DAY 01: ARRIVE CHENNAI & DRIVE TO MAHABALIPURAM

Met and assistance on arrival at CHENNAI. Drive 1 hour (60 kms) to your beach resort at MAHABALIPURAM, where you are booked to stay for two nights.

DAY 02: IN MAHABALIPURAM

Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster. It is renowned for its series of charming RATHAS and the spectacular carved relief depicting ARJUNA’S PENANCE. The magnificent SHORE TEMPLE built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu. The KRISHNA MANADAPAM has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill on his fingertips. Return to your hotel late in the afternoon for overnight stay.

DAY 03: TO PONDICHERRY

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry, a French colony on the coastline of India. During your afternoon tour visit SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM, where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother lived for the most parts of their lives. The PONDICHERRY MUSEUM is home to some of the most exquisite collections on architecture and sculpture. Pondicherry also has a pleasant beach alongside promenade and historical monuments.
Overnight is at the hotel

DAY 04: TO MADURAI

Drive today to the temple city of MADURAI.  In Madurai the architectural marvels of the temples and the exquisite sculptures fascinate all those who have a look at them. You can also participate in the many festivals and regale in the rich tradition of the locals. Some of the major attractions in the city are the MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, TIRUMALAI NAYAK MAHAL, GANDHI MUSEUM, KOODAL AZHAGAR TMEPLE, VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN TEPPAKULAM etc.

DAY 05: TO PERIYAR

Today we drive from the busy and bustling temple town of Madurai to the quiet jungle resort of PERIYAR.  It is one of the finest sanctuaries for studying the Indian Elephant in its home. Arrive and check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon you will be taken around to see some spice plantations. 
Overnight is at the hotel.

DAY 06: TO TRIVANDRUM & TO KOVALAM

Early morning proceed for boat ride in the Lake Periyar to see the wildlife in the park. 
Drive to Kovalam enroute enjoying a quick tour or TRIVANDRUM.  Dating back to 1880, the NAPIER MUSEUM building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. The building has a unique natural air-conditioning system.  The SRI CHITRA ART GALLERY houses paintings from the Mughal, Rajput and Tanjore schools of art. Later continue your drive of another 30kms to arrive at your beach resort.  Evening is at leisure to explore the beaches. Overnight is at the hotel.

DAY 07: IN KOVALAM

The day is at leisure to explore the beaches. Overnight is at the hotel

DAY 08: TO ALLEPEY

We take another drive today to the backwaters of Alleppey.  On arrival in Alleppey you will be taken to your House Boat. Each boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialities and fresh vegetables. The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland.   Overnight is on board.

DAY 09: TO COCHIN

You will get up early today by chirping of birds and occasional ripples in the water.  Your breakfast will be cooked before your eyes by your expert boat-crew.  After breakfast check out of the houseboat and drive down to Cochin. Being a major harbor from the times of the British and Portuguese, Cochin has a rich heritage of forts, churches and temples. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 10: IN COCHIN

Breakfast followed by a sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting the Dutch Palace, (Closed on Fridays), Jewish synagogue (closed on Friday & Saturdays), Chinese fishing nets & St. Francis Church.   Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 AD.  The Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 AD, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, and the Chinese Nets.    

Later drive to Mattencherry  area to stroll  in the animated bazaar.   Afternoon is at leisure to explore this ancient port town. In the evening there is a visit to the cultural centre to see the traditional dance form of Kathakali. Overnight is at the hotel.

DAY 11: DEPART COCHIN

In time transfer to the International airport to board your flight for onward destination

End of the Tour