Arrive in Chennai, after a traditional 'Swagat' (welcome) our representative will assist you the airport and to the hotel for check in. Chennai (formerly known as Madras), is known for its cultural heritage and temple architecture. The region was served as an important administrative, military and economic centre dating back to the 1st century. The first Westerners were Portuguese, who arrived in the year 1522 and built a port. It then passed on to the Dutch in 1612. In 1639 the British East India Company established a fort and trading post since then this coastal centre of trade has drawn traffic from all over the world. Overnight in Hotel - Chennai

Today we take a tour of Chennai, visiting Fort St. George, the first bastion of British power in India and built in the year 1640 AD by the British East India Company. Within the Fort we visit St. Mary's Church, built in the year 1680 and the oldest Protestant Church in the East. The Fort Museum has 10 galleries and displays of Armoury, old uniforms, crockery and silverware, coins, palanquins, paintings, letters and old prints. The Santhome Cathedral, built in 1504, is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have visited Chennai sometime during 52AD. The National Art Gallery, established in the year 1857, is undoubtedly one of the country's finest museums. It has sections devoted to geology. Archaeology, anthropology, botany, zoology, sculpture and numismatics. Then the Kapaleeshwarar Temple built with beautiful Dravidian style architecture is devoted to the Lord Shiva. Overnight in Hotel - Chennai

Today we drive down to Kanchipuram, one of the seven holy cities in the country. It was a city of learning both Tamil and Sanskrit and was believed to be visited by Hsuan Tsang. In ancient times it was called Kachi. Once upon a time it had over 1,000 Temples, but today there are around a hundred left. It was also known for its silk sarees. We visit the Kailasanatha Temple, built in a typical Pallava style with a pyramidal tower, pillared hall and vestibule, has been standing since the 8th century. The temple is famous for its exquisite carvings and attracts devotees and tourists alike. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine, as a compound wall. Fresco style paintings adorn the inner walls of the temple. Next we visit Ekambaranatha, the ancient temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. The 57 metre high Rajagopuram is one of the tallest towers in South India. The 3000 year old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yielding a different variety of mangoes. Before returning to Mahabalipuram we visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, built in the 12th century AD, as an important Shakthisthalam, known as Parabrahmaroonpini. Overnight in Hotel - Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is world renowned for its beautiful Shore Temple and other temples. It was once the main port and naval base of the great Pallava Kingdom and was later made the capital of this dynasty. The temples were built by three successive Pallava Kings, who developed the Dravidian style of temple architecture within the short span of a hundred years. Today we take a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, visiting Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 7th Century AD and is a good example of the first phase of the structure of temples constructed in the Dravidian style. Designed to catch the first rays of the rising sun and to illuminate the waters after dark, the temple ended up with an unusual lay-out. Arjuna's Penance is the world's largest bas-relief. The huge whale-back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts and birds. Next we visit Rathas, monolithic temples fashioned as chariots. They remain an architectural mystery, for each is apparently a faithful reproduction of a structure built of wood. In fact, even the grain of the timber beams and rafters has been simulated in stone. Of the eight Rathas, five have been named for the Pandava brothers, the heroes of the epic Mahanharata. Overnight in Hotel - Mahabalipuram

Today we drive to Auroville near Pondicherry. The community of Auroville consists of Indian and International residents who aim to develop a harmonious environment through the implementation of the teachings Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Upon arrival visit Matri Mandir which was designed to be the spiritual and physical centre of Auroville. Further drive to Pondicherry, the land of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the serene world of distinct spiritual vibration and thus renowned as Sacred Land. Upon arrival check in to hotel. Overnight in Hotel - Pondicherry

Today we drive to Tanjore, flourished during the rule of the Nayaks and Mahrattas. It has been the treasure house of art for centuries. It is called the Rice Bowl of Tamilnadu. Thanjavur is well known throughout the world for its exquisite handicrafts like the Art Plate, pith work, bronze icons, Thanjavur paintings and the classical South Indian musical instruments. Overnight in Hotel - Tanjore

After breakfast we visit Brihadishvara temple, built by Rajaraja Chola it was completed around 1010CE. This 10th century temple is a brilliant example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The beautiful Chola Fresco paintings on the inner walls of the temple are no way less then Ajanta paintings. Later we leave for Trichy, which has very historic temples, monuments and churches. It was an important town in the days of the later Cholas, Nayaks as well as during the early days of the British East Indian Company. In the afternoon we start with Srirangam Temple surrounded by the waters of the River Kaveri and its tributaries. Kollidam is a 600 acre island town enclosed within the 7 walls of the gigantic Sri Tanganathaswamy Temple, which is one of the tallest Temples in South India. Later we visit Rock Fort. The most famed landmark is an 83m high rock which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. The most amazing fact about the rock is that it is one of the oldest in the world approximately 3,800 million years, which makes it as old as the rocks of Greenland and older then the Himalayas. Overnight in Hotel - Trichy

Today we leave for Madurai, rich culture heritage passed for more than 2500 years, has been an important commercial centre as early as 550AD. It is the oldest city in Tamilnadu and was originally known as Kadambavanam or the forest of Kadamba. In the evening witness Aarti Ceremony at Meenakshi Temple. Overnight in Hotel - Madurai

Today we visit Meenakshi Sundareshwar, it was first built 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded between the years. Initially there was only the Shiva Temple. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure known as Ayiramkall mandapam or the Hall of a thousand pillars in the outermost corridor. Also visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th century palace built in 1636 AD by King Thirumalai Nayak, who ruled Madurai from 1623 -59. This palace is a fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles. The rest of the evening is free for leisurely activities. Overnight in Hotel - Madurai

Today we drive to Periyar, one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch the wildlife at close range. The vegetation, flora, fauna and birds are uniquely vast and varied that is does not bear resemblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. The sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. Notable among the inhabitants are the tigers, majestic Asiatic wild elephants and distinctive Nilgiri Langur. In evening we go for a Spice Plantation Tour. Overnight in Hotel - Periyar

This morning at sun rise we take a boat ride to view wildlife in the sanctuary on Lake Periyar. After 2 hours of wildlife viewing we get back to the hotel for breakfast. Later we drive to Kumarakom. It is a cluster of little islands, on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kuttanad, the 'Wonder Land' believed to have been lying below the sea level, sprang out into the marshes when the sea receded later. The land of lakes, canals and paddy fields, Kumarakom transports you to a sheer ecstasy. Furthermore, Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life like the Karimeen (Pearl Spotted Fish), Chemeen (Prawns) and Konju (Tiger Prawns). Overnight in Hotel - Kumarakom

After breakfast visit the bird sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres and it is an ornithologist's paradise, a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands. Some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can take in the beauty of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers. In the evening enjoy the natural beauty of the place at your leisure. Overnight in Hotel - Kumarakom

Today you may visit the Kumarakon Bird Sanctuary. There are two seasons for birds, between October and February there are cormorants, teals, and other ducks, then from February to July there are darters, herons, egrets and Siberian storks. It also has the golden-backer woodpecker, crow pheasant, white-breasted water hen, tree pie, etc. Later we board the houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam, cruise around beautiful backwaters of Kumarakom to Alleppey to observe and experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters. Overnight on Houseboat

Today you will disembark at Alleppey and drive to Cochin, a very popular and historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, Dutch and British. It has one of finest natural harbours in the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hotel - Cochin

Today we visit the Jewish Synagogue, built in the year 1568. It is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. Also visit the spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices and history that brought the world to its doorstep. Chinese fishing nets are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. We also visit the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese. In the evening see Kerala's most popular classical dance, Kathakali. Overnight in Hotel - Cochin

On time you will be transferred to Cochin Airport to board flight for your onward destination. Our tour concludes: Caper assists you with transfer to the airport to board your onward flight, thank you for your patronage and we look forward to travelling with you again in the future.