Day 01 – Chennai-Mahabalipuram (50 Kms-1.5 Hour Drive)

On arrival at Chennai, you  will be driven to Mahabalipuram Beach to check into your hotel on beach. Afternoon sightseeing of Mahabalipuram to explore the heritage of Mahabalipuram temples, built in 7^th & 8^th century AD which are today the sight of several antique sculptural marvels. Overnight at hotel.

Mahabalipuram has a significant role in the history and architecture of India which gives a major role for the archaeological enthusiasts. This is the only place in India where we have Cave Architecture, Monolythic  Architecture and  Structural Architecture still existing simultaneously. Also the long stretch of clean beach will give one a peaceful relaxation in  Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram – It is among the most outstanding examples of Pallava art and architecture. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Arjuna’s Penance – This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas  relief  in the world. There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu’s cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one. Five Rathas –These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

 Day 02 – Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram (80 Kms-2 Hours Drive)

After an early breakfast,drive to Kanchipuram for sightseeing.Afternoon return to Mahabalipuram for exploring the beaches. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Kanchipuram – Kanchipuram, an ancient city known as “the city of thousand temples”, is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain about 126 temples and a few more in its outskirts. Today, apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. Ekambaranath Temple, also known as Ekambareswarar Temple – The eleven-storey structure which is adorned with beautiful Stucco Figures is one of the tall temple towers in South India. The ancient mango tree in the courtyard inside the temple is revered by childless couples. They faithfully tie small cradles to the branches of the tree and leave with the hope that their desire for an offspring will be fulfilled. Also visit Kailasanatha Temple and Varadaja Temple.

Day 03 – Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry (100 kms-2 Hours)

After  breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Pondicherry which still carries a strong flavour of the French presence in India.Visit Auroville enroute. On arrival ,check in at your hotel.Afternoon a familiarisation of the City. The traditional French architecture is still maintained even in the latest renovations and the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is the authorized agency for any such renovations in Pondicherry.After sightseeing,you will be brought to the Beach Road to spend sometime walking through the beach side to see the public life around.Return to your hotel. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

The old town of Pondicherry has  a unique charm and the French Quarter is unique in its cleanliness,architecture,discipline etc.To experience the spirit of Pondicherry,its essential to walk through the old town and closely observe the nature of its architectural traditions. Its interesting to note that if someone wants an old building to be restored in Pondicherry,the local authorities ask for the approval of INTACH on priority.This is interesting and we could see how naturally those old buildings were restored in French style.One will walk through Town Hall (Mairie/Hotel de Ville),Notre Dame des Anges Church,Ecole Francaise d’Extreme-Orient,Cluny Emboidery centre,Alliance Francaise,INTACH Heritage Centre for Exhibitions,Lycees Francaise and lot more.

The main attraction in terms of the universality of Pondicherry is Auroville belongs to no religion,nation,colour etc but to all men of goodwill,all those who thirst for progress and aspire to a higher and truer life.The dream behind this divine destinations is “A place on earth which no Nation could claim as its own,where al human beings of goodwill who have a sincere aspiration could live freely as citizens of the world and obey one single authority,that of the supreme truth;a place of peace,concord and harmony where all the fighting instincts of man would be used exclusively to conquer the causes of his sufferings and miseries,to surmount his weaknesses and ignorance,to triumph over his limitations and incapacities,a place where the needs of the spirit and the concern for progress would take precedence over the satisfaction of desires and passions,the search for pleasure and material enjoyment.The shopping  plaza at the Auroville is a paradise for shoppers where you find a unique range of eco products made in the local villages.

 The beach close to the French quarter is landscaped with wide stone paved pathways and the vehicular traffic is banned from 6 PM till 7.30 AM.its strictly maintained and the pedestrians enjoy their walk in the evening.Many of the old heritage buildings are now getting converted to hotels and guest houses.All kinds of restaurents with international cusines are seen everyehere.A walk through the market place on M G Road is also amazing.

Day 04 –Gangaikondacholapuram-Darasuram-Kumbakonam (Total Drive 175 kms-4 Hours +Sightseeing time)

After an early breakfast at the hotel,drive to Gangaikondacholapuram (UNESCO temple) to visit the amazing architectural Marvel. Later visit Darasuram Iravadeeswarar Temple (UNESCO Monument).On arrival at Kumbakonam,check in to your hotel.Evening experience a cookery demonstration on traditional snack & Sweet for your evening tea/coffee.Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Rajendra I, the mighty Chola King, established his new capital at Gangaikondacholapuram with this magnificent city and temple to Lord Siva in the 11th century. It is 50 kms. from Chidambaram. 

The temple is noted for its massive and richly carved sculptures. A big Nandi in front of the temple made of brick and mortar, a lion head well with a flight of steps leading to the water level and the gigantic dwarapalakas are the other special features of this temple. The temple has a huge quadrangular passage which has dark ambulatory passage in between the double wall construction which is meant to distribute the vertical load of the temple superstructure. The inside passage is accessible to tourists between 9 AM to 12 Noon and 6 PM to 8 PM.

 Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram (Tamil Nadu), dating back to the second half of the 12th century is one of the 4 biggest temples erected by the Chola Dynasty with those of Tanjore, Gangaikondacholapuram and Tribhuvanam. Remarkable monument for its architecture and its great decorative wealth, it has been registered in the world heritage list of the UNESCO in 2004. You can also see the traces of amazing paintings popular with Nayaks’ period of 17^th Century. Again the influence of social life is very much depicted in the paintings as well as the carvings.

Day 05 –Tanjore-Kumbakonam

Early morning,you shall visit the Wholesale Vegetable market at Darasuram which is said to be the second largest in Asia.After  breakfast, check out and drive to Tanjore to visit the Big Temple (Brihadeeswara Temple) and Art Gallery.Afternoon return to Kumbakonam.Evening enjoy a bullock cart ride for half an hour to the nearby village. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Thanjavur rose to the glory during the later Chola reign between the 10^th and 14^th Centuries and became a centre of learning and culture.Thanjavur is still the centre of all the classical arts and music.The Big Temple and the other famous temples in the district are known all over the world. It is the headquarters of Thanjavur district, the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is also famous for its distinctive art style, which is usually a combination of raised and painted surfaces.Tanjore paintings are deeply rooted in tradition and still innovative within limits. This art is sacred and dedicated.

 Day 06 –Sreerangam-Madurai (200 Kms-5 Hours Drive)

After an early breakfast drive to  Sreerangam to visit the Temple with the tallest Temple Tower (Entrance Tower) in India.Continue drive to  Madurai, an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the Athens of the east for overnight stay.Afternoon for sightseeing of Madurai with an evening  visit to Meenakshi Temple.Overnight at Madurai.

Meenakshi Temple – In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Siva. The pillars of the Mandapam are decorated with scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopurams towers over the city. Meenakshi temple has a thousand pillared ‘Mandapam’. Precisely there are 985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical pillars, which produce music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved out of a single granite rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has been sponsoring literature, art, music, and dance in the region for a long time.

Day 07 – Madurai-Periyar (135 kms-3.5 Hours)

After breakfast,drive to Periyar.Check in at your hotel.Afternoon visit a Spice Farm. Evening for free walks.Overnight stay at Periyar.

The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wildlife. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opportunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.

Day 08 –Periyar – Kumarakom Backwaters (130 kms-4 Hours)

Early morning go for a boating or trekking at Periyar Sanctuary.After breakfast,check out and visit a Tea factory to watch the tea making process. You can also buy fresh tea from factory outlet. (Monday Holiday).Later drive to Kumarakom ,which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. On arrival at Kumarakom check in at  the Resort set on Vembanad Lake.You may opt to go for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage.Overnight at Resort.

 Day 09 : Kumarakom-Alleppey Houseboat (30 Kms-1 Hour)

After a leisurely  breakfast,drive to Alleppey to board your  Houseboat for a cruise through Vembanad Lake followed by overnight stay on board.Your meals will be freshly cooked and served on board. Overnight on board on houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad locals, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejenuvated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living.The experience on the Houseboat is not the one to be explained by words.Its to be lived and evolved by yourself

Day 10 – Alleppey-Cochin (70 Kms-1.5 Hours)

Morning, after breakfast on board ,drive to Cochin to check into your hotel.Afternoon sightseeing of Cochin.Evening   watch a kathakali show at a traditional theatre. Overnight at Hotel.

From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. Cochin has Asia’s best preserved Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India – the St. Francis Church.

Cochin Sightseeing – St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The “Dutch Palace” was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring – a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites – which gives the effect of polished marble.

Day 11 –Cochin-Calicut (By Train)-Vythiri  (75 kms-2 Hours)

Today your luggage will be loaded in your coach and the coach will leave to Calicut Railway Station.You will be transferred to Ernakulam Railway station to board Jana Shatabdhi Express to Calicut.On arrival at Calicut,your coach will pick you up to drive to Vythiri.Overnight stay at Resort.

Wayanad, one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The aroma of the soil mingles with the wetness of the air and tingles our senses like the caress of a cool wind. Further, the little stream lowing creates a beautiful sound and whoever listens to it feels the beauty of nature. One gets easily mesmerized with the beauty of the surroundings.

 Day 12 – Wayanad 

After breakfast,you will go for a guided village walk  followed by a traditional lunch served on banana leaf.Afternoon you will be taken to a wildlife sanctuary in the Nilgiri Biosphere for a wildlife vehicle safari through the National park.By evening return to your resort for overnight stay.(Any wildlife activities are fully under the control of the respective Forest & Wildlife wardens and the safaris may be changed in case of an  unexpected wildfire or similar natural incidents.)

 The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve in India established in the year 1986. It is located in the Western Ghats and includes  2 of  the 10  biogeographical provinces of India.  A wide range of ecosystems and species diversity  are found in  this  region. Thus, it was  a natural choice for the premier  biosphere reserve of  the country.The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve falls under the biogeographic region of  the Malabar rain forest. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wyanaad Wildlife Sanctuary Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley are the protected areas present within this reserve. The total area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is 5,520 sq. km.  The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve encompasses  parts of Tamilnadu, Kerala   and Karnataka.

Day 13 – Wayanad-Bandipur-Mysore (150 kms-4 Hours drive)

After breakfast,drive to Mysore.You will be driving through Muthanga and Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuaries which will enable you to watch a lot of wildlife on both sides of road.On arrival in Mysore,check into your hotel.Afternoon visit Maharaja’s Palace and later vegetable market. Overnight at the Hotel.

Maharaja’s Palace is a synonym for Mysore in the Tourist Map.Its built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes,turrets,arches and colonnades.The Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.The walled Palace complex houses the Residential Museum,temples and shrines including Shwetha VarahaswamyTemple.The jewel studded golden throne,the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignity,displayed here during Dussehra festival in October.The Palace will be lit with One Hundred Thousand electric bulbs on Sundays and Public Holidays.

 Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposingbuildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There’s an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.Visit the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Mysore is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.Mysore, an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendor of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots.

Day 14 – Mysore

Full day to explore Mysore. After breakfast,drive to Somnathpur.Enroute visit Chamundi hills from the foothills.Later visit Fort Srirangapatnam,Tipu’s summer Palace.You may also visit SGS Shukhvana at Sachidananda Ashram which has a unique collection of numerous kinds of Parrots and Bonsai plants.Return to your hotel for overnight stay.You may opt to go walking for local shopping etc.

Somnathpur, a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri, 140 kms, south-west of Bangalore.This place boasts of one of the last and the grandest of Hoysalamonuments – the Kesava Temple.  The riches and splendour of the Hoysala court were already evident in their grandtemples at Belur and Dvarasamudra (present day, Halebid).The temple, however, was built by this celebrated army commander, Somnath. Some year ago he had founded a village on the left bank of the Kaveri River, which he named Somnathpur, after himself. All the facts are duly mentioned on the slab in old Kannada script and appear as though to have happened yesterday!Somnathpur is more representative of the age, since it did not suffer destruction as much as Belur and Halebid did and hence offers a more unbroken view of period’s architecture. Often it is referred to as the poor cousin of Belur and Halebid.Its unique design and perfect symmetry are ignored amidst the farms and agricultural lands of surrounding villages.

The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna is just 16km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu’s mosque with its twin minarets, the celebrated Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Tipu’s Summer Palace, the Wellesley Bridge, and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned. Equally impressive is the ornate white-domed Gumbaz, an imposing structure with doors of ebony inlaid with ivory and lacquered with Tipu’s tiger-striped emblem. About 1km to the east of the fort is Tipu’s Summer Palace (known as the Daria Daulat Bagh) set amidst a lovely garden.

Sage and seer, His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, established Shuka Vana (Parrot Park), a rehabilitation centre for birds in the serene premises of Sri Ganapathy  Sachchidananda  Ashrama. This park has numerous rare and colourful species of Parrots from the world over.

Shuka Vana most importantly gives shelter to injured & uncared birds with a high degree of commitment and compassion. Sri Swamiji has taken a serious resolve to take care of physically challenged birds that are not receiving proper care with their owners who have lost interest in them. The Shuka Vana is a distinctive aviary where one gets the most astonishing opportunity of being in the divine presence of the living, breathing deity that presides over one’s own zodiac sign, and a parrot that represents one’s planet and birth date. Here you will find the parrot that stands as a symbol for each day of the month as well. It is of great benefit to individuals to view these rare birds. The reverence shown to these parrots will exert a strong positive influence on their lives. Offering services to the parrot such as feeding, housing, training, and health maintenance, will enhance both the individual’s worldly and spiritual lives.Shuka Vana compassionately gives shelter to injured & uncared birds also. Sri Swamiji has taken a serious resolve to take care of physically challenged birds that are not receiving proper care with their owners who have lost interest in them.

 Day 15 –Mysore-Hassan (125 kms-3 Hours drive)

After breakfast,drive to Hassan.Check into your hotel on arrival.Afternoon visit  Belur Channakeshava &Halebid Hoysalewswara temples famous for its Hoysala Architecture using the soft stone with amazing hand craft. Overnight at the Hotel.

The temples at Belur and Halebid, which remained incomplete despite 80 years of labor, are offerings of the finest workmanship in stone to the gods. The elaborate sculptured decoration on the temple, according to some critics, is even better than the Friezes at Konark in Orissa and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The Temple at Halebid is still used for worship today. Belur was the capital of the Hoysalas during the 11th and 12th centuries, before the capital was moved to Halebid. The thing not to be missed here is the impressive Chennakeshava Temple, which has some of the most intricate and beautiful carvings in India.The Channakeshava temple at Belur, which was (the earlier Capital of Hoysala Kingdom) built by the emperor Vishnuvardhana, during 1117 AD to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism, has attracted connoisseurs of art the World over, through its intricate sculpting wonders. Hoysaleshvara temple Halebid is a 12th century Hoysala temple , the old Hoysala capital.

Day 16 – Hassan-Bangalore Departure (200 Kms-5 Hours Drive)

After  breakfast,drive to Bangalore.Enroute visit  Sravanabelagola.On arrival at Bangalore, check into an airport  hotel for wash & change.Later after an early dinner ,you will be transferred to Bangalore International Airport to connect your flight home.