Highlights of South India

Depart with Emirates flight to Chennai via Dubai.

Morning arrival in Chennai, transfer to your hotel for one night. Founded in 1639, Chennai was the site of the first settlement of the East India Company. Afternoon tour of the city visiting the Museum and Art Gallery. Drive through the Flower & Fruit Market; visit the Fort St. George, which once served as the very first bastion of the East India Company. Within the Fort complex, is also the oldest Anglican Church in India, St Mary’s Church, built in 1678-1680. Drive along the Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world and runs to a length of 12 km. Also visit San Thome Cathedral, which is said to contain the remains of St. Thomas the Apostle (Doubting Thomas).

After breakfast depart by road to Kanchipuram, one of the most vibrant religious and cultural centers in Tamil Nadu, also well known for its flourishing silk industry. The temple town of Kanchipuram is also a treasure- trove of Hindu temples and art from the Pallava, Chola and Pandiyan dynasties. Continue to Covelong Beach. Stay for two nights.

Morning sightseeing tour of Mahabalipuram famous for Shore Temple. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is at leisure.

After breakfast leave for Pondicherry. The city has a long history dating back 2000 years when it was an important Roman trading post. Francois Martin, a Frenchman, established the modern city of Pondicherry between 1673 and 1680.The French established their supremacy in this area by waging several battles against Dutch, the English and the Caranatic Nawabs.Pondicherry is also the place where Sri Aurobindo, a well known philosopher, patriot and savant established his Ashram. Stay for one night.

Morning drive to Tanjore. Afternoon visit Brihadisvara Temple, capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single gigantic granite block weighing 80 tons and Raja Chola Art Gallery. The Raja Chola Art Gallery has over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaf and paper preserved in the Saraswathi Mahal Library. Overnight stay in Tanjore.

Morning leave for Madurai, an ancient city dating back to 2,500 years. Afternoon visit Meenakshi temple, which is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. Also visit Sundareswarar Temple. The Temple has a Hall of a Thousand Pillars elaborately carved, some of which sound like metal and are commonly referred to as the metal stone or musical pillars. Stay for one night.

Morning drive to Thekkady for two nights. Afternoon visit Periyar National Park, noted for its Elephant herds and a rich variety of animal and bird life. The sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which much is thick evergreen forest. Wildlife viewing by boat.

Morning boat ride in the lake Periyar in search of more wildlife. Afternoon spice plantation tour.

After Breakfast leave for Kumarakom. Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake on the west, Kumarakom is a land of unique characteristics with panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands and extensive rubber plantations. Stay for two nights.

Morning take a walking tour of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake, the sanctuary is known for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as waterfowls, cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here.

Morning transfers to Kumarakom Jetty, embark on houseboat for one night. Cruise on the backwaters of Kerala.The Backwaters are a maze of bridge and canals set in a labyrinth of backwater channels laced with endless stretches of lakes and lagoon.

Disembark in the morning and drive to Cochin for two nights. Kochi, earlier known as Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Many influences including Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese are contained within its environment. In the evening attend a Traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Morning tour of the city visiting the Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese, housing a fine collection of mural paintings. The Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 & magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Visit the St. Francis Church, which is the oldest church, built by Europeans in India. See the Chinese Fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Cochin. Evening by sunset enjoy a boat cruise.

Return flight with Emirates airline to London via Dubai.