad network of silent lagoons, freshwater river, hyacinth covered canals that wind their way through colorful corridors of forests, palms and fruit trees. A canoe expedition via an intricate network of canals, through backwater villages where daily continues unaltered, as it has for centuries. You will see lusch palm groves and stretches of rice fields. (BLD)

Day 09 Alleppey / Kochi (63 kms)
From Alleppey we drive into the Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar Coats & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the India's most colorful cities. This inter, connected series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious blend of Cultures & Religions; Visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. This evening A memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. Later we attend the performance of the Kathakali, one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments.(B)

Day 10 Kochi / Ooty (270 kms)
Morning leave Kochi for Cool Hill Station of Ootacamund, better known as Ooty. You have the afternoon free to explore this beautiful place with its very British atmosphere. Don't miss the lovely Government Botanical Gardens that were laid out 120 yrs. ago. (B)

Day 11 Ooty / Mysore Sightseeing (155 kms)
Morning enjoy Toy Train Ride and proceed to Mysore by surface. Mysore is the Sandalwood and Incense Capital of the World & some of India's finest Crafts, such as Printed Silk, Inlaid, Furniture & Ivory Carvings are also found here. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant. Evening visit the Chamudishree Temple-which is home to an enormous sculpture of Nandi, the sacred bull. The 16-foot bull was carved from a single boulder & is traditionally laden with flower garlands each day. (B)

Day 12 Mysore / Hassan (115 kms)
Morning city sightseeing tour of Mysore including the Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore including the Darbar & Marriage Halls & the Government house. Later depart for Hassan - is quite & peaceful town, is a convenient base to visit Shravanbelagola, Belur & Halebid.
Enroute visit Shravanbelagola - 51 kms south east of Hassan. This is the most important Jain Pilgrim centre. Here is the 17 mtr. high monolith of Lord Babubali - the World's tallest Monolithic statue. (B)

Day 13 Hassar / Belur / Halebid / Mysore / Chennai
Morning excursion to the 11th century temple of Belur and Halebid
Belur - This quaint hemlet is 30 kms from Hassan-is located on the bank of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of Hoysala Enpire, Today unforgettable for its exquisite temples.
Halebid.- is 27 kms north-west of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belure. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belure - bear mute testimony to the rich, culture heritage of Karnataka. Later proceed to Mysore Station to board the Shatabdi Express at 1420 hrs for Chennai. Arrive Chennai at 21:25 hrs. Upon arrival transferred to hotel. (B)

Day 14 Chennai / Onward Destination
Morning Say Goodbye to newly become friends of this fascinating land and transfers to Airport to board the flight for onward destination.

Inclusion & Highlights

• Accommodation with Private bath & shower facilities.
• Daily full breakfast.
• During stay in Hose boat Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
• Bottled of mineral water
• Arrival & Departure transfer
• All sightseeing and excursion as per itinerary by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local English Speaking guide for sightseeing
• Entrance fees to the Monuments
• Internal Rail Journey
• Experience a Safari Cruise in Periyar Game Sanctuary.
• Attend a performance of the Kathakali Classical Dance.
• Chinese fishing net
• Take a memorable backwater cruise of Kerala.