Morning drive to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram city of thousand temples lies. 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. Later proceed to Mahablipuram, 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. Night at hotel.

Morning drive to Pondicherry. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Pondicherry. Although the French influence is gradually fading, Pondicherry retains a few Gallic accents. Pondicherry's main sights are the Rai Nivas, 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. Rest of the time at Leisure, night at hotel.

Breakfast at leisure, later start driving to Swami Mailer, 166 km. Swami Mailer, which is an ethnic village resort.. On the way, you will be visiting Chidambram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Night at Resort.

Morning drive to Trichy visiting en-route Tanjore The home of Carnatic music, musical instruments, dance and traditional handicrafts, 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. Later drive to Trichy. 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 on arrival check in hotel, later visit Srirangam, night at hotel.

Morning at Hotel, Drive to Madurai and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of 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 locks 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. Afternoon at leisure, night at the hotel.

Madurai Day at leisure - optional Day trip to visit Kodaikanal, a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill destination, later come back to Madurai and night at hotel.

After breakfast drive to Kanya Kumari (Cape Comorin ).Afternoon visit Kanya Kumari. The southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, the land's end of India or the point where the three seas meet - the Bay of Bengal, The Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Visit the Kumariamman temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanyakumari (Parvati) who stands guard over the country. The temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Siva. Gandhi Memorial, constructed at the spot where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept for public view in an urn before a portion was immersed into the three seas. Vivekanand Memorial built on the Vivekananda Rock where the great Philosopher guide Swami Vivekananda went into meditation that transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leader of this Later drive to Kovalam, On arrival check in your hotel. Rest of the time at leisure. Night at hotel.

Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". Is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort, With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. The warm and clean atmosphere by the coconut trees and the white sandbed are perfect for relaxing holidays, as the seabreeze gently plays with the waves. Day is at leisure to enjoy your time at beach side. Night at hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel, later drive to Periyar and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. 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. Night at the hotel.

Drive to 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. Night at House boat.

In the morning hours disembark Houseboat at Alleppey and proceed to Cochin, 56 km. Later enjoy sightseeing tour of Cochin.Cochin, Kerala's commercial centre, it has a fine natural harbour. Cochin(Kochi) gateway for Kerala is famous for Mattanchery Palace, St. Francis Church, Wellington Island, Bolghatty Island, Chinese Fishing nets and Jewish Synagogue. Cruising on the back-waters provides glimpses of the rural life, fine view of the harbour and three islands. Rest of the time at leisure. Night at hotel.

Morning at leisure, day is free for own activities. Later in the evening witness Kathakali Dance Show in a Theatre , night at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Ooty, on arrival check in your hotel. Later enjoy sightseeing tour of Ooty. Ooty, an integral part of the great plateau occupying the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. Located at 2240m above sea level, Ooty is the headquarters of the Nilgris district. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like confiers, eucalyptus, pine and the wattle dot the hillside in Ooty and its environ. The places of interest in Ooty include Botanical Gardens where "summer Festival" is held each during the month of May: the artificial lake and Dodabetta Peak which is the highest point in the district at a height of 2623m. Rest of the day at Leisure. Night at hotel.

Morning at leisure, later in the day sightseeing of Coonoor. 17 km from Ooty is the first of these hills stations. Coonoor is a small town with an equable climate that has made it popular as hill resort. Tea and Tourism Festival is held here during DEC-Jan. the main attraction is the Sim's Park, a small well maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in other hill stations. Rest of the time is free for your own activities. Night at hotel.

Drive to Mysore and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing tour of Mysore. Mysore, 770 m above sea level, this imperial city was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. The legend takes its name from a famous demon called Mahishasur, a great warrior who ruled as a tyrant until he was killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Mysore as we see today is most famous for the imposing Royal Palace with a magnificent Durbar Hall, particularly splendid during the Dussehra Festival when the Maharaja's jewellery, studded gold throne (weighing 200 kgs) is on display. Chamundeshwari temple perched on a hilltop is 2000 years old, Nandi Bull half way to the hill is a 4.8 metre monolith. 19 km northwest of Mysore is the KRS Dam and the ornamental Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountains and colorful lights transform this place into a fairly land in the evenings. Night at hotel.

Mysore Morning visit Somnathpur Temple, Somnathpur is a small village on the banks of the river Cauvery that was founded by the commander of the Hoyasala army, Somnath. The village is famous for its splendid and grand Keshava temple that has been built in the Hoyasala style. The temple is famous for its elaborate and intricate sculpturing. The temple is enclosed in a walled courtyard that has a gate and a porch. The temple is built on an elevated star shaped platform. The names of the sculptors are inscribed on their works, which was a common practice during the reign of the Hoysalas. This temple is as beautiful as the world-renowned Belur and Halebid temples. Afternoon visit Srirangapatnam, Srirangapatnam was the capital of the Mysore State under Tippu Sultan. As a result there are a number of historical monuments related to the life and times of Tippu Sultan. After the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799AD the British shifted the capital back to Mysore. Here enjoy visiting The Daria Daulat Palace, Masjid-e-Ala, Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, and The tombs of Tippu Sultan, Rest of the time at leisure, night at hotel.

Mysore-Hassan, 150 km Drive to Hassan and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Belur and Halebid Temples. Night at hotel. Belur temple took over 103 years to build and is a classic example of the Hoysala style of architecture. It rises like a wedding cake in stone, from a star shaped plinth, one of the hallmarks of Hoysala building design. From the base upwards, there is an extraordinary wealth of decorative detail; every available inch is crammed with intricate carvings. In one frieze, 650 elephants jostle one another in a continuous line. Many of the figures of full blossomed women depicted at Belur are believed to be portraits of King Vishnuvardhana's queen. Halebid - 16 km east of Belur and 27 km from Hassan, the Hoysaleswara Temple dating back to 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural detail. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. The magnificent temple -dedicated to Lord Shiva guarded by a Nandi Bull was never completed despite 86 years of labour. In the inner sanctum, the star black lingam, the symbol of Shiva, is still worshipped. The carving at the door is ornate with small details.

Drive to Bangalore visiting enroute Sravanbelgola. Said to be the world's tallest monolithic statue rises 17 meter high of Bahubali (Gomateshvara). The statue was built in 981 AD by the sculptor Aristanmi and is most sacred to the Jain Community. Arrive at Bangalore, Check in your hotel. Later enjoy sightseeing tour of Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka is one of the most important metropolis of India. It is a vital centre of science, aeronautics and electronics. Situated 1000 m above sea level, this garden city has pleasant weather round the year. The Lalbagh, one of the finest botanical Gardens of India, Cubbon Park laid in 1864 sprawling across 300 acres, Vidhana Soudha built in 1956 housing The State Legislature and Secretariat are the main attractions. Night at hotel.

Morning at Leisure. In time transfer to Airport for your flight to Mumbai, On arrival meet and assistance. Check in your hotel. Later enjoy Mumbai city tour including visit at Gateway of India built to commemorate the royal visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the Prince of Wales Museum housing collection of Indo Sarcenic architecture, Flora Fountain, Victoria Terminus, St. Thomas Cathedral, Crawford Market, Malabar Hill and the Hanging Gardens . Night at Hotel. Elephanta Caves & Prince of Wales Museum are closed on every Monday.

In time transfer to airport for onward flight back to home.

* Note - All itineraries are sample itineraries, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail.