DAY 01: CHENNAI (ARRIVAL)

Welcome to Chennai, On arrival meet and greet followed by transfer to Hotel. Frenetic, hot and bustling, Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest city in India, located on the Bay of Bengal. The city grew up around the British settlement of Fort Saint George absorbing many villages and now Chennai is a blend of remarkable colonial architecture and strong Tamil influences. (Overnight in Chennai)

DAY 02: CHENNAI – MAMALLAPURAM (65km/1.5h)

Start your day with Touring Chennai; you will see fine examples of Raj architecture. Head past the Marina, the long stretch of beach lined mainly by colonial buildings, to the Santhome Church, a soaring neo-Gothic building said to house the remains of the apostle Thomas. Join the devotees who flock to the 16th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Shiva and dominated by a colourful 37m gopura (tower) covered in stucco figures. The surrounding streets are a cornucopia of market stalls selling household items, gorgeous saris and religious paraphernalia. Continue your drive to Mamallapuram. Its enviable position on the Coromandel Coast, facing the Bay of Bengal, guarantees that this is a popular place to stay. Spend time on the white-sand beach shaded by casuarina trees and hire a bike to pedal through the surrounding countryside but make sure you allow time to explore this wonderful open-air museum, much of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Overnight in Mamallapuram)

DAY 03: MAMALLAPURAM

Today we visit Arjuna's Penance -nothing can prepare you for the wonderful bas-reliefs covering two huge boulders. The exquisite detail, dating from the 7th century, depicts the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalayan mountains as well as scenes from Indian daily life. The Five Rathas You won't believe that these shrines are carved whole from an outcrop of rock. Each of the five temples is dedicated to heroes from the great epic of the Mahabharata. Spend time admiring the detail of the carvings which include gods, humans and elephants and wonder why the temples are incomplete and were never consecrated. Shore Temple - Relish the delightful seaside location, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, and landscaped gardens surrounding the Shore Temple, a popular place for the locals to visit. Dedicated to both Vishnu and Shiva, the decorative beauty of the temple, built in Dravidian style, has suffered erosion by its proximity to the sea. (Overnight in Mamallapuram)

DAY 04: MAMALLAPURAM – BANGALORE (340km/7h)

Depart from hotel after an early breakfast and start your travel towards Bangalore. Enroute you may stop at Kancheepuram - one of the seven sacred cities of India, you visit the 'Kailasanathar Temple', built by Raja Simha in 8th century in the typical Pallava style with a pyramidal tower, a pillared hall and a vestibule, enclosed by a wall, and paintings in fresco style adorn the inner walls and 58 shrines situated around the main shrine. Next you visit the 'Ekambareswarar Temple', one of the most famous temples in South India. It was built before 6th century A.D but the old temple was pulled down and the new one built by the Pallavas, followed by Cholas and Vijayanagara King. The beautiful sculptures include three Lingams worshipped to Brahama, Vishnu, and Rudra. Enjoy traditional thali lunch and then continue your travel to Bangalore. (Over night in Bangalore)

DAY 05: BANGALORE – MYSORE (140km/3.5h)

Deaprt from Hotel and proceed for City tour visiting Vidhana Soudha - this most imposing of buildings houses the the State Legislature. The architecture is exquisitely Dravidian which emphasises the style and beauty of Indian design. Climb the magnificent stairs and admire the domes and majestic columns. Look out for the four-headed lion, the national symbol of India. Lalbagh Bangalore may be a blend of ancient and modern but you can't help noticing how green the city is. Lalbagh is a botanical garden designed on the lines of a traditional Mughal garden from the 18th century. Meander past flower beds, lotus pools and fountains and admire the impressive glasshouse. Continue your drive towards Mysore - You will be charmed by the faded grandeur of Mysore, the former capital of the much loved Wodeyars dynasty who reigned from the 16th century. A city rich in heritage, make sure you discover its royal palaces, sacred temples and majestic buildings but leave time to stroll through some of its many parks and gardens or along a wide leafy boulevard. (Overnight in Mysore)

DAY 06: MYSORE

Morning after your breakfast, We visit Mysore Palace - You can't fail to be impressed by this vast palace, with its turrets, domes and arches and an opulent interior with intricately arved doors and ceilings. Wander through the luxuriously furnished rooms, once home to the royal family, and admire this treasure trove of works of art from all over the world. If you are in Mysore on a Sunday or national holiday don't miss the spectacle of the palace illuminated by thousands of light bulbs.Jaganmohan Palace Spend time perusing the collection of 19th century paintings in this former palace. The skill of the Indian artists, using natural vegetable and mineral dyes, is extraordinary. Enjoy the traditional Mysore 'gold leaf' paintings which are on display here. Never miss to visit the famous DEVARAJ MARKET – Most colour ful local vendor market. (Over night in Mysore)

DAY 07: MYSORE – MUDUMALAI (110km/4h)

Depart from Hotel and drive to Mudumalai - Head to the foothills of the Nilgiris to the Mudumalai National Park, one of the best places to spot wildlife in Tamil Nadu. The lush grasslands and vast semi-evergreen forests are home to wild boars, sloth bears and elephants. The sharp-eyed may even spot the elusive tiger and panther, but we make no promises.

Evening we take a Jeep safari - Wildlife spotting is best carried out in the early morning or late afternoon when the animals are at their most active. Rise early for a jeep safari and bring binoculars to make the most of the experience. The keen-eyed driver will help you locate elephants, jackals, mongoose and porcupines and the many birds of prey that fly overhead.

(Overnight in Mudumalai)

DAY 08: MUDUMALAI - OOTY (130km/4h) - COONOOR

Train No: 661 - Udagamandalam Mettupalayam Passenger /Dep UAM: 15.00Hrs – Arr ONR: 16.00Hrs

We check out from hotel and drive to Ooty (Uthagamandalam) - the famous hill station in the nilgiri hills (Blue Mountain) that was found by the British in the early 19th century and is spread amongst rolling hills and valleys. Earlier this place was inhabited by tribal people named Todas. Its green landscape, gardens and tall eucalyptus trees adds beauty to this hill. It's famous for its outdoor activities like trekking, horse riding, boating. We proceed to travel in the miniature railway is also famous here. At 03.00pm board the steam train to enjoy a trip from Ooty to the remote Hill Grove station. This trip gives you some spectacular views of the precipitous eastern slopes of the rain-forested Nilgiris. Reach Hill grove station at 04.00pm. On arrival you are transferred to beautiful resort. (Overnight Stay in Coonoor)

DAY 09: COONOOR – COCHIN (260km/6.5h)

Depart from hotel and Drive to Cochin - European influences are instantly apparent in this charming town picturesquely located on a number of islands squeezed between the Arabian Sea and the Kerala backwaters. The maritime history of Cochin is reflected in its blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. (Overnight in Cochin)

DAY 10: COCHIN

Meander through the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin where the various European influences are most apparent with merchant houses and old warehouses cramming the waterfront and narrow streets. Take in the St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the highly decorated Santa Cruz Basilica. Allow time to admire the colourful murals, including depictions of the Ramayana, in the 16th century Dutch Palace. Linger in the colourful, pungent spice markets before moving on to the much-photographed Chinese nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin. In the evening, Visit the most Famous Kathakali show - the epic Ramayana comes to life at a Kathakali performance, traditional Keralan dance, where the characters use larger than life gestures, wear outrageous costumes and dramatic make up. (Overnight in Cochin)

DAY 11: COCHIN – KUMARAKOM (90km/2h)

Depart from Hotel and Drive to Kumarakom - This cluster of tiny islands is almost impossibly beautiful, surrounded by a labyrinth of tropical waterways. Kumarakom is the jumping off point to join a boat to explore the Kerala backwaters.

(over night in Kumarakom)

DAY 12: KUMARAKOM – ALLEPPEY (45km/1h)

After Breakfast depart from hotel and drive through the beautiful landscape to reach the land of backwaters. Experience the daily lives of the locals from the decks of a house boat. Pass women washing their clothes in the river and farmers bathing their buffalo; watch as fishermen and vegetable sellers go from house to house by boat selling their wares; pass villagers standing up to their necks in water gossiping with their neighbour. Enjoy tasty local meals as the boat drifts along and watch as the sun sets over the ever-changing scenery before retiring to your cabin to be lulled to sleep by the gently lapping water (Overnight onboard House Boat) (Full board basis)

DAY 13: ALLEPPEY – KOVALAM (165km/4.5h)

Depart from House boat and drive to Kovalam - once a fishing village and a favorite hippy haunt, Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. The palm finged bays of kovalam is secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts and the famous out of three is Lighthouse Beach. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and is a big draw for beach lovers, as it offers a variety water sports opportunities, Ayurvedic massages and treatments. (Overnight stay at Kovalam)

DAY 14: KOVALAM

Day at leisure on the Beach. (Overnight in Kovalam) No transport

DAY 15: DEPARTURE TRANSFERS

Depart from Hotel and Drive to Trivandrum airport to connect onward flight to fly back home.