Arrive Chennai (Madras)
On arrival at Chennai Airport, special welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel.

Chennai
Morning starts with Chennai tour - India's fourth largest city. Visit the National Art Gallery and Museum where you will find the witness of the major South Indian periods including Chola, Vijaya Nagar, Hoysala and Chalukya. Also a place to visit is the Fort St. George built around 1653 by the British East India Company. St. Mary's Church built in 1678-80 is the first English church in Madras, and is the oldest surviving British church in India. Temple tours of Chennai like the Kapaleeshwarar Temple displays fine architectural and cultural heritage of Chennai.

 

Chennai / Kanchipuram / Mahabalipuram /Chennai
Today's excursion takes you to Kanchipuram - one of the seven sacred  cities of India. From 6th to 8th century the Pallava dynasty rule there  and at that period arts especially literature, music and dance, prospered. The voyage Proceeds to Mahabalipuram - The city of seven pagodas, formerly known as "Mamallapuram". The shore temples lashed by the sea, is one of the early temples to be constructed in this area.

 

Chennai / Trichy
From Chennai we proceed to Trichy. The historical city of Tiruchirapalli, popularly known as Trichy, is situated on the banks of the Kaveri River (also Calvary) in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The present-day city, with a blend of glorious past and acclaimed divinity through the famous Dravidian temples, stands as a commercial and tourist hub of Tamil Nadu. Trichi has a long history, going back to several centuries before the birth of Christ. The spectacular Rock Fort Temple, the landmark of the city, is on the shores of the Kaveri. It is perched on a massive rocky outcrop at an altitude of 83 m above sea level. The Thayumanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (the destroyer in the Hindu trinity), is situated halfway to the top. It has a 100-pillar hall and a Vimana covered with gold. Also are the temples to visit - The Jambukeshwara Temple and The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India.

 

Trichy / Tanjore 
Morning visit Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive outcrop of rock. Afternoon proceed by surface to Tanjore. Enroute visit Srirangam well known for its Ranganathaswamy Temple. The 13th century temple is set on a 250-hectre island in Cauvery, connected to the mainland by a bridge. On arrival at Tanjore, check-in at the hotel.

Tanjore / Madurai

Morning tour of Tanjore, a town of extreme antiquity and the ancient capital of the Chola King. Your city tour incorporates a visit to the Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple. The temple built by the great Chola King in the 10th century AD is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. The Palace, located near the temple has huge corridors and spacious halls. The Art Gallery, which houses several granite and bronze statues of the Chola period, is within the palace. On arrival check-in at the hotel.

 

Madurai

Morning city tour of Madurai.  Madurai is the famous for the imposing Meenakshi Temple a structure in the Dravidian style of architecture. The history of the deity dates back over 2,000 years when it was the capital of the Pandyas. The most interesting feature of the temple is its hall of thousand pillars. Evening here, witness the temple ceremony as the climax of the escorted tour.

 

Madurai / Periyar
You proceed by road to Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary and on arrival check in at the hotel.

Periyar
Early morning boat cruises at Periyar Lake. Set up in 1934 this sanctuary extends to 777 sq kms. Cruise on the lake allows you to have a date with Elephants, Wild Boar, Sambhar, Tiger, Wild Dog and Langur Monkeys. Afternoon free for independent activities.

 

Periyar / Cochin
Morning proceed to Kottayam. After lunch at Vembanand Lake Resort, you take the backwater cruise to Allepey, which is a scenic run through trees and lagoons. Continue drive to Cochin. On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Cochin

Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. The morning tour ushers through St Francis Church, allegedly India's oldest European built church. Constructed in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, the church has accompanied the expedition led by Pedro Alvarez Cabral.The voyage then proceeds with the Mattancherry Synagogue. Constructed in 1568, the synagogue was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took over the Kochi. Also is the Parishath Thampuram Museum , which contains 19th century oil paintings, old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintings. The Dutch palace presents spectacular 17th century frescoes, court attire and numerous artifacts. Afternoon is spent cruising through lagoons and palm tree lined canals.

 

Cochin / Goa
Morning transfer to Cochin Airport to connect flight For Goa. Goa the former Portuguese enclave of Goa, one of India's gems, has enjoyed a prominent place in the traveler's lexicon for many years with its magnificent palm - fringed beaches and renowned travelers scene. On arrival at Goa you will be transferred to the hotel.

Goa
This morning you will visit the Old Goa. Goa is acknowledged, as the land of white churches and golden sands. The beach stretches out for miles, hemmed in by lush green hills.

Goa / Mumbai
This morning you will be transferred to Goa airport to connect flight for Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai, transfer to the hotel.

Mumbai

Morning departure from Mumbai Harbour and there awaits a wonder, an excursion to the small Island of Elephanta,also called 'Gharpuri', heading to the Great Cave temple of Lord Shiva. Radiating might and mildness, awesome power and tender benevolence in one majestic, stands an awe struck 18 - foot colossal 3-headed Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.In the afternoon the city tour heads to the exotic and architectural Malabar Hill, Kamala Nehru Park, the Hanging Gardens, Parsi Towers of Silence and proceeds to the city’s splendid Marine Drive to Chowpatty beach, the Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India, to the Crawford’s market.

 

Mumbai (Final Departure)
Transfer to International airport to connect flight back home.