DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CHENNAI

You will be greeted at the airport by our representative holding your name on a placard and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Chennai.

DAY 2: CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM

After breakfast, a sightseeing tour aroundthe city of Chennai including India’s longest beach Marina Beach. The 7^thcentury Kapaleeshwarar Templededicated to lord Siva,as it colourfully ornately pinnacles proudly towards the heavens. Fort St George founded in 1644 housing the famous St Marys church. Afterwards driving to Mahabalipuram and checking into the hotel.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

DAY 3: MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY

After breakfast, a tour around the UNESCO listed temples of Mahabalipuram. PanchaRathas, are a group of five monolithic rock cut temples. The complex was carved during the reign of KingNarasimhavarman 630 – 668 AD. Each carved from pink granite showcases the diversity if Dravidian architecture. A visit to the masterpiece of Arjuna penance, a grand carved display of the Ganges showcased in the middle of this momentous work of structural art, surrounded with carvings belonging to the Himalayan ranges. Visit to the shore temple it is formed from cut rock unlike its neighbouring temples that have been carved out of caves. Afterwards drive to Pondicherry and check into the hotel.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

DAY 4: PONDICHERRY

After breakfast, visit the human unity experimental township of Auroville. The township is a conglomeration of over 59 nations from all age groups, cultures and backgrounds representing humanity as a whole. A visit to Aurobindo Ashram, founded in 1926. The ashram has grown into a community of members living and working around the various buildings. The main focus is of community and provides the members with the basic necessities to live a decent healthy life. Afterwards a walking tour around ‘White Town’ the French colony of Pondicherry.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

DAY 5: PONDICHERRY -CHIDAMBARAM- KUMBAKONAM

Today a drive Kumbakonam, enroute a stop atChidambaram to visit the 12 century Chidambaram temple dedicated to the Lord Siva. This Chola temples mythological site was chosen where the Hindu God Shiva danced in a competition with Parvati amongst a grove of tillai trees. Lord Shiva conquered his component and so the story lives on to this day. Reaching towards Kumbakonam, a stop at Darasuram to see the 12^th century Airavatesvara Temple built by Rajaraja Chola II. Exquisitely carved is an outdoor museum of art and architecture. The vimana stands 85 feet high. At the front of the mandapam stands a momentous horse drawn chariot. After an exploration of Airavatesvara drive onward to Kumakonam and check into the hotel.

Overnight in Kumakonam.

DAY 6: KUMBAKONAM- TANJORE - TRICHY- CHETTINAD

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore to visit the Brihadisvara temple. The momentous specimen of Chola dynasty architecture of the Brihadisvara temple is a sight to behold. Mystery shrouds the huge stone capped 216 feet temple. It has been designed not to cast a shadow at noon at any given time of the year. Frescoes adorn the walls of the great hallways and the structures are covered in fascinating sculptures and inscriptions. Then head towards Trichy to visit the Srirangam Temple, being the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world within a compound of 155 acres with 81 shrines and 39 pavilions. Then drive to Chettinad to check into the hotel.

Overnight in Chettinad.

DAY 7: CHETTINAD - MADURAI

After breakfast, a half day tour of Chettinad. Renown for its mansions, temples, and culinary delicacies. Chettinad is an interesting showcase of cultural heritage. Afterward drive to Madurai and check into the hotel. An evening visit to Meenakshi Temple. The Temple spans over a 14-acrearea and viewed from above represents a mandala. Witness the extraordinary ‘going to bed ceremony’.  Each night the devoted priests carry an image of Lord Shiva from his shrine to be with his beloved Parvati for the night.

Overnight in Madurai.

DAY 8:MADURAI - PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast drive to PeriyarNational Park. The National Park is a wildlife sanctuary rich in biodiversity of natures bounty.

The rest of the day at leisure to explore the area.

Overnight in Periyar National Park.

DAY 9: PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, a visit to a spice and ayurvedic garden. Followed by a visit to an elephant reserve. Sway atop a monstrous mammal through the lush greenery with views of the valleys and mountains. An afternoon Jeep safari to explore the nearby areas.

Overnight in Periyar National Park.

DAY 10: PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK - KUMARAKOM

After breakfast, a drive to Kumarakom. Check into the hotel and an afternoon visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. It is the most visited tourist venue in Kumarakom. This marshy stretch of land is the natural habitat of various species of birds. Migratory birds make this sanctuary their home during the winter season.

Overnight in Kumarakom.

DAY 11: KUMARAKOM

Today a relaxing day at leisure.

Overnight in Kumarakom.

DAY 12: KUMARAKOM - KUMBALANGI VILLAGE - COCHIN

Today a visit to Kumbalangi Model Tourism Village.To experience the fishermen village activities like live fish catching, Crab farm, coir making etc. On arrival refresh yourself with a tender coconut drink. Enjoy a home cooked lunch by the side of the backwaters. Overnight in Cochin.

DAY 13: COCHIN

Today, a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin & Mattancherry. You could visit the local fish market, Chinese Fishing Nets, and the St. Francis Church in Fort Cochin. Later proceed to Mattancherry to see the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue (Jewish Synagogue will remain closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and other Jewish Holidays). In the evening witness a Kathakali dance performance. Accompanied by a gong, drums, and cymbals, Kathakali performers combine dance and theatre in a ritualistic portrayal of gods and demons. Overnight in Cochin.

DAY 14: COCHIN - ABROAD

Today you will be transferred to Cochin airport to board your flight home or to your next destination.