Drive to Kanchipuram (70 kms / 2h30 drive).

On arrival visit temples.

Kanchipuram

In this fabled city of a thousand temples, there are around 650 stone inscriptions belonging to the different dynasties, which have ruled South India from ages. The temples here reflect the maturity and efflorescence of Pallava art. The ornate and imposing monuments here were produced later by the Chola, Vijayanagara and Chalukyan kings. The Ekambaresvara Temple, the Kailasanatha Temple, Sri Varadaraja Temple, Sri Vaikuntha Perumal Temple… the names stretch endlessly. The city itself is dedicated to the presiding deity, Sri Kamakshi (one with eyes of love) at the Kamakshi temple. Kanchipuram was a seat of learning that attracted scholars from far-flung corners of the globe.

Continue drive to Mahabalipuram (65 kms / 2h00 drive).

On arrival Visit of Shore Temple.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram, its ancient name) is one of history’s intriguing enigmas. Situated just 58 kms off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram was a flourishing port town of the Pallava rulers of South India who hiseled in stone a fabulous open-air museum of sculptures under the vault of a burning sky.

Visit various sculptures – ‘Arjuna’s Penance’, an enormous relief made on two huge boulders, the Caves – Varaha Cave, Dharmaraja Cave, Mahisasurmardini Cave, Somaskanda sculpture and the Rathas (chariots) – A group of five structures lying at the southern extreme of Mahabalipuram, four of which are carved out of a single rock, while the fifth is scooped out from a small rock. Also visit the famous Shore Temple – a windswept and surf-beaten temple, the mute tireless sentinel of the shore – the ultimate expression of Mahabalipuram.

Overnight stay at hotel

Breakfast at hotel.

Drive to Pondicherry (140 kms / 3h15 drive).

On arrival transfer to the hotel.

Pondicherry

Pondicherry (or Puducheri) means ’a new settlement’. It was one of the French settlements other than Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. A unique thing about Pondicherry is that it spreads into several states. While Karaikal is in Tamil Nadu, Mahe is in Kerala, and Yanam is a part of Andhra Pradesh. Situated around 200 kms south of Chennai, Pondicherry is today a union territory where the French connection on the architecture and culture of the place is strongly visible – a result of the centuries–old relation with France. However, the fame of Pondicherry lies not in its French connection but its relation with the saint-philosopher Aurobindo Ghosh who founded his ashram here. Sri Aurobindo was a political revolutionary who reached Pondicherry in 1920 and established a place for peaceful and harmonious living. Today the ashram is home to nationals from every part of the world who come here to find peace and solitude.

Evening sightseeing of Pondicherry including visits to Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Pondicherry Museum.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning drive to Tanjore (177 kms 4h00), en route stop at Chidambaram to visit Nataraja Temple.

Chidambaram

It has the famous Nataraja Temple with the root of the sanctum sanctorum covered with golden plates, located in the centre of the town. In this temple, postures from the Bharatanatayam form of dance are depicted in sculpture. ‘Natraja’ is – Lord Shiva depicted as a ‘cosmic dancer’.

Continue drive to Tanjore (113 kms / 2h30 drive). On arrival transfer to the hotel

Tanjore

Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur or Thanjavoor is located on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. Also called the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, Tanjore is famous for many reasons since the time of Chola dynasty. The name itself has many interesting legends related to it. According to one of them the name of the city comes from ‘Tanjam’, a demon who was haunting the locality, destroyed by Lord Vishnu. However, apart from these legends Tanjore also has a sound history of different dynasties that ruled over it. The Cholas conquered Tanjore in about 850 A.D. replacing the Mutharayar Chiefs and made it their capital. The Cholas ruled over Tamil Nadu for more than 400 years (850 to 1279) and have left an imperishable mark on its history. Besides the Cholas, the southern part of the Indian peninsula was also ruled by Pallavas, Pandyas and Cheras.

Afternoon sightseeing of Tanjore including a visit to Brihadesvara Temple & Royal Palace..

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning drive to Trichy (55 kms / 1h15 drive). Visit the famous Rock Fort temple.

Trichy

Located in the central part of Tamil Nadu, Trichy also known as Tiruchirappalli, one of the important places to visit in the state. It has many temples, churches and a large number of scenic spots. One can visit 83-mts-high Rock Fort regarded as one of the oldest in the world (approximately 3,800 years old).

Continue drive to Madurai (150 kms / 3h15 drive).

Madurai

One of the oldest cities in South India, Madurai has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Spread along the rocky banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu, this modern industrial city is today famous as a temple town. The history of Madurai dates back to prehistoric times. The earliest recorded history of Madurai, available from the fourth century BC, can be found in the Tamil and Greek documents. The ancient city had links with Greece and Rome and traded primarily in spices. The city of Madurai has been ruled by various dynasties. The Cholas took over the city in the 10^th century AD. The Pandyas regained control in the 12^th century AD, only to loose it again to the invaders under Malik Kafur. In 1364, the Vijayanagar kingdom was established with the overthrowing of the dynasty established by Malik Kafur. The Nayaks, who were the local governors of Madurai, took over the city after the fall of the Vijayanagar kingdom in 1565 and ruled it till 1781. It was during this period that Madurai reached its cultural zenith.

On arrival transfer to the hotel.

Sightseeing of Madurai including Tirumalai Nayaka Palace & Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam.

Evening visit to Sri Meenakshi Temple to witness the evening prayer ceremony.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning drive to Thekkady, also called Periyar (145 kms / 4h15) passing through spice plantations and lush greenery.

On arrival transfer to hotel.

Periyar National Park

There are many animals to see here including herds of Elephants, Bisons and packs of Wild Boars that roam through the woods and parade along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. You can also see also different species of Apes. The Golden Langur monkey that lives here is rarely seen in the rest of India. Other animals in Periyar are Otters and Porcupines.

Evening Boat Ride.

Evening go for a boat ride inside the National Park – the best way to observe the wildlife at Periyar. The visit is done in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Later in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Morning after a relaxed Breakfast drive to Kumarakom (140 kms/ 4h00).

Kumarakom – for the nature-lover. Here in this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

On arrival, check in to your resort where calm, emerald backwaters reflect hundreds of thousands of gently swaying palms where the primary attraction however, is its lazy ambience..

Afternoon at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own.

Evening enjoy a Sunset cruise.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

AM at leisure for independent activities.

1230 hrs: board a traditional houseboat of Kerala.

Lunch at the houseboat.

Cruise through the backwater canals, the fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of Kerala.

Dinner & overnight stay at the House-boat.

Morning after a relaxed Breakfast, Disembark from house boat at Alleppy & drive to Cochin. (70 kms/ 2h30 drive)

On arrival visit of Cochin, including visit to the Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets,

Check-in at hotel.

The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in AD 1555. The palace acquired its present name in 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs in it. Fort Kochi – Founded in 1503, this Portuguese fort is now in ruins. One can see many remains of Indo-European architecture that still exist here. One of the fascinating sights on the Kochi shoreline is the huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, which were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Jewish Synagogue – At the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town lies the synagogue of the white Jews near Mattancherry palace. The synagogue is now a fascinating mixture of shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms.

Overnight stay at hotel.

In time leave for airport to board flight for Bangalore (after breakfast),

On arrival drive for Mysore (150 kms/ 3h30), enroute visit Srirangapatnam.

MYSORE

Situated among fertile fields, and skirted by wooded hills, Mysore was the capital of the Wodeyar rulers, who were governors of Southern Karnataka under the Vijayanagar Kings. The Wodeyar dynasty ruled almost uninterrupted from 1399 until independence in 1947, except for the 38-year rule of the Muslim warlord – Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan in the 18th century.

On arrival check-in at hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

AM excursion to Somanthpur. (01 way approx 01 hr drive)

PM city tour, visit of Mysore Palace & Chomundi hill

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

Drive to Hassan (150 kms/ 3h00).

On arrival checkin at hotel.

PM excursion to Belur & Halebid

BELUR & HALEBID, On the banks of Yagachi river, Belur was the first capital of the dynasty. One of the jewels of South Indian architecture is Chennakeshava Temple, built in 1117 AD. This Temple is one of the three major Hoysala sites still in daily use. One of the earliest structures of its type, the construction of the temple was started in 1116 and took almost a century to complete. The Hoysalas built it to commemorate their victory over the Cholas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built on a star-shaped platform, the temple stands in a courtyard surrounded by a rectangular wall. The winged figure of Garuda, Vishnu/’s carrier, stands at the entrance facing the temple.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

Drive to Hospet (350 kms/ 7h00)

On arrival check-in at hotel.

Evening free at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

Day excursion to Hampi.

HAMPI, A world heritage centre, Hampi is the most beautiful and evocative of all the ruins in Karnataka. The erstwhile capital of Vijayanagara kingdom, Hampi is full of delightful surprises. Like the King’s balance where kings were weighed against grain, gold or money which was then distributed to the poor, the Queen’s bath with its arched corridors, projecting balconies and the lotus-shaped fountains that once sprayed perfumed water, the two storied Lotus Mahal with recessed archways, the huge Elephant stables, the splendid Vithala temple with its musical pillars and the stone chariot, the Virupaksha temple – still used for worship, Ugra Narasimha the 6.7m tall monolith. The Pushkarini Tank and the Mahanavami Dibba and many other interesting sites that are still being excavated.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

Drive for Bangalore (325 kms/ 7h30)

Bangalore: This bustling capital city of Karnataka is also known as Garden City and Silicon Valley of India. Late afternoon visit the Vidhan Soudha, a magnificent building housing the State Legislature and Secretariat. It is built entirely of Bangalore granite in the Neo-Dravidian style.

Evening short sightseeing of Bangalore including visits to the Vidhan Soudha, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Early morning in time leave for International airport to board flight back to home.