Day 01 : Chennai - Kanchipuram by road (80km/2hrs)
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the Chennai airport/railway station and drive to Kanchipuram. Upon arrival at Kanchipuram, check into the hotel. After freshening up, a city tour of Kanchipuram, visiting the temples and the bazaars. Overnight stay at Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram is known as one of India's Seven Sacred cities. Kancheepuram was the historical capital of the Pallavas and later became the citadel of the Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. It has been a cultural and religious centre for centuries.

It has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Adi Sankara established his Episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam) here.

Varadarajar temple is a massive and impressive edifice. The hundred-pillar-hall erected during the Vijayanagar period in this temple is noted for its exquisite sculptures. The ornamental rings carved out of a single stone in a chain at the four corners are the special features of the hall.

Kailasanathar Temple, built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra in the 8th century, this temple is noted for its architecture and sculptures. Paintings of Fresco-style adorn the inner walls of the shrines. Sandstone was used in the construction of this temple.

Temples of religious importance are:-

Vaikunta Perumal Temple is one of the important Vishnu temples built by the Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th Century. Numerous inscriptions are found in this temple relating to the wars between the Pallavas and Chalukyas. The presiding deity Lord Vishnu is depicted in sitting, standing and reclining postures.

Ekambareswarer Temple is another ancient temple of Kancheepuram. The 57 meters (188') high Rajagopuram is one of the tallest towers in South India. This temple has five spacious corridors (prakarams) and a beautiful 1,000 pillar hall. Kamakshi Amman Temple in the present form was built by the Cholas during 14th Century.

The temple city is also world renowned for the gorgeous hand-woven silk saris of myriad dazzling colors, noted for their shrine, finish and matchless beauty. The exquisite silk saris woven from pure mulberry silk in contrasting colors have an enviable reputation for luster, durability and finish.

Day 02 : Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram by road (75km/2hrs)
Morning drive to Mahabalipuram. Upon arrival at Mahablipuram, check into the hotel. Later, visit the shore temples of Mahabalipuram. Overnight stay at Mahablipuram.

Mamallapuram, 60 kms. south of Chennai, nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was once a port of the Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvelous monuments with Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas and Temples. Once a thriving port trading with many distant nations, Pallava Chisels have breathed life into stone. These monumental splendors and sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world.

Arjuna's Penance, the world's largest bas-relief measuring 27m x 9m is the pride of Mamallapuram. This huge whale-back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds and in fact, represents the entire creation.

Five Rathas are five monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as the Pancha pandava Rathas and the four of the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single rock formation.

The Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the early 8th century and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The monuments are flood-lit at night, making it possible to enjoy their beauty after sunset.

Day 03 : Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry by road (110km/2hrs)
Morning drive to Pondicherry, upon arrival at Pondicherry, check into the hotel. Later, visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. In the afternoon a city tour of Pondicherry. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

Pondicherry was a French colony from 1675 till 1954. Neat, pleasant, and charming, Pondicherry has a beautiful beach. Today, the French influence is to be found in the policemen's red kepis, on quaint signboards, in the statues of Dupleix and Joan of Arc, libraries and other buildings. It has been made world-famous by the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for the most part of their life.

The ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926 and houses the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the mother. The ashram's influence can be felt in most of Pondicherry.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on rue de la Marine, is one of the most well known ashrams in India. The Ashram was set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, one of India's greatest philosopher-poets, who originally came to Pondy to escape persecution by the British. His philosophy deeply rooted in yoga and his writings inspired a number of followers. One of them was a Parisian mystic, painter and musician called Mirra Alfassa (also known as 'The Mother'), who was instrumental in establishment of the ashram. After Aurobindo's death in 1950, the running of the Ashram was entrusted to The Mother. The idea of Auroville or the "City of Down" was conceived by 'The Mother.' She died in 1973 at the age of 93.

Auroville - or the 'City of Dawn' was conceived by the Mother and came into existence in 1968 . The idea was to build a futuristic city where people of goodwill can live together above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The buildings are a combination of modern western and traditional Indian elements, set in a rural landscape of deep red earth and widespread forestation, with narrow earth roads linking the settlements. The residents are involved in agriculture, administration, commerce and handicrafts, alternative technology, education, healthcare and development projects.

The central Matrimandir, a place for individual silent concentration, is set at the centre of the emerging township. A glass globe placed at the centre of the inner chamber acts as a focal aid to concentration.

Day 04 : Pondicherry - Chennai by road (165km/3hrs)
After breakfast drive to Chennai airport/railway station for your onward journey.

Day 01 : Arrive Cochin
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Cochin airport/railway station and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. An option to go for a sunset cruise at the harbor or roam around the market place. Overnight stay at Cochin.

Cochin (Kochi) is the commercial capital and most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. It is one of the finest natural harbours of the world, this was once a major center of commerce and trade with British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch etc.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 : Cochin
Morning after breakfast a sightseeing of Cochin to see the major attractions like the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St Francis Church. Later, drive along the coast and at the harbor’s mouth see the fixed, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. In the evening, an option to watch Kathakali, a cultural dance performance.

Dutch Palace the palace, though originally built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin raja in 1555, acquired its present name after the Dutch carried out some extensive repairs on it. Some rooms contain breathtaking 17th-century murals depicting scenes from the Indian scriptures.

Jewish Synagogue built in 1568, is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, copper plates bearing records of the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers, gifted gold and silver crowns, and exquisite Chinese hand-painted willow patterned floor tiles are of interest. The other interesting places to visit are the Dutch Cemetery and St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was buried in 1524 and after 14 years his remains were transferred to Lisbon.

Kathakali – Kathakali is a combination of two Malayalam words “Katha” which means “story” and “kali”, which means “play”. It is a story acted out and contains mime, drama, music, acting, etc.The stories are mainly taken from Hindu mythology. The most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. The dance-drama is arresting because of its elaborate get-up. The artistes wear flamboyant costumes and use a highly developed language of gestures to convey entire sentences and stories. The body movements and footwork are very rigorous.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 : Cochin – Alleppey by road (85 km/2hrs)
Morning drive to Alleppey. Check into the resort upon arrival at Alleppey. Rest of the day at leisure or there is an option to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage at the resort. Overnight stay at Alleppey.

The Backwaters of Kerala
Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of many rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea and unique to Kerala. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting eco-system teeming with life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Kumarakom and Alleppey are the prominent backwater towns.

Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty with the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it. It is referred to as the Venice of the east by tourists across the world. Here one can watch rural life at close quarters - the many activities like; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, coir-making, prawn farming, and scores of other sights by a boat trip in a country craf

Ayurveda practices, believe in cleansing the human body of toxins through ancient proven practices of energy channelizing and usage of natural elements.

Day 04 : Alleppey on a Houseboat
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon proceed to check into the houseboat. The houseboat will be your home today. Lunch is on board the houseboat. Overnight aboard the houseboat.

A cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. A Houseboat will accommodates two people plus a crew of three, including a captain and a cook. The bedroom is private and the bathroom modern, with showers, flush toilets and hot water. Check in is at noon and you are welcomed with fresh tender coconut water and the cruise starts. Lunch is aboard the houseboat, with lavish menu of traditional Kerala cuisine. Any special meals (like north Indian or food without spice, coconut oil etc) has to be informed in advance. The cruise covers the beautiful rivers and canals with palm trees and small houses near to it, village paddy fields, churches, etc. You can get out and get an experience of Toddy (soft liquor made from Coconut it is safe and pure). You can buy fresh prawns/crab/karimeen from local fishermen and give it to the chef, to prepare it for you. While cruising, you can observe the rural life of the villages on the banks of the canals. At 1800 hrs the houseboat will anchor till next morning at 06.00am (so as not to disturb the local fishing industry). After dinner, retire for the night in your floating paradise. AC is switched on only during sleep time. Next morning enjoy the fresh air with a cup of bed tea/coffee. Check out after breakfast by 09.00 am.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 05 : Alleppey – Periyar by road (160km/4hrs)
Morning after an early breakfast, check out from the houseboat and proceed to Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary (Thekkady). Upon arrival at Thekkady, check into the hotel. After freshening up, proceed to the Periyar Lake for boat cruise to view wildlife. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Periyar also known as Thekkady is located in the Idukki district in Kerala. This is one of the most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries of India. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The sanctuary, declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger scheme, attracts travelers from all over the world. Overnight at the hotel.

A boat cruise on the Periyar lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve, which come to drink water on the banks of the lake. The wildlife includes – the wild elephant, tiger, panther, sloth bear, leopard and other wild animals. Avifauna includes 265 species including migrants. The Periyar Lake and streams have several species of fish including the Mahseer, the famous endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only mammal of the lake, can be spotted from the boat.

Day 06 : Periyar
Today there is an option to laze around at the resort or go for a trek in the jungle or float down the river in a bamboo raft or spend a night in a primitive hut in the jungle probably these options are the best you can get to watch wildlife at its closest. Overnight at Thekkady

Options for activities
A nature day walk/trek for about 3 hours (generally 4-5 km) with a trained tribal guide either in the morning or in the afternoon. This offers an excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands.

Spend a night in a forest cottage, where you can share the quietness of the jungle night and just relax listening to the cicada or simply watch the forests outside. The high point is walking through different forest types at prime time when animals tend to be more active. One can watch troops of langurs, giant squirrels, etc., besides many birds along this stretch. Who knows, if the goddess of fortune blesses you, a tiger could come out of the bushes chasing a herd of sambar or deer!

Hiking and Bamboo Rafting – It’s from dawn to dusk, hiking through some of the richest forest tracts. You will hike for a few hours before getting on to the rafts made of bamboos. The rafting is for about three hours, where one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Then you head back towards the starting place.

Day 07 : Periyar – Madurai by road 160km/3- 4hrs)
Morning after breakfast, check out from the houseboat and drive to Madurai. Upon arrival at Madurai, check into the hotel. Later a half day city tour of Madurai visiting the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal and Meenakshi Temple. Evening an option to witness a night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. This is a ceremony that takes place every evening when the bronze statue of Lord Shiva is carried to the bed chamber of Parvati. The procession is accompanied by religious prayer and temple music.

Madurai, probably over 2500 years old, is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu and lies on the banks of the River Vaigai. Its origin and name emerge from a misty and lovely legend. In a forest near a lotus pond, Indra, King of Gods, worshipped Lord Siva as a Swayambu Lingam. At this hallowed spot, the Pandyan monarch Kulasekhara built a great temple and clearing the forest, he created a lotus-shaped city around the temple. On the day the city was to be named, Lord Siva appeared at the ceremony and blessed the land and its people with divine nectar (Mathuram) showered on the city from his matted locks. The city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri.

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple The temple dominates the old city which evolved around it. The temple is dedicated to both, Meenakshi, the lovely consort of Lord Siva and to Lord Siva as Sundareswarar. It is one of the holiest places of worship in South India. The temple is dominated by four enormous towers (gopurams) over the entrance gates. From the top of the tower one can get a panoramic view of Madurai and the 11 other gopurams of the temple. The Thousand-Pillared Mandapam (hall) of the temple has actually 985 beautifully sculpted pillars.

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, the most imposing remnant is a huge Audience Hall opening into a courtyard with elaborately ornamented arches. A sound and light show depicting the story of Thirumalai Nayak and Silappathikaram (a Tamil Epic) can be seen here daily.

Overnight stay at Madurai.

Day 08 : Madurai
Morning drop in time to the Madurai airport/railway station for the onward journey.