Arrive Chennai by late evening International flight ex Europe. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. (Check in time is 1400 HRS ). Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at hotel . Morning city sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Government Museum and Art Gallery, to see the art and bronze gallery (closed on Fridays and public holidays) and also a visit to the famous 16th century Kapaleeshwarar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, sacred to Tamil Shivaties. Non-Hindus are only allowed up to the outer courtyard. Later drive past Fort St. George, Marina Beach and San Thome Cathedral. Later depart Chennai by surface for Mahabalipuram enroute visit Kanchipuram. Enroute visit to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram (64 kms from Chennai) is one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities. This "Golden City of a Thousand Temples" dates back to the early Cholas in the 7th century AD. Only around 70 temples of the original 1000 old temples are still intact and the most famous of them is the Kailasanatha Temple built with sandstone in the early seventh century A.D. Kanchipuram is famous for its silk weaving and a visit to the nearby villages to see the craftsmen at work on their looms is a rewarding experience. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) located around 60 Km from Chennai, occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the Pallava rulers in the seventh century the complex comprises of 14 cave-temples, nine monolithic "Rathas", three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels. These two rock-panels give a graphic description of Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and form the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising Sun, this has now been declared a World Heritage Site. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning depart Mahabalipuram by surface for Pondicherry . On arrival check in at hotel . Pondicherry, as we know now, became wide known on the arrival of the French on the 4 february 1673. 20 years after in 1643, the town became the property of the Dutch before belonging to France in 1699 with the" traité de Ryswick".François Martin who was appointed Administrator following the "traité of Ryswick", restored stability to Pondicherry and developed the town. Dumas who succeeded him, followed the principles created by François Martin. Afternoon sightseeing of Pondicherry which traces its origin to Saint Gasthya, the revered sage of the South. Excavations near Pondicherry reveal that a Roman settlement existed here 2000 years ago. It was also the theatre of many a battles between the British and the French and was the capital of French India before it attained its independence. Visit Auroville, an 'Ashram' for peace and harmonious living, founded by saint-philosopher Sir Aurobindo. Overnight at the hotel .

After breakfast at the hotet, depart Pondicherry by surface for Tanjore enroute visit Chidambaram & Kumbakonam. The small town of Chidambaram is built around the great temple complex of Nataraja - the dancing Shiva. The Nataraja Temple Complex is a highlight of the Dravidian architecture and was built by the Cholas from 907 to 1310. Kumbakonam is a busy dusty commercial center, nestled along the Cauvery river. Visit Sarangapani temple (the largest Vishnu temple here), Kumbeshwara temple (the largest Shiva temple) and the Nageshwara temple. It is believed that every 12 years water of the Ganges flow into the Mahamakham Tank and at this time a festival is held. Tanjore is the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" and famous for the Brahadeeswarar Temple. The temple was constructed more than thousand years ago by the King Rajarajan, is an architect's marvel. It is a flourishing centre for bronze sculpture and painting. Thanjavur was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas. Thanjavur was at height of its glory during Rajaraja Cholan. The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world. Thanjavur was the cultural capital of the country in 1790. Thanjavur gained prominence during the period of Chola Kings, who made it as their capital. It is known as the Granary of the South India lying in the deltaic region of the famous river Cauvery and criss-crossed by lengthy network of irrigation canals. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, sightseeing of Tanjore. Visit the beautiful Chola temple of Brihadishwara. Its bronzes and handicrafts make Thanjavur one of the highlights of a visit of the South. It is also famous for its silk, one of the best of India. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Tanjore by surface for Madurai. Enroute visit Trichy. Trichy- visit the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple, yet another flight leads to the temple of Lord Shiva. The ascent is climaxed by magnificent view of the sacred Kaveri River. Visit Srirangam a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which contains within its walls a bazaar, as well. Arrive Madurai and check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel .

After breakfast, Half day sightseeing tour visiting the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering gopurams, rising high above the surrounding country side. Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart by surface to Periyar. Arrive Periyar and check-in at the hotel. Periyar has a lot to offer you in sightseeing. The name Thekkady, for those who have already visited this place, brings to mind images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. Moreover, the flora and fauna of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is absolutely thrilling. The wildlife sanctuary here is the natural habitat of a wide variety of animal species. The Periyar Lake is a paradise for the nature lovers. It gives you an opportunity to observe the wild animals roaming in the jungle. The lake is also a birdwatcher’s delight. The greatest attraction of Periyar Lake, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Moreover, the Sanctuary Watch Tower situated in the forest interior gives you a panoramic view of the park. Afternoon enjoy boat ride at Lake Periyar to view the wild life.   This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip. Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc. There are over 260 species of birds here, including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart by surface to Cochin. Arrive Cochin and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon tour of the satellite towns of Kochi (Cochin) and Ernakulam comprises visits to the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue - (which remains closed on Saturdays) St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. While driving along the coastline, at the Harbor’s mouth, one can also view the unique and still-in-use "Chinese Fishing Nets" which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved. Evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Show. Witness India's most spectacular Dance Drama based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart by surface to Alleppey. Arrive Alleppey and check-in at the Houseboat. Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to go rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can laze on cushions. Most of the boats are poled by local oarsmen. Some are powered by engines. Gliding on serene backwaters, visitors can witness an un-spoilt Kerala Lunch on Board the houseboat. Dinner & Overnight on houseboat.

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and depart by surface to Kovalam. On arrival in Kovalam check into hotel. Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast at hotel Full day free for independent activities. (No transport and guide services envisaged) Overnight at the hotel

In time transfer to airport to connect flight for onward journey.