Day 01: CHENNAI
Arrive Chennai and transfer to Hotel.
Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Madras to see some of the highlights of India's fourth largest city. Visit the National Art Gallery and Museum, which house some beautiful temple friezes and South Indian bronzes; the Cathedral of San Thome; the Mylapore Temple, and St Mary's Church.(Museums are closed on Fridays and National Holidays). OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 02: CHENNAI-MAHABALIPURAM-PONDICHERRY
Morning drive from Chennai to Pondicherry (165 kms 4.30Hrs)
enroute visiting Mahabalipuram - an ancient coastal port - south of Madras. Here you will see many sculptures and temples of typical South Indian architectural design; the Five Rathas - a group of monolithic monuments and animal figures carved out of solid rock; the Shore Temple, lashed by the waves of the sea; and the huge frescoe, "The Penance of Bhagirath".
Drive on to Pondicherry. Arrive Pondicherry and check-in at Hotel. Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Pondicherry, visiting Auroville. Conceived as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo, Auroville is an entirely new concept in education and urban living. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 03: PONDICHERRY-CHIDAMBARAM-THANJAVUR
Morning drive from Pondicherry to Thanjavur (215 kms 5 Hrs) enroute visiting Chidambaram - The temple complex of Chidambaram is another of Tamil Nadu's Dravidian architectural highlights .The great Sri Nataraja Temple is famous for Siva in his role as a cosmic dancer.
Arrive Tanjavur and check-in at Hotel. The main attraction of the city is the Brihadishwara temple built by Raja Raja ,the Greatest of the Chola kings who ruled from 985 to 1014 AD. Afternoon city sightseeing tour of Tanjore where you will visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. Visit the Brihadeshwara temple and the Saraswati Mahal Library.

Day 04: THANJAVUR-TRICHY
Morning drive from Thanjavur to Trichy (56 kms 2 hrs). Arrive Trichy and check-in at Hotel.
Tiruchirapalli - in short called Trichy-the town and its famous Rock fort temple was built by the Nayaks-builders of Madurai an adjacent city. Afternoon city tour of Trichy (Tiruchirapalli). The Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. It is reached by a flight of steep steps cut into the rock and from its summit, you get a fantastic view of the town and other landmarks. Finally at the top of the hill, is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil - a Ganesh Temple, offering a commanding view of the city. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 05: TRICHY-MADURAI
Morning drive from Trichy to Madurai (128 kms/ 4 hrs) enroute visiting Srirangam Temple- an island on the Cauvery River with a massive Vishnu temple within seven walls. Also visit the Jambukeshwar Temple, where Shiva's symbol- the lingam - is submerged in water. Arrive Madurai and check-in at the Hotel. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 06: MADURAI-CHENNAI
Morning, 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 fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace, which is a highly decorative monument.
Evening in time transfer to railway station to board PEARL CITY EXPRESS #6704 2145/0630 Hrs. OVERNIGHT AT THE RESORT.

Day 07: CHENNAI-COVELONG
Morning arrive Chennai and transfer to Hotel in Covelong. Rest of the day at leisure. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 08: CHENNAI
In time transfer to Airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01: ARRIVE BOMBAY
Arrive Bombay Transfer to Hotel. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 02: BOMBAY
Morning Sightseeing of Bombay. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed) here you will see its extensive collection of fascinating 18th & 19th century miniature paintings; elegantly carved ivory artworks; and a rich collection of Nepalese and Tibetan art, among other fine works of art. Also visit the Gateway of India overlooking the Harbor; and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colorful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely Hanging Gardens and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Bombay and the Arabian Sea spread out before you. Also visit Mani Bhavan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi; and the bustling Crawford Market. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 03: BOMBAY-BANGLORE-MYSORE
Morning transfer to airport to connect the flight to Bangalore, on arrival Drive to Mysore. Enroute visiting Srirangapatnam once the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, is known for its fortress and tomb of the famous Warrior King. (Closed on Friday) Check-in at Hotel. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 04: MYSORE
Half day you will visit the beautiful city of Mysore, that is known for its fine craftsmanship in wood, ivory, sandal-wood, and for its silk. Visit the Maharaja's Palace which is lavishly decorated in a mixture of styles. Also visit the Zoological Garden, Mysore Arts & Crafts Center and then proceed to the Chamundi Temple on a hill high above the city. Evening drive to the Brindavan Garden, beautifully illuminated daily, truly a pleasure garden. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 05: MYSORE-MADRAS
Morning Transfer to Railway station to board shatabdi Express to Chennai. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 06: MADRAS
Fullday Mahabalipuram & Kanchaipuram.
Kancheepuram, known as the Golden City of a Thousand Temples. This is one of India's sacred cities. Many early styles of temple architecture may be seen here. Visit Ekambareshwar Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Kamakshi Temple, the Vaikunthaperumal Temple, all built in the 7th and 8th centuries. Kancheepuram has also long been famous for its silk weaving.
Mahabalipuram - an ancient coastal port - south of Madras. Here you will see many sculptures and temples of typical South Indian architectural design; the Five Rathas - a group of monolithic monuments and animal figures carved out of solid rock; the Shore Temple, lashed by the waves of the sea; and the huge frescoe, "The Penance of Bhagirath". OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 07: MADRAS-TANJORE 334 KMS 7 HOURS
Morning Drive to Tanjore. On arrival Check-in at Hotel.
Afternoon Temple Visit temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. Later it became part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom, then passed into the hands of the Marathas and went to the British. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 08: TANJORE-MADURAI 197 KMS 05 HOURS
Morning Drive to Madurai enroute visiting Trichy. The Rock Fort rises abruptly to a height of 273 ft. A steep staircase cut into the rock leads up to the Fort. The next storey is the Mathrubhuteshwarer Shrine dedicated to Shiva. Finally at the top of the hill, the Ucchi Pillayar Koil-a Ganesh Temple offering a commanding view of the city. On arrival check-in at hotel. On arrival transfer to hotel. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
Option: Late evening visit Meenakshi temple to witness the Pooja cermoney (a procession of God/goddess in gold chariot inside the temple premises).

Day 09: MADURAI
City sightseeing tour of Madurai, visiting the Meenakshi Temple where Dravidian temple architecture maybe seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its Hall of a Thousand Pillars is fabulous and is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's Palace which is in a highly decorative monument. Its' enormous roofed arcade supported by 48-foot-high stoned pillars, still stands. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
Option: Dinner at Chaitnnad Mension.
Chettinad, located about 2 hours drive east of Maldurai, is an area settled by the Chettiars. The Chettinad mansions are wonderful construction, built in traditional style, consisting of vast reception room, dining room, a series of about 3 courtyards surrounded by rooms and Kitchen. What makes these vast houses special is the use of materials like Burmese teak for pillars, ceiling, granite for pillars and floors, Italian marble and tiling, ornate carving on doors and highly polished Chettinad plaster etc. Chettinad temple.

Day 10: MADURAI-PERIYAR 148 KMS 04 HOURS
Morning drive to Periyar. On arrival check-in at Hotel Periyar Lake in the cool surroundings and the panorama spreads around - tropical jungles, wild elephants, Indian gaur, monkeys, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar and birds of myriad varieties. With an area of 777 sq km the wildlife sanctuary lies at an elevation of 914 to 1828 meters above sea level on the Periyar Lake in the hills of Western Ghats. Afternoon game viewing. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 11: PERIYAR-KUMARAKOM 125 KMS 04 HOURS
Morning game viewing by boat, followed by visit to Spice plantation. Later, drive to Kottayam (90 kms/2.5 hrs) from where you will travel by boat for Kumarakom. On arrival check-in at Hotel.
Relax at the waterfront, with the occasional native row boat gliding silently by, and the air so calm, you can reach out and touch the sky with your fingertips. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. Guest can also opt for Ayurveda therapy and Ayurvedic massage on direct payment basis.
Option: 3 hours backwater cruise in the narrow canal where one can see natural life style of local inhabitants. With Candle Light Dinner.

Day 12: KUMARAKOM
Day at leisure at Kumarakom spent time exploring nearby area. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.

Day 13: KUMARAKOM-House Boat
Today board the houseboat. OVERNIGHT ON HOUSE BOAT.

Day 14: HOUSE BOAT / COCHIN 85 KMS 03 HOURS
Morning disembark the Boat and drive to Cochin (80 kms / 2 hrs) and. On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Cochin, visiting the Jewish synagogue (closed on Saturdays), built over 400 years ago. It contains beautiful Belgian glass chandeliers, and is paved with hand painted tiles from China. Visit the "Dutch Palace" (closed on Fridays) with its wonderful murals depicting the entire story of the Ramayana on its walls. See St Francis Church, (closed on Sundays) the first European Church built in India. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
Option: Witness Kathakali dance performance (traditional dance of Kerala)

Day 15: COCHIN / Bombay 9W-402 1055/1240 Hrs.
Transfer to airport to airport to connect the flight to Bombay, on arrival transfer to Hotel near the airport. Late night transfer to International airport to connect the flight for onward destination.