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| Departures | | Departs every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday | | |
| | | | - Day 1 - A relaxing afternoon in Mamallapuram
 Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. The blue water of the Bay of Bengal mingles with the warm sands at the beaches here. Chennai is a journey into timeless India, a kaleidoscope of moods. Rich in the treasures of history, from temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the landscape of the past lives beautifully with the present in Chennai. | |  Mahabalipuram is also called Mamallapuram (City of Bali). Mamallapuram lies close to Chennai (Madras) on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, along the eastern coast. Mamallapuram is known for its rock carvings and monolithic sculptures. It boasts the famous Shore Temple, the only one to have survived the ravages of nature. Also known as the Seven Pagodas (temples), six of these structures now lie submerged in the sea. Tourists are drawn to this place by its miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art. The sculpture here is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of day-to-day life, in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally depict gods and goddesses. | | | You are met upon arrival in Chennai and then driven to Mamallapuram. En route, visit Kancheepuram, one of the sacred cities of India, to see the temples of Kailasanatha, Ekambareshwara, and Vaikuntaperumal. Continue onwards to Mamallapuram, the famous historical wonder Mammallapuram situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure relaxing on the beach or enjoying a stroll through town. Stay overnight at the hotel. |
| | | | - Day 2 - The temples of Mamallapuram and a trip to the Cholamandam Artists Village
| Mahabalipuram is also called Mamallapuram (City of Bali). Mamallapuram lies close to Chennai (Madras) on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, along the eastern coast. Mamallapuram is known for its rock carvings and monolithic sculptures. It boasts the famous Shore Temple, the only one to have survived the ravages of nature. Also known as the Seven Pagodas (temples), six of these structures now lie submerged in the sea. Tourists are drawn to this place by its miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art. The sculpture here is particularly interesting because it shows scenes of day-to-day life, in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally depict gods and goddesses. | | | This morning after breakfast at the hotel, visit the Rock Carvings and Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India which dates back to the 8th century. Take an excursion to the Cholamandalam Artists Village and see the traditional Indian works of art such as pottery, batik, sculptures and paintings in the permanent gallery. Return to Mamallapuram and stay overnight at the hotel. |
| | | | - Day 3 - Visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry
 Pondicherry is distinctly divided into two sections. One side of the local canal ‘Pondicherry’ still retains much of its French flavour. On the other side of the canal, you’ll find ‘Puducherry’, a small South Indian town where the flavours aren’t basil and thyme but curry leaves and roasting rai seeds. Pondicherry, with its ashram charm, is sought out by the peace-seeker. And with its safe and secluded beaches, also loved by the sun-seeker. The Heritage Walk of Ponidicherry is allows the stroller to enter the French city “La Ville Francaise”, where one finds the streets still bearing French names like Rue Dumas, Rue Romain Rolland, Rue Saint Martin, etc. Pondicherry is richly cosmopolitan. | | | Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Pondicherry, visiting Auroville en route. Check in to your hotel in Pondicherry and take an afternoon visit to the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Later you may take a walk through town before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay. |
| | | | - Day 4 - The temples of Shiva-Natraja and Brihadeshwara
 Tanjore is located on the eastern coast of the state of Tamil Nadu. This city carries the nickname "the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu". Tanjore is known as the ancient capital of Chola kings. The Brihadishwara temple, a World Heritage Site, was built by Raja Raja and is termed the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. The Thanjavur Palace, which was contructed in 1550, has huge corridors, spacious halls, and observation and arsenal towers. You can also visit Brihadeeswara Temple, Saraswati Mahal and the Art Gallery. | | | Drive to Tanjore this morning following breakfast at the hotel. En route, visit the Shiva-Natraja Temple at Chidambaram, one of the few temples where Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined within the same place. Upon arrival in Tanjore, check in to your hotel and depart this afternoon for a visit to the Bronze Museum and the prized architectural wonder of Brihadeshwara Temple, a superb example of Chola temple construction. Stay overnight at the hotel. |
| | | | - Day 5 - Day trip to Rock Fort and Srirangam
 Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) is located on the banks of the River Kaveri (Cauvery). It is a city known for its educational institutions, industries, and temples. Trichy, with a blend of a glorious historical past and acclaimed divinity through the famous Dravidian temples, stands as a commercial and tourist hub of Tamil Nadu. The most famous landmark of this bustling town is the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky outcrop which rises abruptly from the plains to tower over the old city. | | | This morning after breakfast, drive to Trichy and check in to your next hotel. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the Rock Fort and Srirangam Temples, the largest functioning temple complex in the world. Stay overnight at the hotel. |
| | | | - Day 6 - Madurai sightseeing and closing ceremony at Shree Meenakshi Temple
 Madurai is situated on the banks of river Vaigai. It has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil Era more than 2500 years ago. Madurai is one of South India's great temple towns and the most famous structure is Meenakshi Temple, once controlled by Pandya Kings. It is said that Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people, and divine nectar (Madhu) was showered on the city from his matted locks. This city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Madurai is also famous for Jasmine flowers. | | | Begin the drive to Madurai after breakfast and check in to your hotel upon arrival. You are taken on a city sightseeing tour this afternoon followed by an evening visit to the Shree Meenakshi Temple to witness the Closing Ceremony. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel. |
| | | | - Day 7 - Relaxing boat ride in Periyar
 Thekkady is the location of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is an important tourist attraction in Kerala state. In the rich jungles of Periyar is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in Periyar Lake. Thekkady is also famous for various spices, tea and coffee. | | | Transfer by road to Periyar and check in to your next hotel. Spend the remainder of your afternoon at leisure and enjoy an evening boat ride on Lake Periyar where you have the opportunity to spot some wildlife. |
| | | | | | - Day 9 - City tour of Cochin
 Cochin is one of the most interesting places in India. The city is spread out over mainland, peninsula and islands. The ancient temples and the churches in this district are of special interest to tourists. You can also visit the Chinese fishing nets still present off the shores of the city. Cochin International Airport is one of the country's youngest airports with modern facilities and conveniences for the international traveler. | | | Enjoy breakfast at the hotel followed by a full day city tour of Cochin (Kochi), visiting places such as Fort Cochin, Dutch Palace, the Synagogue and the Antique Market. Return to your hotel for your final night's stay in Cochin. |
| | | | | Cochin is one of the most interesting places in India. The city is spread out over mainland, peninsula and islands. The ancient temples and the churches in this district are of special interest to tourists. You can also visit the Chinese fishing nets still present off the shores of the city. Cochin International Airport is one of the country's youngest airports with modern facilities and conveniences for the international traveler. | | | Take a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and check out by 12:00 noon to transfer to the International Airport for your onward journey. |
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