Highlights of South India (4 Star)

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport you will meet your representative who will accompany you to your hotel. After checking in you are free to relax for the rest of the day.

Today you set out to explore Chennai, beginning with Marina Beach, one of the citys best known landmarks. You then continue to Fort St. George, the early centre of British influence in India, established in 1640 by the East India Company. Here you see St. Marys Church, regarded as the oldest Protestant church in the East, along with the Fort Museum, known for its collection from the colonial period.

Your tour continues to Santhome Cathedral, founded in 1504 and traditionally linked to St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have reached this region in the first century. You also see the National Art Gallery, created in 1857 and considered one of the countrys leading museums. The day concludes at Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, recognised for its distinctive Dravidian style architecture.

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram. This morning you drive to Kanchipuram, one of the seven holy cities in the country and once a major centre of Tamil and Sanskrit learning. Known in ancient times as Kachi, the city is also celebrated for its silk sarees and its long tradition of temple architecture.

You visit Kailasanatha Temple, an eighth century Pallava site known for its pyramidal tower, pillared hall and detailed carvings. Around the main shrine are fifty eight small sanctuaries, and the inner walls retain traces of fresco style paintings.

Your tour continues to Ekambaranatha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and noted for its impressive fifty seven metre Raj Gopuram. Within the grounds you see a three thousand year old mango tree with four branches that are said to produce different varieties of fruit.

Later you travel to Mahabalipuram and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Mahabalipuram, - Pondicherry. After breakfast you set out on a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, beginning with the Shore Temple, one of the regions most recognised landmarks. You then see the Five Rathas, early examples of South Indian temple design that reflect remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Your visit continues to the Varaha Cave, a small rock cut hall known for its Pallava doorway carvings, followed by Arjunas Penance, considered one of the largest and most impressive bas relief sculptures in the world.

Later in the afternoon you drive to Pondicherry, where you will spend the night.

Today you set out on a full day excursion in and around Pondicherry, formerly known as Puducherry, a coastal city on the eastern seaboard of India. Although its French character has softened over time, the city still retains a hint of its colonial past.

You visit Auroville City and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram before continuing to the Promenade Beach, the Pondicherry Museum, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Manakula Vinayagar Koil Temple.

Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Thanjavur. This morning you drive from Pondicherry to Thanjavur with a visit en route to Chidambaram, a sacred centre dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the depiction of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. The area is known for its remarkable temples and long standing spiritual traditions.

You then continue to Thanjavur, often referred to as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. After checking in at your hotel you begin exploring the city, including the celebrated Chola era Brihadeeshwara Temple. You also see the Palace and its art gallery, which houses granite and bronze works from the Chola period. The evening is at leisure.

Thanjavur - Trichy - Madurai. You will drive to Madurai with a stop in Trichy along the way. In Trichy you explore Srirangam, an island town set within the Kaveri River and home to the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, enclosed by seven concentric walls and covering around six hundred acres.

You also visit the Rock Fort, the citys best known landmark, rising eighty three metres above the otherwise flat landscape. The rock itself is considered among the oldest in the world, and while little of the fort remains, the temple at the summit continues to draw attention for its commanding views.

After your visit in Trichy you resume the journey to Madurai and on arrival check into your hotel.

Madurai - Periyar. Today you visit the celebrated Madurai Meenakshi Temple, also known as the Meenakshi Amman Temple. This ancient complex is considered one of the most significant temples in India and is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, and Sundareswarar, a form of Lord Shiva.

According to local tradition this is the site where the divine marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar is believed to have taken place, giving the temple deep cultural and spiritual importance.

After your visit you drive to Periyar, once you have arrived you will check into your hotel and spend the night.

After breakfast, you travel to the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, a scenic lakeside sanctuary and one of the most popular wildlife locations in South India. A cruise on the lake offers a chance to observe the regions wildlife, which includes tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambhar, wild boar, monkeys and a wide range of birdlife.

Later you enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake followed by a visit to a local spice plantation. You will then make your way back to your accommodation for the night.

Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey. This morning you board your houseboat from Kumarakom and begin your backwater journey towards Alleppey. As you travel through the waterways you experience rural life along the backwaters and take in views of coconut palms, long canals, green paddy fields and shimmering water.

The houseboat is equipped with the amenities needed for a comfortable stay, and the crew prepare freshly cooked meals for you to enjoy on board. As you cruise through canals and under small bridges you can also look forward to fresh fish for dinner. You spend the night on the floating houseboat.

Alleppey - Kochi. Today, you check out from your houseboat and travel to Kochi. Later you begin exploring the city, starting with Fort Kochi, an area that reflects the citys European heritage. You see the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of Kochis prominent landmarks, and St. Francis Church, regarded as the oldest European church in India.

You then visit the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 and known for its Chinese tiles, Belgian chandeliers and historic scrolls of the Old Testament. A walk through the spice market offers a sense of the regions trading past, with the air filled with the aroma of spices. You also see the Chinese fishing nets, believed to have been introduced by traders connected to the court of Kublai Khan.

In the evening you enjoy a performance of Kathakali, Keralas most renowned classical dance.

After your final Breakfast, You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, Safe travels!