Arrive in Chennai- “the gateway of South India”. Start your trip with a visit to the P.M. Visit the National Art Gallery and Museum, renowned for ancient paintings from almost all schools and also modern art. Visit Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church and drive along Marina Beach (the second longest in the world). Enjoy the architecture at San Thome Cathedral and Mylapore Shiva Temple.

Head towards Kanchipuram, the city of 1000 temples. It’s considered to be the second holiest city in India after Varanasi. Pay homage at Vaikuntaperumal temple, Ekambareeswarar and Varadarajar temple. You could also indulge in some saree shopping as Kanchipuram is famous for its exquisite silk sarees. Drive to Mahabalipuram-the only surviving shore temple. BoastingIndia’s most sublime rock cut art comprising of Arjuna’s Penance – the largest open-air bas-relief, Five Rathas, structured temples, man-made caves and chariots.

Go to Pondicherry- once a French settlement. This serene beach town is renowned for Auroville or the City of Dawn, an international settlement where community living is the focus of life. Go to the Pondicherry Museum, the sculpture gallery with exquisite collection of Pallava and Chola art.

Visit Tanjore- a town well known for its architecture, exquisite handicrafts, intricate paintings and South Indian Musical instruments. Visit the magnificent Brahadeeswara temple, where the shade of the tower (gopuram or vimanam) does not fall on the ground. You will also find the second largest monolithic sculpture, Nandi (Bull) in the portal of the shrine. A must visit is to the Royal palace complex with its library and museums, including a magnificent collection of Chola bronzes.

Head towards Trichy- the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. Visit Lord Robert Clive’s house and the magnificent Danish Church. Go to Rock-Fort, an important landmark of Trichy. Climb up hundreds of steps to the ancient temple of Ganapati and further onto Shiva temple. The view from the top is breathtaking to say the least. Visit Srirangam temple and RockFort temple.

Drive to Madurai, known for the 1000-pillared Meenakshiamman temple. Visit Meenakshi temple and definitely attend the famous night ceremony when the Temple bronze of Lord Siva is carried to the bed chamber of Goddess Parvathy. No trip to Madurai is complete without a visit to Thirumalai Nayak’s Palace and the Gandhi Museum.

Visit Periyar- one of the best game sanctuaries in India. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a host of animals. Drive to Thekkady through breathtaking, winding, dense rubber forests. The best way to experience the sanctuary is aboard a boat ride through Lake Periyar. Go to the Spice plantations and tea estates. You could also pick up some authentic spices from the local market.

Take a cruise on Vembanad Lake. Stay in the backwater resort and enjoy a leisurely day swimming or having an Ayurvedic massage. Bird lovers should definitely visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Drive to Allepey- the heart of Kerala backwaters.It is famous for its snake boat racing events. This is the ideal place for those in search of some peace and tranquility.

Head to Kochi- the pride of Kerala.Visitthe Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at the end of the day before you get back to Kochi.

In Kochi, visit the Dutch Palace, the oldest Synagogue of the British commonwealth, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church – India’s oldest European church, Bolghatty Palace, Hill Palace Museum and a Bird Sanctuary. Take some souvenirs for friends and family such as local handicrafts, antiques and other traditional goods. Spend the evening watching a traditional Kathakali Dance Show.

Drive to Ooty- the queen of hill stations.It has a fine blend of scenic beauty and relaxed ambience. Visit the Ooty Lake and enjoy a boat ride.

Spend a day visiting places in Ooty and Conoor. Begin with the Botanical Gardens and then head to Lake, Dodabetta peak, which provides magnificent view of the surrounding hills and plains at Ooty. Head to Coonoor, a popular hill resort. Take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train to Coonoor to enjoy the scenic beauties. Go to Sim’s park botanical garden,Lambs rock and Dolphin’s Nose. They offer great viewpoints and make for popular picnic spots. Spend overnight at Ooty.

Head to Nagarhole National park- home to the majestic tiger, leopard and elephant as well as more than 250 species of birds. You could visit the park by jeep, on elephant back or in a coracle. Stay two nights at the Kabini river Lodge or at water Woods situated on the banks of the Kabini river.
You could also take the option of staying at Cauvery fishing camp on the banks of the Cauvery River at Bheemeshwari. It is renowned for mahseer fishing (best season November to June). The mahseer is supposed to be one of the finest game fish worldover.

In the morning go on a Coracle (round native boat) Ride on Kabini river. In the afternoon go on a wildlife safari in the National park

Head towards Mysore- the Sandalwood City.You will experience the rich heritage of the city through its magnificent palaces, beautifully laid out gardens, imposing buildings and ancient temples. Visit the Mysore Palace, one of the largest of its kind in India, the Art Gallery and Brindavan Gardens. Stay overnight atMysore.

Visit Srirangapatna – the island fortress of Tipu Sultan, 16 Km from Mysore city.You will find Tipu’s mosque with its twin minarets inside the fortress along with the celebrated Ranganatha Swamy temple, Tipu’s Summer Palace known as the Daria Daulat Bagh, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British officers were imprisoned once upon a time. Later visit Lal Bagh, the Botanical Gardens, Tipu’s summer Palace, Bull Temple, and shopping at Arts & Crafts Centre Emporium at M.G.Road. Spend the night at Bangalore.

Head to the airport to catch your connecting flight to onward destination.