Day 1 : Arrive Chennai
" The Gateway to Southern India" Popularly regarded as "The Gateway to the South", Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu state. With a vast population of about six million people, Chennai is a city that is growing, expanding and changing vigorously.
Chennai, previously called Madras, is comparatively a new city, about 350 years old. The erstwhile villages of Mylapore, Triplicane, Ezhambur (Egmore), etc., all now a part of Chennai, have a recorded historical past centuries older than Chennai. Chennai is a gracious city that has a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks, historic landmarks and tourist infrastructural facilities which make it a convenient entry point or base to start a tour of South India.

Day 2 : CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM
Morning - excursion to Kancheepuram, known as the Golden City of a thousand temples and afternoon excursion to Mahabalipuram - an ancient coastal port, south of Chennai. Overnight at Mahabalipuram.

Day 3 : Mahabalipuram - PONDICHERY
Pondichery was the first attempt of India of organized town planning. With well laid out street and avenues, the city is amongst the easiest to move around in. It has an unusual combination of European culture and Indian tradition. An added attraction is the township of Auroville, an oasis of peace and enlightenment. The beach comber and the sun-worshipper have miles of " nirvana " in Pondicherry. The waters are cool and soothing. The sand's clear and sparkling, in splendid seclusion.
Quite often, one's only company is a lone seagull, or a sandpiper. Many resorts, cottages, cafes and bars command an excellent view of the sea. Serenity Beach, Plage Paradiso (Paradise Beach), Karaikal Beach, Mahe Beach are amongst the popular beaches. Day at leisure. Overnight at Pondichery.

Day 4 : PONDICHERY - TRICHY (Tiruchirapalli)
Drive from PONDICHERY to Tiruchirapalli popularly known as Trichy is situated in central Tamil nadu on the banks of the Cauvery river. Evening at leisure.

Day 5 : Trichy - Tanjore
Morning - city tour of Trichy. The Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the old city. Finally at the top of the hill, is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil - a Ganesh Temple, offering a commanding view of the city. Afternoon drive from Trichy to Tanjore (54 kms/1.5 hours)..

Day 6 : Tanjore - Madurai
Tanjore has the distinction of having been the Capital of the Cholas - one of the greatest dynasties of the South. The Cholas were temple builders and Tanjore has 74 temples - the most famous of which is the Brihadeeshwar Temple , a world heritage monument. Morning - city sightseeing tour of Tanjore temples built during the 10th and 14th centuries. Afternoon drive from Tanjore to Madurai (190 kms/5 hours).

Day 7 : Madurai
Madurai, celebrated for its Meenakshi temple, is one of India's oldest cities with a history dating back of the 6th century BC. Madurai's trade with the ancient Greeks and Romans is well known. It was the capital of the Pandyan empire till the 14th century and is now an important commercial center of South India. Morning, proceed for sightseeing tour of Madurai. The Meenakshi Temple is a shining example of Dravidian architecture at its best. Afternoon - free for independent activities. Evening - witness pooja ceremony at Meenakshi temple.

Day 8 : Madurai - Periyar
Drive from Madurai to Periyar (137 kms/4 hours). Afternoon - at leisure to enjoy the surroundings.
Rolling hills, tea and cardamom plantations welcome you to Thekkady. One of the largest wildlife reserves of India, the Pariyar wildlife sanctuary is more popular as a Tiger resrve. A boat ride on the splendid Periyar lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. The greatest attraction is the herds of wild Elephants that come down to the lake to frolic in the water. Day at leisure, free to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Day 9 : Periyar - KUMARAKOM
Early morning game viewing by boat on Lake Periyar. Proceed from Periyar to Kottayam (115 kms/2.5 hours). Backwater cruise from Kottayam / Kumarakom. Focus for the Syrian Christians of India, and also the heart of rubber production. Kottayam's backwater cruise is shorter than Allapuzha's. There are elegant Syrian Christian churches that date back to antiquity - some are more than 500 years old. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake is 16km west of Kottayam in a rubber plantation of yore. Waterfowl and other species can be spotted as they flutter about here. Several luxury resorts have opened here.

Day 10 : KUMARAKOM
Day at leisure, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Vembanad Lake.

Day 11 : KUMARAKOM - COCHIN
Drive to Cochin.
Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is called the ''Queen of the Arabian Sea''. Situated on the West Coast of India, in Kerala, it has a wealth of historical associations. Its setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Here you can see the oldest church in India, 500-year-old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community with ancient roots, and even a 16th century synagogue. The older parts of Fort Cochin and Matancherry are an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English county grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast - a radical contrast to the bright lights of mainland Ernakulam. Kochi has a fine natural harbour, which throughout its history has made it a centre of trade between India and the rest of the world.
Morning - sightseeing tour of Cochin. Which also includes a visit to Jewish synagogue, built over 400 years ago. Afternoon - enjoy a motor launch cruise on the backwaters of Cochin, around the harbour,

Day 12 : COCHIN - CHENNAI
Morning - free for independent activities. Afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport to board flight to Chennai.