Arrive Chennai Airport by International flight.
Arrival at Chennai and transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon, city tour of Chennai hailed to be the liveliest city in entire South India. The city has its own unique charm, which sets it aside from the rest of the big cities. The vibrancy of rich culture and traditions exuded by the city and its residents is simply moving. It is one such city in Tamil Nadu, which has been blessed with an extreme treasure of tourist attractions. The tour includes beautifully carved temples, serene beaches, colonial monuments and much more. So, come and explore the magnificent city of Chennai, rightly called the 'Gateway to South India'.
Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Leave for Pondicherry by car.
En-route visiting Kancheepuram and Mahabalipuram.
Kanchipuram - the `Golden City’ was once the capital of the Pallavas and the Cholas. These two powerful ruling dynasties gave the city its numerous temples and tanks. The city is also famous for its Kancheepuram Silk’. It has still has 150 active temples, dedicated various gods and goddesses.
Kancheepuram is also one of 7 holy cities in India. In Kanchipuram visit the Kailashnath Temple, one of the oldest temples, built in the 7th century AD. It is built of sand stone and houses some of the most elegant sculptures of Natraja (Shiva in cosmic dance).
Later, visit Ekambareshwara-Temple, the biggest in the city, are large complexes with mandapas, tanks and sculptured halls with devotees who still flock here. It has an ancient mango tree, and it’s believed that its branches represent the four Vedas and its fruits are said to have a different taste. (Non Hindus are not allowed inside the main sanctum)
Continue your drive to Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram - Visit the magnificent rock temples and carvings in Mahabalipuram. Five Rathas (chariots) ceremonial chariots, rock-cut monoliths, named after the 5 Pandavas - heroes of the Mahabharata epic and Draupadi their wife. The Shore Temple by the sea surrounded by gardens designed according to descriptions of the original layout from ancient times. Built in sandstone in the 7th century. Bhagiratha’s Penance is a bas- relief (27 to 9m) sculptured on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks, depicts, the penance of Arjuna, myriad characters from the Mahabharata (a Hindu epic) with realistic life-size figures of animals, gods and saints depicting the descent of the river goddess Ganga to earth.
Continue drive to Pondicherry.
Pondicherry - The last French settlement in India till 1954. Despite its invigorating seafront and relaxing atmosphere the town is visited above all for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram which draws visitors from all over the world.
Check-in at hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Short city tour of Pondicherry include Aurobindo Ashran, before departing for Tanjore by Car.
The Ashram, which was, founded by Sri Aurobindo a onetime Bengal evolutionary who later took to the spiritual pat & Auroville, the city of Dawn was started in Feb. 1968 as a unique experiment in international living, where people live and work in total harmony.
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on rue de la Marine, is one of the most well known and wealthiest ashrams in India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salvation. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the ashram and photography is allowed only with permission of the ashram authorities.
Continue your drive to Tanjore.
En-route visit Chidambram and Swamimalai.
Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since the place was originally a forest of the thillai, botanically known as excecaria agallecha shrubs. It is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivites as the famous Nataraja Temple is located here.
Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique not only it is devoted solely to the art of Bharatanatyam, but also it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam. Spread over an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on each side, the temple is distinguished by five sabhas or courts.
Arrive in Tanjore in the late afternoon
Tanjore rose to glory during the later Chola period between the 9th and 14th centuries A.D. It also flourished later during the rule of the Nayaks and Mahrattas. It has been the treasure house of art for centuries and is also called the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is well-known throughout the world for being the home of the Brahadeeswara temple, the magnificent Palace, Rajah Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal Library, Art Gallery and also for its exquisite handicrafts like the Art Plate, pithwork, bronze icons, Thanjavur paintings and the classical South Indian musical instruments.
Transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel proceed for visit of Trichy.
Trichy: City tour of trichy visit the Rock Fort, Srirangam, one of the largest temple of God Vishnu; and the Jamkeswaram Temple of Lord Shiva submerged in water.
Srirangam Temple : The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (6,31,000 m²) with a perimeter of 1,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. In fact, Srirangam temple can be easily termed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls with a total length of 32,592 feet or over six miles. These walls are enclosed by 21 Gopurams (Towers). Among the marvels of the temple is a "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953). Return to Tanjore
In the afternoon and visit the Brihadishwara temple - A 107 paragraph long inscription on the walls of the Vimanam records the contributions of Raja Raja Chola and his sister Kundavai to the Thanjavur temple. The temple stands within a fort, whose walls are later additions built in the 16th century. The towering vimanam is about 200 feet in height and is referred to as Dakshina Meru. The octogonal Shikharam rests on a single block of granite weighing 81 tons. It is believed that this block was carried up a specially built ramp built from a site 6 kilometeres away from here. Huge Nandis dot the corners of the Shikharam, and the Kalasam on top by itself is about 3.8 meteres in height. Hundreds of stucco figures bejewel the Vimanam, although it is possible that some of these may have been added on during the Maratha period. The Shivalingam - Peruvudaiyar, Rajarajeswaramudaiyar - is a huge one, set in a two storied sanctum, and the walls surrounding the sanctum delight visitors as a storehouse of murals and sculpture.
Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel leave for Madurai Madurai is the cultural capital of Tamilnadu. Here, the Dravidian culture reached its zenith in art, architecture, palaces and temple buildings. Once the capital of powerful Nayaka kings, a bustling city packed with pilgrims, businessmen, bullock carts and legions of rickshaw pullers. Its narrow overcrowded streets seem to be bursting at the seams with activity. This is Southern India’s oldest center for pilgrimage and learning. Check-in at the hotel Afternoon city tour of Madurai Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum and Meenakshi Temple Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a Palace in Indo-Saracenic style built in 1636, with huge domes and 240 columns rising to 12 m, a beautiful garden and a attached museum. The celestial Pavilion, an arcaded octagonal structure is curiously constructed in brick and mortar without any supporting rafters. Later visit Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of the Dravidian temple architecture from the Vijaynagar kingdom. Meenakshi, the fish eyed goddess and the consort of Shiva has a temple to the south and Sundareswarar (Shiva) a temple to the west. One of the biggest temples of India. Its nine “Gopuram”-Temple towers (23-30m) have wonderful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals from the Hindu mythology Afternoon free walk through local markets In the evening witness the closing ceremony at the Meenakshi temple Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel Leave for Periyar by car Transfer to the hotel Afternoon boat ride on Lake Periyar to view wildlife, which carry you through the jungle with the possibility of sighting of elephant, bison, deer and occasionally, tiger. Small animals include black Nilgiri langur; bonnet and lion tailed macaque, Giant and Flying squirrel. There are some 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly. There are trees more than 100 years old and over 50 m high. Return to hotel and Overnight stay

Breakfast at the hotel Leave for Alleppey (area of Kumarkom) by surface. Driving through the hills and countryside. En-route visit spice plantation Arrive at boat jetty and board the houseboats Long Ago there were wooden barges in the Back Water area to convey Rice Coir and Coconut from one village to another. The rice boat takes you through the Back Waters where you can walk through the water logged villages and experience the breath taking beauty. Sail through the Backwaters Lunch and dinner on the houseboat Overnight on Houseboat

After breakfast on the boat, dis embark from House-Boat Arrive at the resort in the morning (standard check-in time is 1400noon) Check-in at the resort and enjoy rest of the day at leisure Overnight at the resort

Breakfast at the resort Leave for Cochin by Car Kochi (Cochin): With its wealth of historical associations and its beautiful setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, the interesting city of Kochi reflects the eclecticism of Kerala perfectly. Here , you can see the oldest churches in India, winding streets crammed with 500 years-old Portuguese houses , cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora, 16th century synagogue , a palace built by the Portuguese, (later renovated by the Dutch). The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry are an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. Kochi is also one of India’s largest ports. Check-in at hotel Afternoon City tour of Cochin includes: Chinese fishing nets, The Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace. Chinese fishing nets; one of the fascinating attractions of Kerala. Their beauty is attributed to their size, elegant construction and the way they work. The Chinese fishing nets are popularly known as Cheenavala in Kerala. St. Francis Church; the first European Church to be built in India. The history of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India, from the 15th to 20th Centuries Later visit Jew town & Synagogue (Closed on every Friday & Saturday), Dutch Palace (Closed on every Friday) Portuguese Architecture and British Influences, all blending harmoniously with the basic Kerala heritage testify that the rulers of Cochin traded goods as well as knowledge with the visitors from far off lands. Evening witness Kathakalli dance show in theater -Kathakali classical dance of Kerala owes its transnational fame to the nearly 300-year-old. Kathakali literally means story-play and is an elaborate dance depicting the victory of truth over falsehood. Themes revolve around the two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. A Striking feature of Kathakali is the use of elaborate make-up and colorful costumes. This is to emphasize that the characters are super beings from another world. The costume is designed with lots of paint applied on the face of the artist. The pomp and magnificence of Kathakali is partly due to its decor, part of which include the 'Kireetam' or huge head gear, the 'Kanchukam' or the oversized jacket, and the long skirt worn over a thick padding of cushions. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel Leave for Ooty by Car Ooty: This famous hill station near the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka is 2268 meters above sea level in the Nilgiri Mountains. It was founded by the British in the early part of the 19th century to serve as the summer headquarters of the government of Madras. Before that time, the area was inhabited by the Todas. These tribal people still live there. The Todas were polygamists and worshipped buffaloes.   On arrival check-in at hotel Afternoon visit Botanical Garden, Fernhill Place –an erstwhile summer palace of Maharaja of Mysore, St. Stephen Church is a small Gothic-style architecture and first colonial structure founded in 1820. Later we take group for unique experience on Nilgiri Toy Train” a short ride on train will be packed from breath-taking views which include the dense shola forests, a myriad of birds, varied species of plants forested hills , gushing waterfalls, meandering rivers and mist cold mountains. (Train operation is subject to weather condition) Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at hotel Leave for Mysore by Car En-route visit Srirangapatnam - famous as Tipu Sultan's former capital, Srirangapatnam is a picturesque island in the Cauvery River. The biggest of the three islands in the River Cauvery, it is about 5 km long and 2km wide. If you are searching for a scenic and quiet spot, this island can be delightful for you. Check-in at the Hotel Afternoon city tour visiting the Maharaja’s Palace, the Art gallery, Chamundi Hill. Mysore Palace (Ambavilas Palace), was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and also housed the durbar (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court). The architectural style of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden. The three storied stone building of fine gray granite with deep pink marble domes was designed by Henry Irwin. The facade has seven expansive arches and two smaller ones flanking the central arch, which is supported by tall pillars. The Chamundi Hills are located close to the palace city of Mysore. Its average elevation is 1,000 meters. Legend has it that that the demon Mahishasura, the king of the area that is currently Mysore, was killed by the Goddess Chamundeswari (also Chamundi) after a fierce battle. The hills hence got their name and a temple of the goddess was built on the top. The temple has a very beautiful idol of the goddess wearing a garland of skulls. The temple has always been patronised by the rulers of Mysore. In earlier days, the Maharajas of Mysore would ride the ceremonial Dashara elephant during the annual Dasara festival, but after India gained independence, the idol of Goddess Chamundi is taken on an elephant. Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel Morning visit the Temples at Somnathpur Somnathpur: is a town located 30 km from Mysore city . Somanathapura is famous for the Chennakesava Temple (also called Kesava or Keshava temple) built by Soma, a dandanayaka (commander) in 1268 CE under Hoysala king Narasimha III, when the Hoysalas were the major power in South India. The Keshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and is in a very well preserved condition. The temple is protected by the Archeological Survey of India under the category of protected heritage sites Afternoon at leisure Overnight at the hotel

After Breakfast, proceed for Hassan by Car On arrival, check in at hotel Proceed for visit to Belur and Halebid.
Belur & Halebid
: This quaint hamlet –BELUR - 38 kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once capital of the Hoysala Empire today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Shennakeshava is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete this architectural marvel. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate and frescos, with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers. They are all there - awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Hand-lathe-turned filigreed pillars support the temple. The Veeranarayana Temple and the smaller shrines are worth a visit. Halebid - Halebid is 27 kms northwest of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 21th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculpture details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods. Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel Leave for Bangalore by Car Arrive at Bangalore and proceed for short drive through the city – Vidhan Sabha, The Lal Bagh & Government Buildings. Vidhan Sabha: This imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite is a tribute to temple architecture. Housing the Legislative Chambers of the state government, this 46 meter high seat of the government is Bangalore's best known landmark. This is one of Bangalore's most important buildings. The main entrance is overshadowed by the four headed lion,the symbol of Indian sovereignty. The building project was started in 1952 and took five thousand laborers, 1500 chiselers, masons and wood carvers four years to complete. Built entirely from Bangalore granite in the Dravidian style, it has floral motifs on stone carvings drawn from the celebrated temple craft of South India. Later, Transfer to the International Airport for onward flight