Day 01 :  Arrive Chennai / Drive to Mahabalipuram

On arrival at the Chennai Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and you will embark on a drive to Mahabalipuram. After arriving at Mahabalipuram, check into the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02 :  Mahabalipuram / Puducherry (100 kms)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and take a sightseeing tour visiting the 5 rathas in Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast, which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an elegant place with a well-established seaport during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram has a history dating back to the 7th century. The spectacular Shore Temple perched dramatically on a promontory by the sea. The area is also strewn with a number of temples like Olakkanatha Temple, Krishna mandapa, Mahishasuramardini Temple, and many more. The temple of Rathas, the Penance of Arjuna, and the Shore Temple are a few of the most significant attractions housed here. Also visit the Shore Shiva Temples of Mamallapuram. Continue your onward journey to Puducherry. On arrival, check into hotel for overnight

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MAHABALIPURAM AT ADDITONAL COST
  TUK TUK Ride:Experience the Mahabalipuram by Auto tour visiting all sightseeing & monument

Visit to Dakshinchitra ( Southern art & architecture) – (every Tuesday & Diwali day will be closed)

Dakshinachitra is an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India. The main mission is to exhibit, promote and preserve aspects of the broader, more inclusive cultures of the states and to bring these arts to the public in a participative, enjoyable and engaging way. Dakshinachitra has a collection of 18 authentic historical houses with contextual exhibitions in each house. All the houses bought and reconstructed at Dakshinachitra had been given for demolition by their owners.

Visit to Crocodile Farm: Crocodile farm ( Asia’s biggest Croco bank) – The conservation of reptiles grew, the Croc Bank increased its repertoire to include turtles, lizards and snakes and it came to be known as the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Center for Herpetology in 2003. The need for turtle and tortoise conservation in particular has grown exponentially in recent years and the Croc Bank now successfully breeds several species of threatened chelonians, including two listed as critically endangered.

Day 03 :  Puducherry

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and proceed for the sightseeing of Puducherry.

Pondicherry ~ a seaside resort with Old French style buildings, churches and museums, tree-lined boulevards along the seashore where tourist attractions lie in its ambience. The Laidback Township, pristine beach and the palm trees bring a slice of serenity. The only sound you can hear is the waves crashing against the rocks and the chirping of the birds. Pondicherry is more famous because of its relation with Sri Aurobindo, which is the biggest of all tourist attractions in Pondicherry.

Auroville is a universal township in the making for a population of up to 50,000 people from around the world. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity – in diversity. The other attraction is the Botanical Gardens in Pondicherry situated in the center of the city, which provides a cool retreat from the oppressing heat and humidity of Pondicherry.

One of the liveliest areas in Pondicherry, the Promenade is situated along the picturesque seafront with a rocky beach. One can enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Promenade, which is a delightful experience especially on a pleasant day.

Situated in a busy city of over 700,000 people, the Aurobindo Ashram is not only a quiet place of retreat but a vibrant center of life in a modern urban setting. The dynamic character of the community reflects the life-affirming aim of Sri Aurobindo's Yoga. Though very small, Pondicherry was the largest French colony in India. There is a strong French influence in the city, especially in the old quarters, with Rues and Boulevards lined with Mediterranean style houses and bakeries, although the city remains very much Indian. French is still understood, and the whole city makes for rather pleasant mix of East and West. Check into hotel for overnight stay.

Optional Excursion: Rickshaw ride at Pondicherry –Duration: 45 minutes / 01 hour

Day 04 :  Pondicherry - Tanjore (Chidambaram – Gangaikondacholapuram – Tanjore) 280 kms / 08 hrs drive

Pondicherry - Tanjore (Chidambaram – Gangaikondacholapuram – Tanjore) 280 kms / 08 hrs drive

Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram represents akasha. The temple complex spread over 50 acres in the heart of the city. It is an ancient and historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja Perumal, one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place. To the followers of Shaivism or the saivaite, the very word koil refers to Chidambaram. And later proceed to Kumbakonam and enroute photo stop at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is an architectural work of genius. Located at Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu, Gangaikonda cholapuram can be reached easily through regular buses that are available from the main towns and cities of Tamil Nadu. In the early 11th century, the temple got built by Rajendra Chola, who was the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola. Later proceed to Kumbakonam and lunch at hotel.

After lunch proceed to Tanjore, famous temple - Brihadeeswarar Temple, this temple remains as India’s largest and Indian architecture’s one of greatest glories. It is also a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site as “Great Living Chola Temples. And later proceed to Tanjore museum and Art Gallery & Sarswati Mahal Library. Overnight Stay at hotel.

Day 05 : Tanjore – Trichy – Madurai: 200 kms / 08 hrs drive

After breakfast, proceed to Trichy and begin sightseeing. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Thiruvarangam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, reclining form of Hindu deity, Vishnu located, in Srirangam Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India . Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, this temple is glorified in the Thiviya Pirabandham, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries AD and is counted among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Madurai is a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Located on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai has been a major settlement for two millennia and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Madurai is a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Located on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai has been a major settlement for two millennia and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

After lunch proceed to city tour of Madurai, visiting Meenakshi Amman temple, Tirumalai nayar Mahal, Gandhi museum, and later in the evening free on own your and overnight stay at hotel.

Madurai - One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. On the day the city was to be named, as Lord shiva blessed the land and its people, divine nectar (Madhu) was showered on the city from his matted locks. This city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Madurai is famous for Jasmine Flowers.

Day 06 :  Thekkady/ Periyar

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and embark on a drive to Thekkady. On arrival check into hotel and proceed towards the Periyar Wildlife Santuary. Later in the evening enjoy a memorable boat ride.

The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen forest and grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deers, bisons that come down to drink in the lake. Sanctuary can be accessed through a trekking, boating or jeep safari. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07 :  Kumarakom

Travel to Kumarakom after breakfast. On reaching, move to a hotel and spend the day in doing leisure activities or Post lunch, set out for a fun-filled backwater cruise by Shikara boat. On the way, explore the avifauna population of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Kerala is best known for its backwaters and an extensive portion of Kumarakom's beauty lies in the panoramic stretches of palm-fringed backwaters. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 :  Kumarakom

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and embark on a drive to Cochin. On arrival check into hotel and spend the day at leisure or proceed for a short sightseeing tour of the city.

After Fresh up proceed for Sightseeing of Cochin - visit Dutch Palace, Mattancherry, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi. Evening visit Marine Drive - A popular hangout, this scenic stretch offers a spectacular view of the backwaters and the Kochi Harbour. Packed with shopping malls, cinema halls, restaurant cafes and supermarkets. The Rainbow Bridge is the another attraction of Marine Drive. Take a Sunset boat cruise in and view the spectacular view of the Kochi Harbour. ( Overnight stay at Hotel )

Day 09 :  Cochin Airport

After breakfast, check out from hotel and you will be transferred to Cochin Airport for onward journey back home.