Arrive Madras by international flight, Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight Hotel - Chennai

Today after breakfast we explore Chennai, the capital city  popularly regarded as the 'Gateway to the South' represents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. The places of interest are Kalakshetra, a school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing; Fort St. George built in 1653 during British reign in India, - now houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu; St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India,  Sri Parthasarathy Temple built by Pallavas in the 8th century AD, Kapaliswara Temple, Mylapore also an eighth century Pallava Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, San Thomas Cathedral Basilica rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica.

After lunch we continue towards  Kanchipuram,  the city of thousand temples. One of the seven sacred cities of Hindus, it was the capital of the early Cholas as far back as the 2nd century BC. Kanchi was a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. Apart from temples, the city is also famous for its silk weavers, settled here some 400 years ago and have given it an enviable reputation.Then we move down to Chennai again for night stay.

Overnight Hotel -Chennai.

 Today we move towards Pondicherry  enroute visit pf  Mahabalipuram, the ancient port of Pallavas. The pallavas have created many marvelous monuments with sculptural panels, caves, Monolithic Rathas and Temples. Krishna Mandapam, has a big bas relief, notable for its realistic representation. The world's largest bas relief measuring 27m x 9m, whale back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demi-gods, men .beasts, birds and representation of the entire creation. Shore Temple, one of the oldest in south dating back to 8th century AD is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The Five Rathas, a group of five monolithic temples, each created in different style.

Then after we continue  towards  Pondicherry-Although the French influence is gradually fading, Pondicherry retains a few Gallic accents. Pondicherry's main sights are the Sacred Heart Church and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram retreat was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo after whose death the spiritual authority passed to one of his disciples, a French woman known as the Mother. The Mother was also instrumental in founding the city of Dawn Auroville, 10 km from Pondicherry. Its original charter aimed at creating a city of the future where people from India and abroad could live and work together in a spiritual environment.

Overnight Hotel -Pondicherry

Morning drive to Tanjore visiting en-route temple at Chidambram & Gangai Konda Cholapuram.

On arrival to Tanjore after check-in we explore the city.Tanjore - The home of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional hadicrafts, Tanjore (Thanjavur) is famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple constructed more than a thousand years ago by the Chola King Raja Rajan is an architect's marvel. The Art Gallery and the Saraswathi Mahal Library are also well known places of interest.

Overnight Hotel -Tanjore

After breakfast drive to Trichy and on arrival, visit Srirangam (5 kms from Trichy), located in an island is Srirangam. Surrounded by the Kaveri water is a 600 acre island town enclosed within the seven walls on the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami temple. There are no less than 22 gopurams, one of which is the tallest in India. The 72 m high 13 tiered gopuram dominates the landscape for miles around.

The Rock Fort situated on the banks of the Kaveri river, Trichy's most famed land mark is an 84 m high rock, one of the oldest in the world aprox.3,800 million years. The attraction is not for fort itself but the temple at the summit. 344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top where are the inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century B.C.

Later drive to Madurai and on arrival check in hotel.

Overnight Hotel-Madurai.

Today we explore Madurai, known as Athens of the East, it is the second largest city on the banks of the River Vigai. The city believed to be more than 2500 years old. The city got its name from the drops of nectar (Mathuram) that fell from Shiva's locs when he came to bless its people for constructing a temple for him. Madurai where the people wake up at the chant of hymns is proud of magnificent 'The Meenakshi-Sundareswara Temple. Of its 12 gopurams, four of the tallest stand at the outer walls of the temple. The 48.8 m high southern gopuram is the most spectacular and have over 1500 sculptures. In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the Meenakshi temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Later visit of

Thirumalai Nayak Palace, King Thirumalai Nayak built the Thirumalai Nayak Palace in 1636 AD and was designed by an Italian architect. The palace is situated 2 km south east of the Meenakshi Temple. The building, which can be seen today, was the main Palace where the king lived. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. The Palace was the classic example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The palace was divided into two major parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. The royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden were situated in these two portions. The courtyard and the dancing hall are the major center of attractions of the palace. High walls running 300 m from the east to the west, 200 m from the north to the south and 12 mt high enclosed the complex. These walls are called the Pari Madil and are said to have survived till a hundred years ago.

Overnight Hotel-Madurai

Today we proceed to Periyar, spread over an area of 777 sq km, this sanctuary has about 35 tigers and leopards. However, sighting a tiger in Periyar is a fortune for one out of thousand. The park encompasses a 26 sq km artificial lake and is the home of sambars, wild boars, elephants and antelopes which can be occasionally seen on the banks of the river during a boat cruise. Periyar, otherwise, blessed by Nature has enormous tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom plantations and is lush green.

Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Periyar to view wildlife.

Overnight Hotel -Periyar

After breakfast we move towards Kumarakom and embark on deluxe Houseboat for backwater cruise.Embark Kerala Houseboat "Kettuvalam" at Kumarakom. Head towards Munnattumugham village, thru interior backwaters. Continue to Champakulam, earlier named as Kalloorkad, the ancient trade centre of backwaters. Visit famous St, Marys Forance Church that is believed as blessed by Str. Francis in 42 AD. The murla paintings by vegetable oil is an exciting panoramic vision. Visit the famous Champakulam snake boat construction yard.

Overnight In houseboat.

After breakfast, leisurely cruise towards Alleppey finishing point jetty.Disembark at 0930 hours and drive to Cochin. Rest of the day free.Evening assist Kathakali Dance Show.

Overnight Hotel - Cochin.

After breakfast we expplore Cochin, Kerala's commercial centre, it has a fine natural harbour. Cochin(Kochi) gateway for Kerala is famous for Mattanchery Palace, St. Francis Church,  Chinese Fishing nets and Jewish Synagogue.

In evening time after farewell dinner,you will transfer to the International airport for onward destination.