Arrive at the Chennai International Airport and after your immigration formalities and baggage collection, proceed towards the main arrival hall. Meet our representative/your tour guide and proceed to your hotel of choice for check-in.

Rest of the day at leisure.

With temples, beaches and centres of historical and cultural significance, including the UNESCO Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, Chennai is one of the most visited cities in India. Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is the biggest cultural, economic and educational centre of south India.

We will start the day with the visit of Fort St. George (closed on Fridays); the oldest or first British fort built in India. Inside, Inside the fort are other interesting monuments like St. Mary’s Church (the oldest Anglican Church), Wellesley House and Fort Museum, where you’ll watch antiques from British rule in India including weapons, coins, medals and uniforms and gravestones in the lawn. From here we proceed to the Madras Museum which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts, sculptures, animal galleries, botanical galleries and more amounting to 46 galleries in total spread in 6 buildings. We then drive to Kapaleeshwarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a magnificent example of the Dravidian architecture.

After the tour drive to Mahabalipuram and check in at the hotel.

Today we drive towards Puducherry (Pondicherry). On our way to Puducerry we visit Auroville, which is an experimental township founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa. Auroville today aims to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony.

After this visit we proceed to Pondicherry. Until 1954, the city was a French colonial territory and its inhabitants are still anxious to preserve its French character. Upon arrival in Pondicherry we visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram which was founded by Sri Aurobindo in the early 20th century and has grown into a very famous meditation center in India. From here we drive to the hotel and rest of the afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast we proceed towards Thanjavur (Tanjore). On the way we visit the beautiful temples of Chidambaram and Darasuram. The temple complex of Chidambaram is connected to the great Nataraja Temple, the famous Dancing Shiva. This temple complex is said to be the oldest in South India. From here we proceed to Kumbakonam, which is a temple city. Four big temples stand here. The most important of these are the Sarangapani, the Kumbeshwara and the Nageshwara. After a brief visit at Kumbakonam we drive towards Darasuram and visit the Airavatesvara Temple, an fine example of Dravidian architecture. From here we continue our journey towards Thanjavur. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel and rest of the evening at leisure.

Thanjavur is an important centre located in the Cauvery Delta and is also known as the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu”. It is also known for its handloom silk sarees, cotton sarees, and Tanjore paintings which are great demand all over the world. The city flourished between the 10th and 14th centuries under the rule of the Chola kings. In these times more than 70 temples were built, most of them still preserved and active.

We start the tour by Brihadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built in 10th century, it is the grandest architectural achievement of the Chola era. The palace near the temple shows huge corridors and spacious halls. After this visit we drive towards Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) another ancient city from the Chola dynasty. Above the town sits a rock fort. 434 steps carved into rock and a multitude of shrines lead up to the fortress. There are various platforms, each offering a great view and had a different function in ancient times. The descent from the topmost platform offers great views of the Kaveri River. We would also visit the huge temple complex of Srirangam situated on a river island.

Drive back to the hotel and rest of the evening at leisure.

Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning drive to Madurai. On the way visit Chettinad. Chettinad in southern Tamil Nadu is the home of the merchant clan of the Chettiars. Already in pre-colonial times they established branches throughout Asia. Many chettiars piled up immeasurable wealth by trading imported wood from Burma and Indonesia. This accumulated wealth was then displayed splendid by building exemplary houses in their homeland. Many of these “Palaces” may be a bit dusty and rundown, yet they exude a sublime atmosphere.

Continue to Madurai. Upon arrival, take the half-day city tour by visiting the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, an Indo-Saracen style building, known for its stucco work and domes and passageways. Also visit the famous Shree Meenakshi Temple, which is the center of the old town. After sightseeing transfer to the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Periyar. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

The Periyar National Park is located in Kerala on the border with Tamil Nadu. The park was founded in 1950 and named after the river of the same name. In the middle of the 250 sq/km is the picturesque Periyar Lake. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Periyar, at the center of a 700 sq/km nature reserve.  Here you can see elephants, bison, antelopes sambhar deer wild boars, monkeys, etc.

In the evening visit Kalaripayittu. Kalaripayittu is the traditional martial art of South India. Kalaripayittu has been around for centuries and has been taught in Kerala. It is a movement art, which focuses on the dynamics, flexibility and the feeling of knowing each other better and the body. In addition to the training of strength, suppleness and endurance, increasing body awareness, self-awareness and concentration are at the core of the effort.
The whole body is sensitized, trained in alertness and attention.

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom. On the way to Kumarakom visit the “Connemara Tea Factory “(closed on Sundays). The plants grow on the slopes of the Western Ghats of Kerala – “Gods own Country “. The plantation was possibly founded by a homesick Irishman because the surroundings are not of of the barren landscape of Connemara in Ireland.

Continue to Kumarakom. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Kumarakom is the famous backwater destination and one fascinating paradise in Kerala. It is about 12 km from Kottayam. Kumarkom is amidst the lake Mangrove forests and enjoys a balanced tropical climate.

After breakfast you will board a houseboat in Kumakarom. These huge tapered barges were originally used to transport rice and other goods through Kerala. One section is covered with coconut fibers and bamboo, this section also houses the kitchen and crew rooms. These boats were built without the use of nails. The planks of jackwood were woven together with coconut fiber and coated with black resin from Cashnew kernels. Today’s houseboats, also called Kettuvallom, have fully equipped bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, kitchens and balconies where tourists can laze on pillows. Most of these boats are driven by locals, some are powered by motor. Gliding through the quiet backwaters you can experience an unspoiled Kerala.

Lunch and dinner are served on board.

After breakfast leave the houseboat (check out at 09.30) and continue to Cochin. Upon arrival, take the city tour of the city.

You visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace. (Opening time 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Closed on Fridays and National Holidays). It was built by the Portuguese and the Raja of Kochi, presumably to secure commercial privileges. Also visit The Jewish Synagogue. (The synagogue is open daily from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00; excluded are the Saturdays and the Jewish Public holidays). Built in 1558 and decorated with hand paintings, it is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Explore the area near the synagogue on foot where you will some streets with picture perfect buildings from a bygone era.

Proceed towards the coast and admire the Chinese fishing nets in action. Possibly introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He, chinese nets have become very popular tourist attraction.

Next visit St. Francis Church. (The church is open daily from 09.00-01.00 and from 2:30 Open 05.30; No access for tourists on Sunday from 08.00-11.00. This is the oldest church in Indian Ground built by Europeans.

In the evening you will witness a Kathakali Dance Show. India’s most spectacular dance drama is based on stories about Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dancers are elaborately painted, wear masks and are accompanied by drummers and musicians.

Drive to the airport for your onward or return flight.