ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrival in Mumbai

On arrival at the airport, met and transferred to the hotel of your choice. Afternoon city tour of Mumbai visiting The Gateway to India, the Hanging Gardens, Marine Drive, Dhobi Ghat, Victoria Terminus and the Prince of Wales Museum.

Day 02: Mumbai - Chennai - Mahabalipuram

Morning transfer to the airport to fly to Chennai. On arrival, met and drive 2 hours to Mahabalipuram. Thereafter, check in to the hotel of your choice. Afternoon 2 hours sightseeing of the sea shore temples of Mahabalipuram.

Day 03: Mahabalipuram

Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour of Kanchipuram, one of the 7 holiest Hindu cities and famous for its spectacular temple.

Day 04 : Mahabalipuram – Pondichary

Morning drive for 2 ½ hours south to Pondicherry, formerly a French colony, which became part of India in the early 1950's. On arrival check-into the hotel. Afternoon visit Auroville, an international commune founded by the Mother, where a large number of people from different parts of the world live and work together. The other attraction of Pondicherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Day 05: Pondicherry - Chidambram - Tanjore

Morning, drive westwards to Tanjore, enroute is Chidambram a gem of Dravidian architecture famous for its Natraja Temple (Dancing Shiva). This temple is said to be the oldest in this area. It is a 6 hours journey including the visit to Chidambarm.

Day 06: Tanjore - Trichy - Kodaikanal

A drive of about 6 hours via Trichy takes us to Kodaikanal a hill town surrounding a man made lake, located at 2000 mtrs on the Palany Hills. The Shola forests are unique to this area. Late afternoon, free to play a round of golf, at the unique course here; or go for a 7 km hike to Pillar Rocks. Bryant Park, a botanists delight, is also worth a visit.

Day 07: Kodaikanal - Madurai

Morning, drive for 4 hours to Madurai. On arrival check in to the hotel of your choice. Afternoon visit of the famous Meenakshi Temple (named after one of the daughters of a Pandyan king, who had 3 breasts). The temple is spread over 6 hectares and its enormous gopurams or towers are covered with gaily coloured statues, and are visible from a great distance.

Day 08 : Madurai - Lake Periyar

A 5 hours drive brings us to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary famous as the abode of the Indian Tuskers (Elephants), and a wide array of other animals and birds. On arrival check in to the hotel of your choice. Afternoon, boat ride on the lake to see the wildlife.

Day 09 : Lake Periyar - Kumarakom

Early morning visit of the wildlife park. After breakfast, depart for Kumarakom, a 5 hours drive. Transfer by boat to a resort on an island on the backwaters of Vembanad Lake, one of the largest salt water lakes of India.

Day 10 : Kumarakom

Day at leisure in Kumarakom. Boat cruises by speed boat are available for trips into the backwaters.

Day 11 : Kumarakom - Cochin

Morning, depart for Cochin, a 1 ½ hours drive to one of the finest natural harbours of India and the business centre for the state of Kerala. On arrival check in to the hotel of your choice. Afternoon city tour of Cochin visiting the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Matencherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue etc.

Day 12 : Cochin - Trivandrum

Early morning transfer to airport to fly to Trivandrum. On arrival, transfer to the hotel of your choice. Rest of the day at leisure on the beach.

Day 13 : Trivandrum Departure

Day at leisure. Late evening transfer to airport to board the connecting flight for onward journey.