Day 1 - Arrive Chennai

Arrive Chennai, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport & to our hotel for check in. Chennai (formerly known as Madras), is known for its cultural heritage & temple architecture. The region was served as an important administrative, military, & economic center dating back to the 1st century. The first Westerners were Portuguese, who arrived in the year 1522 & built a port. It then passed on to the Dutch in 1612. In 1639 the British East India Company established a fort & trading post & since then this coastal center of trade has drawn traffic from all over the world.

Overnight Hotel - Chennai (Breakfast)

Day 2 - Chennai - Mahabalipuram (70 km - 2 hr)

Full day tour - Today we take a tour of Chennai, visiting Fort St. George, the first bastion of British power in India & built in the year 1640 AD by the British East India Company. Within the Fort we visit St. Mary's Church, built in the year 1680 & oldest Protestant Church in the East. Fort Museum has 10 galleries & displays armoury, old uniforms, crockery & silverware, coins, palanquins, paintings, letters, old prints, etc. San Thome Cathedral, built in 1504, is said to house the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have visited Madras (Chennai) sometime during 52 AD.



National Art Gallery, established in the year 1857, is undoubtedly one of the country's finest museums. It has sections devoted to geology, archaeology, anthropology, botany, zoology, sculpture & numismatics. Government Museum has a fine archaeological section representing all the major South Indian periods including Chola, Vijaynagar, Hoysala & Chaulakya. The bronze gallery has a superb collection of Chola art especially the bronze statue of Ardhanareeswara, the androgynous incarnation of Shiva. Its most prized possessions are the relics from 2nd century AD Buddhist site of Amaravathi & the prehistoric antiques of South India.



Later we drive to Mahabalipuram, town of temples, sand & sea. It is world renowned for its beautiful Shore Temple & other temples. It was once the main port & naval base of the great Pallava kingdom & was later made the capital of this dynasty. Most of the temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva & Vishnu. These structures were built by three successive Pallava Kings, between 630 A.D & 728 A.D, who developed the Dravidian style of temple architecture within the short span of a hundred years. The monuments are mostly rock-cut & monolithic, constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture, wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries) & giant open-air bas-reliefs & has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight Hotel - Mahabalipuram (Breakfast)

Day 3 - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram (70 km - 2 hr)

Half Day Tour - Today we take a guided tour of Mahabalipuram, visiting Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th Century AD. Designed to catch the first rays of the rising sun & to illuminate the waters after dark, the temple ended up with an unusual lay-out.



Arjuna's Penance, world's largest bas-relief. This huge whale-back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, & birds & in fact can be said to represent creation itself. Next we visit Rathas, monolithic temples fashioned as chariots. They remain an architectural mystery as each is apparently a faithful reproduction of a structure built of wood. In fact, even the grain of the timber beams & rafters has been simulated in stone. Of the eight Rathas, five have been named for the Pandava brothers, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata.



Excursion to Kanchipuram - Later we take a day excursion to Kanchipuram, is one of the seven holy cities in the country. It was a city of learning for both Tamil & Sanskrit, & was believed to be visited by Hsuan Tsang. In ancient times it was called Kachi. Once had over a thousand temples & today there are more than a hundred extant. It is also known for its temples & silk sarees. We visit Kailasanatha Temple, built in 8th Century AD. It is built in the typical Pallava style, with a pyramidal tower, a pillared hall & vestibule, enclosed by a wall. The temple is famous for exquisite carvings & attracts devotees & tourists alike. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine, as a compound wall. Fresco style paintings adorn the inner walls of the temple. Next we visit Ekambaranatha, ancient temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. The 57 metres high Raj Gopuram is one of the tallest towers in South India. The 3000 year old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yielding different variety of mangoes.



Before returning to Mahabalipuram we visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, built in 12th century AD, as an important Shakthisthalam, known as Parabrahmaroonpini. The main deity is seated on Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Eswara & Sadasiva. Overnight Hotel - Mahabalipuram (Breakfast)

Day 4 - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry via Auroville (100 Km - 02hrs)

Today we drive to Auroville near Pondicherry. The community of Auroville consists of Indian & International residents who aim to develop a harmonious environment through the implementation of the teachings Sri Aurobindo & The Mother. Upon arrival visit Matri Mandir which was designed to be the spiritual & physical center of Auroville (Temple is opened between 1530-1630 hr). Further drive to Pondicherry, the land of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the serene world of distinct spiritual vibration & thus renowned as Sacred Land. Upon arrival check-in hotel.



Overnight Hotel - Pondicherry (Breakfast)

Day 5 - Pondicherry - Thanjavur (196 km - 4 hr)

Morning drive to Thanjavur en-route visit Chidambaram, which is famous for Natarajan temple with root of the sanctum covered with golden plates. Temples adorns the sculpture, which depicts various form of Bharatnatayam dance. Upon arrival at Thanjavur, visit Brihadeshwara temple, also known as 'Big Temple', built by the Chola dynasty. This massive temple is 216 feet high & the single spherical stone on top weighs 80 tons. Its beautiful murals resemble the fresco's of Ajanta. Overnight Hotel - Thanjavur (Breakfast)

Day 6 - Thanjavur - Madurai via Trichy(200 km - 4 hr)

Post breakfast leave for Madurai via Trichy. On arrival, City tour of Trichy, covering Srirangam Temple & Rockfort, Trichy's most famous landmark, which has a Temple, perched on the outcrop of Rock. Arrive Madurai. & check in hotel. Overnight Hotel - Madurai (Breakfast)

Day 7 - Madurai - City Tour

Morning visit to Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of the largest temple complexes in India built between the 16th & 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees & glittering market stalls. Rest of the day at Leisure.

Overnight Hotel - Madurai (Breakfast)

Day 8 - Madurai - Periyar ( 136 km - 4 hr.)

Early morning drive to Periyar, On arrival check in Hotel. Set on an attractive lakeside, its one of India's finest wildlife sanctuaries & home to herds of wild tuskers, bison & spotted deer. Overnight Hotel - Periyar (Breakfast)

Day 9 - Periyar - Cochin (190 km - 4 hr)

Early morning before breakfast take a Boat Crusie , later after breakfast drive to Cochin , a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, Dutch & British. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in buildings & structures representing different regions of the world. Rest of day at Leisure. Overnight Hotel - Cochin (B)

Day 10 - Cochin

Morning after breakfast a Half Day city tour of Cochin, visiting St. Francis' Church, Dutch Palace (Built by the Portuguese), Jew Town, the Jewish Synagogue built in the year 1568, spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices, & Chinese fishing nets. In the evening see Kerala's most popular classical dance, Kathakali.



Overnight Hotel - Cochin (Breakfast)

Day 11 - Cochin - Wayanad (250 km - 4 hr)

Morning drive to Wayanad, name is derived from "Wayalnadu" means land of paddy fields. Having the largest concentration of tribal population was once known as "Africa" in Kerala. On arrival check in Hotel. Later visit to the ancient caves at Edakkal, home to some of the oldest examples of rock carving in the world- they date back some 10000 years. Overnight Hotel - Wayanad (Breakfast)

Day 12 - Wayanad - Mysore

Morning after breakfast Drive to Mysore,On arrival check in at Hotel . Later take City Tour of Mysore with visiting Srirangapatnam & Tipu's Summer Palace, the Maharaja's Palace & Chamundi Hill, which is topped with a temple of Durga with the magnificent 5m tall Nandi, carved from a single piece of granite in year 1659, one of the largest in India. Overnight Hotel - Mysore (Breakfast)

Day 13 - Mysore - Bangalore (135 km - 3 hr ) - Mumbai

Early morning drive to Bangalore, later do the city tour visiting Tipu Sultan's Palace, one of the most remarkable Islamic Buildings of the city, now a museum, ISKCON Temple & Lal Bagh Garden. Later transfer to the airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival check in Hotel. Overnight Hotel - Bangalore (B)

Day 14 - Mumbai - Udaipur (by air)

Post breakfast take City tour of Mumbai visiting Prince Wales Museum , Marine Drive which runs along the shore of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point past Chowpatty Beach to the foot of Malabar Hill. Starting with the Gateway of India, entrance to the port of Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911. Historically the Gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops, which left independent India by sea, followed by the Elephanta Caves boat cruise from Gateway of India. Evening transfer to airport to board flight to Udaipur. On arrival check in Hotel. Overnight Hotel - Udaipur (Breakfast)

Day 15 - Udaipur - City Tour

Udaipur, The City of Lakes also undoubtedly one of the most Romatic cities of India is on cards. Morning tour of Udaipur's starts with fascinating City Palace, Moulded in soft yellow stone, its windowless base is crowned with ornate turrets & canopies. Part of the Palace is now a museum with its marble & granite walls laden with brilliant miniature paintings & decorated with coloured glass & mirrors. Tour continues to the Garden of the Maids of Honour & Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum. At sunset cruise around in a boat amidst the romantic waters of Lake Pichola.

Overnight Hotel - Udaipur (Breakfast)

Day 16 - Udaipur - Jaipur (Flight) - Jaipur City Tour

Morning transfer to airport to board flight for Jaipur. On arrival check in at Hotel. Later take Half Day City Tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory & Palace of Winds.

Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (Breakfast)

Day 17 - Jaipur - Excursion to Amber Fort (11 km)

Early morning after breakfast take an excursion to Amber Fort (11 km), the capital of the gallant Rajputs from 1037 - 1728 AD. On the Elephant back reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience. Later drive to Agra, En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece in sandstone with the stunning elegance of its palaces & courts. Further proceed to Agra, upon arrival check-in at our hotel Evening at leisure. Optional Tour.

Overnight Hotel - Agra(Breakfast)

Day 18 - Agra - Visit Taj Mahal

Agra, the erstwhile capital of India under Great Mughals & known for Taj Mahal - Eternal Poetry of love, built by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Most of Agra is on the West bank of river Yamuna, with the Agra Fort & the Taj Mahal at its nucleus. Taj Mahal is quite simply one of mankind's most remarkable creations. After an early breakfast, visit Taj Mahal , followed by Agra Fort. Later in the afternoon take an excursion to Sikandara , Akbar's tomb.

Overnight Hotel - Agra (Breakfast)

Day 19 - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho (166 km - 5hr) via Orchha

After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board the train to Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi drive to Khajuraho via Orchha 16 km from Jhansi. Post Lunch at Orchha continue drive to Khajuraho, arrive & check in hotel.

Overnight Hotel - Khajuraho (Breakfast)

Day 20 - Khajuraho - Varanasi

Morning post breakfast visit Khajuraho temples, built between 950 - 1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Temples are famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous exotic postures of the famous Kamasutra, ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition.



Later transfer to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to the Hotel.

Overnight Hotel - Varanasi. (Breakfast)

Day 21 - Varanasi - Delhi (Flight)

Early morning before breakfast take a boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. Later take an Excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after Enlightenment. At Sarnath in the Ganges Valley of India, Buddha proclaimed the law of faith. Its here that he taught the keys aspects of Buddhism the four noble truths, the eightfold path & the middle way philosophy. Remains of Monastery dating from the 3rd century BC to the first century AD indicate a thriving monastic community. Evening transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival transfer to Hotel.

Overnight Hotel - Varanasi. (Breakfast)

Day 22 - Delhi - City Tour

After breakfast start on a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jehanabad. Visiting the great Jama Masjid, Red Fort followed by walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar.



Post Lunch do sightseeing trip to Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat later drive by India Gate & President's House . Also visit Humayun's Tomb & Qutub Minar.