Day 1: Arrival in Chennai

Arrive at the Chennai Airport. Our representative will escort you to the hotel. After a traditional Indian welcome at the reception, check in, refresh, and proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city that includes visits to Art and Bronze Gallery, Flower and Fruit market, High court, Fort, Santhome Cathedral and Snake Park. In the evening, walk to the Marina Beach and return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 2: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Chennai

After breakfast at the hotel, leave on full day excursion to the temple towns of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Mahabalipuram is home to the only surviving shore temple in India. On your sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram, visit the ancient caves, the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and Krishna Mandapam. At Kanchipuram, known as the town of the 1000 temples, visit Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy Temples and silk and textile outlets. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Chennai.

Day 3: Chennai -Trichy

Drive to Trichy after breakfast at the hotel. On arrival, check in at the hotel, refresh, and proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Trichy, the center of power when Chola dynasty ruled the southern peninsula. Visit Lord Robert Clive's house turned museum, Danish Church, Rock-Fort, and Ganapati and Shiva Temples. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Trichy.

Day 4: Madurai

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Madurai via Tanjore famous for Brihadeshwara Temple. On arrival in Madurai, check in at the hotel, refresh and relax on a day that is free for you to spend on leisure activities and snoozing. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.

Day 5: Madurai

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a half day city sightseeing tour of Madurai. Visit the spectacular Meenakshi Temple and the many stupefying temples in the complex, Tirumala Nayak Palace, Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock Temple. Later in the evening, visit the colorful bustling markets of Madurai and shop for souvenirs and curios. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay at the hotel in Madurai.

Day 6: Madurai - Periyar

Drive to Periyar in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel. On arrival, check in at the forest lodge, refresh and take a guided nature-walk to explore Periyar National Park. Later in the day, go on a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake to explore the flora and fauna (especially elephants) of Periyar, hidden within its depths. Return to the lodge for an overnight stay in Periyar.

Day 7: Periyar - Cochin

After breakfast at the forest lodge, drive to Cochin via many coastal and backwater villages, rubber and spice plantations. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax on your overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 8: Cochin

In the morning, proceed for a city sightseeing tour of Cochin that includes visits to Fort Cochin, St Francis Church, oldest Synagogue, Jew Town, Buildings from the Dutch, Portuguese and English era, Chinese fishing nets, Kochi Harbor, the splendid beaches of Vypeen Island. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 9: Cochin - Bangalore

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Bangalore. On arrival in Bangalore, go on a quick sightseeing tour of the city (Lal Bagh botanical garden, Maharaja's Palace, Government buildings etc) before traveling to Mysore on a 3-hour journey by road. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mysore.

Day 10: Mysore

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a day trip to 12th century Hoysala empire cities of Belur and Halebid. Visit the 900 year old Chenna Kesava Temple in Belur and Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples in Halebid. En route, check out the monolithic statue of Lord Gomteshwara at Sravanbegola. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Mysore.

Day 11: Mysore

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mysore that includes visits to Mysore Palace and Chamundeswari Temple. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at leisure, shop at the sandalwood and jasmines markets, or indulge in the many recreational activities offered at the hotel. Overnight stay in Mysore.

Day 12: Mysore - Chennai

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free for you to relax. Later in the day, transfer to the railway station and board the train to Chennai. On arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Chennai.

Day 13: Departure from Chennai

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport to board the flight back home or to your onward destination

 

Chennai

Madhurai

Periyar

Cochin

Mysore