Exotic Flora and Fauna, Lush Vegetation, Miles of beautiful beaches, the delicate scent of spices and the sound of Temple Bells all characterise the South of India. Following the Old European trade routes, this tour takes you from the cosmopolitan city of Chennai, home to some of the countrys oldest British Monuments to Mahabalipuram, known for its Coromandel coast. Experience the French colony  Pondichery, on the way you can visit one of Indias most famous temples in Kancheepuram, Tanjore, Trichy & Madurai known for its Musical Pillars, Stone dancers, Elephant stables, Monuments, Temples, Mosques, Forts, Ruins&

Feel them. Re-live them. Be touched by their magic. And their mystery. Their splendour and their glory. From the middle of the journey we enter to the historical land of pure bliss that can never base its emerald virginity. Kerala. Her beauty pampers you into an eternal trance. Her exuberate subjects you to a sublime catharsis. Travel through the Western Ghats of Kerala  Munnar & Thekkady, drink from her being and you float through a kaleidoscope of emotions.

From here you travel towards Kumarakom, a picturesque village located on the banks of Vembanadu Lake and from there for a cruise in traditional Rice Boat  through inland backwaters and lagoons of Kerala gives us a true sense of the sheer natural beauty of this magical country. After that we explore the natural shelter bay of Kovalam and from there to the Queen of Arabian Sea  Cochin. Travel towards the cultural capital of Kerala before taking return flight to Mumbai! .

Duration: 16 days
Best time: Mid October to Mid March
Focus: Ancients Temple, People, tea gardens, back waters, beaches and culture.

Itinerary

DAY 01 ARRIVE MUMBAI
Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel ( Rooms available from 1200hrs). Overnight in hotel.

The countries largest city, sprawling across seven islands one of the most important business, fashion and film making center in India.

DAY 02 MUMBAI  SIGHTSEEING:
After breakfast a full day guided sightseeing to visit Elephant caves, the caves on the island where excavated under the Kalachuris ( 500-600AD),, we also have time to visit the Museum or just relax in the hotel. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

DAY 03 MUMBAI- CHANNAI- MAHABALIPURAM
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Channai leaving at 1105hrs/ Arriving at 1250hrs, assistance on arrival and transfer to Mahabalipuram ( about 2hrs), a lovely drive along the shore, our two nights stay hear will be in lovely hotel with the beach. Evening free to enjoy a swim or a long walk along the beach.

DAY 04 MAHABALIPURAM
After breakfast visit the Shore Temple by the sea is surrounded by gardens designed according to descriptions of the original layout from ancient texts. The temple was built at the end of the seventh century by King Rajasimha, is unusual for its shrines to both Siva and Vishnu. Further visit the Rathas  these mid seventh century monolithic temples were influenced by Buddhist architecture, as they resemble the monastery.

Afternoon visit Arjunas Penance - a bas relief sculpted on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks, 29 metres long and seven metres high, the Mandapas  are fairly shallow pillared halls or porticos excavated out of the rocky hillside, Also enjoy the walk through this small seaside village where carving in stone is still a living art; stone masons can be heard chipping away from dawn to dusk along the roadsides. Back to hotel and relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 05 EXCURSION TO KANCHEEPURAM
After breakfast excursion to Kancheepuram (about 70kms/02hrs) one of the mokshapuris, or seven most sacred cities in India. An ancient centre of learning and pilgrimage, with much graceful architecture, Kanchi is important center of Vedic knowledge. It was here that the great teacher Shankara lived, and the place is today the seat of the southern Shankaracharya, the renowned saint Jayendra Saraswati. As befits its cultural heritage, Kanchi is also a great centre of silk production  altogether an unforgettable experience. After visiting the temples, back to Mahabakpuram to relax on the beach. O/n Hotel.

DAY 06 MAHABALIPURAM TO PONDICHERY
After breakfast drive to Pondichery (about 140kms/03hr), still enjoys a hint of its French colonial atmosphere in the grid pattern streets, distinctive police uniforms and the occasional colonial building. Yet despite its invigorating seafront and relaxing atmosphere the town is visited above all for he Sri Aurobindo Asham that draws visitors from all over the world.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel, afternoon visit Aurobindo Ashram and rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 07 PONDICHERY TO THANJAVUR.
After an early breakfast drive to Thanjavur (about 190kms/04hrs), Enroute visit to Chidambaram, whose Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of Cosmic Dance of Evolution, is a vast complex covering over thirty-five acres. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit the massive Brihadishvara Temple, dedicated to Shiva and built by the great patron Raja raja 1 in the eleventh century AD, as a breathtaking statement of imperial grandeur. We shall also see the excellent museum containing some very fine Chola bronzes, considered by many to be the pinnacle of Hindu craftsmanship, and a wide range of ancient stone carving. O/n Hotel.]

DAY 08 THANJAVUR TO TRICHY TO MADURAI
After breakfast drive to Madurai (about 190kms/04hrs), Enroute visit the Rock Fort Temple at Trichy which is one of the famous land mark of Trichy town. Further drive to Madurai and check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 09 MADURAI TO MUNNAR
Morning visit the alive and bustling temple of Meenakshi (fish eyed goddess). It has occupied a vital place in the history of Tamil Nadu state for over 2000 years, an on any day up to 15,000 people pass through its gates. Further by mid morning, drive to Munnar (about 125kms/03hrs), check into the hotel. Rest o the day free to relax or stroll around the tea gardens. O/n Hotel.

DAY 10 MUNNAR TO THEKKADY
Situated in the heart of the Cardamom Hills, at an altitude of 1700m, Munnar is surrounded by endless green, rolling hills and 30 of the worlds highest tea estates. After breakfast we make a short drive to Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary proclaimed as a National Park since it supports the largest population of Nilgiri Thar existing in the world now. A wide variety of plant life is present here. The Nilgiri Tahr is seen in the Highlands and rocky regions of this national park. Explore the sanctuary by walking; the views are superb from here.

Afternoon drive to Thekkady (about 110kms/03hrs), through the Cardamom Hills of Kerala. Arrive and check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 11 THEKKADY
Set on attractive Periyar Lake side, is in a beautiful setting and was designated a part of Project Tiger in 1973, though Tigers are very rarely seen and it is better know for its elephants, which are very likely to be seen until Mar/Apr. Most bull elephants here are tuskless. Bison, Sambar, Wild boar and the barking Deer are fairly common. In addition to 246 species of birds, there are 112 species of butterfly.

Early morning explore the park by hiking through the buffer zone of the forest with tribal tracker as a local guide from the forest department. We return from our hike at 08.00hrs and back to hotel for breakfast. Further make a short drive to nearby plantations to know more about the spices of Kerala and the plantation crops. Evening again explore the sanctuary which offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man-made lake, which the wildlife area encircles. O/n Hotel.

DAY 12 THEKKADY TO KUMARAKOM
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom (about 135kms/03hrs), a picturesque village located on the banks of Vembanadu Lake. Arrive and check into the hotel, rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 13 KUMARAKOM TO ALLEPPEY
Morning free, afternoon transfer to Alleppey to board our houseboat that comprises twin bed room, with attached bathrooms, running water, and a lounge area in which to relax and enjoy the sights on the shore. We start our sail through scenic backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. The houseboat will cruise through the Chambakulam area by mid-morning and anchor to explore the boat yard, which displays the traditional long snake boats used in races. Visit St. Marys Church, established by St. Thomas in 1721. In the evening, catch a glimpse of village life along the backwaters and experience a way of life unique to this region. The boat will pass through picturesque stretches of the backwaters of Alleppey and moor up for overnight in Vemabanadu Lake. O/n Houseboat.

DAY 14 ALLEPPEY TO COCHIN
After breakfast disembarks from the houseboat, straight drive to Cochin (about 60kms/02hrs), check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax & evening we watch the dance drama of Kerala  the Kathakali in a local theatre in Kochi. O/n Hotel.

DAY 15 COCHIN
Today we enjoy our visit of Kochi (Cochin), one of South Indias most interesting towns, still largely comprises low rise, picturesque buildings. Most of the historic buildings listed here are in Fort Kochi. We start our sightseeing with Mattanchery Palace, built by the Portuguese (1557) as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights, it was largely rebuilt by the new occupants, the Dutch. Further visit Jewish Synagogue adjascent to the Palace. This gem of a synagogue dating from 1568 (rebuilt in 1662) at the heart of what is called locally Jew Town, now a fascinating mixture of shops (some selling antiques), wareshouses and spice auction rooms. Lateron drive to Fort Kochi beach area to visit St. Francis Church originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron saint of Portugal, St. Francis Church is the first to reflect the new, European influenced tradition. Vasco da Gama died on the site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery. Fourteen years later his body was removed to Portugal. Our final visit will be to huge Chinese Fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. Chinese traders are believed to have originally introduced them in the late 14th century although, today, parts of the nets are known by Portuguese names. O/n Hotel.

DAY 15 COCHIN TO MUMBAI
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Mumbai. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the airport hotel for wash/change before transferring you again to the international airport. End of service.