Chennai (or Madras as it was known earlier) is the capital of Tamil Nadu. Chennai has the different face of India - classical, ancient, gentle. Definitely touched by colonialism but not ravaged by wars and intensely aware of its roots and traditions.

After breakfast, proceed to visit the finest examples of ancient South Indian architecture - Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram temples. The major tourist attractions of Kanchipuram covering Kailasanthar temple, Ekambareshwarar temple, Vardarajanperumal temple and the Sakkiswarar temple. Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-cut shore temples.

Proceed to Pondicherry , which carries a strong whiff of the French presence in India. This erstwhile French colony on the east coast of South India merged with the rest of the country in 1954. Legend says that Pondicherry is the place where St. Agasthaya settled down.

After breakfast drive to visit Aurbindo Ashram, the city of dawn, which is 10kms north of Pondicherry. This ashram promotes Aurbindo's ideas in bringing about a synthesis of Yoga and modern science, so as to unite the spirit and matter. After lunch at hotel, visit Auroville - a unique experiment in international living and in creating a new environment where men and women of all nationalities live together in harmony.

After breakfast drive to Chidambaram also called as Thillai, which has the famous Natraja temple with the root of the sanctum - sanctorum covered with golden plates is located in the centre of the town covering an area of 40 acres. In the temple, postures from the Bharatnatayam form of dance are depicted in sculpture. Natraja is Lord Shiva as a cosmic dancer. After lunch, drive to Thanjavur enroute visiting the Brass factory at Kumbakonam. Tanjore once the capital of Chola Kings, has the Bragadeswara temple.

Morning drive to Chettinad. Chettinad is the ancestral home of the Nattukottai Chettiyars, a prosperous banking community successful in the oversea business markets in South and Southeast Asia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. There are a total of 76 villages and Karaikudi is the largest one. Chettinad is famous for its houses for its unique, spicy, and very tasty cuisine.

Morning drive to Madurai. Afternoon visit to 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 & arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple.

After breakfast drive to Cochin. Day at leisure.

The major tourist attractions of Cochin include the Marine Drive, Fort Kochi and the Hill Palace, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica and the Pallipuram Fort & The Chinese fishing nets.

After breakfast, we drive straight to Kumarakom. The Kumarakom village is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The scenic beauty and meandering lagoons and backwaters of Kumarakom are sure to mesmerize you thoroughly. As you reach Kumarakom, check-in at one of our listed hotels. After resting for a while at your hotel room, pay visit to the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. The museum showcases great collection of quality driftwood articles holding high artistic values, prepared through an innovative modern art technique.

Post breakfast leave for Alleppey in a houseboat for an overnight cruise. Before reaching Alleppey, stop mid-way at Kottayam. The Kerala backwaters have been known for their mesmerizing and alluring charms spread across the whole area. While cruising along the backwater feast your eyes on the lush green padded fields, palm fringed costal lines and enjoy the majestic scenery. Refresh yourself by relaxing for a while in the beautiful houseboat of witness the sunset on this floating villa. Stay the night at the houseboat.

Leave houseboat at Alleppey & drive to Cochin for tour of the famous Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church and the Jewish Synagogue. Enjoy the spectacular view of giant Chinese Fishing Nets being lowered on the famous Vasco-da-Gama Square.

The Sultan Battery is a watchtower built by Tipu Sultan to watch the entry of warships into the Gurpur River. It has a marvelous construction and gives a feeling of a minuscule fortress with its many apertures for rising cannons all around. The battery, was erected in black stones and the structure is well adorned with equipment's for shooting canons.

Morning drive to Mysore. This fort was the stronghold of Tippu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali. Tippu made a last minute ditch against the British in 1799 before surrendering his kingdom. Among the many fort buildings still intact, are Tippu's airy summer palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (garden). Here,is also the celebrated Sri Ranganatha Temple. 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 culptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive upto Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull.

Drive to Bangalore for onward flight.

Room with breakfast + air-conditioned car with driver + English speaking/language guide for all sightseeing.